RTHK: Slain Haitian leader's widow details assassination

The wife of Haiti's murdered president, seriously wounded in the attack that killed her husband, listened in terror as the gunmen ransacked their home, she said in her first interview since the assassination.

The killers eventually found what they were looking for in president Jovenel Moise's residence, and made cursory efforts on their way out to see if first lady Martine Moise was still alive.

"When they left, they thought I was dead," she told the New York Times in an interview published on Friday, weeks after the July 7 assassination that heaped a fresh crisis on the fragile Caribbean nation.

She survived and was rushed for emergency treatment to the United States, where she spoke to the newspaper while flanked by security guards, diplomats and family.

Martine is left wondering what happened to the 30 to 50 men usually posted to guard her husband at the house. None of those guards were killed, or even wounded.

Haitian police have arrested the head of Jovenel Moise's security, as well as some 20 Colombian mercenaries, over the plot they say was organised by a group of Haitians with foreign ties.

Martine Moise said she and her husband had been asleep when the sound of gunfire woke them.

He called his security team for help, but soon the killers were shooting in the bedroom. She was struck in the hand and elbow.

As she lay bleeding, her husband dead or dying in the same room, she felt like she was suffocating because her mouth was so full of blood.

The killers spoke only Spanish  Haiti's languages are Creole and French  and were communicating by phone with someone while they carried out the attack.

She said she does not know what the assassins took, but that it came from a shelf where her husband kept his files.

Martine Moise wants the killers to know she is not afraid and is seriously considering a run for the presidency once she is healthy.

"I would like people who did this to be caught, otherwise they will kill every single president who takes power," she said. "They did it once. They will do it again." (AFP)

This story has been published on: 2021-07-31. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Hong Kong: EDB severs ties with teachers' union

The Education Bureau today announced that it will cease all working relations with the Professional Teachers Union, saying the union's remarks and deeds in recent years has rendered it no different from a political body in essence.

The bureau pointed out that the union has claimed itself as a professional education organisation and in the past decades, the bureau has allowed it to participate in the discussion, co-ordination and conduct of education-related activities.

However, the unions remarks and deeds in recent years are invariably inconsistent with what is expected of the education profession, rendering it no different from a political body in essence.

Over the past years, it has been actively and closely participating in the Civil Human Rights Front and Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China. It has also urged teachers to launch class boycotts, triggering the infiltration of politics into schools, the bureau explained.

In the social turmoil, some students or even teachers were swayed to take part in violence and unlawful activities. Instead of shouldering the responsibility of the education profession by guiding or dissuading them, the union added fuel to fire, contrary to the fundamental principles of education and at the expense of students well-being.

As a result, the bureau could no longer regard the union as a professional education body and announced that it will no longer have any formal or informal meetings with the union or its representatives, nor consult it on education-related issues.

In the meantime, the bureau will suspend the handling of cases referred or concerns raised by the union. People concerned may directly contact the bureau, relevant schools or organisations.

The bureau indicated that it will holistically review the advisory committees and related educational bodies under its purview. If any members are holding posts in these committees and bodies as representatives of the union, the bureau will consider terminating the appointment.

The bureau may also consider not recognising their membership, refusing their participation in the meetings or denying their access to the bureau office area for meetings.

In principle, teacher training courses organised by the union will no longer be recognised. Hence, with effect from today, schools should not count teachers participation in the unions training courses as part of the 150 hours of continuing professional development activities in the three-year cycles, the bureau stressed.

However, in case schools find that certain training courses could be recognised given their special circumstances, they may consult the bureaus relevant Senior School Development Officer.

The bureau stated that the education sector was hard hit by the political and social turmoil in recent years. Some teachers or students had gone astray, while some were even arrested.

A professional education organisation should uphold professionalism, help teachers demonstrate their professionalism in guiding students to discern right from wrong, teach students the importance of law-abidingness and steer them to grow on the right track.

However, not only does the union fail to live up to this expectation, it has also been engaging in political propaganda under the guise of being a professional education organisation.

For instance, in the Occupy Central movement, the union published teaching resources with contents on civil disobedience for all teachers to teach their students, launched territory-wide class and teaching boycott by teachers, dragging schools into politics. Recently the union even openly promoted books that glorify violence.

While the union claimed itself as a teachers union, teachers should, taking due account of its words and deeds, prudently consider if it could genuinely represent them.

The bureau emphasised that it expects all professional education organisations to responsibly fulfil their mission in education and it will continue to join hands with genuine education professional organisations in reaffirming its focus on education principles and nurturing Hong Kongs younger generation.

This story has been published on: 2021-07-31. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Villagers shake off poverty by planting Chinese herbal plant on cliffs

People's Daily Online) 16:58, July 30, 2021

Two villagers climb up the cliff to pick Dendrobium candidum. (Photo/People's Daily Online)

Villagers from Changxing village, Sanming city, east China's Fujian Province have achieved prosperity by cultivating Dendrobium candidum, a precious herbal plant used in traditional Chinese medicine, on cliffs.

Why do these villagers grow Dendrobium candidum on cliffs? It's because the plant cultivated in simulated wild conditions is more popular among customers and the desiccated products can be sold at more than 50,000 yuan ($7,735) per kilogram, which is 10 times more than that of those planted in the ground.

"Although the cost of planting is high, the management costs are fairly low. Furthermore, Dendrobium candidum can be returned to its natural growth state when planted on cliffs, said Zhu Kongcai who has been in the business for over a decade, under the technical guidance from relevant experts.

To date, over 100 fellow villagers have joined a cooperative set up by Zhu and mastered the techniques of planting Dendrobium candidum on cliffs. Thanks to their efforts, many have led well-off lives and built new houses.

"Planting the precious herbal plant Dendrobium candidum has brought great changes to our life," Zhu noted.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Du Mingming)
CIIE helps foreign merchants gain faster access to Chinese market

People's Daily Online) 17:23, July 30, 2021

Photo taken on Nov. 3, 2020 shows a view of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue of the 3rd China International Import Expo (CIIE), in east China's Shanghai. (Photo by Wu Kai/Xinhua)

In order to expand the spillover effect of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) and develop the 6-day event into an year-round activity, Shanghai has established 56 permanent trading platforms for exhibiting global imports during the 6-day expo and the year after, which will also help foreign exhibitors gain faster access to the Chinese market.

After the past three expos, these trading platforms brought in about 180,000 products from 1,390 exhibitors and imported about 146.47 billion yuan worth of goods.

Greenland Global Commodity Trading Hub, a permanent trading platform of the CIIE, is located next to the expo's venue - the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). The trading hub has attracted 180 enterprises and organizations from 76 countries and regions, and created a total trading volume of over 50 billion yuan.

In the first half of this year, the trading hub established 15 country pavilions, including Ireland, Bulgaria, Pakistan, Cambodia, Peru and Cuba, which will open before the fourth CIIE, scheduled to be held from November 5 to 10. This will bring the total number of country pavilions in the trading hub to 70. It held supply-demand matchmaking meetings for over 50 foreign merchants with some 500 brands and buyers in Shanghai and provincial-level regions including Zhejiang, Shandong, Hubei, Inner Mongolia, and Sichuan, creating a total trading volume of over 8.5 billion yuan between January and June.

The trading hub's CIIE Bazaar at Shanghai's Nanjing Road, one of the city's famous shopping streets, is China's first retail bazaar featuring products showcased at the CIIE. In the venue, residents can purchase over 5,000 products from over 40 countries and regions. Foreign merchants need to replenish stocks several times during peak hours.

Aerial photo taken on July 28, 2020 shows the south square of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue of the 3rd China International Import Expo (CIIE), in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Ding Ting)

Furthermore, the trading hub model has been replicated in other parts of China, and has already been built in 13 major cities, including Tianjin and Lanzhou.

The CIIE has also opened "fast-track lanes" for foreign enterprises to bring the latest scientific and technological achievements and products to China.

At the second CIIE, Pfizer, a US-based pharmaceutical company, signed a collaboration agreement with the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone in south China's Hainan province. In 2020, lorlatinib, a new treatment for certain types of non-small cell lung cancer, was given to patients in Hainan.

The Waigaoqiao international intelligent manufacturing industrial park is the only permanent trading platform of the CIIE's smart and high-end manufacturing section, and has attracted many projects for the expo. The park launched a storage center project for imported intelligent equipment parts in the second quarter of this year, which will provide professional and efficient services for more intelligent manufacturers.

The Shanghai Waigaoqiao international medical devices exhibition and trading center is another permanent trading platform of the CIIE. After the third CIIE, more than 50 CIIE exhibits from leading international medical device companies, including Johnson & Johnson, were exhibited at the center.

Foreign merchants are accelerating their entry into the Chinese market, said Gui Danni, general manager of an importer of Chile's Campanario Coctel, adding that CIIE has become a platform for international procurement, investment promotion, cultural exchange and open cooperation.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Bianji)
Is Americas e-cigarette crisis a smokescreen for the coronavirus outbreak?

19:03, July 30, 2021 By Qing Yuan ( People's Daily Online

Coughing and short of breath, a patient presented to the emergency room with a low blood oxygen level, and the CT scan showed a ground glass pattern of white flecks on his lungs, a sign of severe pulmonary damage. Sounds familiar? Well, he wasnt diagnosed with COVID-19. Instead, the patient was treated as one of the first EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury) cases in the U.S. that have mysteriously popped up since March 2019.

Back in 2019, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acted quickly to link the unknown pneumonia with the use of e-cigarettes, and the Trump administration later issued a restriction, pulling most flavored e-cigarettes off the shelves. Vitamin E acetate, a synthetic form of vitamin E often used in supplement and skincare products, was deemed as the culprit behind the crisis.

Then came the global pandemic. The puzzles surrounding the mysterious pneumonia, however, have remained unsolved with the fallout of COVID-19.

One major question remains: why did the EVALI crisis suddenly come to the fore in 2019 to become an indigenous epidemic? Invented 18 years ago, e-cigarettes were nothing new at the time, and adding vitamin E acetate into all sorts of products, including e-cigarettes, is an old practice. The timing of the crisis, compounded by the symptoms of the lung disease, leads us to a plausible hypothesis: what if the coronavirus had already been circulating among Americans at that time, under the guise of the EVALI crisis? Or what if coronavirus-infected patients were misdiagnosed as having EVALI?

Based on symptoms, we were treating them (COVID-19 patients) for the flu as well. Now looking back, a decent amount of that was probably COVID, said Dr. Miachel Weipert from Immediate Care of The South in an interview with NBC News this February. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Washington has also found that the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. may have been undercounted by as much as 60%, according to the Guardian.

Likewise, the possibility that COVID-19 could have been circulating in the U.S. as early as the second half of 2019, under the guise of the EVALI crisis, also cant be ruled out.

Despite several news articles by American media curtly dismissing the possibility because a few patients COVID-19 nucleic acid tests came out negative, there is no conclusive evidence such as antibody tests within a large sample group proving that those with EVALI back in 2019 werent infected with the coronavirus.

In fact, researchers who studied archived samples from 7,389 routine blood donations collected by the American Red Cross from 13 December 2019 to 17 January 2020 found that 106 were reactive to pan-Ig, one of the antiSARS-CoV-2 antibodies, which signaled that the first case in the U.S. occurred prior to January 19, 2020, the date the CDC reported the first case in the U.S. The research paper, published on June 15, 2021 in Clinical Infectious Diseases, a prestigious medical journal, offered an idea that further study could look into whether e-cigarettes or coronavirus was to blame for the crisis.

Another hint of doubt is the case numbers and hospital admissions for EVALI. The shape of the curve (see chart) illustrated by the CDC showing the number of patients admitted to the hospital is suspiciously similar to the epidemic curve of an infectious disease like COVID-19 or Ebola, where case numbers and hospitalizations grow steadily for a period before reaching a peak and then flattening.

As of February 18, 2020, all 50 states saw cases of the COVID-like disease, with 2,807 cases and 68 deaths reported, according to the latest data updated by the CDC on February 25, 2020. (Screenshot/CDC)

There are also other big unknowns: e.g., why did some e-cigarette consumers get severely ill while others didnt? Why did people with no pre-existing conditions fall victim to the disease? Why did European countries like the UK, one of the worlds heaviest e-cigarette smokers, not see so many EVALI cases and deaths?

As some American politicians like Rand Paul and Tom Cotton are so obsessed with getting to the truth rather than encouraging people to get vaccinated and put their masks on to guard against the deadly Delta variant, theyd better not neglect any possibility and unleash their full scientific literacy in search of the virus origin in their offices. The land where they live may offer a few clues.

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Bianji)
Three sins of US in epidemic response and origin-tracing

(People's Daily App) 09:14, July 31, 2021

US COVID-19 infections have soared in recent weeks as the Delta variant spreads like wildfire. Facing an uptick in new cases and deaths, US officials are ramping up political manipulation on origin tracing.

The US is guilty of three sins in epidemic response and origin tracing

Virus allowed to spread unchecked

The political manipulation overrides science, leaving at least 35 million Americans infected and more than 610,000 dead so far.

The US has failed to take effective outbound travel control measures, and many countries have reported cases from the US.

The repatriation of illegal immigrants infected with the coronavirus exacerbates the epidemic in many Latin American countries.

Hiding the truth

Multiple studies suggest that the actual coronavirus infections in the US are much higher than official numbers. Researchers also found evidence the virus was present in the country earlier than previously thought.

Fort Detrick is shrouded in suspicion and US officials have said nothing on whether they plan to invite WHO in, though they stressed that origin tracing work should be evidence-based, transparent, expert-led, and free from interference.

Origin tracing terrorism

Since the Trump administration, the US government has been attempting to blame China and even Asian countries as a group for spreading the virus.

The US also tries to silence the voice of scientists, subjecting many outspoken scientists to verbal abuse and threats of physical harm.

Some media compare such behavior of the US with acts of "origin tracing terrorism".

The above-mentioned three sins are just the tip of the iceberg of the political manipulation conducted by the US.

The coronavirus needs to be traced to its source, and so does the political virus.

(Web editor: Zhange Wenjie, Bianji)
Changes in Chinese countryside in the eyes of auto repair shop owner in Xinjiang

13:27, July 31, 2021 By Li Yanan ( People's Daily

Tumanbay Yoldash, a 41-year-old owner of an auto repair shop in northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, was changing tires for a freight truck while humming a tune to himself on the afternoon of a sunny day. The service was provided for the fourth client he received that day.

There was a time when Yoldashs shop was the only auto repair shop in Ulugqat township, Wuqia county, Kizilsu Kirghiz autonomous prefecture, Xinjiang. Over these years, Yoldash has experienced personally the changes in his hometown, and seen how the lives of the local people have changed.

Photo shows a rural road in Yuli county, Bayingolin Mongol autonomous prefecture, northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. (Photo by Li Fei/Peoples Daily Online)

In the past, horse and camel were the main means of transport for herdsmen, and most of the local roads were gravel roads full of bumps and hollows. Today, more and more families have private cars, and expressway network has extended to Ulugqat township.

Local herdsmen have seen their income increase continuously and moved into spacious and bright new houses built under the countrys construction projects launched to provide better and affordable housing for rural and urban residents, leading better life with each passing day.

Yoldashs family has raised livestock for a living for generations. Horse and camel were their main means of transport every time they move to a new pasturing area in the past.

We drove sheep and cattle forward on the back of horse or camel. The distance between our two pasturing areas is more than 60 kilometers. We could only drink unboiled water and eat Nang (a kind of crusty pancake) during the journey, recalled Yoldash, who added that they often had to spend the night in the field when there was a rain or other unexpected circumstances.

Photo shows new houses of herdsmen in Hutubi county, Hui autonomous prefecture of Changji, northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. (Photo by Tao Weiming/Peoples Daily Online)

According to Yoldash, at that time, when they needed to go to Wuqia county to seek medical services or deal with urgent affairs, the only choice they had besides riding a horse was to wait for a ride on a freight truck.

I remember that once when my grandfather was ill, he was not able to ride a horse. He waited for four or five days, but still couldnt hitch a ride in a truck. In the end he got on the back of a truck fully loaded with ore. When my grandfather finally arrived at the county after four or five hours, he was covered with dust, Yoldash told Peoples Daily.

Life of local herdsmen began to change around the year 2010. At first some people got motorcycles, then more and more people bought pickup trucks and private cars, said Yoldash, who observed business opportunities from these changes: once people have cars, there will be demand for car repair services.

Based on the car repair skills he learnt when he was a migrant worker before, Yoldash then opened an auto repair shop near the office building of the government of Ulugqat township.

At the beginning, most of the people who came to the shop were for tire repair services, according to Yoldash, who explained that the bumpy gravel roads back then made tires worn easily.

Nevertheless, as there were not a lot of cars in Ulugqat township, Yoldash could only earn about 2,000 yuan ($309.8) a month at most. Because the road in front of his shop was an unsurfaced road, his jack often got stuck in the mud after rain.

Greater changes in the locality began around 2015 when expressways extended to Ulugqat township, and the bumpy gravel road in front of Yoldashs shop was replaced by a flat asphalt road.

Since the auto repair shop was located on the only way from Wuqia county to Irkeshtam port, a border land port in west China, business in the shop has picked up as the number of commercial vehicles passing the road has risen gradually.

Photo shows a section of the Beijing-Xinjiang expressway in Qitai county, Hui autonomous prefecture of Changji, northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. (Photo by Cai Zengle/Peoples Daily Online)

Now I can make more than 5,000 yuan by running the auto repair shop alone. My business gets even better in July and August when there are more tourist cars here, said Yoldash.

I have entrusted my livestock to other people. Besides running the auto repair shop, Ive also started a decoration business. Now I can make more than 100,000 yuan a year from running these businesses. My two children are both in school and our life is becoming better and better, said Yoldash, who got a new car just a few years ago.

My daughter is in a boarding junior high school in Wuqia county. I often drive to see her. Its only a one-hour car ride, Yoldash added.

Yoldashs family is not the only one that has enjoyed great changes over these years. In fact, all the herdsmen in Ulugqat township have embraced major changes.

By improving breeds of their livestock, local herdsmen have achieved constant increase in their income. In recent years, they have been relocated to places with better living conditions and moved into spacious and bright houses, thanks to major construction projects launched by the government.

In addition, getting tired of moving from one pasturing area to anther as nomads, herdsmen have established pasturage alliances to take turns to herd livestock, so that the unoccupied people can increase their income through ways including working in the cities.

In the past, the locality was deeply impoverished and local herdsmen could barely make ends meet. Today, all the prefecture-level areas in Xinjiang have been covered by expressway network, all the county-level cities in the region are connected by secondary roads, and all the townships and administrative villages with the right conditions are accessible by hardened roads.

All these changes couldnt have taken place without the good policies of our country. My auto repair shop, for instance, would never enjoy such great business had it not been for the improved roads in our hometown, Yoldash said joyfully, who is surprised by the rapid changes in life.

(Web editor: Zhange Wenjie, Bianji)
New Chinese ambassador arrives at "critical moment" in U.S.-China ties, say experts

Xinhua) 13:51, July 31, 2021

The arrival of new Chinese Ambassador to the United States Qin Gang came "at a critical moment" in U.S.-China relations, experts have said.

In his remarks to the media upon arrival in the United States on Wednesday, Qin said he believes "the door of China-U.S. relations, which is already open, cannot be closed. This is the trend of the world, the call of the times, and the will of the people."

"In any case, the arrival of Ambassador Qin in the U.S. represents the arrival of a new, modern and risen China that is just as unafraid to seek fair-spirited competition with the U.S. as it is unafraid to speak its mind when confronted with rank unfairness and hypocrisy by the West," Sourabh Gupta, a senior fellow at the Institute for China-America Studies, told Xinhua.

"He represents the arrival in DC too of a more internationally-minded as well as politically-minded generation of Chinese diplomats who are unafraid to extend the hand of win-win cooperation but are equally firm in their view that it takes two hands to clap. Relationships don't always have to be symmetric but they must work two ways," said Gupta.

Gupta said the "old normal," which featured "a stable mix of cooperation and competition," is "unfortunately no longer fit for purpose in the era of impending strategic parity."

"And I, for one, do not automatically take it for granted that U.S.-China relations are destined to succumb to the 'Thucydides Trap'," he added.

"To the contrary, my belief is that the two sides will manage to craft a co-existent relationship over the next decade or two -- although the depth of coexistence and the extent of rivalry remains to be accounted for," said Gupta.

Robert Lawrence Kuhn, chairman of the Kuhn Foundation, pointed out Qin's appointment to Washington comes "at a critical moment in the long and circuitous path of U.S.-China relations."

Reading Qin's remarks to the media, Kuhn noted "the carefully selected phrase 'mutual exploration, understanding and adaptation.'"

"I do not recall this phrase being used before and it sends a positive signal by characterizing current disputations as 'explorations,' as opposed to, say, 'accusations' or 'confrontations.' This, then, requires 'understanding' as an internal process of reassessment, which in return leads to the beneficial action step of 'adaptation,' which is a sophisticated, creative approach to complex issues,'" said Kuhn.

"I sense that Ambassador Qin's 'Job One' is to work toward putting a floor under China-U.S. relations, so that it stops getting worse, and his remarks are a thoughtful, balanced step in that direction," Kuhn said.

"People from all walks of life are hopeful that U.S.-China relationship will go back to the normal track. I believe Qin will play a very constructive role," said Zhao Quansheng, chair of Asian Studies Research Council at American University.

Delivering remarks to the Chinese and U.S. media the first day upon his arrival in the United States, Qin showcased his spirit of hard work, said Zhu Zhiqun, chair of the Department of International Relations at Bucknell University.

"He concluded his remarks on a positive note and wished the United States an early victory over the pandemic and wished the American people all the best. It was very warm," said Zhu.

Prior to his ambassadorship, Qin served as Chinese vice foreign minister. His predecessor, Ambassador Cui Tiankai, completed his tenure and returned to China on June 23.

(Web editor: Zhange Wenjie, Bianji)
Coca-Cola, Visa Reps refuse to condemn China's so-called "genocide" of Uyghur people: media

Xinhua) 13:57, July 31, 2021

Representatives from several major companies declined to denounce the so-called "genocide" of the Uyghur people in China when directly asked by U.S. Republican senators Tom Cotton, a report by FOX Business Network (FBN) has said.

During a Congressional-Executive Commission on China hearing held on Tuesday, Paul Lalli, global vice president for human rights for the Coca-Cola Company, and other representatives from Airbnb, Visa, Procter & Gamble and Intel, were asked whether they would agree with the federal government's determinations that China is committing genocide against the Uyghur people, the article released by the FBN reported on Wednesday.

"Most of the representatives said it was not their position to address those issues and deferred to the federal government," said the article.

(Web editor: Zhange Wenjie, Bianji)
China's manufacturing PMI edges down to 50.4 in July

Xinhua) 14:27, July 31, 2021

Workers assemble vehicles at the general assembly line of FAW Jiefang, a truck-manufacturing subsidiary of First Automotive Works (FAW) Group Co. Ltd., in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, Sept. 1, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Nan)

The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for China's manufacturing sector came in at 50.4 in July, edging down from 50.9 in June, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed Saturday.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below reflects contraction.

(Web editor: Zhange Wenjie, Bianji)
Facing Delta variant, China upgrades measures to contain latest COVID-19 resurgence

Xinhua) 14:47, July 31, 2021

-- Nanjing, a mega-city with a population of more than 9.3 million in eastern China, has intensified measures to contain the latest COVID-19 outbreak.

-- The viral genome sequencing of 52 cases in the recent resurgence showed that the new cases were highly homologous, suggesting the same transmission chain, and all strains were found to be the highly infectious Delta variant.

-- To curb the COVID-19 resurgence, Nanjing has launched three rounds of all-inclusive nucleic acid testings and urged residents not to leave the city unless necessary.

Nanjing, a mega-city with a population of more than 9.3 million in eastern China, has launched the third round of all-inclusive nucleic acid testing to contain the latest COVID-19 resurgence that first emerged at the city's airport.

On July 20, nine airport cleaners at the Nanjing Lukou International Airport tested positive for the virus during a routine inspection. By Thursday, Nanjing, the capital city of Jiangsu Province, had reported a total of 184 locally transmitted confirmed cases and one local asymptomatic case.

A staff member works in a "Falcon" air-inflated testing lab for COVID-19 nucleic acid testing at Nanjing Railway Station in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, July 27, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

So far, the viral genome sequencing of 52 cases in the recent resurgence showed that the new cases were highly homologous, suggesting the same transmission chain, and all strains were found to be the highly infectious Delta variant, said Ding Jie, deputy director of the Nanjing municipal center for disease control and prevention, on Friday.

The Delta variant is the fastest and fittest coronavirus strain that "picks off" the most vulnerable people, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in June.

TRACKING TRANSMISSION CHAIN

The special location of the infections and the highly contagious nature of the Delta variant contributed to the recent surge in infections, said Ding.

In addition to a total of 193 locally transmitted confirmed cases and five local asymptomatic cases in Jiangsu by Thursday, new infections were also reported among flight passengers who have visited the airport and their contacts in other parts of China, including the provinces of Guangdong, Sichuan and Liaoning.

The Chinese capital Beijing has also reported two locally transmitted confirmed cases of COVID-19. According to the epidemiological investigation, the couple in Beijing had once traveled to Zhangjiajie, a tourist city known for its pillar-like mountains in central China's Hunan Province.

From July 26, at least 15 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases had travel history to Zhangjiajie, and some of them were reportedly in contact with cases who had been to the Nanjing airport.

Pharmacists of the Jiangning traditional Chinese medicine hospital prepare ingredients to produce traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) decoctions in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, July 27, 2021. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng)

Zhang Wenhong, a renowned medical expert in China, said the confirmed cases in other parts of China were basically found among high-risk groups, which are still linked to the chain of transmission related to the Nanjing airport. No community cases were found out of the transmission chain of Nanjing airport, which indicates that the epidemic situation is still under control.

INTENSIFYING PREVENTION, CONTROL

To curb the COVID-19 resurgence, Nanjing has launched three rounds of all-inclusive nucleic acid testings and urged residents not to leave the city unless necessary. Huang Xiaofeng, a resident in Xuanwu District of Nanjing, went through a nucleic acid test within 15 minutes at a nearby testing site. "I did all three nucleic acid tests here. It was done more and more efficiently," said Huang.

Currently, the district has 88 nucleic acid testing sites, including 30 mobile ones, providing testing services for citizens nearby.

In order to enhance its nucleic acid testing capabilities, Nanjing has also built six advanced air-inflated testing labs, which can screen up to 1.8 million people every day by using the mixed testing approach.

The summertime is normally a travel season for Chinese people, adding the risk of epidemic spread. "It is important to strengthen prevention measures at popular scenic spots, major airports and railway stations," said Wu Anhua, a medical expert with the Xiangya Hospital in Changsha, capital of Hunan Province.

A staff member disinfects a COVID-19 nucleic acid testing site in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, July 29, 2021. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng)

Zhangjiajie closed all its tourist sites starting Friday morning after the latest infections. As of 6 p.m. Thursday, over 226,000 people had samples taken from them in the city, and more than 120,200 tests had been completed, with one positive result. The infected woman is reported to work for a local travel agency.

LEARNING TO COEXIST

The Delta variant, which might become the dominant strain over the coming months, has spread to 132 countries and regions, the WHO said this week.

According to Qiu Haibo, an intensive care expert in Jiangsu, the Delta variant is a highly infectious form of the virus because patients with the Delta strain have a higher load of nucleic acid.

"People infected by this virus strain are often asymptomatic or just have mild symptoms such as muscle soreness and dysosmia," Qiu said. It is important to have good hygiene practices such as wearing masks correctly, washing hands frequently and maintaining social distance, Qiu added.

"Most severe patients have some underlying health conditions such as respiratory diseases, diabetes, hypertension or obesity," Qiu said, adding that a national team of experts, including some who once treated cases infected by the Delta variant in Guangdong and Yunnan, are treating the several severe patients in Nanjing.

Experts said vaccination is still effective to protect people from the new virus strain.

A staff member checks people's nucleic acid test results and health records at Caozhuang toll gate of the Nanjing-Luoyang expressway, near Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, July 25, 2021. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng)

"According to previous studies, the infection cases who have not been vaccinated have much higher possibilities of becoming severe patients than those who have been vaccinated," said Bao Changjun with the medical expert team for COVID-19 prevention and treatment of the Jiangsu provincial health commission.

Beijing has started carrying out vaccination for people aged 15 to 17 in senior high schools since July 20 and plans to launch vaccination for people aged 12 to 14 in junior high schools in early August, according to Pang Xinghuo, deputy director of the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Zhang Wenhong said that people can still be infected after being vaccinated, but the number of infections could be much higher if they do not get vaccinated.

"Vaccination is expected to reduce the harm of coronavirus to the level of seasonal influenza by establishing herd immunity in a short period of time," Zhang said. "If there is no vaccine, it may take decades for humans to coexist with the virus while paying a heavy price."

"Most virologists in the world agree that this is a virus with which we must learn to coexist. The epidemic in Nanjing further consolidated the claim that there will always be risks of infections in the future," Zhang said.

"We need everyone's awareness of prevention and control and the strength of the country's public health system to coexist with the virus," he added.

(Reporting by Zhang Zhanpeng, Zhu Xiao, Zhang Yujie, He Leijing, Qiu Bingqing, Ruan Zhouwei, Shuai Cai, Xia Ke, Li Baojie; Video reporters: Ruan Zhouwei, Zhang Yujie, Shuai Cai, Lin Kai, Cao Yanyu; Video editors: Chen Sihong)

(Web editor: Zhange Wenjie, Bianji)
With the servicemen of the Russian military contingent from the formations and military units of the Eastern Military District, preparations have started for the exercise Zapad/Interaction-2021, jointly with the units of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA).

The participants of the joint Chinese-Russian exercise from the Russian side include military personnel of the operational-tactical aviation detachment, whose pilots also made a multi-hour flight over a distance of more than 1.5 thousand kilometers from the point of permanent deployment on multi-purpose Su-30SM fighters. Also, the personnel of the motorized rifle unit deployed in the Transbaikal territory, as well as special forces units and the control apparatus, will take part in the upcoming exercises.

The forces of the Chinese side participating in the exercise consist of the PLA Land and Air Forces.

Currently, the personnel of the Russian group of EMD troops in the course of daily activities takes part in combat training exercises with the improvement of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. In addition, military personnel participate in physical training.

In the near future, it is planned to conduct a reconnaissance of the exercise area and a number of practical training sessions with the units of the joint Chinese-Russian group.

The joint exercise will be held from August 9 to 13 this year at the Tsingtungxia training ground. The main theme of the exercise is to maintain security and stability in the region with a joint military operation to combat terrorist forces.
The city of Seoul will start testing a new public bicycle rental program in October.

Seoul's new system will provide residents with free bike rentals for up to an hour, after which they can pay by credit card or smart cards for paying public transit fares.

Bikes will be available at 43 locations in the Yeouido and Sangam-dong Digital Media City areas including subway stations and bus stops.

Fees have not been determined yet, but are expected to be roughly the same as those for similar programs elsewhere in the country. An initial registration fee will also be required in order to deter theft, a city official said.

Seoul plans to expand the program in cooperation with its 25 local districts based on the results of the one-year test.
Chinese investors are snapping up expensive apartments in Busan's upscale Haeundae district as well as Gangnam, Yongsan and Seongsu in Seoul.

The number of foreigners who buy apartments in Korea has surged and Chinese make up by far the biggest group. Some of them show up at realtor's offices with suitcases full of cash, and there are fears that their willingness to splurge could distort market prices.

There appears to have been some kind of viral spur to buying Korean real estate in China. On China's question-and-answer website Zihu, many comments recommend buying apartments in Korea as an ideal investment. They cite the low risk of price falls and ease of management due to proximity.

Amid the current uncontrollable price spiral, some Chinese investors have made a lot of money buying apartments and reselling them.

Korea has seen a 16-fold surge in apartment purchases by Chinese investors over the past decade. According to Supreme Court registry data, the number of high-rise and low-rise apartments and studios sold to Chinese increased from 648 in 2011 to 10,559 last year. Over the same period, the number of residential property being registered in foreigners names surged sixfold from 3,238 to 19,371.

But overall the Chinese only account for 0.6 percent of all homebuyers here.


According to information released by the Italian Navy on July 30, 2021, the first Italian Navy F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) fighter aircraft landed on the Cavour aircraft carrier after the test and certification activity carried out with U.S. F-35 during the "Ready for Operations" (RFO) campaign concluded at the end of April this year.

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First landing of Italian Navy F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) fighter aircraft on Cavour aircraft carrier. (Picture source Italian Navy)

According to the Lockheed Martin website, Italy could acquire 60 F-35 for the Italian Air Force and 30 F-35B for the Italian Navy that will replace the McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II fighter jet.

In March 2021, the American F-35 Joint Program Office has delivered a flight clearance recommendation to the Italian Navy for the safe operation of fifth-generation F-35B fighter aircraft on the upgraded Italian Navy flagship aircraft carrier ITS Cavour (CVH 550).

In April 2021, the Italian Navy Cavour aircraft carrier has completed F-35 certification during sea trials. Two F-35Bs of the ITF were embarked aboard Cavour during the sea trials and carried out more than 50 flight missions in challenging weather conditions sea states, a night session, around 120 vertical landings, 115 short take-offs with the aid of the ski jump, and two vertical takeoffs. Initial operating capability is expected for 2024

The Cavour aircraft carrier of the Italian Navy was launched in 2004. Sea trials began in December 2006, and she was officially commissioned on 27 March 2008. Full operational capability (FOC) was reached on 10 June 2009.

The Cavour is designed to combine fixed wing V/STOL and helicopter air operations, command and control operations and the transport of military or civil personnel and heavy vehicles. The 134 m, 2,800 m2 hangar space can double as a vehicle hold capable of holding up to 24 main battle tanks or many lighter combat vehicles as armored vehicles or light tactical vehicles and is fitted aft with access ramps rated to 70 tons, as well as two elevators rated up to 30 tons for aircraft.

In May 2020, the modernization of the Cavour was completed to operate the American F-35B. She has now the capability to carry ten F-35Bs in the hangar, and six more parked on deck. The F-35B is the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the aircraft. The STOVL capability of the F-35B allows it to operate from the Cavour aircraft carrier and the vessels of allied nations, as well as short airstrips.

A typical armament of the F-35B includes two AAMs (Air-to-Air) missiles and two bombs carried internally, with an optional 25mm gun pod and underwing pylons enabling stores carriage of up to 6,800 kg.
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Artists concept of 2MASS J22081363+2921215, a nearby brown dwarf. Though only roughly 115 light-years away, the brown dwarf is too distant for any atmospheric features to be photographed. Instead, researchers used W. M. Keck Observatorys MOSFIRE instrument to study the colors and brightness variations of the brown dwarfs layer-cake cloud structure, as seen in near-infrared light. MOSFIRE also collected the spectral fingerprints of various chemical elements contained in the clouds and how they change over time. CREDIT NASA, ESA, STScI, Leah Hustak (STScI), Greg T. Bacon (STScI)

Jupiter may be the bully planet of our solar system because it's the most massive planet, but it's actually a runt compared to many of the giant planets found around other stars.

These alien worlds, called super-Jupiters, weigh up to 13 times Jupiter's mass. Astronomers have analyzed the composition of some of these monsters, but it has been difficult to study their atmospheres in detail because these gas giants get lost in the glare of their parent stars.

Researchers, however, have a substitute: the atmospheres of brown dwarfs, so-called failed stars that are up to 80 times Jupiter's mass. These hefty objects form out of a collapsing cloud of gas, as stars do, but lack the mass to become hot enough to sustain nuclear fusion in their cores, which powers stars.

Instead, brown dwarfs share a kinship with super-Jupiters. Both types of objects have similar temperatures and are extremely massive. They also have complex, varied atmospheres. The only difference, astronomers think, is their pedigree. Super-Jupiters form around stars; brown dwarfs often form in isolation.

A team of astronomers, led by Elena Manjavacas of the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, has tested a new way to peer through the cloud layers of these nomadic objects. The researchers used an instrument at W. M. Keck Observatory on Maunakea in Hawaii to study in near-infrared light the colors and brightness variations of the layer-cake cloud structure in the nearby, free-floating brown dwarf known as 2MASS J22081363+2921215.

The Keck Observatory instrument, called the Multi-Object Spectrograph for Infrared Exploration (MOSFIRE), also analyzed the spectral fingerprints of various chemical elements contained in the clouds and how they change with time. This is the first time astronomers have used MOSFIRE in this type of study.

These measurements offered Manjavacas a holistic view of the brown dwarf's atmospheric clouds, providing more detail than previous observations of this object. Pioneered by Hubble observations, this technique is difficult for ground-based telescopes to do because of contamination from Earth's atmosphere, which absorbs certain infrared wavelengths. This absorption rate changes due to the weather.

"The only way to do this from the ground is by using Keck's high-resolution MOSFIRE instrument because it allows us to observe multiple stars simultaneously with our brown dwarf," said Manjavacas, a former staff astronomer at Keck Observatory and the lead author of the study. "This allows us to correct for the contamination introduced by the Earth's atmosphere and measure the true signal from the brown dwarf with good precision. So, these observations are a proof-of-concept that MOSFIRE can do these types of studies of brown dwarf atmospheres."

She decided to study this particular brown dwarf because it is very young and therefore extremely bright. It has not cooled off yet. Its mass and temperature are similar to those of the nearby giant exoplanet Beta Pictoris b, discovered in 2008 near-infrared images taken by the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in northern Chile.

"We don't have the ability yet with current technology to analyze in detail the atmosphere of Beta Pictoris b," Manjavacas said. "So, we're using our study of this brown dwarf's atmosphere as a proxy to get an idea of what the exoplanet's clouds might look like at different heights of its atmosphere."

Both the brown dwarf and Beta Pictoris b are young, so they radiate heat strongly in the near-infrared. They are both members of a flock of stars and sub-stellar objects called the Beta Pictoris moving group, which shares the same origin and a common motion through space. The group, which is about 33 million years old, is the closest grouping of young stars to Earth. It is located roughly 115 light-years away.

While they're cooler than bona fide stars, brown dwarfs are still extremely hot. The brown dwarf in Manjavacas' study is a sizzling 2,780 degrees Fahrenheit (1,527 degrees Celsius).

The giant object is about 12 times heavier than Jupiter. As a young body, it is spinning incredibly fast, completing a rotation every 3.5 hours, compared to Jupiter's 10-hour rotation period. So, clouds are whipping around the planet, creating a dynamic, turbulent atmosphere.

Keck Observatory's MOSFIRE instrument stared at the brown dwarf for 2.5 hours, watching how the light filtering up through the atmosphere from the dwarf's hot interior brightens and dims over time. Bright spots that appeared on the rotating object indicate regions where researchers can see deeper into the atmosphere, where it is hotter. Infrared wavelengths allow astronomers to peer deeper into the atmosphere. The observations suggest the brown dwarf has a mottled atmosphere with scattered clouds. If viewed close-up, the planet might resemble a carved Halloween pumpkin, with light escaping from the hot interior.

Its spectrum reveals clouds of hot sand grains and other exotic elements. Potassium iodide traces the object's upper atmosphere, which also includes magnesium silicate clouds. Moving down in the atmosphere is a layer of sodium iodide and magnesium silicate clouds. The final layer consists of aluminum oxide clouds. The atmosphere's total depth is 446 miles (718 kilometers). The elements detected represent a typical part of the composition of brown dwarf atmospheres, Manjavacas said.

She and her team used computer models of brown dwarf atmospheres to determine the location of the chemical compounds in each cloud layer.

The study will be published in The Astronomical Journal and is available in pre-print format on arXiv.org.

Manjavacas' plan is to use Keck Observatory's MOSFIRE to study other atmospheres of brown dwarfs and compare them to those of gas giants. Future telescopes such as NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, an infrared observatory scheduled to launch later this year, will provide even more information about a brown dwarf's atmosphere.

"JWST will give us the structure of the entire atmosphere, providing more coverage than any other telescope," Manjavacas said.

She hopes that MOSFIRE can be used in tandem with JWST to sample a wide range of brown dwarfs and gain a better understanding of brown dwarfs and giant planets.

"Exoplanets are so much more diverse than what we see locally in the solar system," said Keck Observatory Chief Scientist John O'Meara. "It's work like this, and future work with Keck and JWST, that will give us a fuller picture of the diversity of planets orbiting other stars."

ABOUT MOSFIRE

The Multi-Object Spectrograph for Infrared Exploration (MOSFIRE), gathers thousands of spectra from objects spanning a variety of distances, environments and physical conditions. What makes this large, vacuum-cryogenic instrument unique is its ability to select up to 46 individual objects in the field of view and then record the infrared spectrum of all 46 objects simultaneously. When a new field is selected, a robotic mechanism inside the vacuum chamber reconfigures the distribution of tiny slits in the focal plane in under six minutes. Eight years in the making with First Light in 2012, MOSFIRE's early performance results range from the discovery of ultra-cool, nearby substellar mass objects, to the detection of oxygen in young galaxies only two billion years after the Big Bang. MOSFIRE was made possible by funding provided by the National Science Foundation.

ABOUT W. M. KECK OBSERVATORY

The W. M. Keck Observatory telescopes are among the most scientifically productive on Earth. The two 10-meter optical/infrared telescopes atop Maunakea on the Island of Hawaii feature a suite of advanced instruments including imagers, multi-object spectrographs, high-resolution spectrographs, integral-field spectrometers, and world-leading laser guide star adaptive optics systems. Some of the data presented herein were obtained at Keck Observatory, which is a private 501(c) 3 non-profit organization operated as a scientific partnership among the California Institute of Technology, the University of California, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Observatory was made possible by the generous financial support of the W. M. Keck Foundation. The authors wish to recognize and acknowledge the very significant cultural role and reverence that the summit of Maunakea has always had within the Native Hawaiian community. We are most fortunate to have the opportunity to conduct observations from this mountain.

For more information, visit www.keckobservatory.org

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Thanks to some pretty crafty driving by Doug McNair, Publicity Seeker claimed front-page status on Saturday afternoon's (July 31) card at Hanover Raceway with a 1:57.3 score in the $56,200 Dream Of Glory Trot, the track's signature event for Ontario-Sired sophomore trotters.

Flanked by Sweet Soul David and Tipsy In Dixie in a battle royale to the first turn, Publicity Seeker and McNair retreated to third on the backstretch before quarter-moving to command at the end of a :28 first split. The son of Muscle Mass then rated a :57.3 half before facing intensifying first-over pressure up the backstretch from Tipsy In Dixie, whom James MacDonald reactivated from third with seven-sixteenths to go.

After being nudged past three-quarters in 1:27.4, Publicity Seeker successfully shrugged off Tipsy In Dixie in upper stretch  but Sweet Soul David loomed in the pocket and was ready to take aim. Sylvain Filion only found room to switch Sweet Soul David off the pegs in the final sixteenth, but Publicity Seeker found the line in ample time, keeping Sweet Soul David a length at bay. Tipsy In Dixie finished an isolated third.

Publicity Seeker has won seven of his 13 races to date, all of them for trainer Stephen Bossence, who shares ownership with breeder Richard Thompson and Derek Reid.

McNair also won the $10,000 Gail Murray Invitational Pace, providing Sir Pugsley ($4.80) with a patient steer from off the pace. McNair kept the seven-year-old American Ideal entire in mid-division while Casimir Swamp Girl and Randomirogeo scuffled through a :56.3 first half, and then sent him three-wide up the backstretch past the tiring leaders. After widening to a two-length lead off the home turn, Sir Pugsley kept the stretch-pacing Pembroke Legacy N (Lorne House) 1-1/4 lengths at bay in 1:54.4. Pro Beach (Filion) finished third.

Patrick Shepherd trains 34-time winner Sir Pugsley for Robert Woodburn.

COSA TV's coverage of the Dream Of Glory Trot and the Gail Murray Invitational Pace can be viewed on tape delay below.

For Saturday afternoon's complete results, click the following link: Saturday Results  Hanover Raceway.
In this week's Rewind Robert Smith looks back some 40 years to recall a milestone event in harness racing history. That year, which was 1981, a then 33-year-old Canadian born horseman became the first driver in history to win over $4 million in purses in a single year. That fellow was Maritime-born William "the Magic Man" O' Donnell. This Rewind also covers some other milestones in Bill's fabulous career as well as some recollections of his first good horse.



The "Magic" Man (Photo courtesy of Northeast Harness News) The "Magic" Man (Photo courtesy of Northeast Harness News)

William ODonnell set a new money mark in 1981 when he became the first harness driver to win over $4 million in a single year. ODonnell was born on May 4, 1948 in the small coal mining town of Springhill, Nova Scotia. He was brought up in the business as his father was a horse trainer for most of his life as well as working in the mines. I wanted to drive harness horses more than anything in life. I was fortunate to have some very good teachers as my father and uncles both drove and taught me lessons that have stayed with me over the years. He also spent some time on the Ontario circuit as a caretaker in the Wm. Wellwood stable; a pretty good way to learn as well.

Married and a father at a young age, O'Donnell soon found that it became increasingly difficult to survive on the small purses paid for training and racing in the Maritimes. This prompted a move to the States when an opening became available in the powerful Jim Doherty Stable then located at Rockingham Park in 1970.

The William ODonnell Stable was opened the following year but things were pretty lean to start, until Pete and Iva Gray needed a trainer to take their stallion Travelin Boy to Rosecroft Raceway for the Atlantic Seaboard Series. He won with this horse in just the fourth drive of his career and confessed, guess I got lucky that day  the horse should get the credit because I was so nervous I could hardly move in the sulky. He won this race and $4,592 and this was the beginning of his career. They were soon to become a successful pair.



Bill O'Donnell makes a historic visit to the winner's circle as he scores an upset victory with Travelin Boy the horse that launched his Hall of Fame career in 1972 (Photo courtesy of Northeast Harness News) Bill O'Donnell makes a historic visit to the winner's circle as he scores an upset victory with Travelin Boy the horse that launched his Hall of Fame career in 1972 (Photo courtesy of Northeast Harness News)



Travelin Boy reaches the wire a winner for Wm. (not yet "Magic") O'Donnell in this 1972 race at Rockingham Park (Photo courtesy of Northeast Harness News) Travelin Boy reaches the wire a winner for Wm. (not yet "Magic") O'Donnell in this 1972 race at Rockingham Park (Photo courtesy of Northeast Harness News)

The story is told that on May 20, 1972 at Rosecroft Raceway in Maryland, ODonnell was informed to get dressed and weigh in and drove Travelin Boy home a winner. ODonnell affectionately calls Travelin Boy the horse that made me.



A young Bill O'Donnell early in his racing career with Travelin Boy an early standout performer (Photo courtesy of Northeast Harness News) A young Bill O'Donnell early in his racing career with Travelin Boy an early standout performer (Photo courtesy of Northeast Harness News)

The next year the Grays gave him more horses and he was soon on his way to greater heights. In 1978 the decision to move to Saratoga proved to be wise as Bill won 300+ races and then followed a similar pattern in 1979. Each year better stock was added to the stable and then the big move was finally made to try the Meadowlands. From here his HOF career began to unfold.

In September of 1981 Bill ODonnell returned home to drive at Sackville Downs for Harness Racing Day. The editor of Atlantic Post Calls, Doug Harkness summed it up by saying , ODonnell came home to a heros welcome. It didnt take him long to demonstrate to fans why hes a top driver. He's out and moving  making for exciting racing. He raced in thirteen of the twenty events, and had a great time. Quite a tribute for a small town-boy!

Indeed 1981 was a memorable year for Bill ODonnell. In a little over a decade the entire scene had changed. Bill is quick to remember the Grays; in his words, Without them I would probably never have been heard of. Im very grateful that they had faith and confidence in me. Harness racing holds many of us in this very same way....all it takes is that one lucky break!

The following is an excerpt from a piece posted on the sportnovascotia.ca website:

"The world was beginning to take note of Bill ODonnell. His career skyrocketed after he moved to the Meadowlands in New Jersey where he had the opportunity to drive the worlds fastest trotters and pacers. In 1985, he established a record by being the first driver in history to earn more than $10 million in a single season. On August 4, 1985 he drove Nihilator to the first ever sub-1:50 race mile with a world record of 1:49.3 Nicknamed the Magic Man for his ability to bring home winners with his famous stretch drives. ODonnell has won close to 5,000 races, finished second 3,800 times and third 3,200 times in 25,000 starts in the highest quality harness racing circuit in the world."



The above photo taken in 1982 shows "Magic Man" Bill O'Donnell scoring in world record time with Genghis Khan in 1:51.4. (Photo courtesy of Northeast Harness News) The above photo taken in 1982 shows "Magic Man" Bill O'Donnell scoring in world record time with Genghis Khan in 1:51.4. (Photo courtesy of Northeast Harness News)

Quote For The Week: "Stay away from negative people, they have a problem for every solution." - Albert Einstein

Who Is It?

How many people can you identify from this picture taken many years ago following an O.S.S. event?

Who Else Is It?

"The long and the short of it." Can you identify the two gents pictured above and include the name of the horse if you can.
Harness racing for John Vukelich goes back many decades and over many generations of his family. His family has and still races in Canada and Sweden. And although he took an almost ten-year hiatus to pursue other business endeavors, he has returned to racing and he's currently enjoying success with sophomore pacing colt Lucas McCain, one of the 2021 Ralph Klein Memorial elimination winners.

I had my own drywall company which did pretty well, but I got a well-bred mare, Last Luck, and with my part-owner, Steve Lilligard, we bred her to Malicious. We ended up getting a little filly, Jeanielicious, and her little brother Lucas McCain.

Lucas McCain won his Klein elimination in a time of 1:54.1. Although he was the second choice behind runner-up Show Stop, Vukelich was not overly surprised by getting the win. He was feeling good, and he was training well. He won fairly easily, and we could have gone faster but there was no need to.

Lucas McCains lifetime mark is 1:53.3 which he achieved at Fraser Downs earlier this year in April. After posting two wins in three starts as a two-year-old, Lucas McCain has a 4-0-2 record from nine sophomore starts with earnings in excess of $14,700. The ability of Lucas McCain is clearly evident to his breeder-owner-trainer-driver, who has never experienced such talent in a horse in his career. Lucas is an amazing, super-fast horse. Ive never sat behind a horse that is as fast as him.

Pedigree junkies have surely noticed that Lucas McCain is a P.E.I.-sired colt but was bred by Vukelich in North Saanich, B.C. Vukelich and his partner Steve Lilligard decided to go with the Maritime-based sire as a result of his impressive resume. Steve (Lilligard) mentioned his name (Malicious) and we looked up some of his races. He was up against Sportswriter and had a tougher go at it, but he ended up breaking track records at a few tracks. So, we decided to go with him.

Vukelich noted that it was an interesting process breeding to a stallion on the other side of the country, but todays air travel made it rather easy. The semen was flown out to us from P.E.I. and I just picked it up at the airport. The vet met me at the farm. I actually got to inject the mare when we got our filly and my wife did it when we got Lucas.

Lucas McCain is named after the title character in The Rifleman, a television show that ran from 1958 to 1963 and starred Chuck Connors as rancher Lucas McCain.

The last few years I have been watching The Rifleman, said Vukelich. He would always come through to save the day. So, once we had our little colt, I thought it would be a fitting name so he could go out and do his best. He has done well for me so far.

The 2021 $74,870 Ralph Klein Memorial Final is one of the main events on Sundays card of harness racing at Century Downs, co-headlining the stakes packed card along with the $74,380 Gord & Illa Rumpel Memorial Final for three-year-old pacing fillies. Lucas McCain has drawn post two, just to the outside of fellow elim winner Codename Cigar Box (PP1, Kelly Hoerdt, 5-2). The morning line favourite is Shark Week (PP5, Mike Hennessy, 2-1), who cut the mile in his elim and was picked off by Codename Cigar Box. Vukelich is not too concerned about Lucas McCain and his chances this Sunday.

Im pretty confident! I should make front pretty easy, and I dont think he will get challenged.

Regardless of Sundays outcome, the future looks bright for Lucas McCain and Vukelich has plans for his colt that could involve heading east. Im thinking about taking him out to Toronto and racing him at Woodbine Mohawk Park. It would be nice to get him on the big track with horses with similar speed as him. Vukelich recognizes that Lucas McCain still has a lot to learn, and a lot of racing career left but he knows he has the right ingredients to make a talented horse.

Hes young and still learning. Hes a stud too so he gets excited around the girls, but he has a heart. Ever since he was young, he has always wanted to win.

Vukelich wanted to make sure he thanked the person who helps him the most through all the ups and downs. Every time I have questions, I call my dad, said John in reference to his father, Marko Vukelich. He was a longtime trainer and was the reason I got into the business. Whenever I have an issue, he seems to always have the answer.

To view the entries for Sunday's card of harness racing at Century Downs, click the following link: Sunday Entries - Century Downs.

(A Trot Insider Exclusive by Trey Colbeck)
Worldwide air cargo volumes returned to the pre-pandemic levels of H1-2019 in the first six months of the year with a 31 per cent volume growth over 2020 coupled with an even larger YoY revenue growth of 37 per cent in US dollars, according to WorldACD, a major supplier of market data on the air cargo sector.

Airlines, grouped by region, contributed very evenly to the return to 2019-levels. The two exceptions were the African airlines as a group (+28% Yo2Y) and the Europeans (-5% Yo2Y), said WorldACD in its report.

A striking pattern revealed itself when looking at yield developments: the airlines increasing their yields by more than 100% compared to H1-2019, all belong to the group of mid-sized and small airlines (in terms of cargo carried), stated the report.

All airlines, grouped by their home base, did better away from their home region than in the home region itself. Unsurpisingly, all groups did best in business growth from the origin Asia Pacific.

The growth was impressive as in revenues it outperformed H1-2019 by 79% (and H1-2020 by 47%), it added.

According to WorldACD, the global air cargo market brought varying fortunes for different markets.

What a difference a year makes: comparing in detail air cargos performance for the first six months of 2019, 2020 and 2021, makes for fascinating reading, revealing how some market participants have done relatively well to extremely well, whilst others are not out of the doldrums yet.

June confirmed the trend seen in the last few months: considerable volume growth over 2020. The MoM yield drop of 84 USD-cents between May and June 2020 (from 3.95 to 3.11) did not repeat itself: this year the difference between June and May yields was 14 USD-cents (from 3.37 to 3.23).

Thus, June duly contributed to the YoY growth for the first six months of 2021: +22% in volume, +47% in airline revenues, stated the report.

The WorldACDs Top-20 forwarders consolidated their position as a group (Yo2Y), but there were interesting differences depending on the origins of the forwarders in this group.

The top-forwarders from Europe did better than average comparing 2021 with 2020, but did not yet fully reach their 2019 market share, the report said.

The top-forwarders hailing from Asia Pacific improved considerably, registering volume growth of 47% compared to 2020, and of 18% compared to 2019, it added.

According to WorldACD, the regional Top-20 forwarders did better than the market in the smaller regions (Africa, C&S America and MESA), but lost considerable ground in Europe, benefiting the smaller forwarders.

GSAs as a group did better than the market as a whole (Yo2Y): their growth was particularly strong in Asia Pacific, a region traditionally depending less than other regions on GSAs.

Express air transport, normally used mainly for smaller shipments, expanded considerably over the past two years. Its total weight grew by 50% over 2019 and by 35% over 2020, it stated.

Even more tellingly, the average size of express shipments went from 233 to 418 kg in two years, thanks to the growth in e-commerce, it added.

As per WorldACD data, the special cargo grew more than general cargo compared to 2019 (+2% vs. -1%), but less compared to 2020 (+16% vs. +25%).

Whilst general cargo scored the highest yield/rate increase (in USD) over 2019 (+86%), in special cargo, only Pharma/Temp and Vulnerables/HighTech came close (+75% resp. +80%), it added.-TradeArabia News Service
Khalifa Bin Salman Port, operated by APM Terminals Bahrain, recently played host to a Japanese delegation led by its Ambassador to Bahrain Masayuki Miyamoto.

A joint venture between APM Terminals International and YBA Kanoo Holdings of Bahrain, APM Terminals Bahrain connects Bahrain to the world through its highly efficient operations and modern infrastructure, empowering businesses to fulfill consumer needs.

Miyamoto was briefed on APM Terminals Bahrain capabilities and its role in operating KBSP. The teams engaged in discussions regarding trade dynamics and drivers for Bahrain especially in a pandemic environment.

Through its multi-purpose and modern port facilities, APM Terminals Bahrain plays a key role in facilitating external trade and marine services through Container terminal activities, General cargo, RoRo, Cruise and related port services, thus contributing significantly to Bahrains economic growth.

The envoy was also updated regarding the APM Terminals facility at Yokohama, Japan. After the presentation, Miyamoto was taken around the port, along with the delegation.

Headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, APM Terminals is part of APM Muller-Maersk. It specialises in providing the highest levels of practical excellence and providing the appropriate solutions that companies require in order to achieve their ambitions and goals.

It has 75 terminals around the world are part of our international network, which IBM Terminals maintains on its own or with another operating partner.The group is capable of handling 250 marine vessels per day and a total of 40 million units annually.-TradeArabia News Service
Help India!

On July 30, the White House nominated Hussain, who has served in various roles including Senior Counsel at the Department of Justices National Security Division, for the position of Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. He is the first American Muslim to be nominated for such a role.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.  The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), a Washington, D.C. based advocacy group dedicated to safeguarding Indias pluralist and tolerant ethos Saturday commended President Bidens administration for nominating Rashad Hussain to serve in a key religious freedom role at the U.S. Department of State.

On Friday, the White House nominated Hussain, who has served in various roles including Senior Counsel at the Department of Justices National Security Division, for the position of Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. He is the first American Muslim to be nominated for such a role.

IAMC also welcomes the appointment of Khizr Khan and Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).

Khan, who is one of the prominent advocates for religious freedom in the country and Sharon Kleinbaum, a spiritual leader of Congregation Beit Simchat Torah (CBST) in New York City were appointed as the Commissioners of the USCIRF.

Welcoming the nomination and new appointments, Syed Afzal Ali, President of IAMC said: The deep experience of Rashad Hussain and Khizr Khan in advocating for rights of minorities will further bolster religious freedom for all people, especially in India, where Muslims and Christians are facing continuous persecution due to their faith.

While IAMC welcomes the latest nominations and appointments, more needs to be done by President Bidens administration to ensure that human rights and religious freedom is part of its broader diplomacy. It is in the US interest to have geopolitical stability around the world, and especially in South Asia. IAMC is eager to help the incoming Ambassador and the two USCIRF appointees in addressing the issues of minorities in India.
The emergence of a new COVID variant with a similar death rate to MERS, which kills one in three infected people, is a "realistic possibility", the government's scientific advisers have warned.

However the experts also say the virus could result in "much less severe disease" in older people and those who are clinically vulnerable in the long term.

In a paper published on Friday, the scientists outline the chances that a new variant will evade current vaccines, saying one of the causes is "almost certain" to happen.

The document written by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) looked at the "long term evolution of SARS-CoV-2", the virus that causes COVID-19.

It said the eradication of the virus "will be unlikely" and the scientists have "high confidence in stating that there will always be variants".

They considered a scenario where a variant causes severe disease in a greater proportion of the population than has previously occurred, with similar death rates to other coronaviruses SARS (10%) or MERS (35%).

The experts said this could be caused by a "recombination" between two variants of concern or variants under investigation, such as between beta and alpha or delta variants.

SAGE warned that the likelihood of a more severe variant under these circumstances was a "realistic possibility".

It set out measures the government should consider to combat this, including minimising the "introduction of new variants from other territories (to reduce risk of recombination between variants)".

Ministers confirmed this week that England would allow fully vaccinated visitors from both the EU and the United States to arrive without needing to quarantine from 2 August.

SAGE also looked at a scenario where the coronavirus becomes like one "that causes common colds, but with much less severe disease predominantly in the old or clinically vulnerable."

Story continues

It said that while it was "unlikely in the short term", there is a "realistic possibility in the long term".

Meanwhile, SAGE said a scenario where a variant evades current vaccines because of a process known as "antigenic drift" is "almost certain".

It suggests that the UK needs to continue vaccinating vulnerable age groups "at regular periods with updated vaccines" to the dominant variants to increase their protection.

Clinical epidemiologist Dr Deepti Gurdasani said the SAGE paper was a "stark warning".

Writing on Twitter, she said: "Given the impact Delta has already had, and in light of recent evidence from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), we cannot afford any more new variants emerging - we need to take preventive action now."

She added that the SAGE paper "makes clear that the virus becoming less virulent is unlikely in the short term".

"So for all those who suggest that we should live with it, and it'll become like seasonal coronaviruses and benign, doesn't look like that's likely to happen anytime soon," Dr Gurdasani wrote.

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COVID infection rates have continued to rise across England, Wales and Northern Ireland - but dropped in Scotland, according to the latest estimates.

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that in the week ending 24 July, approximately one in 65 people were estimated to have had the disease in England.

More than 5.8 million coronavirus cases have been recorded in the UK during the pandemic, with nearly 130,000 people dying within 28 days of a positive test, according to government figures.

Watch: Woman freed from hotel quarantine to see dying father
The chief goal is to stop influx of Afghan refugees fleeing the Taliban. A barrier of three-metre high and two-metre wide modules weighing seven tonnes. The security forces are also carrying out de-mining activities. Governor of Van: 55,000 irregular migrants stopped in 2021.

Istanbul (AsiaNews) - Ankara is building a concrete wall along the border with Iran, in an attempt to stop the illegal entry of economic migrants into the country, the trafficking of human lives and smuggling activities. In recent days, the Turkish authorities have arrested hundreds of Afghan refugees fleeing from the Taliban, a phenomenon that has been described as "worrying" and "increasing".

The border between Turkey and Iran is about 295 km long. Local sources report that the wall is built of blocks (or modules) three metres high and two metres wide, weighing seven tonnes each, and extends from the border of the eastern province of Van to Dogubayazit in Agri province and down to Yuksekova in Hakkari province. It is also supported by 110 kilometres of trenches and 103 'smart' fibre-optic surveillance towers.

The construction of a barrier along the border comes at a time of increasing migration from Afghanistan, where the Taliban have taken advantage of the US withdrawal to wrest control of much of the territory. So far, the installation of a three-kilometre section of the modular wall has been completed and a 110-kilometre-long ditch has been dug, in addition to the construction of 76 monoblocks. At the same time, the security forces are conducting demining activities along the border before proceeding further with the construction.

The newspaper Cumhuriyet reports that Lake Van in eastern Turkey has become a 'sea of refugees' and that the number of refugees in the country has reached unsustainable levels, justifying the anger and concern of the population. Hence the clampdown imposed by the authorities in Ankara who, in recent times, have repelled several groups of migrants along the eastern border, effectively preventing them from entering the country illegally.

Emin Bilmez, governor of the eastern province of Van, emphasises that "this year alone we have caught and processed more than 55,000 irregular migrants at our borders". These are joined by 783 traffickers who facilitate illegal crossings, 300 of whom have been arrested. These figures refer to the period from January to July 2021; in the whole of 2020, 599 traffickers were prosecuted, a lower number than that recorded in the first six months of the current year.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) at least 270,000 Afghans have become internally displaced within their country since January, bringing the number of people forced to leave their homes to over 3.5 million. Turkey is also the country hosting the largest number of refugees in the world: currently 3.6 million Syrians, plus 320,000 refugees of other nationalities.
by Melani Manel Perera

Public offices reopen from 2 August. Controversial decision: since early July, Covid-19 infections have doubled in the country. The civil service is divided over the decision. The president justifies it with the fact that most employees have completed vaccinations.

Colombo (AsiaNews) - As of August 2 all Sri Lankan civil servants will have to return to working in their respective offices. The order was issued late yesterday by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The Head of State justified the decision on the grounds that most government staff had completed the Covid-19 vaccination.

Public opinion is divided on whether to put an end to smart-working in the civil service. For the first time since 23 June, more than 2,000 infections were recorded in the country yesterday. Since the beginning of July, the number of cases has doubled; the surge in infections is due to the spread of the Delta variant of the coronavirus.

Overall, since the beginning of the pandemic, Sri Lanka has had more than 306,000 people infected, 70,000 of them in the Colombo district, where most government offices are located. Yesterday, 56 more people died of the lung disease, bringing the total to 4,380.

Speaking to AsiaNews, some civil servants support Rajapaksa's decision: "It is a right and timely move, since most of the population has been vaccinated". One of them, Anton Perera from the town of Jaela, says it is now the responsibility of people to comply with health rules to protect themselves. "Continuing with the lockdown," he adds, "would be difficult because it would create many more problems.

Many of Anton's colleagues say the opposite is true. They point out that many have not received the vaccine. In their opinion, the opening of public offices, combined with the lack of vaccination coverage, will increase the number of infections.
70-year-old Chen Chien-jen is the second Taiwanese citizen to join the academy, the first being Nobel laureate Lee Yuan-tseh. An epidemiologist, Chen was instrumental in Taipei's success in containing the first wave of Covid. He also denounced China's manoeuvres to block Taiwan's participation in the WHO Assembly.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Former Taiwanese vice president Chen Chien-jen has been appointed member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. The Vatican announced the appointment yesterday, by Pope Francis. The 70-year-old epidemiologist is the second Taiwanese citizen to join the prestigious institution, preceded by Nobel laureate in chemistry Lee Yuan-tseh.

A devout Catholic, Chen is now a lecturer at Academia Sinica in Taipei. From 2016 to 2020 he served as deputy to President Tsai Ing-wen. The Taiwanese academic is considered at home and abroad to be one of the secrets of the island's success in containing the first wave of Covid-19. According to several observers, his experience as health minister during the Sars outbreak in 2003 proved decisive.

In May 2020, shortly before leaving his government post, Chen denounced Communist China's manoeuvres to block Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organisation (WHO) Assembly. The meeting of the body was to decide on coordinated global action to tackle the health emergency.

Taipei has always asked to attend the meeting of the WHO decision-making body as an observer country. Beijing opposes this, arguing that the island is not a sovereign state, but a "rebel" province, to be reunited by force if necessary. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) regime maintains China must present Taiwanese claims to the WHO, provided Taipei recognises the "one China principle".

The Vatican is one of 15 states that have formal diplomatic relations with the Taiwanese government.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

Russia marks the liturgical memory of the holy prince Vladimir. Patriarch Kirill: The event determined our identity as a people. Ceremonies often held without respecting anti-Covid protocols. Reconciliation between Muscovites and autocephalous Ukrainians hampered by difficulties.

Moscow (AsiaNews) - The liturgical memory of the holy prince Vladimir of Kiev has been celebrated in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. In 988, the Slavic ruler had the entire population of ancient Rus' baptised in the river Dnepr, rendering the peoples one Christian nation according to Byzantine Orthodox tradition. For the past 11 years, this anniversary has been honoured with a national holiday in the three countries that share Kiev's heritage.

On 28 July, all the churches of the Moscow Patriarchate rang their bells at noon, playing the melody "Glory to Thee, O God!". The hymn was sung not only in Russia, but also in the patriarchal churches of Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Due to Covid-19, this year the Russian, Ukrainian and Belarusian authorities suspended almost all traditional processions for the holiday.

Moscow Patriarch Kirill (Gundjaev) presided over the liturgy in seclusion in the chapel of his dacha in Peredelkino, on the outskirts of the capital. He said : "Today we are celebrating a great feast, which radically changed the lives of our distant ancestors: 1033 years ago in Kiev, the mother of all Russian cities, at the behest of the great prince Vladimir, everyone received Baptism, which still today determines our identity as a people and has changed our worldview, our personal and social morality, giving people divine help to always change for the better".

Kirill also sent a message of good wishes to Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, wishing "prosperity and firmness in the spiritual and corporal strength of the Belarusian people", recalling "the responsibility of contemporary society for the future of the historical countries of the Rus". A similar message was sent by the Patriarch to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj. In his letter Kirill called for "good cooperation" between the authorities in Kiev and the Orthodox faithful of the Moscow patriarchate "to foster social cohesion and the affirmation of authentic moral values".

The most solemn liturgy in Russia was celebrated in Moscow, in the new cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces, inaugurated last year in the "Patriot" park at the height of the first wave of the pandemic. Several thousand people, mostly from the military, gathered in the church, without much regard for the social distancing health care measures.

The Ukrainian Autocephalous Church also celebrated the feast day, with a liturgy presided over by Metropolitan Epifanyj (Dumenko) on St. Vladimir's Hill in Kiev, where there is a church in memory of the place of Baptism. For health reasons, only a few hundred faithful were able to attend the service, far fewer than those who gathered the same day at the Caves Monastery in Kiev, run by Orthodox under Moscow jurisdiction.

Despite the limitations, over 350,000 Orthodox faithful of autocephalous or patriarchal observance made the traditional pilgrimage from the Hill to the Caves in recent days, carrying in procession the miraculous icons of the main Ukrainian monasteries of Pocaevsk, Zimnensk, Kasperov and Ljubec. The pilgrimage ended with the Vsenocnaja night liturgy on the square in front of the Dormition Cathedral in the Monastic Lavra. Metropolitan Antonij (Pakanic) of Borispolskij, who presided over the rite, recalled that the feast "is dedicated to fidelity to Orthodoxy".

Numerous delegations from the Orthodox Churches of other Slavic countries took part in the celebrations in Kiev. Serbian Bishop Stefan Remezjanskij noted that "the difficult schismatic condition of the Ukrainian Orthodox", divided between Muscovites and nationals, "affects the life of the entire Orthodox world". The Serbs are also concerned about the push for autocephaly in Macedonia and Montenegro, and see the possible reconciliation of the Ukrainians as a "hope for all the other Churches".
These are serious and deeply disturbing allegations, Johnny Olszewski Jr. said in a statement to The Baltimore Sun. I fully support every effort to ensure the truth is revealed and justice is served in this matter.
Police ask residents with questions about Marylands Safe Haven law to call Department of Human Resources at 800-332-6347 or a local department of social services. Child abuse detectives are still investigating the incident and ask anyone with information to call the Anne Arundel County Child Abuse Unit at 410-222-4733. If people with information wish to remain anonymous they can also contact the Anne Arundel County police tip line 410-222-4700 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP.
The performance [in college] was amazing, Kuperstein said. I remember afterward we were in our final poses and the lights came down and it was completely silent and then the roar of applause, it was just amazing. No one had ever seen anything like it, and I just thought, This is all I want to do for the rest of my life, forever, is to do projects like this. 
Koilpillai was reported missing by her boyfriend around 3:30 p.m. Sunday, July 25 after he found blood inside her home. Police searched the area and found her body hidden outside. Koilpillais car was missing from the house and discovered in Leesburg, Virginia, where Beavers father lives and where Koilpillai had another residence.
I have (three) young kids. My wife and I are not going to do the mask with the kids. We never have; we wont. I want to see my kids smiling. I want them having fun, DeSantis said at a news conference in southwest Florida a few hours before he signed the executive order. DeSantis is seeking reelection next year and has been positioning himself nationally for a possible 2024 presidential bid.
This continually evolving state, as Kaza said, is still in the forefront of their minds. This will be the first show and first event in more than a year and a half for both Kaza and Seymour. Obviously, its been very tenuous, knowing whether or not or to what capacity concerts were going to return, when that would happen, Seymour said about musically directing this event. And honestly, as excited as I am about this show and this event and this opportunity, there is still nervousness for me because we are very much still in this pandemic and we know that theres this new variant. So its interesting. Its definitely an interesting atmosphere to be doing something creative.
With inadequate resources and bureaucratic delays, landlords are required to keep going without compensation. They cant collect rent from millions of tenants, and they cant remove them to accommodate residents who will pay. Renters protected by the moratorium are still liable for back rent, but landlords will have a devil of a time trying to get what they are owed.
You are here: China

Central China's Zhangjiajie, a world-renowned tourist destination in Hunan Province, is requiring all tourists to take three nucleic acid tests before leaving the city due to the latest resurgence of COVID-19.

By Friday, Zhangjiajie had registered five locally transmitted cases, all local travel agency workers, according to the municipal health commission.

Tourists have to show negative results from all three tests before leaving the city. According to a statement of the municipal tourism authority on Friday, emergency channels have been set up for them at all testing sites citywide.

Essential services are coordinated and provided to stranded tourists by local tourist agencies, hotels and the disease prevention and control department, according to the statement.

Zhangjiajie closed all tourist sites and upgraded 11 neighborhoods to medium-risk areas for COVID-19 on Friday. By Thursday night, the city had over 11,900 tourists.

In the past days, several Chinese cities reported a spike in COVID-19 infections. A number of the cases had travel histories to Zhangjiajie.
 Flash

A plane carrying a new batch of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine landed in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, on Saturday, giving another boost to the country in its vaccination drive.

Health ministry's secretary of state Yok Sambath, who welcomed the arrival of the vaccine at the Phnom Penh International Airport, said the jab was purchased from Chinese biopharmaceutical firm Sinovac Biotech.

China is the major vaccine supplier to the Southeast Asian nation, she said, adding that with the subsequent arrivals of the vaccines, the kingdom has enough jabs to sustain its inoculation drive.

Cambodia launched a COVID-19 vaccination drive on Feb. 10. To date, some 7.23 million people, or 72.3%, of the 10 million targeted adult population have received at least one dose of the vaccines, according to the health ministry.

The country reported 658 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, pushing the national total caseload to 77,243 so far, the health ministry said, adding that 22 new fatalities were recorded, taking the overall death toll to 1,397.

Another 798 patients had recovered, raising the total number of recoveries to 69,996, it added.
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The staff of the Litchfield Jazz Festival is presenting the fourth installment of their free virtual concert series for April.
The Heathens is Atkins 28th novel, and his 11th about Mississippi Sheriff Quinn Colson. Its populated with the vivid Southern characters of Atkins fictional Tibbehah County. Colsons job this time is to capture a fierce teenage girl named T.J. Byrd, who is on the run after the grisly murder of her mother, Gina. T.J. didnt kill Gina but has an idea who did  and knows shes likely to be framed for it. With her little brother, her boyfriend and her best friend, T.J. takes off in the friends mothers minivan. The kids have no money and no plan other than driving west, but T.J. is determined to tell her story. Colson thinks shes innocent, too, and hopes to find her before her escape turns into disaster, but some very bad people have other ideas.
School districts already have received several rounds of federal stimulus money directly, which they can use to tackle problems related to ventilation. Since some of the elementary schools repairs are associated with their HVAC systems, Northampton can use some of its own stimulus money toward the cost. State stimulus money could offset it further, but its not clear whether the state match would be available to projects already underway.
We know that masking works to help prevent the spread of disease, and we know that ventilation helps to prevent the spread of disease, Ramirez said. I certainly expect that both of those things will be useful in preventing the spread of the delta variant, but I dont know any more than anybody else does.
Falwells departure from the evangelical school in Virginia founded by his father came after Giancarlo Granda, a younger business partner of the Falwell family, said he had a yearslong sexual relationship with Falwells wife, Becki Falwell, and that Jerry Falwell participated in some of the liaisons as a voyeur. Falwell denied the report. Falwell has alleged Granda extorted the family, which Granda denied.
Mumbai: Actor Kiara Advani has been roped in to feature opposite south star Ram Charan in acclaimed director Shankar's pan-India film, the makers announced on Saturday.

The project will mark the second collaboration between Advani and Charan after their 2019 Telugu action movie "Vinaya Vidheya Rama".

Producer Sri Venkateswara Creations announced Advani's casting on the occasion of her 29th birthday.

"Joining us on this super exciting journey is the talented and gorgeous @advani_kiara!Welcome on board #HappyBirthdayKiaraAdvani #RC15 #SVC50," the tweet read.

The actor, whose next release is biographical drama "Shershaah", said she is both excited and nervous to work with the experienced artistes from the Indian film industry.

"I am excited as well as nervous to work with renowned and experienced names of our film fraternity. I am eagerly waiting to begin the shoot and hoping that this incredible opportunity is translated wonderfully on screen," Advani said in a statement.

The film will release in three languages  Telugu, Tamil and Hindi.

It is jointly produced by Dil Raju and Shirish Garu under the banner of Sri Venkateswara Creations.

Besides this film, Advani also has Karan Johar-produced film "Jug Jugg Jeeyo" and Anees Bazmee-directed comedy "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2".

Charan will next be seen in S S Rajamouli's period action drama "RRR" and in Telugu film "Acharya" alongside his father Chiranjeevi.
Different groups must be involved in creating awareness and communicating to people in the right manner about following Covid-19 protocols, says Dr G.V.S, Murthy, director, Indian Institute of Public Health, Hyderabad.  PTI

Hyderabad: Two Delta plus Covid-19 cases were found in Telangana state, of the total 70 found in the country, the Centre said in Parliament on Friday. The two cases in Telangana state were found at the airport.

Experts state that Delta plus is not a concern in India as the spread its has not been noted.

The Centre said 58,240 samples have been sequenced of which 17,169 were found to be of the Delta variant.

In the city, Hyderabad continued to report more than 70 cases, and Karimnagar 60 new cases a day.

Highlighting the need to improved complaince with Covid-19 protocols, Dr G.V.S, Murthy, director, Indian Institute of Public Health, Hyderabad, said, "Different groups must be involved in creating awareness and communicating to people in the right manner about following Covid-19 protocols. There is a need for institutes and NGOS working at the grassroot level to be involved in this.

He said a representatives of these units must meet once in a week and monitor the situation.

Covid Update: Fresh cases: 614; Deaths: 4; Tests done: 1,11,251; Active cases: 9,141; Total cases 6,44,330; Total deaths: 3,800.

Most new cases: GHMC: 73; Karimnagar: 61; Warangal Urban: 59; Khammam: 47; Nalgonda: 45.

Fewest new cases: Narayanpet: 0; Nirmal, Jogulamba Gadwal: 1; Kamareddy, Wanaparthy: 2; Medak: 3; Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Vikarabad: 4
HYDERABAD: As the Covid-19 cases in the state are falling, the Telangana High Court has decided to go for a conditional physical hearing in courts from August 9 on an experimental basis. It has mandated that only advocates and party-in-person, who have taken both vaccinations, will be allowed to the court hall rooms to submit their pleadings. After showing that their case has been listed for hearing, they have to keep their vaccination certificate.

This condition will be applied to all the courts in the state.

The High Court made it clear that the partial virtual hearing, as well as partial physical hearings, will continue in the High Court. Advocates who would like to go for virtual hearing should inform the Registry in advance.

The High Court has ordered all judicial officers of the district courts and lower courts to take up the final hearing matters or those close to disposal, either in virtual or physical hearing apart from hearing urgent matters.
VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh Cabinet will meet at the secretariat here on August 6 at 11 am to discuss key issues. Chief Secretary Aditya Nath Das issued an order to this effect on Saturday.

According to the order, all departments of the secretariat, apart from special chief secretaries, principal secretaries and secretaries to government have been asked to send 60 copies of their proposals in the prescribed format to General Administration Department by 1 pm on August 3. These will help brief Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and council of ministers about the agenda for cabinet meeting.

The cabinet is expected to discuss, among other issues, steps being taken by the government to control Covid-19, implementation of various welfare schemes and the ongoing water dispute with Telangana. It will dwell on criticism of job calendar recently announced by the state government.

Other issues that may come up at the cabinet meeting are construction of three lakh Jagananna houses, Disha law, and recent atrocities on people and actions taken to prevent them in future.
HYDERABAD: TRS MLAs are facing a piquant situation due to the 'election strategies' of the party leadership to win bypolls.

TRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao is laying special focus on constituencies going for bypolls by sanctioning thousands of crores of rupees for development works, rolling out schemes like Dalit Bandhu to transfer Rs 10 lakh cash to each beneficiary, which is bringing pressure on TRS MLAs of other constituencies to tender their resignation and ensure a bypoll to get similar benefits.

Opposition MLAs are going to the extent of offering to resign to force a bypoll if the Chief Minister sanctions Rs 2,000 crore to their constituency, as he did it in Huzurabad.

Social media is flooded with posts demanding the resignation of TRS MLAs to get funds.

In some constituencies, hoardings were set up demanding the resignation of TRS MLAs saying that only bypolls will bring funds, development and schemes, They highlight the windfall secured by the Dubbak and Nagarjunasagar constituencies, and now Huzurabad.

The campaign was initiated by BJP senior leader Gudur Narayana Reddy in Bhongir, who set up a hoarding saying Bhongir constituency will get funds and Dalit Bandhu only if TRS MLA Pailla Shekar Reddy resigns and a bypoll is held.

This campaign spread to constituencies represented by the TRS, forcing the MLAs to pacify voters saying that the Chief Minister treats all constituencies equally and every constituency will get Dalit Bandhu and funds.

"The bypolls at Dubbak and Nagarjunasagar have benefited the constituencies a lot. The voters got new Aasara pensions, ration cards, roads, bridges, community halls, residential schools, colleges, integrated markets etc. Now Huzurabad is getting Rs 3,000 crore funds, Dalit Bandhu and sheep distribution scheme, Narayana Reddy said.

TRS MLAs in other constituencies have failed to secure such funds and schemes for their constituencies during the past seven years. This clearly proves that development and schemes come only if TRS MLAs resign and bring bypoll, Narayana Reddy said.

A social media post demanding resignation of TRS MLAs read, "A sincere request to all those who want development of our constituency. The resignation from TRS by Etala Rajendar fetched Rs 2,000 crore Dalit Bandhu, 11,000 new Aasara pensions, 12,000 sheep to Huzurabad and four lakh new ration cards to the entire state. This was possible because of the bypoll. Let us demand that all our TRS MLAs resign and force a bypoll with an assurance that we will reelect them if they bring funds and schemes to our constituencies too."
Social activist Akkala Suresh Kumar, the Telangana Republic Party, the Janavahini Party and others have alleged in their PILs that this was aimed at wooing a section of the voters ahead of Huzurabad bypolls.  Twitter

Hyderabad: A set of public interest litigations (PILs) has been filed in the Telangana High court, saying the TRS government is motivately distributing public money under the Dalita Bandhu scheme only in poll-bound Huzurabad constituency to gain votes for the ruling party in the coming bypolls.

Social activist Akkala Suresh Kumar, the Telangana Republic Party, the Janavahini Party and others have alleged in their PILs that this was aimed at wooing a section of the voters to ensure victory for the TRS in the coming bypoll. They wanted the scheme to be rolled out through the state.

The petitioners said, "The Scheduled Caste (Dalit) people remain poor in every part of the state and they were all eligible to get the benefit of the scheme, not just the Dalits in one constituency.

They requested the court to direct the Election Commission and the Chief Electoral Officer of Telangana state to take action against government under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 123 of the Representation of Peoples Act. The scheme could be seen as an attempt by the TRS and its government to influence the voters in the upcoming polls, they said.
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FILE - In this Oct. 14, 2020, file photo, housing activists erect a sign in Swampscott, Mass. A federal freeze on most evictions is set to expire soon. The moratorium, put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in September, was the only tool keeping millions of tenants in their homes.
FILE - In this Nov. 6, 2020 file photo shown is a general view of the Pennsylvania Judicial Center, home to the Commonwealth Court in Harrisburg, Pa. Pennsylvania voters will pick four new members of the statewide appeals courts this fall, including the contest to fill a spot on the state Supreme Court open because a veteran justice will soon reach 75, the state's mandatory judicial retirement age.
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Pharmaceutical company Moderna announced plans to expand its coronavirus vaccine testing trials to include children aged five to 11 years old, officials confirmed on Monday.

The expansion of the trial aims to increase the possibility of detecting potentially rare side effects among infected individuals, Moderna said. However, the company declined to reveal how many children it planned to include in the trials.

COVID-19 Vaccine Trials for Children

Last month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) included a warning label on Pfizer and Moderna's COVID-19 vaccines, noting the potential risk of heart inflammation, which was reported in younger individuals as a rare side effect.

In a statement, Moderna said it was currently discussing the expansion of the trial and expected that in late 2021 or early 2022, they would be able to have authorization. The company noted that the FDA would be responsible for choosing the route of authorization.

Earlier this Monday, reports noted that the FDA requested both Moderna and Pfizer to include 3,000 children aged five to 11 years in their vaccine trials. Pfizer did not provide any updates regarding the previously stated timelines or information regarding its vaccine trials, CNBC reported.

However, Pfizer said that it expects results from its Phase 2.3 trials to come out in September for children aged five to 11 years. Officials said that they expect the results for younger children shortly after.

Many parents across the United States are eagerly waiting for the eligibility of their young children to get vaccinated. The incident comes as schools begin preparing to open for in-person learning in the fall. Pfizer's vaccine is currently authorized to be given to children as young as 12 but no treatment is available for those younger.

Read Also: France Parliament Approves Law Necessitating COVID-19 Passes for Restaurants, Domestic Travel; Bill Applies to Adults

Last week, United States President Joe Biden said that children younger than 12 years old could soon become eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. He predicted that the go signal for the process could come in the next few months.

Cases of Rare Side Effects

The nation's top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, who is also the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said earlier this month that the FDA has the final say in the matter. The medical professional said he did not expect the process to be available until later on in the winter season, CNN reported.

Members of a CDC advisory committee noted that the benefits of having vaccinations available for children under 12 years old far outweighed the risks, which include heart problems.

Moderna's trial started recruiting participants in March and initially planned to enroll 6,795 children younger than 12 years old. Officials will split the children into three age brackets. Ray Jordan, a company spokesman, said they were discussing the details with the FDA.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published data that showed the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines have been linked to myocarditis and pericarditis, where more than 1,200 Americans reported the issue, where about 500 of the victims were younger than 30. Authorities said that the symptoms typically occurred within two weeks and were more frequent in young men and boys, the New York Times reported.

Related Article: US Doctors Say Covid-19 Delta Variant More Dangerous Than Original With Slightly Different Symptoms

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The Su-75 Checkmate 5th Generation fighter is a competitor to the F-35, as the most recent news indicates. But there is a catch because it is not confirmed yet, or it is pitching a new product of Soviet technology. There is no record of whether an actual prototype has been flown yet.

One speculation is that the new jet will be controlled by sophisticated software like the American F-35. All the interfaces will involve soft in its control.

The hype in social media leads to a debate on the actual performance of the plane. The discussion arises too over the actual abilities of the Checkmate is not defined. A scale model has been presented, yet what is needed is the exact model.

The Checkmate's advanced design needs to be proven yet

One big difference from the F-35 Lightning II is that it has flown and has three variants. The Checkmate has not had a test flight yet, so it cannot claim to be like an F-35, for its performance has not been proven yet.

New methods of creating new planes faster lie in deciding what works best without lengthy trial and error. Designers have more precise digital tools to push the envelope of aircraft design. The Russian stealth jet might take some time before an actual plane does fly, reported the National Interest.

Developers must also consider the technical aspects of the plane. For instance, how the seams are connected flush, so stealth is not compromised. One miscalculation on the skin of the aircraft will give it away to radar.

How advanced are the materials for radar absorption and the airframe for the Su-75 Checkmate? And how soon can one be built? Is the planned assembly line capable of producing an advanced jet like the F-35?

Read Also: F-36 Kingsnake Can Replace F-16 Jet: 5th Minus-Generation Without the Stealth

Questions arise on how much is needed to keep the plane in flying condition, cost-effective, or costs too much. Next is the technical aspect of keeping all avionics and weapons systems in perfect condition. Expensive aircraft have many requirements and require a lot of maintenance. There will be no point in having them if they will not be sustained.

To make a 5th generation aircraft is a daunting task, and many considerations will determine how the Checkmate will turn out.

The F-35 has robust sensors installed on it and the most advance. The Lightning II must be outclassed by the Checkmate or anyone else to be considered its predecessor. Next is a powerful processor that controls the jet's function via advance AI, how well the avionics are, and the navigation platform an electronic control.

In combat are an advanced targeting and firing system of the weapons to track the target and guide how the weapons are fired. Automating these functions will give an edge like the F-35 outstanding sensors installed.

Will the Checkmate outclass the F-35 Lightning II?

For now, the hyped Russian stealth fighter is undefined but might be developed even better than an F-35 or F-22 as an advanced fighter. Will the developers at Sukhoi use digital engineering to fast track its development, critical stages; that we no one can tell.

The US Air Force used a digital platform to make the Next Generation Air Dominance program or NGAD, even before the advanced fighter flew. It tested a real plane virtually in a shorter time than it took for standard processes.

If the Su-75 Checkmate goes digital, there might be one flying soon enough to compare to the F-35, putting behind the uncertainties and verifying that the Russian Su-5 Checkmate is the best 5th generation fighter aircraft.

Related Article: Russia Unveils New Fighter Jet to the West With Alleged Similarities to the F-22

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The danger posed by China's ambition as a nuclear and space superpower is not a trifle as a US general who warned about it. Beijing's rise comes as the US weakens in the forefront. It turned to Britain to help control the threat in the east, which it did, by supporting other allies in Asia.

Not so confident of stopping the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from its military designs, even US allies are getting fearful, and Xi Jinping knows it.

The US declines in military strength

General John Hyten, the Joint Chiefs of Staff vice chairman, said that even the British Command would need to pitch in as American resources are running thin. He talked about a combat cloud accessible by US and UK services, in conflict does arise, reported Express UK.

One more concern is the more belligerent foreign and defense policies that have come to the fore, as the PLA expansion in the SCS gets more active.

Beijing's military has grabbed almost 90% of the South China Sea's waterways in breach of international law, angering several other Asian countries.

The Chinese Communist Party's abuse of Uighur Muslims and suppression of Hong Kong's people have resulted in international censure.

China steps ahead to become the Superpower in the world

Hyten is not pleased to say the US military is getting frayed at the edges, as the PLA smartly militarizes the SCS and other flashpoints. Sending forces and not fighting is a scary idea that China is bidding its time.

The general simply said that the last 20 years were focused on bureaucracy while things moved. Adding that, it was pure denial that the CCP was not already preparing for now. China's ambition as a nuclear and space superpower expresses its desire to be the top country.

Read Also: SR-71 Spy Plane Shows Off Farewell Flight As It Hurtles from Coast to Coast in the US at Mach 2.2

China is the most significant threat in everyone's face, and the US seems to ignore it. Catching up on key technologies for military application in nukes, super-fast missiles, space, and the cyber realm. Think China's ambition as a nuclear and space superpower is a stepping stone to supplant the US, which is a serious threat.

Bad news comes as the Chinese cyber capabilities are formidable, and Washington realizes it will have such ramifications in the future. The Pentagon hosted a wargame last October, which ended with the US trounced and beaten.

According to Wired, the defense of Taiwan fell in a simulation via computers. The US failed to stop China, and Taiwan was captured.

According to sources, the US information systems have initially been disrupted when the exercise began. Its tactic of mobilizing forces in one position made American assets an easy target.

The general said in defensenews that the exercise was a complete waste of time, and the US was routed so badly in the theoretical war. Furthermore, the red team 'China' has kept its eyes open wide, studying what the Americans will do. Adversaries just were better and were running rings while the other flailed.

For all, America's might was defeated by a less advanced PLA. They know how the US fights and countered it.This is why the combat cloud exists to have information on the enemy. America lost Taiwan because no information was available.

Xi Jinping and the CCP are still torturing Taipei by its continuous sorties just this week. Last Tuesday, the PLAN had another simulated assault to practice capturing Taiwan.The island enclave refuses to yield to the claims of the communists in Beijing; taking the island by force is not a problem for them.

Related Article: Senator Jim Molan Says Australia Cannot Repel Chinese Attack in the Pacific, US Support Not Guaranteed

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Israel has blamed Iran for a suspected drone assault on a tanker in the Arabian Sea, which killed two crew members, a British national and a Romanian citizen.

When the incident happened on Thursday, the MV Mercer Street, managed by the London-based firm Zodiac Maritime, was off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea. The incident appears to follow a pattern of past strikes against Iranian and Israeli naval activity carried out in a shadow war between the two adversaries. On Friday night, Israel's foreign minister, Yair Lapid, claimed he had spoken with his British colleague, Dominic Raab.

Tanker attack killed one British and one Romanian

In recent months, Iran and Israel have swapped allegations of assaulting one other's ships; and Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said he had warned Britain's foreign secretary that the incident, in which two crew members, one British and the other Romanian, were killed.

According to US and European intelligence officials familiar with the incident, Iran is the top suspect, as claimed by a US miltary official. Although their governments are still looking for convincing evidence, Marine Link reported.

The firm and three Israeli authorities claim an oil tanker run by an Israeli-owned shipping company was attacked off the coast of Oman on Thursday night, killing two crew members. According to two sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military matters, the attack appears to have been carried out by numerous unmanned Iranian drones that landed into living quarters beneath the ship's command center or bridge.

Per The NY Times, the strike was the latest volley in an escalating maritime shadow war between Iran and Israel; and it was the first documented attack to kill people. The two crew members who died were from the United Kingdom and Romania. The vessel traveled under the protection of an American Navy escort on Friday afternoon.

Two American Navy ships responded to a distress call but did not accompany the vessel, a US Defense Department official said. The US official acknowledged that American officials boarded the tanker to assist with a forensic examination and that many drones were engaged in the attack. Still, it was unclear how many of them hit the ship. The official made no statements on who was to blame.

Read Also: Russia, China Offer Support to Syria as Joe Biden Moves to Wind Down Afghanistan-Iraq War

Israel-Iran's ongoing shadow war

Iran did not officially claim or deny involvement in the attack on the ship. However, a state-run television program, Al-Alam, portrayed it as a retaliation for an Israeli strike on a military base in Syria, whose regime is backed by Iranian forces. The ship's journey would have carried it across the strait between Oman and Iran, which has seen multiple attacks on private Israel-linked vessels in recent months, all of which Israeli officials blame on Iran.

Other Israeli-linked ships have been targeted in recent months as part of an ongoing shadow war with Iran, with Israeli officials blaming Iran for the attacks. Meanwhile, Israel has been implicated in a series of massive strikes aimed at Iran's nuclear program, as per Daily Mail.

Under the neighboring Gulf of Oman, Iran's biggest warship recently sank in unexplained circumstances. The incident comes as tensions over Iran's shattered nuclear deal have risen, and talks to restore the agreement have stagnated in Vienna.

A series of claimed Iranian vessel strikes began a year after then-US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the pact in 2018. On Thursday's incident, Iranian media cited international news reports but did not provide any further information.

Related Article: Iran's Missile Attack May Have Mistakenly Targeted Cargo Ship, Thinking It Is Israel-Owned



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At least 5 Chinese cities reported a coronavirus outbreak due to the deadly Delta variant that the state-run media is calling the worst incident since the Wuhan spread of the original COVID-19.

The origin of the outbreak was reportedly from Nanjing where it quickly spread to five other provinces and Beijing. Since the beginning of the outbreak, almost 200 people have become afflicted with the disease after it was first discovered on July 20 at the Nanjing city airport.

Chinese COVID-19 Delta Variant Outbreak

Authorities suspended all flights from the city's airport until August 11, the local media reported. City officials have also ordered testing of individuals across the entire region as residents criticize them for their alleged "failure" to control the disease.

Xinhua News, the state-run media, said that all of Nanjing's residents, which number 9.3 million people, will be tested in accordance with city officials. Online users have posted on social media platforms showing long lines of people in testing areas. Authorities have urged residents to wear face masks and maintain one-meter social distancing while avoiding talking in line, BBC reported.

Officials reported that the massive outbreak was due to the highly contagious Delta variant which has been spreading quickly worldwide. They noted that the spread of the infection was sped up due to how busy the airport was.

Nanjing Health Official Ding Jie said that infections were linked to cleaners who were working on a flight from Russia and arrived in the city on July 10. The state-run media reported that the cleaners did not follow strict hygiene protocols, which led to the spread of the infection.

Read Also: COVID-19 Cases Surge in Japan Reportedly Not Due to Olympics

The individuals were tested and were confirmed positive for the coronavirus on July 20. Nanjing authorities are now on "high alert" following the announcement and plan to test 1.9 million residents per day.

Chinese officials have previously been successful in stifling the spread of previous outbreaks using strictly enforced lockdowns, quarantines, and controls on international travel. The country has observed surges in the number of infections that have been relatively less significant than other nations since the beginning of the pandemic, NBC News reported.

Surge of Infections

Ding said on Tuesday that the number of cases reported in the region has skyrocketed in recent days. The official said early cases transmitted among the aircraft cabin cleaners quickly spread across various regions in the Asian country. Ding noted social activities and work environment contamination as the primary sources of the outbreak.

The health official said authorities tracked down the close contacts that the cleaners have and are conducting testing to see if they have become infected with the virus. Ding said new cases are constantly being discovered in the region, NPR reported.

However, Chinese authorities have not disclosed whether or not any of the infected residents were vaccinated against the COVID-19. The incident comes as many nations in Southeast Asia are turning to other vaccines amid the low efficacy of the Chinese-made treatment.



Related Article: 4 New, Never-Before-Seen COVID-19 Mutations Found in New York City Sewers

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The Department of Justice (DOJ) stated on Friday that former President Trump's tax returns should be turned over by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to the House Ways and Means Committee. According to the department's Office of Legal Counsel, the committee showed adequate reasons to affirm its bid to evaluate Trump's taxes.

The report was another blow to the former president shortly following the Justice Department notes that were released; it states that as part of his initiative to overturn his presidential election loss from President Joe Biden he sought to influence senior officials to tout the November 2020 election as corrupt. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi lauded the command to transfer the tax returns of Trump to the Ways and Means Committee.

Handwritten Notes

Acting Deputy Attorney General Richard Donoghue's handwritten notes in December, which was released on Friday by the House of Representatives Oversight and Reform Committee's head, paint a grim picture of the former president. This transpired as he lobbied to get the department to make an uncommon move of interceding in order to oveturn his November 2020 election loss.

The department shortly after cleared the way for the IRS to transfer the tax records of Trump to congressional probers.

A Loss for Trump

This serves as a significant legal defeat for the former president. Trump has waged an aim to conceal his tax documents from the general public and authorities. As a former president, he was the first president in years to refuse to release his tax returns.

Read Also: House Freedom Caucus Wants to Boot Cheney, Kinzinger From GOP Conference Calling Them "Cancer" to Their Party

His tax returns were transferred to the Manhattan DA earlier this year. This was following a separate court bout in which the SC denied to intercede. The probing into Trump's finances is part of a criminal investigation into his firms, stated the prosecutor's office.

The memo of 39 pages was signed by Dawn Johnsen. As the acting legal counsel office leader, it was successfully installed. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin initially remarked he will not transfer the tax returns due to the fact that he concluded they were being lobbied by Democrats who dominate the House of Representatives for partisan reasoning during the tenure of Trump, reported Market Watch.

The Office of Legal Counsel contended that when a congressional committee appeals for access to the tax returns of the president the executive branch must conclude that the appeal lacks a lawful legislative goal merely in exceptional circumstances. DOJ's response is an overturning of standing from the Trump administration's judgment in 2019 which claimed that the congressional committee did not have sufficient lawful justification for assessing the tax returns, reported Fox News.

The Biden administration has currently attained victory for the rule of law. It respects the interest of the public by adhering to the appeal of Chairman Richard Neal for the tax returns of Trump. According to Pelosi, transparency of the former president's tax returns is a subject of national security. The American public has the right to know the undermining of democracy and security as president and the facts of their concerning conflicts of interest, she added, as reported by News block.

Related Article: House Republicans Hold Pelosi Responsible for Jan. 6 US Capitol Siege for Neglecting Duty

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A Minnesota woman reportedly decapitated by her lover in broad daylight had sent a heartbreaking letter to a judge pleading for her right to see him. According to a shocking video that surfaced online this week, America Mafalda Thayer, 55, was pulled from her car and thrown in the street in Shakopee, Minneapolis.

The defendant confessed to authorities that he beheaded his girlfriend because she tried to break up with him while going with him to a court appearance in a previous case-a criminal complaint filed Friday in the suspected beheading murder of a Minnesota woman.

Suspect beheaded girlfriend

According to police and prosecutors, Alexis Saborit, 42, chopped America Mafalda Thayer's head off with a knife and fled. The incident occurred about 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday and was videotaped by at least one witness, METRO reported.

A charging document obtained by Law & Crime says one of the witnesses saw a guy toss a decapitated body out of a car at the intersection. The complaint states officers arrived to find a female, naked from the waist up, lying with her feet near the curb and her shoulders near an open automobile door, naked from the waist up.

Officers searching for evidence discovered an empty black sheath for a machete-style knife in a grassy area a few feet distant from the crime site. Thayer allegedly tried to dump Saborit as he was on his way to court for a prior legal problem that was not addressed in the complaint.

Saborit accused Thayer of abusing him although Thayer had a history of abuse. The couple is both Shakopee residents who were known to law enforcement.

The suspect was arrested and was charged with second-degree murder in Scott County, Minnesota, on Friday. In the state, it carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in jail.

According to the first witness, he was traveling westbound on 4th Avenue when he came to a halt at the junction of Spencer Street. Witness 1 observed a dark-colored car coming southward come to a halt.

The individual observed the car's driver swinging an object in the air and bringing it down repeatedly on the passenger side. The item was black and resembled a police baton. Witness 1 proceeded to 4th Avenue and returned southbound on Spencer Street, where he discovered a body.

She was going southbound on Spencer Street, according to another witness. She noticed a vehicle several vehicles ahead of her that she assumed was having mechanical problems.

Another car in front of her did a U-turn after driving around the stopped vehicle. The driver of the stopped vehicle could then be seen standing on the car's passenger side, making a slamming gesture.

The driver dumped an unknown object into a yard before dragging something that seemed to be a body out of the automobile. Witness 2 later recognized the object as a human head with blonde hair that the driver had seized. The witness noticed blood on the victim's head. The driver then walked eastbound along the alley, according to the second witness.

Read Also: Missing Woman's Burned Body Discovered in a Dumpster After Canadian Authorities Mistake Corpse for a Mannequin

Beheaded Minnesota woman's letter to her boyfriend

"My name is America M Thayer," Thayer wrote in a sad handwritten letter to Carver County district court almost four years before she was murdered. She said that she has never had an issue with Alexis Saborit and that he has never mistreated her, as per The Sun's obtained letter.

The Minnesota woman said that the only issue they had was a little argument as she pleaded for contact with him. Thayer indicated that she is willing to receive the recommended treatment and that the no-contact order should be lifted.

Saborit was allowed permission to see his girlfriend in person and talk with her after the petition was approved. Officers arrived at Saborit and Thayer's shared house when she phoned for assistance, and they arrested them.

According to court documents, he was apprehended while crouching over Thayer and holding her to the ground. The altercation started when they were drinking at a pub, and Saborit "felt she was chatting to another man," the Minnesota woman told authorities.

When they arrived home and attempted to talk with authorities, Saborit shoved her to the ground, causing her to fall and scratch her elbow. He then pinned her to the ground and attempted to cover her mouth to prevent her from speaking with officers.

Related Article: 55-Year-Old Minnesota Woman's Dead Body Found on Sidewalk With Her Decapitated Head Beside Her; Victim's Boyfriend Arrested



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Two kidnappers dressed much like an electronics store's blue uniforms appeared at a woman's door. They had a carpet steamer with them and requested Shanda Handley if one of them could demonstrate how it works.

Handley refused and said one of the men invaded her house with a gun, put handcuffs on her and her neighbor's hands, and put a hood on her head. The kidnappers coerced Handley into the van and drove away. They left behind her 14-year-old daughter and neighbor.

Behind the Kidnapping Plot

A Louisiana millionaire has pleaded guilty to arraignments of kidnapping. This was following officials indicating he plotted his alienated former wife's kidnapping. The scheme was not effective as the two kidnappers drowned near Baton Rouge when attempting to flee from police officials. On Monday, Lawrence Michael Handley pleaded guilty to one count of attempted second-degree kidnapping and two counts of second-degree kidnapping.

According to Lawrence, he orchestrated the plot to move his former wife from his house in Lafayette, LA, to his camp near Woodville, Miss. Officials said what he planned to do following the abduction that was not made clear.

In 2017, the 53-year-old became addicted to cocaine and methamphetamine. That was when he hired Arsenio Haynes and Sylvester Bracey, both 27, to kidnap his estranged wife as the couple were involved in a toxic divorce. Lawrence had reportedly purchased the items required to kidnap, restrain, and torture his former wife and rented a van, reported Crime Online.

Read Also: Final Suspect in Clark County Detective Murder Taken Into Custody in Salem

When the Plot Went Awry

According to prosecutors, as the kidnappers drove east on the 10th Interstate on August 6, 2017, deputies of a sheriff noticed the van was veering; they attempted to stop it. The kidnappers drove off the interstate, headed for a dead-end gravel road. They were then seized by police officials. The men attempted to evade the cops by swimming through a canal. They eventually drowned, reported Boing Boing.

Lawrence was reportedly a recovering alcoholic. In 2015, he sold his healthcare firm for $21million. This was two years prior to his filling of divorce from his wife, Shanda. Both parties claimed that the other attempted to have them murdered, reported Daily Mail.

The mastermind was imposed 15 to 35 years in prison. A judgment date has yet to be scheduled.

The couple tied the knot in 2016. However, in the following year, their relationship became contentious when multiple restraining orders were filed.

When Lawrence filed for divorce, he claimed that Shanda threatened or attacked him many times. He also alleged that she hired a hitman to kill him. Shanda claimed that Lawrence attempted to access her email, track her phone, and download a spyware on her computer.

Lawrence evaded a severe charge of kidnapping, which imposes a mandatory lifetime sentence in prison under a plea deal. Shanda remarked it was unfavorable that her former husband would not be imposed lifetime detainment.

Related Article: Tom Barrack, Top Trump Aide, Arrested for Illegal Lobbying

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A man passes by ATMs in Seoul. Korea Times file




Visitors and their animal companions look around the K-Pet Fair Seoul, April 12, 2021, at SETEC, central Seoul. Yonhap
gettyimagesbank





By Park Jae-hyuk







A series of lucrative investment opportunities have made it possible for the Korean market to emerge as one of the most attractive destinations for global private equity investors, prompting them to look for more Korean experts to manage their assets, according to industry representatives, Friday.







The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB), one of the world's largest investors in private equity firms (PEFs), is a recent example.







Earlier this week, the CPPIB announced that its Asia Pacific head, Suyi Kim, will be promoted to global head of its private equity department Sept. 15, to lead a team which was managing $100 billion in assets as of March 31.







The decision was announced two months after the executive unveiled the board's plan to make long-term investments in Korean public and private equities, and real estate, during a web conference held May 26 by the Institute for Global Economics.







Kim joined CPPIB in 2007 as the head of its private equity business in Asia and contributed to the opening of its Hong Kong office in 2008, after working for the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, the Carlyle Group, McKinsey & Company and PricewaterhouseCoopers.







"Suyi's background in private equity, extensive experience leading our Asia Pacific business and deep knowledge of the organization make her ideally suited for this role, and demonstrate the depth of our leadership team," CPPIB CEO John Graham said in a press release, Wednesday. "I am confident that with her global expertise, Suyi will build on the success of a strong and experienced private equity team to continue to deliver solid long-term results for our contributors and beneficiaries."







Canada Pension Plan Investment Board Asia Pacific Head Suyi Kim delivers a lecture at the Lotte Hotel Seoul in this January 2019 file photo. Courtesy of the Institute for Global Economics





Multiple PEFs based abroad are also trying to expand their presence here by hiring more Korean nationals.







In the past, most of them were reluctant to allow Korean executives at their Seoul offices to make important decisions, although three Korean Americans  Carlyle CEO Kewsong Lee, KKR co-President Joseph Bae and Blackstone Chief Financial Officer Michael Chae  have held top positions at the world's three largest PEFs for several years.







The adjustment has been mainly attributed to large-scale merger and acquisition (M&A) deals here, valued at over trillions of won.







Blackstone, one of the participants in the bid to acquire Hanon Systems worth 7 trillion won ($6 billion), recently recruited analyst-level investment professionals, who will work to handle Korea-focused transactions at its Seoul office, which is reportedly supposed to reopen by the end of the year.







According to industry sources and media reports, the U.S. firm set up a temporary office at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, ordering its Korean managing director, Eugene Cook, to organize the Korea-focused team.







EQT Partners, a Swedish PEF owned by the Wallenberg family, is also reportedly considering forming a team for its Korea-focused investments.







Its decision in 2018 to hire director Jay Chae, who studied at Korea University and worked for Blackstone and Lehman Brothers, has been regarded by some market insiders as a preparatory action by the investment firm for the plan.







Data compiled by the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) showed that the number of funds managed by PEFs in Korea reached a record high of 855 last year, while their sizes collectively amounted to 97.1 trillion won.







Given that the Korean private equity market has shown solid growth over the past few years, the trend of global investors paying attention to the domestic market should continue for a while.







"PEFs have tended to tighten their grips on the capital market as the major players in the corporate M&A sector," an FSS official said. "Because eased regulations have enabled various investment strategies, they are expected to rev up corporate restructurings and M&As."


People wait to be monitored for possible side effects after receiving the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at an inoculation center in Seoul, Wednesday. AP-Yonhap



By Kim Yoo-chul



Rising numbers of COVID-19 cases and the continued spread of the Delta variant rattled business sentiment in July, with the country's business survey index (BSI), which measures how companies view surrounding conditions, turning red for the first time since February.



On Friday, the Bank of Korea (BOK) said that BSI in July stood at 87, decreasing 1 point from June. This is the first month-on-month drop in five months.



The BSI is considered as a barometer for judging how private companies feel about current business conditions and outlook, as the survey is based on opinions from the country's core industries. A BSI reading below 100 shows pessimists outnumber optimists and vice-versa if the index exceeds 100.



The latest poll was conducted from July 15 to 22 and targeted 3,255 companies. Out of the total, 2,807 responded.



"The deterioration in sentiment in July coincides with the most recent surge in COVID-19 cases and the rising prices of raw materials. Unlike big companies, which have fared well thanks to increased exports of semiconductors and vehicles, the business sentiments of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as domestically-focused companies, have worsened," Kim Dae-jin, a team leader at the BOK's economic indices bureau, said.



The Korean government is trying its best to continue its massive vaccination campaign as planned, despite concerns over a shortage of vaccines. But if worries over the Delta variant continue to mount, more consumers will stay away from activities they deem as being too risky.



This situation, according to economists, will further weigh on service-related businesses such as restaurants, hotels and airlines, potentially undermining the recovery of the local service sector and even of the Korean economy as a whole. In line with such worries, the BSI of non-manufacturing companies in July deteriorated 2 points to 79.



By detailed indices, manufacturers' business sentiment fell 1 point to 97 this month. The BSI among big companies remained unchanged at 107, though that of SMEs dropped 4 points to 85.



"Aside from exporters and top-tier manufacturers, the government is asked to provide a high level of assistance packages to SMEs and non-manufacturers, as the continued spike in new COVID-19 cases coincides with the possible downward shift in business sentiment. Consumers are truly worried about the estimated impact of the Delta variant, as the spread will have a negative impact on the country's economic recovery," Ha Joon-kyung, an economics professor at Seoul's Hanyang University, said.










By Jun Ji-hye







Andaz Seoul Gangnam, a lifestyle hotel brand of Hyatt International, has launched the "Andaz Summer Package with Bamford" package, targeting summer vacationers.







The package, which can be purchased until Aug. 31 and available for stays by Sept. 5, is a collaborative product with Bamford, a British brand featuring natural products.







It includes a one-night stay in either a deluxe or premium room, Bamford amenities and kids' amenities for families (bath products and chocolate lollipops) as well as breakfast at the Jogakbo Restaurant.







The package also offers a 20-percent discount for a Bamford spa treatment and 10-percent off Bamford retail items at Ocelas Spa, in addition to access to the indoor pool and fitness center.







The two room types feature a king-sized bed and are equipped with an air purifier.







The fitness center and indoor pool may be subject to restrictions in accordance with the government's social distancing guidelines for COVID-19.







During the promotion period, the lobby will also be transformed into a special photo zone in collaboration with Bamford.







The staircase from the lobby floor to the second floor will be decorated with herbs, an ivy arch tunnel, as well as a sculpture of hay and wood.







Artist Jeon Ye-ji's drawings will also be exhibited at Cafe A'+Z in the lobby.


A replica of the gold-plated coffin of the Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamun, on display in "Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures," at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul / Courtesy of Dcommunication





By Park Han-sol







It was November 1922, when the long-buried tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamun (1341-1323 BCE), in the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile revealed itself to the world once again.







"As my eyes grew accustomed to the light, details of the room within emerged slowly from the mist, strange animals, statues, and gold  everywhere the glint of gold. For the moment  an eternity it must have seemed to the others standing by  I was struck dumb with amazement," English archaeologist Howard Carter (1874-1939) wrote, recalling the first moment of his discovery of the ancient pharaoh's tomb.







Dubbed "Egyptology's greatest discovery," it was an influential feat in both archaeology and academia, as this highly well-preserved tomb allowed the scholars to witness in person the traces of the Amarna Period, as well as the sheer extent of the Egyptian king's wealth.







Since its debut in 2008, the traveling exhibition, "Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures," which features the reconstructed tomb chambers of the young ruler, as well as some 1,300 replica artifacts, has drawn more than 10 million visitors worldwide, including in Zurich, Manchester, Madrid, Paris and New York.







The show arrived recently at the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan District, Seoul, and has been continuing its streak of success for weeks, with wait times easily up to two hours.







The antechamber inside the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, recreated in the way it was first discovered by English archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922 / Courtesy of Dcommunication





Tutankhamun, also referred to as King Tut, ascended to the throne in 1332 BCE, when he was only nine and became the last to rule the 18th Dynasty for a mere decade. During his reign, he was known for rejecting his father's reforms and for revitalizing ancient Egyptian religion and art.







Through its faithfully recreated replicas of the young ruler's nearly intact tomb and treasures, the exhibition offers visitors an insight into the history and archaeology of ancient Egypt.







The show begins by introducing Tutankhamun within the context of the 5000-year-old history of Egypt as well as the historical background of the 18th Dynasty.







Viewers then continue to the next section, where they can relive the moment of Carter's discovery of the pharaonic tomb, witnessing with their own eyes the antechamber, the burial chamber and the treasury, restored in the way they were unearthed a century ago.







And the reproductions of lavish treasures found and currently stored in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo  including the pharaoh's symbolic golden mask, throne, sarcophagus, chariot, jewels and even the coffins of his two children  are gathered for display in the last section.







"'Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures' provides a chance to view firsthand the artifacts from the pharaonic tomb in Korea, where we have not had many attempts to study or analyze Egyptology directly," Kwack Min-soo, the director of the Korean Institute of Egyptology, stated.







"Despite being replicas, the displayed items have been carefully recreated, closely resembling the physical conditions of the original articles."







The exhibition runs through April 24, 2022 at the War Memorial of Korea.










The number of babies born in South Korea dropped to a new record low in May, data showed Wednesday, in the latest sign that underscores the country's gloomy demographic situation.







A total of 22,052 babies were born in May, down 3.5 percent from the previous year, according to the data compiled by Statistics Korea.







It marked the lowest for any May since 1981, when the statistics agency began compiling related data.







South Korea is struggling with a sustained fall in childbirths as many young people give up on getting married or having babies amid a prolonged economic slowdown.







The country's total fertility rate  the average number of children a woman bears in her lifetime  hit a new record low of 0.84 last year. It marked the third straight year that the rate was below 1 percent.







In the first quarter this year, the total fertility rate stood at 0.88, the lowest level since 2009, when the agency started compiling related data.







Adding woes to the demographic situation, the number of deaths in May rose for the third straight month amid rapid aging.







The number of deaths came to 25,571 in the month, up 5 percent from a year earlier, the data showed.







This resulted in the country's population decreasing by 3,518, marking the 19th consecutive month of decline.







South Korea reported the first natural decline in population in 2020 as the number of deaths outpaced that of newborns.







The number of people tying the knot in May fell 11 percent on-year to 16,153, while divorces declined 5.4 percent to 8,445 over the same period, according to the data. (Yonhap)


Co-founders of Hangang Brewery, Koh Sung-yong, left, and Lee Sang-woo / Courtesy of Hangang Brewery



Using locally sourced rice, Seoul-based brewery produces additive-free, homemade-style drinks



By Lee Gyu-lee



Makgeolli, a cloudy white rice-based beverage, is one of the country's oldest alcoholic drinks. And throughout its long history, it has undergone changes, from being traditionally homebrewed during the 1392-1910 Joseon Kingdom to being mass-produced in factory breweries starting in the 1910-45 Japanese colonial rule of Korea.



This mass-produced modern makgeolli has resulted in stereotypes today that the drink is old-fashioned, cheap, mediocre and gives the worst hangovers.



Two young entrepreneurs at Hangang Brewery, Koh Sung-yong and Lee Sang-woo, are striving to challenge these notions by "rewriting the standards" and offering the real taste of makgeolli.



"These are really quality drinks but were really underrated by many people, and previous commercial breweries could be somewhat to blame in terms of marketing and quality," Koh said in an interview with The Korea Times, Monday, at the brewery in Seongsu-dong, eastern Seoul. "So we thought it would be fun to get our hands on creating quality drinks that people can enjoy and find tasty. That was the starting point of our brewery."





Hangang Brewery's Naroo Makgeolli, with an 11.5 percent alcohol version on the left and 6 percent version / Courtesy of Hangang Brewery



Since its launch in June 2019, Hangang Brewery's first product Naroo Makgeolli has been creating a buzz among younger drinkers with its trendy branding and additive-free makgeolli, breaking new ground for the industry.



The company takes more of a home-brewed approach to making makgeolli, compared to previous commercial brands, which added chemicals for an unnaturally sparkly, sweet taste.



Traditional-style makgeolli is a diluted drink made with the cloudy sediments of wonju, a filtered rice fermentation primarily brewed with rice, water and nuruk, which is a Korean wheat-based fermentation starter. The clear, top layer of wonju can be strained and served separately as yakju or cheongju depending on the percentage of nuruk used, or can be distilled to make soju.



Naroo Makgeolli, characterized as having a smooth, refreshing taste, was selected earlier this month as the best makgeolli of this year by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.



Despite their rapid success, the two co-founders come from completely different backgrounds: marketing and architecture.



Koh used to work in the marketing field for five years before running his own cafe in eastern Seoul's then less-populated area Seongsu-dong. Lee had been running an architectural business for seven years before starting the brewery.



"I've always wanted to have my own brand," Koh said. "When I was young, it was vaguely about starting a fashion brand, but brand doesn't always have to be about fashion. So I thought I should take something that I like and make it into a brand, which started with a cafe."





The brewery teamed up with Daehan Flour Mills' main flour brand Gompyo to launch its latest product Pyomoon Makgeolli / Courtesy of Hangang Brewery



The two business owners, of the same age, met when Lee took an interior design job for Koh's cafe building, and the two soon became friends.



"Even though we were in different fields, we would talk about our business together we would confide with each other about issues and difficulties in running the business," Lee said, adding that the two would discuss their own future and dreams with each other.



Although Koh ran the cafe for five years and business was booming, he felt the need to take another leap forward in his dream, leading him to make a bold decision to shut down the shop. "I felt the need to expand the business and wanted to put myself into a more meaningful business," he said. "And if I'm tied up with running the cafe, I felt like I wouldn't be able to do anything else, so I decided to close it first, then think about the next step."



Around the same time, Lee also quit his business, hoping to find the next phase of his career. "We never talked about starting a business together, even when we found an office space for us to recharge and think about our next move," Lee said. "We just wanted to discuss and help each other separately come up with business ideas."





The brewery makes its products with Gyeongbokgung Rice, harvested in Seoul. Courtesy of Hangang Brewery



They came up with the idea to start a makgeolli brewery purely by chance, the co-founders said. The two drinking buddies sought out different variations of drinks other than just beer and green-bottled soju, one of the most commonly consumed drinks in Korea, when they came across different types of Korean traditional drinks.



"The timing was just right," Koh said. "We were both looking for the next business idea. And (as usual) we went out for drinks but wanted to try out different types of alcohol because we grew tired of soju and beer. Then, we started drinking makgeolli, yakju and other traditional-style spirits and really enjoyed the taste of them."



He added that's when the idea of getting their hands on the traditional drink business hit him. Taking their personal encounters with the lesser-known alcoholic beverages, they wanted to offer the same experience to those who are not familiar with makgeolli and other traditional drinks.



The two started by taking a brewing course for about nine months to learn the process of hand-brewing makgeolli, its history and its market.



"Because we didn't have any background in traditional alcoholic beverages, we became familiar with the drinks by learning to brew and filter them. We tried to learn if there's a vision in that area like we first thought through that process," Lee said.





Makgeolli fermentation batches at the brewery / Courtesy of Hangang Brewery



Koh added that the more they learned about the drinks, the more they saw potential in its market and decided to found the brewery in 2018.



"We compared it to beer because it was a time when the beer industry was booming in Korea. Beer isn't our specialty, meaning even though we compete with other beer breweries in Korea, we are always going to be a sidekick in the global beer market. But with traditional alcoholic drinks, we can top the global market by dominating the local market," he said, adding that they felt they can run the business more sincerely and seriously by focusing on something unique from their own country. "So we decided to freely express our belief and philosophy through this industry."



Each part of its brand's storytelling, from the name and logo to the brewery's location, holds the co-founders' philosophy.



"It's such a shame that our splendid, great culture has been labeled with negative images. So we used the name Hangang  or Han River  to symbolize its meaning in parallel with our purpose," Koh said. "The Han River has been always been there, since the past to this day, and it is the most important river in Korea, and metaphorically speaking reaches into our future. So it represents our intention to take something of the past and bring it into a modern-style drink and culture that people can enjoy nowadays."





A collaborative product with local cosmetic brand About Me / Courtesy of Hangang Brewery



Another mission of the brewery was to create a Seoul-based makgeolli brand. "Other regions in the country have specialty drinks specifically made with local ingredients but on the other hand, even though Seoul is the capital and a most populated city, it didn't have any," Koh said.



However, making its product with Seoul-grown rice, the primary ingredient, did not come easy at first, as there was only one brand of rice harvested in Seoul. "After we decided to use Gyeongbokgung Rice, it took a long time to brew it into the taste that we were looking for," Koh said.



Since they did not want to use artificial sweeteners or other additives that are usually used to lower production costs, the balance between the natural sweetness from rice and acidity from fermentation was crucial, he added.



"We thought it was time to change the notion that makgeolli is cheap and gives the worst hangovers," Koh said. "As our society develops and the economy grows, I think people are now more willing to spend their money on something meaningful rather than cost-effective."



After months of trial and error, even delaying their scheduled product launch, they finally came up with the quality that would set their product apart from previous commercial makgeolli brands.



Along with its quality, the co-founders took several approaches to break the long-established notions of makgeolli and win the hearts of drinkers with a product that cost almost double the market price of previous brands.





The Pyomoon Makgeolli bottling process / Courtesy of Hangang Brewery
An official from South Korea's Ministry of Unification makes a call to his North Korean counterpart at the Seoul branch of the joint inter-Korean liaison office, Tuesday, after the two Koreas restored their lines of communication. Courtesy of Ministry of Unification



Cheong Wa Dae denies reports on inter-Korean summit plan



By Nam Hyun-woo



The restoration of communication hotlines between South and North Korea, Tuesday, has led Seoul and Washington to express optimism about a potential reconciliatory mood on the Korean Peninsula.



However, experts said, the government here should not get too excited over the resumption of inter-Korean calls, noting that the North may only be reaching out to address its economic difficulties, food supplies and COVID-19 vaccinations, rather than for candid talks on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula



"I think we have to view this as a positive sign for inter-Korean relations  but not to get too excited about any sort of breakthrough just yet," Harry Kazianis, senior director at the Center for the National Interest, told The Korea Times via email.



"It is possible this could be a play by North Korea to see what aid it can get from Seoul such as food aid, vaccines or personal protective equipment. However, as always, North Korea will want these things with little supervision of where they go and what they do with them."



Kazianis's comment came a day after Cheong Wa Dae and the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) announced that the two sides had restored communication lines, Tuesday, also revealing that South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had exchanged personal letters numerous times since April.



The restoration came 13 months after Pyongyang cut them off, June 9 last year, in retaliation over Seoul-based activist groups' campaign of flying anti-Kim regime leaflets across the border. The regime also blew up a building housing the joint liaison office in Gaeseong in the North.



Upon announcing the news, presidential officials said the restoration would play "a positive role in improving inter-Korean relations, as well as progressing the U.S.-North Korea talks and negotiations on the Korean Peninsula's denuclearization."



Though Cheong Wa Dae did not go further than expressing hopes for improved inter-Korean relations, Reuters reported Wednesday that officials were in talks to reopen the demolished joint liaison office and hold a summit between Moon and Kim, citing unnamed South Korean government sources. South Korea's presidential spokesperson Park Kyung-mee denied the report.



The ruling bloc also hailed the restoration of communications. Democratic Party of Korea Chairman Song Young-gil wrote on Facebook that "it was a rain shower on a dessert," while presidential contenders of the party also expressed their high hopes on proper talks between two Koreas.



The U.S. also welcomed the restoration.



"We certainly believe that this is a positive step," said Jalina Porter, principal deputy spokeswoman of the U.S. Department of State. "I'll also say that diplomacy and dialogue are essential to achieving complete denuclearization and establishing permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula."





President Moon Jae-in speaks as North Korea leader Kim Jong-un watches on during their meeting at the border village of Panmunjeom in the Demilitarized Zone, South Korea, April 27, 2018. Joint Press Corps
Unification Minister Lee In-young / Yonhap



South Korea has conveyed a proposal to North Korea, through a recently restored liaison hotline, to discuss ways to set up a virtual conference system for inter-Korean talks, Unification Minister Lee In-young said Friday.



The proposal was made Thursday via the hotline restored Tuesday after nearly 14 months of suspension, and the North received a document containing the South's offer, he said.



"Yesterday, we proposed discussing the issue of setting up the system for virtual talks through our liaison office and the North has received a document of our proposal," Lee told reporters during a press conference in Seoul.



"We hope North Korea will respond positively to our proposal so that we can set up a virtual conference system at an early date," he said.



Lee said the government will try to complete setting up the system for virtual talks or "safe in-person talks" as soon as possible to move the stalled talks forward amid the global coronavirus pandemic.






A bridge linking North Korea with China over Aprok River / Korea Times file



North Korea's economy is estimated to contract 4.5 percent on-year in 2020, marking the worst contraction since 1997, as Pyongyang closed its borders over the COVID-19 pandemic, South Korea's central bank said Friday.



The North's economy, which has been hit by tightened U.N. sanctions over its nuclear and missile programs, expanded 0.4 percent in 2019, but shrank 4.1 percent in 2018 and 3.5 percent in 2017, the Bank of Korea (BOK) said in a report.



Last year, North Korea suffered its biggest economic contraction since 1997, when the North's economy shrank 6.5 percent amid a "arduous march," a term used by the North that describes hardships of its people during the famine in the 1990s.



The North's economic contraction last year was led by "intense U.N. sanctions, deteriorating weather conditions and border lockdowns over the COVID-19 pandemic," a BOK official told reporters.






gettyimagesbank



By Park Ji-won



The Korean Catholic Church has come under fire for allegations of crimes committed by its clergymen recently, facing criticism for its poor handling of the case.



Local broadcaster MBC reported last week that a priest, who is also the head of the Catholic Church-run SOS Children's Villages Korea, a non-government organization providing care for those children without family care, will be suspended from duty from Aug. 6 after it made public that he was recently investigated by the police in Daegu as a suspect in a sexual harassment case involving two female staff members of the organization in 2018.



The facility was founded in Daegu in 1965, and later expanded its operations to Seoul and Suncheon in South Jeolla Province. Until the mid-1980s, the facility was run to support Korean War orphans but later expanded its scope to all children in need of parental care.



The priest is suspected of touching two staff members in 2018 during a company dinner. The priest reportedly touched one employee's waist and thigh and the other employee on an unspecified body part while saying, "I love women," to the latter.



One of the victims reported the incident to the facility, but the priest reportedly denied the allegation. The woman ended up quitting her job after failing to become a full-time employee there.



The Catholic Archdiocese of Daegu confirmed what is said in the report of MBC and said it will take further steps after the police investigation.



Criticism has arisen against the Church for this incident and another recent crime by a priest.



On July 7, another priest was fined 3 million won ($2,620) for verbally and physically assaulting a police officer in a karaoke bar. He did so after being denied entry, as he had tried to bring a hostess into the premises. In response, the Catholic Archdiocese of Daegu suspended the priest from duty.



A group of 34 civic organizations in Daegu raised the possibility in a joint statement that the Catholic Archdiocese of Daegu may have neglected its duty to properly handle the cases and urged the church and the police to ensure that justice is served.



"Based on the attitude of the Catholic Archdiocese of Daegu, the strict atmosphere of the facility, it is hard to believe that the archdiocese did not know what happened about the priest allegedly sexually harassing staff  There should be no safe haven for such crimes. We urge the police to carry out a thorough investigation."


Defense Minister Suh Wook held phone talks with his U.S. counterpart Lloyd Austin on Friday and reaffirmed their commitment to a strong alliance and a firm combined defense posture, the defense ministry said.



The two ministers discussed bilateral defense issues and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula, "reaffirmed an ironclad South Korea-U.S. alliance and stressed the importance of close cooperation between the two countries," according to the ministry.





South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook, left, and his U.S. counterpart, Lloyd Austin in this file photo. Yonhap
Spanish Ambassador to Korea Juan Ignacio Morro speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at the Embassy of Spain in central Seoul, July 21. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk



Cervantes Institute coming to Seoul in near future



By Kwon Mee-yoo



One of the tasks of an ambassador is organizing high-level visits between one's home country and place of sojourn, so a state visit would be a highlight.



Spanish Ambassador to Korea Juan Ignacio Morro worked in the preparation of two state visits during his term: King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain visited Korea in October 2019 and Korean President Moon Jae-in and First Lady Kim Jung-sook made a return visit in June.



Morro, who played a key role in bridging the two countries through the state visits, shared why Korea is an important partner of Spain during an interview with The Korea Times at the Embassy of Spain in Seoul, July 21.



"The relations between Korea and Spain are very solid, but they are not intense enough for countries that now are in position No. 10 for Korea and No. 14 for Spain, in terms of gross domestic product (GDP). We are rich countries with high GDPs and have similar numbers in GDP per capita too. But the balance of trade and investment is not enough, so we want to be ambitious," the envoy said.



Ambassador Morro was assigned to Korea between 1994 and 1997 and witnessed then-King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia's state visit to Korea in 1996 and knows the importance of state visits well.



"That's why the King and Queen of Spain came here in October 2019. Then (President Moon) was planning to visit Spain in May last year, but it was postponed because of the virus. Fortunately we made it in June this year, which is the second time in history that a Korean president to go to Spain, after President Roh's visit in 2007," he said.



"Our relations are very good, but we have to increase the size of our exchanges. And for this purpose, the visits have been very helpful," he said.



"Spain is a parliamentarian monarchy, so Moon met both King Felipe VI, our head of state, and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, the president of the government, during his visit.



"We organized a full-fledged state visit and it was the first organized by Spain during the pandemic. President Moon, as head of state, was welcomed by our King and talked about relations and friendship between both countries," he said. "But when going into political relations, it's up to the government. That's why we had a working-level meeting between both delegations after a personal meeting between President Moon Jae-in and the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. So both meetings were essential."



Since state visits have a specific format, President Moon had a tight schedule during his three-day trip to Spain.



"Moon paid visits to the Royal Palace and the Prime Minister's Palace, went to the Senate to deliver a speech and went to Madrid City Hall to receive the golden key. He also participated in economic gatherings and a formal dinner. Then he had the opportunity to go to Barcelona to take part in an economic event. You have to organize all these in two days," the ambassador said.



"It's always challenging to organize the timetable. There is formality and protocol, but you have the content: what are we going to talk about and which agreement to sign. The agenda of the President has to accommodate the situation in Spain, so you have to deal with a lot of things in detail. We organized both visits together with the Korean Embassy in Madrid, which did a great job."



As a result of the state visit, Spain and Korea agreed to elevate their level of bilateral relations.



"In the political field, we raised the level of our relationship to a strategic partnership. And also we agreed on a political declaration, in which we set up the views we share in the international agenda in political, economic, social and cultural fields. This political declarations are made between friends who share their views in important areas," he explained.



Apart from the political declaration, Spain and Korea signed five documents: two agreements about cooperation on public health and customs and three memoranda of understanding (MOU) on promoting small- and medium-sized companies and startups, Industry 4.0 (industries involved in the fourth industrialization revolution) and clean energy.





President Moon Jae-in speaks during an official dinner with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, left, and Spain's King Felipe VI, right, at the Royal Palace in Madrid, June 15. EPA-Yonhap



Spain interested in Korean EV battery plant



President Moon attended the Cercle d'Economia, an annual business forum, in Barcelona, delivering a speech highlighting the ties between the two countries.



"The state visit took place in Madrid, the capital of Spain. But the King also invited President Moon to accompany him to Barcelona and attend this economic forum and President Moon Jae-in welcomed the idea.



"President Moon is the head of Korea, a leading country in technology. We want to have investments and share projects with Korea in this field, so we thought it would also be a great idea for the Barcelona business circle to enjoy the presence of the Korean president. At the same time, it was good for the Korean side to see Barcelona, as a place for investments and tourism. So I think it was a good initiative for both sides and it went very well," the ambassador elaborated.



Spain, the second-largest automobile manufacturer in Europe, announced in June that it would invest 4.3 billion euros in the production of electric vehicles and batteries.



"The COVID-19 recovery fund will be earmarked to fight the crisis's impact and reform the economy in a similar way to Korea, because we are talking about digitalization, the green economy and social issues as we are also paying attention to the social cost of the crisis," Morro said.



"We have to invest in productive and modern industries. Electric cars and electric batteries are one of the industries of the future. Spain is a country that produces near 3 million cars every year and we have to adapt to future standards and challenges. We want to invite countries that are strong in these fields, for instance, the Republic of Korea. Spain is very competitive, in terms of facilities, support from the administration and the skill of labor force. So we are a good option to invest in and we hope that Korea and others will recognize it."



Morro said that Spain could offer a lot in the field of electric cars and batteries.



"For a long time, Korea's relations have been very much concentrated on its neighbors, but now Korea is trying to diversify its markets and exchanges," he said.



"Korea is a great producer of cars, electric batteries, semiconductors and many other high technology items. Europe undoubtedly is a great market, and Korean companies have already invested in many European countries and want to invest more, because the results have been very productive."



Korean companies want to invest in countries in which the car industry is already strong, so an electric battery plant in Spain would be a good option for both, said Morro.



"If you want to sell electric batteries, it might be a good idea to do it to a country with a strong car industry. This is only one of the arguments supporting the Spanish proposal," he said.



"We have had two state visits in less than two years despite COVID-19 and both were a success. They show the interest from two economies of very similar size. Korea is very attractive to Spain and Spain to Korea. The visits have been instrumental and we plan to carry out these plans for more concrete results. This is going to be a point of inflection our relations."





The Sagrada Familia Cathedral, a Roman Catholic minor basilica designed by Antoni Gaudi (18521926), undergoing construction in Barcelona, Spain / gettyimagesbank
A bus carrying members of the Cheonghae unit leaves an air base in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, July 20, for medical facilities. The 301-strong unit on an anti-piracy mission in waters off East Africa was flown home after 247 members tested positive for COVID-19. Korea Times photo by Wang Tae-seok



A total of 261 out of 272 service members who contracted COVID-19 while on anti-piracy missions in waters off Africa have fully recovered and are expected to reunite with their families as early as this week, the defense ministry said Thursday.



All members of the 301-strong Cheonghae unit were airlifted home last week, cutting short their peacekeeping missions in Africa, after 247 service members tested positive for the new coronavirus. Fresh tests found 25 more cases, raising the total caseload to 272 as of Thursday.



Of the total, 261 individuals are scheduled to be released from medical facilities around Saturday, as doctors have judged that they are fully recovered and there are no concerns that they may transmit the virus to others, according to the ministry.



"The sailors will be in quarantine either at their homes or bases for about a week as a prevention step in accordance with health authorities' guidance," a ministry official said.



Eleven other sailors who tested positive still had symptoms and needed further treatment, he added.



Twenty-nine members who tested negative have been in isolation at a Navy facility, and they will undergo another round of virus tests Monday to exit quarantine the following day, according to the defense ministry.



"No Cheonghae unit members are in critical condition as of now. We will fully support them to help them stay healthy and return to mission," the ministry said in a release.



All of the Cheonghae unit members are expected to receive COVID-19 vaccine shots next month, officials said. None of them have been vaccinated, as they left South Korea in February, weeks before the country began the vaccination campaign.



The military has come under fire for poor initial responses to the outbreak and the failure to thoroughly implement antivirus measures for service members on overseas missions. The ministry is conducting an audit into the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Navy and other related agencies to figure out what caused the worst-ever cluster infection in the military. (Yonhap)


The Seoul High Court / Korea Times file



By Jung Da-min



An appellate court overturned a lower court ruling that handed a one-year jail term to a man who had tried to enter a woman's house, holding a weapon and ringing the doorbell, because he "did not actively try to break into the house by turning the doorknob."



The Seoul High Court acquitted the man, 23, of the attempted breaking and entering charge on Thursday. According to the court, the man tried to break into the home of a woman living upstairs in his apartment building in Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, at around 12:20 a.m. on Aug. 31 of last year. He rang the doorbell and knocked on the door, holding a weapon.



He was detained at the scene as she called the police.



The man, who was found to have schizophrenia, had told police that he had tried to get inside the woman's home and sexually assault her.



A local court had found him guilty and sentenced him to a jail term, saying that his act had impaired the woman's safety and caused her considerable fear and mental pain. But the local court had found the man guilty of attempted breaking and entering rather than actual breaking and entering, because the door was not opened and the man did not enter the woman's residence.



But the appeals court did not find the man guilty of attempted breaking and entering at all, saying that he had only rung the bell and knocked on the door, without making any further attempt to enter the woman's house, such as turning the doorknob or trying to enter the password of the digital door lock.



"If he had attempted to open the door forcibly, it would have been an actual threat and he would have been found guilty. But he only rang the bell and knocked on the door. He was detained while standing in front of her door, so we don't believe that he started the action to break into the house," the high court said in the ruling.


A man removes a phrase on a wall painting outside of a bookstore in Jongno, central Seoul, Friday, after controversy erupted over images and defamatory phrases depicting rumors surrounding the wife of opposition presidential contender Yoon Seok-youl. Yonhap



By Kim Rahn



Criticism has mounted from both the liberal ruling and conservative opposition blocs over a mural defaming the wife of opposition presidential contender Yoon Seok-youl.



Politicians from all sides unanimously called for a halt to the spreading of groundless rumors and the ridiculing of presidential hopefuls and their family members.



The controversy arose from a wall painting on a secondhand bookstore in Jongno, central Seoul, which depicted rumors surrounding Yoon's wife, Kim Keon-hee, that she had been a bar hostess using the nickname "Julie," and had lived with several high-profile men before marrying Yoon in 2012.



The painting showed the face of a woman with a phrase reading, "Julie's dream! The dream of becoming the first lady!" as well as a list of seven people under the title, "Julie's men," who were rumored to have had relationships with her before her marriage to Yoon.



Regarding the rumors, Yoon said earlier, "My wife does not like drinking and whooping it up."



Kim herself told a local media outlet that she was a workaholic, taking courses to obtain higher academic degrees, while running her own business, leaving no time to work as "Julie," even if she wanted to.



The mural was painted about two weeks ago upon the request of the bookstore's owner, surnamed Yeo, who said it was a satire and constituted freedom of expression, as guaranteed by the Constitution. Regarding the row over defaming Kim, the owner told Yonhap News Agency, Thursday, "Kim herself says she is not Julie. So who did the painting defame?"









Yeo said that he would remove the painting if the seven men admit their relationships with Julie, because then it would constitute defamation.





Members of conservative civic groups stage a rally in front of a bookstore in Jongno, central Seoul, Thursday, to protest against a wall painting that depicted rumors surrounding the wife of opposition presidential contender Yoon Seok-youl, ridiculing her. They parked a truck in front of the painting to cover it up. Yonhap
Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, left, and former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon pose before appearing a TV debate hosted by broadcaster MBN in central Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap



By Nam Hyun-woo



The ruling Democratic Party of Korea's (DPK) primary to pick its presidential candidate is being tainted with excessive criticism and mudslinging between the leading contenders, despite the party leadership's efforts to pursue unity.



Political watchers warn that the escalating mudslinging could lead centrist voters to turn their back on the ruling party.



Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, who is leading the pack among the DPK contenders, wrote on Facebook, Friday, that former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon, the No. 2 among the ruling party hopefuls, "shouldn't be lying" about how many campaign pledges he had kept while serving as South Jeolla Province governor from 2014 to 2017.



"Lee said he kept 20 out of 21 campaign pledges he made to become South Jeolla Province governor during yesterday's TV debate, but there were no grounds for this claim," the governor wrote. "According to 2016 Korea Manifesto Center data, he made 76 promises and kept 20, or 26.3 percent. The data show that the overall evaluation on his fulfillment of campaign pledges was the lowest in Korea."



The posting came even though six DPK contenders, including the two Lees, met Wednesday and promised to "be one team" and "respect each other for fair and just competition." The event was organized to prevent the contenders' rivalry from turning into smear campaigning, as the two Lees have staged a fierce battle over suspicions raised against them and past behavior.



The former prime minister denounced Governor Lee's recent remark made during an interview with the JoongAng Ilbo newspaper that "the Baekje Kingdom never unified the Korean Peninsula during the 5,000 years of Korean history."



The Baekje Kingdom existed from B.C. 18 to 660 A.D. in the southwestern part of the Korean Peninsula, which is now home to Gwangju, and South and North Jeolla Provinces  often colloquially called the Honam region. The area is widely thought of as the home turf of the liberal DPK, and former Prime Minister Lee was born in Yeonggwang County, South Jeolla Province, spending his teenage years in Gwangju.



Former Prime Minister Lee's camp said Governor Lee was instigating regionalism, adding, "He was trying to say a candidate from the Honam region cannot become president."



Though Governor Lee's camp said he meant to note that a victory by Lee Nak-yon would be historical, the latter replied that it was an inappropriate remark "hurting the people of the Honam region."



Before exchanging salvos over the ancient kingdom, the two Lees grappled over the attempted impeachment of the late former President Roh Moo-hyun, with Governor Lee claiming that his adversary cast a ballot in favor of this. President Roh led the Millennium Democratic Party, a predecessor of the DPK.





Presidential contenders of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea take an oath swearing to engage in fair competition in the party's presidential primary during an event on Yeouido, Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap
Former prosecutor general Yoon Seok-youl, left, poses with Rep. Kwon Young-se, external affairs committee head of the conservative main opposition People Power Party, after submitting his entry to the party at its headquarters on Yeouido, Seoul, Friday. Yonhap



People Power Party primary to hit stride upon Yoon's entry



By Nam Hyun-woo



Former prosecutor general Yoon Seok-youl, a leading opposition presidential hopeful, joined the conservative main opposition People Power Party (PPP), Friday, intensifying the heated competition between him and the existing PPP contenders.



Yoon submitted his official application to the party during a meeting with Rep. Kwon Young-se, head of the conservative party's external affairs committee, at its headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul. He joined the party around four months after quitting the top prosecutor position after butting heads repeatedly with the Moon Jae-in administration.



"I have been thinking about this for a long time," Yoon told reporters. "To change the country's leadership, I believe it is necessary to join the conservative main opposition party and start with a fair competition during the primary."



"I believe that the PPP should play a pivotal role in the leadership change. I have been saying for a while that if I run for the presidency, I will have to be a PPP candidate," Yoon continued. "I also thought that my uncertainties over joining the PPP could harm the party."



Although Yoon was named to the top prosecutor position by Moon, he has long been considered as an opposition presidential candidate, as he resigned from the post and announced his presidential bid after locking horns with the liberal ruling bloc over prosecutorial reforms and the investigation into former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, who was also a close aide to the president.









Although Yoon resigned from the post in March and announced his presidential bid in June, criticizing the Moon government's fairness, he had remained ambiguous about whether and when he would indeed join the PPP, in an apparent bid to expand his influence to centrists. This ambiguous stance, however, also triggered doubts over his political identity among PPP members.



During this period, tensions had risen between Yoon and PPP Chairman Lee Jun-seok, who pressured him to make a choice about his party affiliation, repeatedly saying that the PPP's primary will begin on Aug. 30 with or without Yoon.



Against this backdrop, Yoon submitted his entry to the PPP when Lee was out of office for an event in South Jeolla Province, triggering suspicions that tensions remain between the two, even though Yoon explained that "there is no special reason."





Former prosecutor general Yoon Seok-youl answers reporters' questions at the headquarters of the conservative main opposition People Power Party in Seoul, Friday, after joining the party. Yonhap




To delve deeper into the evolving digital sex crime cases in Korea and across Asia, The Korea Times has been collaborating with four media organizations  the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong, Tempo in Indonesia, and the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism and ABS-CBN in the Philippines  on a special investigation into this issue over the last seven months.



After releasing the first joint project on May 29th, although some partners are still working on more stories that will be published over the next couple of months, the Asian reporting team got together for a group video call to talk about difficulties they faced during the investigation, behind-the-scene stories and why they collectively agree that the continuation of collaborative reporting among Asian countries is important.




People queue in line to get a coronavirus test at a makeshift testing site in Seoul, July 16, while holding umbrellas to avoid the heat. AP-Yonhap



By David A. Tizzard




By Richard Pennington





Having visited former President Park Chung-hee's birthplace in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province and the Park Chung-hee Presidential Library and Museum in Seoul twice, and having read Lee Chong-sik's biography of him along with a mountain of other material, I would like to proffer my views on this man  the most significant figure in modern Korean history. He is loved by some and loathed by others, but forgotten by none.



Park staged a military coup in 1961 and installed himself as the country's de facto ruler, taking over from a government that had long been in disarray. Octogenarian Syngman Rhee, president since 1948, seemed to have no vision and no plan, and even if he did he could not get things done. His successor, Yun Bo-seon, was hamstrung by political infighting, and thus Park  "a short man but whose visage indicated 'I mean business'"  took control.



President John Kennedy reluctantly acknowledged Park's new regime, but many Americans wondered why nearly a decade after the conclusion of the Korean War the Republic of Korea (ROK) government was being run by a military dictator. He instituted a curfew that lasted 26 years, for crying out loud.



Park jailed numerous people without trial, used torture freely and dismissed the National Assembly whenever it was insufficiently docile. He abused the electoral system without shame; in the 1971 presidential election, he devoted 10 percent of the national budget to ensure that he remained in office.



Just as that is not a complete list of his sins, what follows is a mere summary of the good he did. Park hired some foreign-trained economic specialists and listened to them. In the mid-1960s, to the amazement of just about the entire world, South Korea's economy began to boom. He employed loans and other forms of assistance from Europe and the United States, and money paid by Japan to atone for its brutal 36-year colonial reign to build the country's infrastructure.



It was not just Seoul and Busan (and Gumi) that flourished; he instituted the Saemaeul Movement wherein dozens of rural villages experienced growth and a far better quality of life. Korea became self-sufficient in terms of rice, the armed forces were strengthened, and areas that had been denuded after the Korean War were seeded with trees. A nation that previously could not provide for itself soon did that and more, becoming a major exporter. (Admittedly though, Park had little concern for free trade.)



One of the best examples of Park's abilities and can-do attitude pertains to the Gyeongbu Expressway, the highway running between Seoul and Busan. He came up with the idea after visiting West Germany in 1964 and driving on the autobahn. When Park first proposed the highway, many people  quietly  scoffed. This could not be done, it would be too expensive, and nobody would use it since Korea had so few cars. It would almost certainly be a boondoggle.



Park ignored them, drew up plans, and work commenced. He was essentially the self-appointed foreman of the project, with 24-hour-a-day crews. It was completed in just over two years, and what do you think happened? The highway, well used from the start, was an economic engine and tangible evidence that Korea was up to the task.



The military had been involved, as had the chaebol, and valuable experience was gained in building not just roads but bridges and tunnels. Other large-scale civil engineering projects were boldly undertaken. Korean firms began to contend for and sign multi-billion-dollar contracts with foreign countries.



In the same way, few thought Korea could become a steelmaker, but Park said, "Stand back, non-believers" and started POSCO in Pohang. It is today the fourth-biggest steelmaker in the world. Korea is a leader in shipbuilding, car production, chemicals and other heavy industries primarily because of Park. It must also be mentioned that Park was an honest man.



Sure, there were scandals and corruption was not eliminated. If anything, a culture of corruption grew over the course of his regime. But Park himself lived simply and would not entertain any thought of luxury. Men who tried to bribe him got nice, long prison sentences.



Park, who often lamented that Syngman Rhee stayed too long (12 years) did him one better by hunkering down at the Blue House for 18 years. Rhee had wrongly considered himself indispensable, and yet Park did the very same thing. An attempt on his life in 1974 failed but did to kill his wife, Yuk Young-su.



It was done while he was giving a nationally broadcast speech on Independence Day; incredibly, he finished his speech before going to check on his wife. Park's time came in 1979 when an inside man, his hand-picked director of the intelligence agency, shot him to death during a boozy dinner banquet. Thirty-four years later, Park Geun-hye was elected to the nation's highest office primarily on the basis of being his daughter.





Richard Pennington (raput76@gmail.com), a native of Texas in the U.S., works as an editor at a law firm in southern Seoul. He is the author of 23 nonfiction books. The most recent is "Travels of an American-Korean, 2014-2020," published by JisikGonggam. The views expressed in the above article are the author's own and do not reflect the editorial direction of The Korea Times.


Steps needed to cope with rapidly aging society



It is no longer a news that the country is rapidly being ushered into a super-aging society; but it is still appalling to confirm the fact via recent statistics. The national census conducted and released by Statistics Korea, Thursday, featured, among others, a sharp rise in the number of elderly people aged 65 or older that reached 8.21 million in 2020, up 460,000 from the previous year.



This is the first time the number of senior citizens broke the 8 million mark. Their portion of the total population also rose from 15.5 percent to 16.4 percent, which shows the pace of aging has been speeding up. In contrast, the number of children and adolescents, aged between zero to 14, stood at 6.18 million, accounting for only 12.3 percent of the population.



Against this backdrop, the ratio of senior citizens to every 100 young person aged 14 or younger surged to 132.9, from 2019's 122.7. The working-age population, or people aged 15 to 64, amounted to 35.8 million in 2020, compared to 35.9 million a year earlier. The nation's birthrate  the average number of children a woman chooses to bear in her lifetime  fell to record low of 0.84 in 2020, the third consecutive year that the rate dropped below 1 percent.



An aging population is an inevitable phenomenon in a country where the birthrate continues to drop with the relatively higher average life expectancy. The Korea Economic Research Institute (KERI) forecast the nation's working population will drastically decline by 48.1 percent by 2060, which means one worker will have to care for 0.98 elderly people.



Even Deputy Prime Minister and Economy and Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said on Facebook in June 23 that the "nation will face an agequake" due to the demographic cliff starting from 2030 should there be no special measures to prevent it. He cited the need for the nation to prepare for the possible agequake and prevent any shock due to the rapid aging by increasing the number of working population, among others, while improving work quality.



In detail, he underlined the importance of enhancing the birthrate, inducing more women into the labor market, increasing employment for elderly people and actively utilizing foreign nationals. As Hong put it, we expect the government will come up with proper measures to cope with the possible demographic challenges soon.



The Moon Jae-in administration has largely failed to take proper steps to tackle the aging problem despite the ever growing serious situation. Though it has been pouring a huge amount of money into resolving the low birthrate, it has yet to pay attention to the aging problem. For instance, the issue of raising the retirement age to 65 has been stalled, compared to Japan which has been discussing "retirement at 70."



The aging population is the most pressing problem facing the country in its bid to ensure a sustainable society in the future. Korea will likely enter into a super-aged society in 2025 with the portion of people aged more than 65 surpassing 20 percent. Time is running out.


By Donald Kirk





The U.S., North Korea and China were still at war, rhetorically speaking, on the 68th anniversary earlier this week of the signing of the armistice that formally ended the Korean War. The North Koreans declared the armistice a victory after the Americans and South Koreans and contingents from 16 other countries had fought to a stalemate.



Few Americans are aware the United Nations Command remains at the apex of an alliance in which Americans and South Koreans, under the Combined Forces Command, are committed to defense of the South. Fewer still know that the Korean War, technically, remains unfinished. That is, the armistice never morphed into a peace treaty.



That's just as well, since treaties are often signed to be dishonored if not broken. The Versailles Peace Treaty ending World War I never made it to its 20th anniversary before Europe was in the throes of World War II. The post-war history of South Korea has been one of miraculous economic recovery and evolution toward democracy while the North has plunged into economic distress made worse by one of the world's most repressive dictatorships. Under the circumstances, calls for a peace treaty seem irrelevant.



Not so ridiculous, however, would be a simple end-of-war declaration. What would be wrong with North and South Korea, also the U.S., signing a paper saying we're no longer fighting? Maybe South and North Korean officers can talk about it over that cross-border hotline that reopened Tuesday on the armistice anniversary, 14 months after the North had shut it down in a show of anger over propaganda leaflets flown from the South by defectors from the North.



While South Korea stopped the leaflet drops, an end-of-war declaration would not be so simple. For one thing, North Korea does not appear too interested. The North insists the U.S. and South Korea not only end sanctions but also forget about the alliance under which the U.S. still keeps 28,500 troops in the South. The U.N. Command would fade into history, and South Korea's armed forces would be on their own against a nuclear-armed power that still has more than half its 1.2 million combat troops within 50 kilometers of the demilitarized zone and several thousand artillery pieces within range of Seoul and Incheon.



Then there's another huge snag. North Korea and the U.S. were not the only signatories to the armistice, which South Korea's President Rhee Syngman spurned as perpetuating the division of the Korean Peninsula. The other signatory was China, whose "volunteers" "rescued" North Korea from U.S. and South Korean forces. The Chinese might not be averse to an end-of-war declaration, even a peace treaty, but they have problems to clear up first with the Americans.



These were evident when U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met her opposite number, China's Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng, in Tianjin after dropping by Seoul to make sure she and the South Koreans were on the same wavelength. She said the right things in Seoul about looking for talks with the North Koreans but did not fare so well with the Chinese.



China's support for North Korea, from the Korean War onward, was hardly an issue at Tianjin. China wanted it known that its problems with the U.S. go far beyond the Korean Peninsula. Outraged by the relatively hard line of President Joe Biden toward China, the Chinese put out a statement accusing the Americans of "demonizing China," making China an evil enemy as a scapegoat for America's "own structural problems."



At least Sherman, Xie and Foreign Minister Wang Yi were not reported to have shouted and snarled. There was no repetition of the angry exchange when Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met Wang and elder statesman Yang Jiechi, a former ambassador to Washington, in Anchorage in March. Sherman ran through sensitive stuff that could not have made the Chinese happy, including genocide of the Uyghur population, theft of technology, cybersecurity, threats against Taiwan and takeover of the South China Sea. North Korea, if it was on the agenda, was almost an after-thought.



Neither the Chinese nor the Americans, however, will be forgetting North Korea. As the U.S. and South Korea decide how seriously to stage joint military exercises next month, China will be watching carefully. There can be no end-of-war declaration while the Americans and Chinese remain dangerously at odds and the North Koreans refuse to give up their nukes and missiles amid a pandemic they stoutly deny has killed anyone.





Donald Kirk, www.donaldkirk.com, writes from Seoul as well as Washington.


The officers and crew of the U.S.S. Monocacy in 1871 / Courtesy of Thomas Duvernay



By Robert Neff



Unsurprisingly, you have probably never heard of Bowline Tom, Bassilio, Fore Brace, Jib Sheet and Main Tack; they were the names given to five young shipwrecked Korean fishermen who were rescued by the American warship Colorado as it sailed to Nagasaki in May 1871. These fishermen  the youngest was only 19 and the oldest was 22  were among the earliest Korean witnesses of the preparations leading up to Sinmiyangyo  the brief conflict between the United States and Korea in June 1871.



The American fleet arrived off the coast of Jemulpo (modern-day Incheon) on May 23 and began conducting surveys. On May 31, a Korean delegation was entertained aboard the American flagship in which the Americans tried to reassure their imposed-upon hosts that they came in peace and only wanted to survey the surrounding coastal areas. The Korean delegation gave no response which the Americans mistook as approval. According to professor Thomas Duvernay, "This was probably the first cultural misunderstanding between the United States and the Korean governments, and also the most crucial to early relations."



Duvernay, in his book "Sinmiyangyo: The 1871 conflict between the United States and Korea," meticulously examines and describes the conflict. The battles have been described before by various other authors using the same sources (diplomatic reports, newspapers and magazines) but Duvernay did much more than just scour archives for material  he actually went out and walked the battlefields. Using copies of the Felice Beato photographs of 1871 and his own photographs taken over the last two decades, he illustrates the battle sites and narrates the events. Adding to this is information he has gleaned from the descendants of some of the conflict's participants including Eo Jae-yeon (the Korean commanding general) and Lieutenant Hugh McKee.





Korean casualties during the conflict. / F. Beato image 1871, courtesy of Thomas Duvernay



The book is packed full of information and each time I reread it I discover something new. There are chapters devoted to describing the weapons (Korean and American) and ships used during the conflict. Other chapters describe life aboard the warships  it might surprise you to know that a surprisingly large number of the crew were not Americans including a 12-year-old Korean boy. There is a brief chapter describing Korean soldiers and their leaders and there is page after page of biographies of the chief participants. Part of the book is dedicated to explaining his own field research and his successful efforts to have Korean items taken during the conflict returned to the peninsula.



I was especially amused by the section dealing with discipline aboard the warships. Some of the serious offenses  such as lying to an officer, absence without leave (AWOL), gambling and fighting  were rightfully punished severely with reduction of rank, solitary confinement, leg irons and, of course, bread and water. Some of the lesser infractions and their punishments were: quarreling (confinement for one to 10 days); misbehaving at divine services (solitary confinement with bread and water, or reduction of rank, or extra duty); hanging or washing hammocks and clothes in the wrong area (extra duty); making loud noises could earn you a confinement of a day to 10 days but spitting on deck only earned you extra duty  from what I have read in other sources, spitting on deck was usually punished with humiliation and filth (having to carry full spittoons around your neck and later wash them.





American sailors and marines on a Korean fortification / F. Beato image 1871, courtesy of Thomas Duvernay



One marine, John Coleman, was charged with drunkenness on duty, resistance to lawful authority and disrespect in language and deportment to his superior officer. At his court martial he was found not guilty of the first offense but guilty of the other two and was sentenced to confinement on board ship for six months in double irons, with bread and water every alternate week and the loss of four months' pay ($52). Fortunately for Coleman, he was recommended for a medal of honor for his acts during the conflict and his punishment was waived.



Not all of the acts of the sailors and marines deserved praise.





A Korean merchant and his large pot / Robert Neff Collection The "bite" bullet discovered by Thomas Duvernay on Ganghwa Island / Courtesy of Thomas Duvernay

While passing through a Korean farmyard, one sailor smashed an onggi (large clay pot) with the butt of his rifle. It was a malicious act and caused great pain to the farmer who, "with tears in his eyes, he bent to the ground, picked up a piece of the broken jar and kissed it." According to noncommissioned officer Albion V. Wadhams who witnessed the scene, "It was touching. The hardest heart in the party was softened."



This, however, was not the worst act Wadhams was acquainted with. When an artillery unit passed by a farmhouse, a Korean boy was discovered. The officer in charge made the decision to have the boy detained under guard  "lest he should furnish information to his people"  until the rear-ward officer could decide whether to release or keep him as a prisoner. "The order was merely verbal and not too definite" and was given to each succeeding commander as they passed the farmhouse. Wadhams was horrified to later discover that a sailor, left behind as the guard, grew impatient with the delay and "wantonly shot the poor boy" so that he could rejoin his unit.



I was kind of surprised that Duvernay did not include the story about the cotton armor in his book. Almost two decades ago, I recall we were talking about the accounts of the Korean soldiers fleeing from the American marines and sailors by casting themselves into the river. Duvernay was told by some of the villagers on Ganghwa Island that the Korean soldiers were not fleeing the Americans but rather the flames  their cotton armor had caught fire from the American soldiers' lead. When asked about it recently, Duvernay replied, "I won't completely discount it but even then I was a bit incredulous about it."



In his preface, Duvernay wrote:



"Another item I heard about was a fan. Villagers on Ganghwa Island, where the fighting in 1871 took place, told me about it. They said it was signed by the Korean defenders [as part of a death pact]. Indeed, there was a folding fan in the exhibit, and it was signed, but not by the defenders as the villagers had mentioned, but by many of the US participants. In later years, I would still hear the same thing about the fan but whenever I showed people the photos I took of it, they always had a look of discouragement."



In an email correspondence with me, Duvernay added, "I think it was a way for villagers to cope with what they might have considered cowardice."





The fan signed by the American sailors and marines at the U.S. Naval Academy / Courtesy of Thomas Duvernay



The villagers and some present-day Koreans may view it that way but the Americans involved in the conflict did not. Rear Admiral John Rodgers wrote:



"The fighting inside the fort was desperate. The resolution of the Coreans was unyielding; they apparently expected no quarter, and probably would have given none. They fought to the death, and only when the last man fell did the conflict cease."





The Korean sword that Thomas Duvernay helped return to Korea / Courtesy of Thomas Duvernay The cover of Thomas Duvernay's "Sinmiyangyo: The 1871 conflict between the United States and Korea" published in 2021 / Courtesy of Thomas Duvernay

Even the American press seemed impressed with the Korean defenders' resolve. On Aug. 23, 1871, The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote:



"[Our] men had pushed the Coreans down to the lower entrenchment overlooking the river, and out to the precipitous point of the peninsula, where many of them were shot fighting to the last rather than surrender; while some threw themselves into the river. This obstinacy sometimes irritated the Americans apparently to the verge of savagery. The commanding general [Bak Chi-seong] ran down to the lower fort and being pursued rushed into the river and there cut his own throat."



It's amazing to see the amount of physical material Duvernay has collected, including a "bite" or "pain" bullet which he believes may have been used by a Korean soldier wounded by a canister shot. According to his theory, the soldier was told to bite down on the bullet as one of his limbs was being amputated hastily on the battlefield by an American medic.



The only real complaints I have about the book are: there are not enough maps in English and I think it would be great to have the Korean narrative of the events. Duvernay has assured me that his friend Eo Jae-seon (great-great-grandson of General Eo Jae-yeon) is working on a book giving the Korean perspective of the conflict but even he is struggling to find material.



As for the many items related to the conflict that Duvernay has collected over the years, it is his intention for them to all eventually go into the museum that Eo Jae-seon is establishing. "I don't consider them to be mine," Duvernay explained. "I am just their current caretaker."



When asked why he wrote the book, he replied:



"While the 1871 battle between the United States and Korea was not a major event in either country's history, it was still an important event when it comes to looking at the history of relations between the two countries. People from both countries can see the changes in the relationship from 150 years ago to the present. Also, to us today, it might seem like an insignificant event in the grand scheme of things, but to the three Americans and the probably more than 300 Koreans who died in battle with each other in June 1871, it was their entire world ending in service to their countries. The sacrifices on both sides touched me deeply; they should never be forgotten."





Thomas Duvernay and the sujagi (general's flag) that he helped return to Korea / Courtesy of Thomas Duvernay
A market in Daegu circa 1900 / Courtesy of Diane Nars Collection



By Robert Neff



On the evening of Dec. 18, 1892, Father Jozeau, accompanied by his teacher and a servant, were passing "quietly" through the streets of Gimcheon. This month had been unusually cold and the three were trying to get to the home of a Korean Catholic as quick as possible.



The cold was not the only thing they were worried about. The people of this region tended to be intolerant to new ideas  especially foreigners and their religious beliefs. Despite the fading light, they were soon noticed by a crowd of men who recognized Jozeau as a foreigner. It is not clear but this day may have been one of the market days which would account for the large number of men in the city at the time. The market experience was often made more enjoyable with several cups of alcohol which may have contributed to their hostility.



They jeered at the small group and began yelling threats that they would stone the foreigner to death. Jozeau, however, ignored them and continued to walk quietly, intent on reaching their intended sanctuary.





A Chinese sketch of the battle for Asan on July 27-28, 1894 / Robert Neff Collection



According to one account, the crowd grew larger and the jeers and taunts became even louder and more threatening and it soon became evident to the French missionary and his companions that they were in a dire situation.



Just as they crossed the bridge near the market, they were suddenly attacked by a rowdy crowd of 500, although this seems like somewhat of an exaggeration.



According to one account:



"They [the crowd] threw themselves upon Jozeau, knocked him down, and kicked him to and fro. Ten times he managed to get to his feet, and was thrown down again; and after the mob had torn out his beard, they beat him unmercifully, and then tried to bury him alive in the sand."



Fortunately, as the sun was setting and the weather was growing cold, the crowd eventually dispersed, leaving Jozeau and his companions for dead. They were able to make their way to a Korean Catholic's home where their injuries were treated. For several days it was feared Jozeau might succumb to his beating but the 26-year-old Frenchman managed to regain his strength. His teacher nearly shared his fate as all of his hair had been "torn out by the roots, one arm was rendered useless and he was seriously ill-treated."





A sketch of Chinese soldiers robbing and killing Korean farmers in 1894/5 / Robert Neff Collection



Soon, word of the unprovoked attack reached Seoul. The enraged French representative to Korea, Hippolyte Frandin, demanded reparations and called for the punishment of those involved. The Korean government acquiesced and the three principal culprits were condemned to exile and proclamations were posted in the marketplace warning would-be agitators of their fate if such an incident should happen again.





Jean-Moyses Jozeau's grave in Seoul in 2021 / Robert Neff Collection
By Kim Bo-eun





One Store's logo / Courtesy of One Store



Developments are ongoing at the National Assembly to pass a bill that will ban Google from requiring media content app developers on Play Store to pay a 30 percent fee for using its payment system. The bill intends to protect local app developers from being forced to pay hefty fees to by the monopolizing app market operator.



Google has exempted the fee and also enabled local app developers to use their own payment systems here so far. But its 30-percent fee for payments made with its own system is a global initiative that has been introduced in many countries.



In Korea, Google decided to push back the introduction of the fee to April next year, due to opposition from app developers and lawmakers.



It is unclear whether the bill banning Google's move will be able to be passed. If it fails to go into effect, Google will be able to collect 30 percent fee from app developers for using its payment system.



In this case, the local app market One Store is expected to benefit, given its fee rate is 20 percent. App developers may choose to migrate to One Store, and this would result in One Store obtaining greater market share.





Google Play Store logo / Korea Times file
A U.S. vehicle importer, a South Korea builder and a consortium led by a South Korean electric bus maker submitted letters of intent to acquire SsangYong Motor Co., they said Friday. Yonhap



A U.S. vehicle importer, a South Korea builder and a consortium led by a South Korean electric bus maker submitted letters of intent to acquire SsangYong Motor Co., they said Friday.



U.S.-based Cardinal One Motors, SM Group and Edison Motors Co. joined the race to acquire the financially troubled carmaker to expand their business portfolios.



U.S. businessman Duke Hale, chief of Cardinal One Motors, founded HAAH Automotive Holdings Inc. seven years ago to import vehicles from China for U.S. sales and tried to acquire SsangYong through the business entity.



But HAAH recently filed for bankruptcy due to rising U.S.-China tensions and the former HAAH chairman said he set up Cardinal One Motors to push ahead with the plan to acquire SsangYong.



"All the assets we bring to SsangYong, particularly our depth of auto experience, can help in the rehabilitation in Korea and expand sales through North America to (attain) SsangYong's highest achievement in its history," Hale told Yonhap News Agency via email.



The number of direct SsangYong jobs and indirect jobs should grow since our plan will more than double SsangYong's volume in three years, he said.



Edison Motors has formed a consortium with the Keystone private equity fund and two other financial investors to join an upcoming auction to take over SsangYong, the company said in a statement.



The company said another homegrown equity fund, the Korea Corporate Governance Improvement, may participate in the consortium.






A man carries bottled water across a flooded street, July 23, following heavy rain that flooded and claimed the lives of at least 33 people in the city of Zhengzhou, in China's Henan Province earlier in the week. AFP-Yonhap





The fear was still visible in the eyes of Zhao Runtao, as he recalled how close a dam just outside Zhengzhou came to collapsing during last week's disastrous floods in Henan Province.



Zhao, the party secretary responsible for the 61-year-old Changzhuang Reservoir, said the surging waters breached the warning level within the space of a few hours, prompting an emergency discharge of water.



"It was a matter of luck that [the reservoir] didn't collapse, as the situation with the dam was very dangerous at that time," he said, contemplating a situation that would have proved catastrophic for the provincial capital, a city of more than 10 million people.



He said the heavy flooding had also disrupted phone and internet services in the area, forcing officials at the dam to rely on walkie-talkies to communicate.



The floods in Henan killed at least 73 people and exposed a series of problems with the aging dams and flood defenses in the province, where many residents and officials are not experienced in dealing with sudden downpours.



Zhao said he had never expected such heavy rain  more than 200mm (8 inches) fell over Zhengzhou in the space of an hour  in his area.



Zhou Xuewen, head of the National Flood Control and Drought Relief Command Headquarters, said this week that many people in areas such as Henan were not used to dealing with floods and related emergencies.



"[Our] cadres and the public lack experience in dealing with floods because heavy downpours are rare in parts of northern China," Zhou told a press conference in Beijing. "Moreover, [water infrastructure] projects in these areas are less robust, with many vulnerable reservoirs and embankments."



Floods happen in China every year, especially during the summer months and along major rivers such as the Yangtze and in coastal provinces.



These floods usually happen after prolonged rain and are concentrated in river basins, giving local authorities and residents time to shore up their flood defenses and prepare evacuation plans.



But the flash floods in Zhengzhou last week were both sudden and unprecedented. About 670mm of rain  roughly a year's worth  was recorded Tuesday last week.



The sudden deluge heightened concerns about the vulnerability of some of China's reservoirs.



Changzhuang was one of the two reservoirs in the Zhengzhou area that was at risk during last week's flooding.



According to officials, about 13,000 or just over 13 per cent, of the country's 98,000 reservoirs need safety checks and repairs.





A child squats next to a flooded road in the aftermath of the heaviest recorded rainfall in Zhengzhou in central China's Henan Province, Saturday. Rescuers used bulldozers and rubber boats to move residents out of flooded neighborhoods in central China after torrential rains killed at least 56 people. AP-Yonhap


Description

Processes and initiates various financial transactions for Company customers and assists branch office management in new business through referrals and meets established sales referral and promotional sales goals. Enhances Company image through pro-active customer-driven servicing of their needs in support of the goal of exceeding customer expectations. The successful candidate for this role will initially join HSBC, and then is expected to join Citizens Bank in a comparable role as part of a transfer of business in late 2021 or early 2022. Please discuss this with the hiring manager if you have any questions. Impact on the Business Meet established sales referral and promotional sales goals

Accept and process deposits, payments, checks for cashing and other transactions according to established procedures and performance standards.

Ready workstation at start of shift; strike and balance cash and transactions at end of shift.

Live and represent the brand; exemplify the five brand attributes of being perceptive, progressive, responsive, respectful and fair, both internally and externally. Customers / Stakeholders Enhance Company image through pro-active customer-driven servicing of their needs in support of the goal of exceeding customer expectations; initiate referral of new business through customer contact and use of customer relationship management system. Operational Effectiveness & Control Adhere to branch cash control and security requirements in control of cash and negotiable items.

Adhere to established customer interaction standards for every transaction.

Maintain current knowledge of Company products and services and applicable Federal regulations, including Bank Secrecy and Know Your Customer principles. Adhere strictly to compliance and operational risk controls in accordance with Company and regulatory standards, policies and practices; report control weaknesses, compliance breaches and operational loss events.

To implement the Group compliance policy locally by containing compliance risk in liaison with the Head of Group Compliance, Global Business Compliance Officer, Area Compliance Officer or Local Compliance Officer, ensuring adequate compliance resources and training, fostering a compliance culture and optimizing relations with regulators.

Complete other responsibilities, as assigned. Management of Risk Ensure compliance, operational risk controls in accordance with HSBC or regulatory standards and policies; and optimize relations with regulators by addressing any issues.

Physical Demands/Work Environment: Very good working conditions. Little or no physical demands. Minimal handling of light materials. The physical demands/work environment described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties. Observation of Internal Controls Maintains HSBC internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators.



Qualifications

Employment eligibility to work with HSBC in the U.S. is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions Minimum of one year's proven customer service and/or sales experience or equivalent, including cash handling experience.

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent experience.

Demonstrated interpersonal, communication and analytical skills.

Proficiency with personal computers as well as pertinent mainframe systems and software packages.

Positive customer service attributes.

Demonstrated proficiency with sales referrals and product knowledge.

MANDARIN LANGUAGE PREFERRED All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.






POSITION DESCRIPTION: Under general supervision, the PEC program manager partners with educators, families and communities to provide effective learning environments within the Linn County area. Helps ensure success for all learners. Develops, implements and maintains a community-based system for parent education delivery for parents with children less than six years of age residing and/or working in Linn County. Works closely with the Parent Education Consortium Advisory Team and builds ongoing relationships and partnerships with others community partners to support an effective system. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: This position is grant funded from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. Continued employment is dependent on grant funding for the next fiscal year. This is a 1 FTE hourly position. QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Bachelors Degree required in early childhood education, child development, social work or other field related to parent education.

2. Two years of experience working with parents of preschool age children.

3. Experience demonstrating strong organizational and communication skills with ability to market the Parent Education Consortium.

4. Supervisory and previous program coordination experience desired.

5. Must pass criminal background checks and comply with all policies of the Linn County Personnel Handbook as well as the ISU Extension employee policies.

6. Must hold a valid drivers license. RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Supports the education of parents and caregivers with a child zero to five throughout Linn County to expand parent education opportunities.

2. Serves as liaison among ISU Extension and Outreach Linn County (ISUEO), families and community and collaborates with various teams.

3. Models, implements and assesses research based or best practice strategies related to parent education and will become a educational resource within the community.

4. Follows policies, procedures, standards in accordance with national and state laws, ISUEO.

5. Provides leadership and implements day-to-day operations of PEC activities

6. Supervises the PEC Program Coordinator, PEC Facilitators, and PEC Childcare.

7. Provides oversight, planning and coordination of parent education classes and resource materials and helps the community understand the importance of parent education.

8. Develops cooperative working relationships in the community.

9. Performs other duties as necessary (see addendum for additional details)

10. Facilitates two parent education classes within the fiscal year. (In person or virtual)

11. Adhere to standards laid out by the Iowa Family Support Credential. SUPERVISOR: ISU Extension and Outreach Linn County Director In accordance with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Child Protection and Safety Policy, the successful candidate will be subject to background screening conducted through First Advantage. This position is subject to the terms and conditions of the Linn County Agricultural Extension District Personnel Policies and Procedures. SALARY:

Hourly commensurate with education and experience; Wage Range $20-22/hr EEO-AA Employer

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/diversity/ext.

Benefits:

Optional Health and Dental with partial insurance premium; paid vacation and sick time, IPERS; 9 paid holidays, Mileage on the job is reimbursed.

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Position Announcement Legal Secretary/Assistant





Who We Are

We work to keep people out of prison and to stop state executions by adhering to our offices

mission and core valuescompassion, courage, competency, creativity, and collaborationwhen

representing clients. Our clients are indigent defendants charged with federal crimes ranging from

drug offenses to whitecollar conspiracies and clients who have been sentenced to death. We

practice holistic defense lawyering to protect our clients rights and champion their humanity at

every stage of the criminal case and beyond. Federal Defender Services of Eastern Tennessee

seeks to attract and retain a high performing and diverse workforce to serve our clients. We foster

an inclusive work environment that promotes commitment, flexibility, and fairness.

The Job

We need a full-time experienced legal secretary/assistant (includes receptionist responsibilities) in

the Knoxville Federal Defender Services office.

Duties

The legal assistant provides secretarial and clerical support to the offices attorneys, maintains

client files, maintains the office main calendar and attorney calendar of deadlines/due dates,

schedules meetings and legal calls between attorneys and clients, receives and routes incoming

and outgoing mail, performs receptionist duties, orders office supplies, files pleadings

electronically, prepares general correspondence, receives and routes discovery, and other duties as

assigned.

Requirements

This position demands attention to detail, excellent word processing skills (Microsoft Word),

telephone and filing abilities, well developed communication and organizational skills, as well as

an interest in working with indigent clients and the public. The ability to exercise good judgment,

act with diplomacy, and maintain confidentiality is a must. An affinity for teamwork is essential.

Salary and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Submit Application

Submit application, which must include a resume, cover letter, and THREE REFERENCES by

August 13, 2021, to FDSET, 800 S. Gay Street, Suite 2400, Knoxville, Tennessee 37929 or by

emailing your information to Sandy_Waggoner@fd.org. NO telephone calls, please. Women and

minorities are encouraged to apply.

FDSET IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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Assistant Director - Cambridge Center General Description: The Assistant Director reports to the Director and is responsible for staff functions in the Directors absence. Responsible for serving as an on-site academic advisor and works closely with the Director to ensure services and programs fit student needs. The successful candidate will be creative and a champion for student support and retention. Essential Job Duties: Responsible for the Centers daily staff functions in the Directors absence. The successful candidate will be cross-trained on main office business functions, including application, registration and payment processing.

Act as the academic and career advisor for Cambridge Center students. Assist students in career and pathway planning in degree programs, certificate programs, and adult basic education. Refer students to appropriate program directors and work closely with colleagues across the College to ensure student success.

Work with both Cambridge and Wye Mills faculty and staff as necessary to promote underserved and general student population retention and to assist students with individual goal attainment.

Work closely with the Director, serving as the onsite Student Conduct Administrator for the Cambridge Center, ensuring student conduct meets Chesapeake College standards and that applicable policies are enforced.

Attend meetings as necessary on Wye Mills campus.

Other duties as assigned. Qualifications: Bachelors Degree required. Masters degree preferred. At least two years of supervisory experience required. Experience in educational systems or in an educational environment with direct student services preferred. The successful candidate will be a proven self-starter, work well within a team, show an ability to think strategically to complete daily and ongoing tasks, and be able to constructively communicate with the director to fulfill the Chesapeake College mission. Physical Requirements: Most of the job is sedentary, however, occasional periods of light work may be required;

Lifting up to approximately 35 lbs. occasionally.

The worker may be exposed to primarily to inside office conditions.

Visual acuity appropriate for an administrative position,

Hearing,

Fingering,

Grasping,

Pushing, pulling, lifting, reaching occasionally,

Climbing stairs occasionally,

Walking, frequently,

Fast-paced, busy, and frequent high stress conditions.

Valid Drivers License.

Occasional travel may be required (<25% of the time.) Deadline Date: 08/16/2021 Required Documents: Cover Letter, Resume/CV Chesapeake College is an equal opportunity employer who values the power of diversity and the strength it brings to the workplace.



Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.







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WHAT WE OFFER

General Salary Increase (GSI): A GSI of 2.00% effective December 26, 2021.

A GSI of 2.00% effective December 26, 2021. Educational Incentive Possible eligibility for an educational incentive of 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5%, based on completion of an Associate's, Bachelor's, or graduate degree.

Possible eligibility for an educational incentive of 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5%, based on completion of an Associate's, Bachelor's, or graduate degree. Pension Plan: Both you and the County contribute to the Countys Retirement Plan and to Social Security. If you are eligible, you may establish reciprocity with other public retirement systems, such as CalPERS.

Both you and the County contribute to the Countys Retirement Plan and to Social Security. If you are eligible, you may establish reciprocity with other public retirement systems, such as CalPERS. Holidays: 11 paid days per year which includes a scheduled floating holiday.

11 paid days per year which includes a scheduled floating holiday. Executive Annual Leave: Accrues at a rate of 248 hours per year, increasing to 288 hours after 5 years of service, to 328 hours after 10 years of service, and to 368 hours after 15 years of service. *Credit for prior public service may be considered (Management Resolution, 616A)

Accrues at a rate of 248 hours per year, increasing to 288 hours after 5 years of service, to 328 hours after 10 years of service, and to 368 hours after 15 years of service. *Credit for prior public service may be considered (Management Resolution, 616A) Annual Leave Redemption : The ability to cash in or redeem up to 100 hours of Annual Leave per year after using 80 hours of annual leave within the previous 12 months (Management Resolution, 1205).

: The ability to cash in or redeem up to 100 hours of Annual Leave per year after using 80 hours of annual leave within the previous 12 months (Management Resolution, 1205). Health Plans : Medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your dependents. A flexible credit allowance of up to $16,692 annually. This will increase to $19,612 for the 2022 plan year effective December 12, 2021.

: Medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your dependents. A flexible credit allowance of up to $16,692 annually. This will increase to $19,612 for the 2022 plan year effective December 12, 2021. Flexible Spending Accounts: Increase your spending power by reimbursement with pre-taxed dollars for IRS-approved dependent care and health care expenses.

Increase your spending power by reimbursement with pre-taxed dollars for IRS-approved dependent care and health care expenses. Deferred Compensation: Eligible to participate in the Countys 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3% match on 401(k) contributions.

Eligible to participate in the Countys 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3% match on 401(k) contributions. Other Benefits include : Car Allowance, Professional Memberships, Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Benefit Reimbursement Program, and a Wellness Program. THE COUNTY

Ventura County is located on Californias Gold Coast, approximately 35 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 20 miles southeast of Santa Barbara. Residents enjoy rolling hills and sweeping ocean views in a nearly perfect Mediterranean climate. The beauty and weather combined with a wonderful quality of life are among the many reasons our residents choose to call Ventura County home.



Ventura County is a general law county, governed by a five-member, elected-by-district Board of Supervisors. The Supervisors appoint a County Executive Officer (CEO) to oversee the County budget, day-to-day operations, and to advise, assist, and act as an agent for the Board of Supervisors in all matters under the Boards jurisdiction. It focuses on serving its residents by promoting engagement, strategy, execution and accountability to include diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to ensure that all employees are treated with respect and without discrimination, and to improve culturally appropriate outcomes for community members.



THE DEPARTMENT

The Harbor Department operates Channel Islands Harbor, the "Gateway to the Channel Islands," as a recreational and business facility. The Harbor consists of approximately 310 acres of land and water, is owned in fee, and operated by the County of Ventura. The majority of the Harbor consists of businesses who have been granted long-term ground leases by the Board of Supervisors. The Department oversees over 20 master leases with private sector businesses, as well as Harbor Patrol, a County fuel dock, small boat and commercial fishing marinas, public launch ramp, and several public parks and docks. The Harbor operates 24-hours a day, 7-days a week and has a number of significant Capital projects underway including the Hyatt House hotel, Revetment Recondition (Peninsula, Bahia), Harbor Visioning process, Kiddie Beach Surge & Retaining Wall Replacements, Peninsula Park and Kiddie Beach facilities upgrades.



Visit the Channel Islands Harbor website at http://www.ventura.org/harbor .



THE POSITION

The Harbor Director (classification: Director Harbor) reports to the County Executive Officer and oversees the Harbor Department which generates over $9 million annually from all revenue sources with the largest source from harbor leases.

In addition to the harbor's general operation, the Director's key responsibilities are to collaborate with business partners to create a robust harbor economy, work with the residents and community to enhance the harbor's recreational value, and champion enrichment projects to create a vibrant and flourishing harbor environment. Key activities involved with support of these goals include public outreach, policy formation, business development, and lease administration. The ideal candidate will be a leader with previous experience collaborating with a wide variety of stakeholders, including community members, business partners, Board of Supervisors, community groups, municipalities, coastal commission, County Executive Office, etc.; leading teams in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment to achieve specific goals, both operational and strategic; making public presentations to stakeholders, the public, advisory boards, and public officials; some experience in real estate management and land development; managing harbor and/or marine facilities that generate revenue by providing public services including visioning and strategic development; and significant experience with community engagement and communication with residents on development of the harbor to meet the needs of residents, visitors, businesses and the community.



The Director Harbor is an "at-will" classification and is exempt from the "Civil Service." Examples Of Duties Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

Serves as the point of contact for County's Lessees, California Coastal Commission, City of Oxnard, State of California, Channel Islands Beach Community Service District, among others, as well as the general public for the purpose of property management, lease negotiation, plan/activities approval and lease provision enforcement.

Works with other Federal, State, County and City governmental agencies and special districts including, but not limited to, the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, California Department of Fish and Game, California Department of Boating and Waterways, California Department of Motor Vehicles and the Oxnard Port District to coordinate contractual or mandated services and continuity of delivery of public services to County harbor and beaches and adjacent areas.

Hires and manages harbor patrol, maintenance, lifeguard, and office personnel in the delivery of emergency response, safety, security, law enforcement, property operation and maintenance fee collection and interpretation.

Oversees development and administers department budgets.

Oversees development and evaluates operations and maintenance programs and objectives for program areas.

Oversees the Harbor-leasing program which involves conducting lease negotiations and ensuring compliance with lease terms and conditions.

Works with State, County and City boards and commissions including, but not limited to, Fish and Game Commission, Coastal Commission, and the Coastal Conservancy.

Develops and implements policies, procedures and public relations programs for the Harbor/Beach areas.

Pursues and administers grants and loans for construction, repairs, rehabilitation and maintenance of facilities on public owned land and water areas such as the launch ramps, small boat marina, commercial fishing marinas, commercial wharf, cranes, patrol boats, jetties and general infrastructure.

Negotiates and oversees cooperative agreements with the County Fire Department and City of Oxnard.

Coordinates and issues Special Activity Permits for Harbor/Beach special events/programs.

Prepares/directs the preparation of records, correspondence and reports.

May perform other work assigned by the County Executive Officer and/or the Board of Supervisors. Typical Qualifications EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills and abilities.



The required knowledge, skills and abilities may also be obtained by completion of a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, business/finance, real estate management, urban planning, or other related field with seven (7) years or more of increasingly responsible facilities and operations management, and/or administrative experience in a similar field, including progressively responsible supervision of personnel.



NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Significant community engagement and public outreach experience.

2. Possession of and the ability to maintain a valid California driver license.

3. Experience related to:

California land use law;

Budget preparation and administration;

Operations generating revenue. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES



Thorough knowledge of California land use laws, ordinances, rules and regulations pertaining to contractual and direct management of properties developed and utilized for commercial, recreational, residential and governmental purposes relative to public harbor and beach operation.



Comprehensive knowledge of budget preparation and administration.



Working ability to plan and direct the operations of all aspects of Harbor/Beach operation; administer personnel functions including full scope supervision. Recruitment Process To APPLY for this exceptional career opportunity, please submit an online application at www.ventura.org/jobs and attach your current resume and a cover letter illustrating your experience with all of the following:



Managing harbor and/or marine facilities that generate revenue by providing public services.

Community engagement and public outreach.

Collaborating and communicating with a wide variety of stakeholders and community members.

Leading teams in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment to achieve specific goals, both operational and strategic.

Making public presentations to community groups, residents, the public, advisory boards, and public officials.

Managing real estate and negotiating leases. First review of resumes is anticipated to be the week of July 26, 2021 , to determine if the stated requirements are met. All relevant work experience, training, and education need to be included in order to determine eligibility. Review will be on a weekly basis thereafter.



Following an evaluation of the resumes, the most qualified candidates will be invited to panel interviews. The top candidates, as determined by the panel, will then be invited to second/final interviews. The interviews may be consolidated into one process or expanded into multiple interviews contingent upon the size and quality of the candidate pool.



Background Investigation

The selected candidate may be subjected to a thorough background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information, credit history, and driving record. In addition, the successful candidate may be subjected to Live Scan fingerprinting.



For further information about this recruitment, please contact Sabrina Anderson by email at: Sabrina.Anderson@ventura.org or by telephone at (805) 654-2462.

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POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Paralegal - Capital Habeas Unit

The Middle District of Alabama Federal Defender Program, Inc., in Montgomery, Alabama, is accepting applications for a possible opening for a full-time positions of Paralegal. This position is designed to assist organization attorneys and other staff in providing representation in federal court to persons under state-imposed sentences of death. This organization is a non-profit corporation providing legal representation to indigent persons in federal criminal cases and on criminal matters in federal court.

The candidate for this position must have three or more years experience in criminal case work or information gathering; excellent writing skills; computer proficiency; ability to communicate and work well with others; demonstrated interest in criminal justice, post-conviction, and capital defense; commitment to obtaining justice for indigent persons; and ability to perform each of the tasks associated with this position.

This office provides excellent benefits. To apply, send a letter describing your interest in the position and a resume to: Christine A. Freeman, Executive Director, Office of the Federal Defender for the Middle District of Alabama, 817 S. Court Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104. Do not telephone regarding the position.

Hiring is dependent on the appropriation of funding and consultation with the funding provider. This program is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified people, regardless of age, gender, race, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion or disability.

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Fairfield , NJ flavor company looking for an experienced, articulate, well organized person to join our Customer Service Team.

Good phone skills and computer literacy required.

Navision / Excel /Word a plus.

College graduate.

Minimum 5 years experience.

Bilingual preferred.

Starting salary 60K and up for the right person.

Benefits include: 401K, Health & Dental.

Click APPLY NOW to submit your resume to be considered today!!

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The Childress County Sheriff's Office has an opening for Deputy Sheriff.

If you want to work for a law enforcement agency in a community that still openly supports, its law enforcement officers then Childress is the place to be. This is also a great place to raise a family and continue your career.

You must be a Texas certified peace officer; annual base pay is $48,600. We offer a lot of great benefits. For more information contact the Sheriff's office at 940-937-2535, send us a Facebook message on our page at https://www.facebook.com/Childress-County-Sheriffs-Office-107269177578968 or click apply to submit resume.

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Description

The Dallas ISD Board of Trustees on Jan. 28 adopted three calendars for the next two school years, with the majority of schools set to have a traditional calendar. Click the appropriate calendar below to see your campuses schedule for the 2021-2022 School Year: Base Calendar

Intersession Calendar

School Day Redesign 1

School Day Redesign 2 Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill requirements of the district's curriculum program and show written evidence of preparation as required

Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differences in student learning styles

Present subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, Board of Trustee policies, and administrative regulations

Establish efficient classroom management procedures

Establish and maintain standards of pupil behavior

Establish a system of students evaluation within the guidelines prescribed in state law or adopted by the school district

Continually evaluate and record various aspects of students' progress and report to parents as needed and required

Teach within the course of study for the subject area at the grade level as prescribed in state law or adopted by the school district

Understand and plan lessons leading to subject area objectives and assume the responsibility for written lesson plans for substitutes

Provide a variety of planned learning experiences using a variety of media and methods in order to motivate students and best utilize available time for instruction

Identify pupil needs and cooperate with other professional staff members in assessing and helping students resolve health, attitude, and learning problems

Be available for counseling with students and parents before and after school.

Share the responsibility of interpreting the educational programs to the community through such activities as open house and PTA meetings

Plan and coordinate the work of aides and other paraprofessional and student teachers (when applicable)

Participate cooperatively with the principal to develop the system by which he/she will be evaluated in conformance with the district's uniform guidelines for evaluation and assessment

Keep accurate records of student information; compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required by the school and district

Performs all other tasks and duties as assigned

Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position WORK ENVIRONMENT: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Travel throughout the district is integral to this job. A remote working environment /alternate work arrangement is not an option for campus-based employees/campus-based positions because regular and punctual attendance at the worksite and performing all duties at the worksite are essential job duties for all campus-based personnel.



Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required of this job: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university; valid Texas teacher certificate with required endorsements for subject and subject level assigned.

Demonstrated general knowledge of curriculum and instruction.

Demonstrated knowledge of various routine tasks, duties, and procedures and the ability to follow specific instructions with little or no previous experience.

Present subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, Board of Trustee policies, and administrative regulations.

Establish efficient classroom management procedures.

Demonstrated flexibility to cope with the challenges of a rapidly changing world

Demonstrated willingness to remain current with the latest developments in the profession




Salary See Position Description Location Arlington *METRO-accessible*, VA Job Type Full-Time Permanent Department Community Planning, Housing and Development Job Number 5313-22A-PHD-CW Position Information Interested in working for Arlington County's award-winning, fully accredited Inspection Services Division? We have just the opportunity for you!



The Community Planning, Housing and Development (CPHD) Department is seeking a Construction Codes Inspector (Electrical) to join their Inspection Services Division. The Division is responsible for working with Arlington County citizens and developers to build and maintain property throughout the County. The Electrical Inspector ensures that all phases of building construction are completed in conformance with codes, ordinances, and approved plans and specifications.



Electrical Inspector positions may be filled at level III, II, or I based on candidate's experience and qualifications. Once hired, the employee will receive training on materials, methodology, and code requirements for residential and commercial high-rise inspections.



Responsibilities include: Inspecting temporary electrical services, electrical panels, feeder wiring, appliances, grounding, location and installation of equipment motors, and emergency power sources;

Using personal computers and/or mobile devices to record the results and status of inspections;

Preparing and issuing notices of violation;

Assessing job site safety;

Researching and interpreting codes;

Reviewing construction plans and blueprints;

Consulting with homeowners, contractors and construction personnel regarding compliance with codes and ordinances;

Responding to emergency and after-hours inspections; and

Assessing damages.

Selection Criteria Minimum:

High School Diploma, GED or equivalent; valid driver's license; plus:



Electrical Inspector I: Three years of experience in electrical or general building construction, including construction codes inspection, enforcement or closely related field.



Electrical Inspector II: Three years of electrical or general building construction experience with one year of experience in construction codes inspection or enforcement or closely related field; PLUS, certification as a Residential Inspector and Commercial Inspector in trade specialty.



Electrical Inspector III: Three years of electrical or general building construction experience with two years' experience in construction codes inspection or enforcement or closely related field; PLUS certification as a Residential Inspector and Commercial Inspector in trade specialty; and certification as a Combination Residential Inspector.



Substitution: Apprenticeship and/or Trade School training related to specialty area may substitute for up to 1 year of general experience on a year-for-year basis.



Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with an Associate degree in related field and experience in one or more of the following: Applying and interpreting National Electrical Codes (NEC);

Inspection and enforcement of National Electrical Code (NEC);

Enforcement of Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC); and

Commercial installation/inspection of electrical systems in mid-rise and high-rise buildings.

Special Requirements The employee must obtain State certifications as a residential and commercial Building Inspector within the 12-month probationary period. Selected inspectors will receive cross training in all areas of code enforcement and may be responsible for providing technical direction in their specialty to other inspectors.

The employee must progress through the Construction Codes Inspector series to Construction Codes Inspector III within three years of hire, completing all of the required training modules and passing the required examinations to become certified as a Combination Residential Inspector and Commercial Inspector in trade specialty (Building).

A standard County background check will be made on all candidates. Additional background checks may be necessary prior to admittance to secure federal facilities.

The applicant must possess, or obtain by the time of employment, a valid driver's license, and must provide a copy of or allow Arlington County to obtain a copy of the driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.

Completion of the Commonwealth of Virginia Statement of Economic Interest form will be required of the successful candidate upon hire and annually thereafter.

Additional Information This recruitment is open until the position is filled with a preferred filing date of August 13, 2021 . Applicants submitted by this date will receive first consideration. Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a continuous basis.



Electrical Inspector positions may be filled at level I, II, or III based on candidate's experience and qualifications.



The salary range for Electrical Inspector I is $49,608.00 - $75,732.80.

The salary range for Electrical Inspector II is $57,387.20 - $87,630.40.

The salary range for Electrical Inspector III is $61,360.00 - $93,745.60.



Positions require climbing ladders and going into trenches, walking up stairways, accessing small spaces and spending several hours a day standing and /or walking. Substantial time is spent outdoors or in buildings under construction/renovation in all types of weather conditions.



Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Occasionally, inspections are scheduled outside of the normal work hours. Inspectors normally begin and end workdays in the office and are required to participate in meetings and task groups.



Please complete each section of the application. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Arlington County Government employee benefits depend on whether a position is permanent, the number of hours worked, and the number of months the position is scheduled.



Specific information on benefits and conditions of employment can be found on the Arlington County Human Resources Department website: (see application details)



Permanent, Full-Time Appointments

All jobs are permanent, full-time appointments unless otherwise stated in the announcement. The following benefits are available:



Paid Leave : Vacation leave is earned at the rate of four hours biweekly. Leave accrual increases every three years until eight hours of leave are earned biweekly for twelve or more years of service. Sick leave is earned at the rate of four hours biweekly. There are eleven paid holidays each year.



Health and Dental Insurance : Three group health insurance plans are offered - a network open access plan, a point-of-service plan, and a health maintenance organization. A group dental insurance plan is also offered. The County pays a significant portion of the premium for these plans for employees and their dependents. A discount vision plan is provided for eye care needs.



Life Insurance : A group term policy of basic life insurance is provided at no cost to employees. The benefit is one times annual salary. Additional life insurance is available with rates based on the employee's age and smoker/non-smoker status.



Retirement : The County offers three vehicles to help you prepare for retirement: a defined benefit plan, a defined contribution plan (401(a)), and a deferred compensation plan (457). The defined benefit plan provides a monthly retirement benefit based on your final average salary and years of service with the County. You contribute a portion of your salary on a pre-tax basis to this plan. General employees contribute 4% of pay; uniformed public safety employees contribute 7.5% of pay. Employees become vested in the plan at five years of service. The County also contributes to this plan.



For general employees, the County also contributes 4.2% of pay to a defined contribution plan (401(a)) . The County also matches your 457 contribution, up to $20 per pay period, in this plan. The 457 deferred compensation plan allows you to set aside money on either a pre-tax (457b) or post-tax (457 Roth) basis up to the IRS annual limit. New employees are automatically enrolled with a pre-tax contribution equal to 2% of your base pay.



Other Benefits: The County also offers health, dependent care, and parking flexible spending accounts; long-term care insurance; tuition assistance; transit and walk/bike to work subsidies; a college savings plan; wellness programs; training opportunities; and a variety of other employee benefits.



Permanent, Part-Time Appointments:

Part time employees who work ten or more hours per week receive paid leave and benefits in proportion to the number of hours worked per week.



Limited Term Appointments:

Benefits are the same as permanent appointments except that the employees do not achieve permanent status.



Temporary Regular Appointments:

Temporary regular employees who work 30 hours or more per week are eligible for health, dental, and basic life insurance as described above. They are also eligible for vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.



Temporary Seasonal and Occasional Appointments:

Temporary employees who work on a seasonal basis or variable hours receive sick leave, but do not normally receive other paid leave or benefits. Exceptions are noted in individual announcements.




Salary $68,868.80 - $105,164.80 Annually Location (Sequoia Plaza) *ART Bus Accessible*, VA Job Type Full-Time Department Department of Human Services Job Number 6331-22A-DHS-EM Closing 8/19/2021 11:59 PM Eastern Position Information Arlington County's Department of Human Services (DHS) is hiring experienced Mental Health Clinicians to serve as Emergency Services Clinicians in the Client Services Entry (CSE) Bureau of the Behavioral Healthcare Division (BHD). These employees will provide comprehensive crisis intervention and stabilization, to person with serious mental illness, dual diagnoses, and acute psychiatric and substance abuse related issues to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and lengthy emergency department stays, to de-escalate and prevent future crises. Services are offered which are trauma informed, culturally competent, strengths based and needs driven, and are responsive, adaptive and respectful.



To learn more about the Department of Human Services, please visit the DHS. .



* This position is considered "essential" and is part of a team that provides this service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.



Responsibilities may include: Provide assessments and intervention in multiple settings including home, schools, juvenile justice settings, community organizations and hospital inpatient units and emergency departments;

Develop and maintain working relationships with BHD staff and with other agencies including police, courts, schools, magistrates, fire and rescue, Virginia Hospital Center, and other agencies involved in emergency interventions;

Conduct diagnostic assessments and risk analysis, utilizing a strengths-based approach;

Develop and implement strategies for clients and for families to alleviate crisis including time limited crisis intervention, short term counseling and/or intensive care coordination;

Conduct pre-admission screening for hospitalization or other diversionary services (partial hospitalization, residential, respite, intensive community services), ensuring that services are provided in the least restrictive environment;

Ensure high quality and timely documentation in an electronic record management system by staff. The ideal candidate for ES staff is patient, calm, understanding, inquisitive, convincing, while often under pressure to complete the task under the allowed time limit. The candidate will have proven experience completing documentation in a timely manner to ensure that subsequent staff has the information necessary to follow up on cases. A desire and ability to work under uncertain conditions and unknown hours is essential for the Emergency Services Clinician.



Arlington County DHS is committed to delivering client services in an effective, equitable, respectful, and trauma-informed manner. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring our clients are approached, engaged and cared for in ways that demonstrate competency, sensitivity and awareness of factors which impact the client experience including but not limited to: cultural identity, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity, religious/spiritual ascription, physical capability, cognitive and literacy levels, sexual orientation, and linguistic needs.

Selection Criteria Minimum: A Master's degree in a clinical discipline such as Counseling, Psychiatric Social Work, Psychology, Psychiatric Nursing or other directly related clinical discipline which required a clinical practicum prior to graduation involving diagnostic and treatment services;

A minimum of two years of post-master's full-time experience providing counseling and other services, to include one year minimum working with seriously mentally ill individuals in crisis; and

A Virginia Preadmission Screening Certification is required within 60 days of hire. See link for details: (see application details) . Substitution: Directly-related higher level clinical degrees may substitute for the Master's degree education requirement and one year of experience. In the case of this substitution, qualifying work experience must have been gained after the acquisition of the directly related higher level clinical degree.



Desirables: Preference may be given to candidates with one or more of the following: Clinical license (LPC, LCSW, LCP, LMFT, LMHP) in the State of Virginia;

Providing services to individuals experiencing a behavioral health emergency;

Working with clients with co-occurring substance use disorders;

Prescreen certified; and/or

Collaborating with criminal justice partners (particularly law enforcement, correctional officers and court staff).

Special Requirements A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.



Applicant must possess, or obtain by the time of appointment, a valid motor vehicle operator's license from the applicant's place of residence or the applicant must have the ability and willingness to use alternative methods of transportation to perform assigned duties and responsibilities at locations other than the primary worksite. If the applicant possesses or acquires a license, the applicant must provide or authorize Arlington County to obtain a copy of the applicant's official state/district driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent on a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.



Must complete pre-hire federal background check and State of Virginia Central Registry check.

Additional Information Work Hours: Multiple shifts available:



Rotating shifts (Sunday - Saturday) are available in Emergency Services:



Monday - Friday from 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. or

Wednesday - Saturday from 10:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. (*See below).

Monday to Friday and possible weekends 11:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.

Floater shift (schedule varies)



*Emergency services with mobile response is considered "essential", and therefore, may be required to work beyond scheduled hours as needed.



Some vacancies may be filled as a temporary position and are eligible for vacation, sick leave, and holidays, but will not earn retirement benefits.



An online application is required. Your responses are required and give us additional specific information that we require to evaluate your qualifications for this position. These responses are considered part of the selection process. Please do not give "see resume" as a response to the questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Arlington County Government employee benefits depend on whether a position is permanent, the number of hours worked, and the number of months the position is scheduled.



Specific information on benefits and conditions of employment can be found on the Arlington County Human Resources Department website: (see application details)



Permanent, Full-Time Appointments

All jobs are permanent, full-time appointments unless otherwise stated in the announcement. The following benefits are available:



Paid Leave : Vacation leave is earned at the rate of four hours biweekly. Leave accrual increases every three years until eight hours of leave are earned biweekly for twelve or more years of service. Sick leave is earned at the rate of four hours biweekly. There are eleven paid holidays each year.



Health and Dental Insurance : Three group health insurance plans are offered - a network open access plan, a point-of-service plan, and a health maintenance organization. A group dental insurance plan is also offered. The County pays a significant portion of the premium for these plans for employees and their dependents. A discount vision plan is provided for eye care needs.



Life Insurance : A group term policy of basic life insurance is provided at no cost to employees. The benefit is one times annual salary. Additional life insurance is available with rates based on the employee's age and smoker/non-smoker status.



Retirement : The County offers three vehicles to help you prepare for retirement: a defined benefit plan, a defined contribution plan (401(a)), and a deferred compensation plan (457). The defined benefit plan provides a monthly retirement benefit based on your final average salary and years of service with the County. You contribute a portion of your salary on a pre-tax basis to this plan. General employees contribute 4% of pay; uniformed public safety employees contribute 7.5% of pay. Employees become vested in the plan at five years of service. The County also contributes to this plan.



For general employees, the County also contributes 4.2% of pay to a defined contribution plan (401(a)) . The County also matches your 457 contribution, up to $20 per pay period, in this plan. The 457 deferred compensation plan allows you to set aside money on either a pre-tax (457b) or post-tax (457 Roth) basis up to the IRS annual limit. New employees are automatically enrolled with a pre-tax contribution equal to 2% of your base pay.



Other Benefits: The County also offers health, dependent care, and parking flexible spending accounts; long-term care insurance; tuition assistance; transit and walk/bike to work subsidies; a college savings plan; wellness programs; training opportunities; and a variety of other employee benefits.



Permanent, Part-Time Appointments:

Part time employees who work ten or more hours per week receive paid leave and benefits in proportion to the number of hours worked per week.



Limited Term Appointments:

Benefits are the same as permanent appointments except that the employees do not achieve permanent status.



Temporary Regular Appointments:

Temporary regular employees who work 30 hours or more per week are eligible for health, dental, and basic life insurance as described above. They are also eligible for vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.



Temporary Seasonal and Occasional Appointments:

Temporary employees who work on a seasonal basis or variable hours receive sick leave, but do not normally receive other paid leave or benefits. Exceptions are noted in individual announcements.




Position Title Anticipated Assistant Principal Required Application Type Teacher / Admin Salary/Pay Scale Depending upon Experience, Salary Range $80,000. Job Description Provides assistance to the school principal in the evaluation and modification of the instructional programs offered by the school. Supports the management of school, human, and financial resources, building, grounds, and equipment. Establishes effective relationship with students, parents, staff, community, and district level support staff. Responsible for supporting the principal in providing a safe and secure learning environment for students and staff. Job Qualifications Must hold School Building Leader, School District Leader or its equivalent. Job Category Administration Job Location Durgee Junior High Please apply online at: https://bville.recruitfront.com/ The Baldwinsville Central School District lies about 10 miles northwest of Syracuse. The district is the third largest suburban public school system in Onondaga County, covering approximately 75 square miles and serving a little over 5,500 students in eight buildings. The district has five elementary schools (K-5), one middle school (grades 6 & 7), one junior high (grades 8 & 9), and one high school (grades 10-12).



About 900 instructional and support staff work for the district. A wide range of programs and services are offered, including Advance Placement courses, college level courses, cutting edge technology, a widely respected special education program, and numerous extracurricular activities.

Come Join our team

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I want to thank everyone whos supported me over the past 10 years, and I want to welcome everyone back to this grand building, owner Albert Abdouche said. Its been 10 years of hard work, but the people of Allentown pushed me to keep going. Now, we have the right team in place, and were going to show everyone how high we can go.
In response to the claim that We are not a racist area, I ask, then why protest so vehemently against books with nonwhite characters? Why not allow books onto the shelves that portray all American history  without pretending the ugly parts didnt happen  and allow our children to learn how to be citizens in a new generation promoting equality for all? If our community is truly against racism, then books promoting equality and seeking to disrupt racism should be sought after and welcomed.
While I am working from home now, if I had to resume commuting to an office in Allentown and was charged for miles driven, Id be paying about $5.18 cents per day. When I was commuting, I was burning about two gallons of gas a day, which cost me about $1.17 in state gas taxes.
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.
: Qiguoji (), : Military

 : NBC: 1,400 

: BBS  (Fri Jul 30 19:19:25 2021, )



https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/breakthrough-covid-cases-least-

125-000-fully-vaccinated-americans-have-n1275500



WASHINGTON  At least 125,000 fully vaccinated Americans have tested

positive for Covid and 1,400 of those have died, according to data collected

by NBC News.



The 125,682 "breakthrough" cases in 38 states found by NBC News represent

less than .08 percent of the 164.2 million-plus people who have been fully

vaccinated since January, or about one in every 1,300. The number of cases

and deaths among the vaccinated is very small compared to the number among

the unvaccinated. A former Biden adviser on Covid estimated that 98 to 99

percent of deaths are among the unvaccinated.



But the total number of breakthrough cases is likely higher than 125,683,

since nine states, including Pennsylvania and Missouri, did not provide any

information, while 11, like Covid hotspot Florida, did not provide death and

hospitalization totals. Four states gave death and hospitalization numbers,

but not the full tally of cases.



And vaccinated adults who have breakthrough cases but show no symptoms could

be missing from the data altogether, say officials.



Watch Gabe Gutierrez on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt tonight for more

on this story



Health officials continue to caution that breakthrough cases were expected,

extremely rare and not a sign of vaccine failure. For example, according to

Erin McHenry, spokesperson for the Minnesota Department of Health, "Our most

recent data shows that 99.9 percent of Minnesotans who are fully vaccinated

have not contracted the virus. Even among those very rare breakthrough

cases, we have seen very few illnesses serious enough to require

hospitalization."



Some state officials said that they could not be sure the vaccinated

individuals had died from Covid-19 or from other causes. But other states

directly attribute the cause to Covid-19: 32 deaths in Louisiana, 52 in

Washington state, 24 in Georgia, 49 in New Jersey, 169 in Illinois.



Breakthrough cases among the elderly were more likely to be serious,

according to available data. In Washington state, 27 of the 52 people who

died were known to be associated with long-term care facilities, according

to state information. In Louisiana, the median age of those with severe

outcomes was 73.



For other states that publish data like Utah, it's clear breakthrough cases

have accelerated in the past two months. In Utah on June 2, 2021, just 27 or

8 percent of the 312 new cases in the state were breakthrough cases. As of

July 26 there were 519 new cases and almost 20 percent or 94 were

breakthroughs, according to state data.

As breakthrough cases increase, is a booster shot needed?

July 29, 202102:12



In Virginia, total breakthrough cases resulting in death from Covid-19 went

from 17 in mid-July to 42 on Friday.



In Oklahoma, where cases are up by 67 percent, state officials broke down

the data to show that for residents who got Johnson & Johnson vaccine the

incidents of breakthrough were greater at 160 per 100,000 people compared to

93 per 100,000 for Moderna.

Incomplete data



NBC News contacted health agencies in 50 states and the District of Columbia

to collect information in the absence of comprehensive data from the

Centers for Disease Control on breakthrough cases.



CDC spokesperson Jasmine Reed told NBC News in an email that "state and

local health departments continue to report breakthrough cases to CDC to

identify and investigate patterns or trends among hospitalized or fatal

vaccine breakthrough cases" but the agency stopped publicly releasing that

data on May 1, saying it was focusing instead on cases resulting in

hospitalization or death.

Recommended

Health news

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Coronavirus

CDC warns that 'war has changed' with variant now infecting vaccinated

people



CDC's most recent published data says that as of July 26 there have been 6,

587 hospitalizations among fully vaccinated Americans and 1,263 deaths.

Research by NBC News indicates that the number who have been hospitalized or

died has already passed 7,300 in just the 30 states providing data.



Dr. Marcus Plescia, medical director for the Association of State and

Territorial Health Officials, says federal and state officials are still

trying to understand the breakthrough rate especially when people who take

at-home tests are under no obligation to report the results to health

departments. And he says while there are concerns that the percentage of

breakthrough cases may be higher in the elderly and immuno-compromised than

was once thought, the vaccines are still effective. "Seventy percent is

still really good, it's better than most flu vaccines," he said.



While some states track breakthrough cases meticulously, others  like

Missouri, where cases are surging  lack "quality statewide data,"

according to state officials. Other states are choosing to only release

partial data.



For example, like Florida, New York is not releasing data on breakthrough

deaths.

What you need to know about rare breakthrough Covid-19 cases

July 23, 202107:32



"We are continuing to investigate the number of fully vaccinated people who

may have been hospitalized or passed away," said Abigail Barker,

spokesperson for the New York State Department of Health.



Even among states that track cases closely, officials cautioned data is

likely incomplete. Vaccinated people who are infected but asymptomatic are

probably largely missing from statistics.



Robert Long, spokesperson for Maine Department of Health and Human Services,

said, "Those who have been fully vaccinated and have a breakthrough case

but are not symptomatic and not part of a regular testing protocol may never

be captured in these numbers."



The CDC is now changing tactics amid new information showing that fully

vaccinated people who get Covid can transmit the virus to others.



Critics of the agency like former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, said

federal officials are failing to capture the overall scope of infection of

Covid cases. Gottlieb told CNBC Friday, "I suspect probably one in 10

infections is actually getting reported."

--

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International

IS attack on funeral kills 13 in Iraq

Baghdad, Jul 31 (IANS) | Publish Date: 7/31/2021 11:42:59 AM IST

At least 13 people were killed and 45 others injured in an attack by carried out by the Islamic State (IS) terror group on a funeral and a nearby checkpoint in Iraqs Salahudin province, a police source said on Saturday.

The attack took place on Friday evening when IS militants attacked a funeral tent in the village of Albu Jily near the town of Yathrib, some 80 km north of Baghdad, the source told Xinhua.

The IS militants also attacked a nearby checkpoint in the village, al-Bazi said, adding that three policemen were among the killed.

The security forces sealed off the scene as reinforcement troops arrived in the area, he added.

A medical source from Balad Hospital told Xinhua that they received 13 bodies with bullet wounds, while 45 wounded others were admitted for treatment, some of them in critical condition.

A brief statement by the Iraqi Joint Operations Command confirmed the attack, adding that details were to be released later.

Salahudin Provincial Governor Ammar al-Jaber condemned the deadly attack in a statement, stressing the security forces will launch an investigation into the incident to bring the perpetrators to justice.

During the past months, the terror group have intensified their attacks on the Iraqi security forces in the province the militants previously controlled, leaving dozens dead and wounded.
THE Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (Zida) has to date licensed 55 local and foreign investors for their medicinal cannabis sector-based strategy, meant to promote investments into the country.

Zida is an investment agency responsible for promoting and facilitation of both local and foreign investment in the country.

It came up as an integration of three investment authorities, which were previously housed in different Government Ministries and Departments.

According to the organisations latest and first edition newsletter, Zida said they were developing a medicinal cannabis sector-based strategy and to date 55 have been licensed.

Zida is developing a medicinal cannabis sector-based strategy to promote investments into the country. To date, 55 local and foreign investors have been licensed.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and Rural Resettlement is working closely with Zida and Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) in ensuring that the quality of seeds imported meet the regulatory requirements while the Tobacco Research Board (TRB) is currently testing and propagating 15 varieties of cannabis to monitor their suitability and potency, read part of the newsletter.

Zida said through their One Stop Investment Services Centre (OSISC), they were accepting applications into this sector where investors are allowed to own 100 percent of their investments. The investment agency said the legislation allows for cultivation in greenhouses only and farming could be done on private land with an ideal security system including real time smart technology.

The security services are key in enforcement of monitoring and evaluation and investors are allowed to use private security and should meet outlined minimal standards of security. Other countries that are offering the same licence include Zambia, Rwanda, Malawi, Rwanda and Zimbabwe is offering the cheapest that is valid for five years, said Zida.

Medicinal Cannabis sector is projected to grow to $68 billion by 2027, and Zimbabwe is pressing to get a share of this market. The big players in this space include: Canopy Growth Corporation, GW Pharmaceuticals plc, Aurora Cannabis, Inc Aphria Inc, MedReleaf Corporation, Insys Therapeutics Inc, CanniMed Therapeutics, Inc., Cara

Therapeutics Inc and United Cannabis Corporation.

Zida said they were handling investments in all sectors including medicinal cannabis and the regulation of the sector was being carried out by the MCAZ under the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

Part of the newsletter read: The Minister of Health and Child Care is responsible for the administration of the Statutory Instrument 62 of 2018, which governs the sector. The Government of Zimbabwe joined the jamboree by crafting into law, the SI 62 of 2018 (Dangerous Drugs Act), which legalises cultivation and processing of cannabis for medicinal and scientific research.

Meanwhile, cannabinoids are chemicals found in cannabis. Cannabinoids are naturally occurring, biologically active chemical constituents of hemp and cannabis such as cannabidiol (CBD) and Delta 9-Tetra Hydro Cannabinol (THC).

Over the years, many people have consumed cannabis (marijuana) illegally all over the world. It was used medicinally in ancient Indian, Chinese, Egyptian and Islamic cultures. Developments in medical advancements have seen increased use of legal use of medicinal purposes. Owing to its therapeutic benefits, cannabis has been approved for medical use in numerous countries, with varying degrees of legal restrictions.

However, countries around the world are amending their regulations around cannabis, moving from prohibiting to controlling and taxing these products. Herald
MORE healthcare workers continue to succumb to Covid-19 in Zimbabwe with the latest victim being Dr Surprise Shamiso Matekere who paid the ultimate price for saving peoples lives.

Her death on Thursday is not just a reminder of Covid-19s ruthlessness but has robbed thousands of villagers in Matabeleland North and South provinces of a philanthropist

In Bulawayo many knew her as the founder of the Elite Medical Clinic situated along corner 5th Avenue and Josiah Tongogara Street but to thousands others she was the brains behind the medical mission which for years had been targeting underprivileged rural folk who could not afford specialists health care services.

Dr Matekere succumbed to Covid-19 in Bulawayo.

The Zimbabwe Medical Association president Dr Francis Chiwora confirmed her death yesterday saying it was devastating to see health care workers die while trying to save lives from the global pandemic which has killed more than 3 500 people in Zimbabwe.

She was a young and hard-working cadre who succumbed to Covid-19 and there is nothing as devastating as knowing one of you died as a result of trying to save lives. She indeed paid the ultimate price of trying to save lives and her death is nothing but a painful reminder of the havoc that this global pandemic is causing, said Dr Chiwora.

We are pained when we lose our patients to Covid and its even worse when its one of us as we continue trying our best to save our people from this global pandemic.

Thousands of villagers from Lupane, Nkanyi, and Gwanda benefited from medical outreach programmes which the late Dr Matekere facilitated with her pastor and leader of the Abundant Life Revival Mission International Church.

The programmes which were halted when Covid-19 broke out in Zimbabwe last year in March were conducted during weekends.

Dr Matekere would rope in her colleagues from the medical fraternity to go into the deep rural areas and render specialised health care services for free.

She would also work flat out during the programmes, sometimes retiring to bed at midnight just to ensure that the elderly had access to dental or optical services which were out of reach for a majority. Abundant Life Revival Mission International Church founder and pastor,

Prophet Itai Ukama said Dr Matekeres death is a huge blow to Matabeleland as a region as she was also known for attending to patients free of charge even in Bulawayo.

He said the Dr Matekere will be remembered for the sacrifices which like her name were always a surprise to grateful residents who never dreamt they would afford specialised health care services.

I had the privilege to work with her, just like her name she never ceased to surprise all of us and honestly her death is a surprise to many, we still cannot believe she is no more. She was not just an ordinary human being because she served whole heartedly without expecting riches in return like some of our health practitioners, said Prophet Ukama. Chronicle


OWNERSHIP of kwa Koefman or Koefmans Corner in the narrow gap between the old town of Harare and old Mbare hangs in the balance, some 88 years after the death of the original owner and developer Mr Samuel Koefman, with the title deeds still in the name of his deceased estate.

Now there are efforts being made, by the look of it, to grab the property, whose value has rocketed in the more than a century since it was allocated for planting vegetables next to the Mukuvisi.

The property is still registered under the estate of the Late Samuel Koefman, who died in January 1933. Normally a property moves into the ownership of the heirs, either those in the will or to family members if there is no will, within a few months and almost always within a year.

To be still floating in legal space 88 years later must make this the oldest estate in the books that has still not been finalised.

Mr Koefman, who was born in Poland and was a naturalised citizen of the US, operated his businesses in Zimbabwe, including tobacco processing. He owned property locally including kwaKoefman, and built the single storey complex on the land.

His property was a town planning anomaly for many years being acquired before the final boundaries of the original Salisbury township and its commonage were settled, and before legislation separated the European and African areas, but he had the deeds so he kept it.

While for 88 years, his estate had not been finalised, the tenants at his Angelbecks Plot 1 Ward Number 1 in Mbare, now popularly known as kwaKoefman near Matapi Police Station had been paying rentals totalling close to US$20 000 monthly.

Mr Koefmans children are long dead as well and the estate was left hanging until 2015 when it was resuscitated using a non-existent file number DR41/73.

The property, which is about 3ha, and has commercial structures being leased out to almost 100 tenants paying an average monthly rent of US$200 each.

However, it is not clear who was benefiting from the collected funds over the years considering that all the businessmans known relatives had died.

It also remains unclear whether the taxman was getting a share from the property business because receipts were being issued in the names of at least nine different companies, five of which were unregistered.

Without seeing the said 1973 deceased estate file (DR41/73) officers at the Master of High Court opened a dummy record with a new file number DR600/15 on the understanding that the 1973 file was now at the National Archives.

A check with the National Archives revealed that the cited DR 41/73 had nothing to do with Mr Samuel Koeffman.

The High Court granted an order for the appointment of Mr Edward Mark Warhaust as the executor of the estate on the basis of incorrect citation of the 1973 file.

The officer who opened the replacement file at the Master of High Courts office did so without having sight of the said 1973 file (DR41/73) relied upon in resuscitating the estate case.

The file DR 41/73 is there at the National Archives but it has nothing to do with Mr Koefmanns estate. That file number was duly issued in respect of the late Aenes May Sewell who died on June 27 in 1972.

On the basis of the non-existent 1973 file, officers at the Master of the High Courts office used photocopies to conclude the estate.

Secretary for the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) Mr Walter Chikwana said the officers were not supposed to open a new file in the case.

They are not supposed to open a new file when the original one is there. A live file, no matter how old it is, must not be archived.

You do not archive an incomplete matter or a live record. Archiving means destroying the matter after completion, he said. Mr Chikwana said if the file is at the National Archives, JSC dispatches vehicles to go and collect it whenever its needed.

Whenever a file at the archives becomes relevant, we have cars ready to pick it up, he said.

According to the newly opened file, the beneficiaries, whose existence and relation to the late Mr Koefman is not apparently clear, reportedly agreed to have the properties transferred into a company called AngelB Properties Private Limited.

A check with the Registrar of Companies revealed that the company was registered in 2016 but its file was empty and cannot even show who the directors are.

For almost four months, the Chief Registrar of Companies Ms Nyagura repeatedly told the Herald that the information was missing and she could not tell who the company owners were.

The Registrar of Companies could not even tell where the company operates from. Ms Nyagura at one point requested for time to search the documents until she gave up.

We have tried looking for the information without success. Our system shows the company was registered in 2016 but we do not have any papers related to the company. I do not know what happened, she said.

Information gathered by The Herald shows that prior to the 2015 manoeuvres over the estate, tenants at Koefman area were issued with different receipts showing the following different companies: Mercrust Investments Private Limited, Mexapower Investments Private Limited, Inhurst Private Limited, Zimtrail Investments Private Limited, Harville Investments Private Limited, Vascro Investments Private Limited, Hacksaw Investments Private Limited, Mupani Trust and Erlibank Investments Private Limited.

On behalf of the Chief Registrar of Companies, Mr M Chakanyuka wrote to The Herald saying only four of the above companies were registered.

The four companies registered on the same date in 2014 are: Inhurst Investments, Zimtrail Investments, Harville Investments and Hacksaw Investments.

Three names of people  Luke Edward Matthew Ngwerume, Francis Chivhenge and Harvey Armstrong Leared  appear on each of the four companies CR14 documents as directors.

The other five companies, according to the Registrar of Companies, are not registered and those who were benefiting from the monthly rentals are still not known.

Tenants at the Mbare property at one time complained to the estate agent, managing the properties that receipts were being issued in the names of many different companies.

Mr Koefman owned a number of other properties which have been transferred into other names. He once owned Stand 2382 Salisbury Township but it was transferred to his now late son Benjamin Koefman in 1947.

The same property, according to records at the Deeds Office, was taken over by the administrators of his estate. Stand Number 2382 Salisbury, which was once owned by Samuel Koefmann, is now a property of AIK Investments Private Limited through a deed transfer dated June 28 1954.

Stand Number 600 Salisbury, previously owned by Samuel Keofman is now being managed by the Management Committee of the Local Authorities Pension Fund through a 1989 deed transfer.

But at the Deeds Office, kwa Koefman remains the property of man dead for 88 years. Herald
Our ICU capacity is reaching a critical point where the level of risk to the entire community has significantly increased, and not just to those who are needing treatment for COVID. If we fail to come together as a community now, we jeopardize the lives of loved ones who might need critical care.
Jordan Rodriguez was on Third Ave. near E. 163rd St. in Morrisania when he got into an argument with another man at 3:15 a.m., cops said.
He also unsuccessfully sued several Bronx cops who he claimed illegally arrested him four times in 2014 and 2015. The case was thrown out in federal court when it was proven that the officers were on other assignments or off-duty the days he was arrested, according to court papers.
Sagastume-Gonzalez sped away from the scene by heading south on Madison Ave., said cops. Soon after the crash, police said they found his Toyota SUV parked in front of 200 E. 32nd St., a high-rise condo building in Kips Bay.
The fetishist will likely serve roughly just two years in custody as he will be credited for time served in county jail prior to making bond last November, according to the outlet.
July 30th at 11 p.m., Anthony was wheeled down an honor walk where he would ultimately donate his organs so others may live. Please continue to pray for his family and friends.
In investigating the crash, the sheriffs office found the semi driver, who had no previous knowledge his truck had sent the rock at the car, according to the outlet.
Back in April, NASA opted to award its $2.9 billion contract to SpaceX, rejecting a bid from Bezos Blue Origin, which partnered with Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Draper. The space agency initially intended to have at least two private-sector companies compete to build a spacecraft for the first moon landing since 1972  an initiative dubbed the Human Landing System or HLS.
He was especially influenced by his grandfather Kirvin, who was a strong medicine man, and his other grandfather Saginaw (whom he is named after), also a very spiritual man, according to his IMDb bio.
In one video of the Bodrum fire filmed from the sea, a man helping with the evacuations was stunned at the speed of the fire, saying this is unbelievable, just unbelievable. How did this fire come (here) this fast in 5 minutes? " He was not named in the video.
August is going to be a rough month because a lot of people will be displaced from their homes, said Jeffrey Hearne, director of litigation at Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. It will be at numbers we havent seen before. There are a lot of people who are protected by the moratorium.
The New York Democrat, after the Senate session began late Saturday morning, warned that he was prepared to keep legislators in Washington for however long it took to complete work on the plan expected to total nearly $1 trillion. Schumer earlier predicted the work could be completed in a matter of days, and expressed hope the effort would wrap up before the Senates August recess.
With such a high proportion of the funds going toward supportive housing  which is a type of affordable housing with on-site services and is specially designed to serve those communities who are chronically homeless  we can help address our homelessness emergency. Committing to supportive housing helps get disabled homeless individuals off the streets and gives them a place to call home with the support they need. It helps people who have experienced homelessness stay housed, as an extremely low percentage of residents in supportive housing ever return to the streets or shelter. And it will help free up resources to help those in immediate need of assistance now. These are the stakes of this debate.
Producers have earned tens of millions of dollars from Olympus, but refuse to pay Butler a penny of the grosses and profits promised to him in the parties agreement, the lawsuit reads. Butler refuses to tolerate Defendants misrepresentations and other wrongful conduct. Butler worked with Defendants to create a highly successful movie franchise. He demands his fair share.
Nobody should have to feel that kind of pressure to get something that they want, you know, she added. We should all be able to be free to do what we want to do, and that includes people who dont want to get the vaccine as well as people who do want to get the vaccine. But weve got to stop ridiculing people that do or dont want to get the vaccine.
In the email, the company said its decision was based on the latest recommendations of scientists, health officials and our own medical professionals that the COVID-19 vaccine provides the best protection against severe infection... Employees who arent already vaccinated and are working on-site will have 60 days to complete their protocols and employees still working from home will need to provide verification of vaccination prior to their return.
OCPS statement said that is what the regions largest school district will do because coronavirus cases are surging in the county just ahead of the 2021-22 school year. Teachers report to work Monday to start planning for the new school year and thousands of students and teachers are expected at meet the teacher events at the end of next week. The school year starts Aug. 10
A 2018 estimate determined the structure needed $9 million in repairs as part of a 40-year recertification required by Miami-Dade County. Disputes raged, more time went by and the price tag went up to more than $15 million in 2020, with each unit having to pay between $80,000 and $200,000. Basically another mortgage that resulted in sticker shock and more delays to repairs, the Times reported.
Congress has been working on an infrastructure package that has some climate provisions, and policymakers looking to speed up the decarbonization of our economy are on the right track. There are many ways to improve the outlook for the our climate  incentivizing reductions in carbon emissions; investing in electric vehicles and renewable energy, and building more public transit. We can also invest in natural climate solutions like forest, marsh, and seagrass restoration.
Artiles was arrested earlier this year for his role in lining up one of those candidates: Alex Rodriguez, who ran in Senate District 37. Authorities say Artiles paid Rodriguez roughly $45,000 to put his name on the ballot as an independent and helped him falsify election documents, as part of a scheme to confuse voters and siphon support from the then-Democratic incumbent  who ended up losing by 32 votes out of more than 210,000 cast. Rodriguez is also facing charges.
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan Presidential Council Friday described the completion of the opening of the coastal road as a historic moment Libyans were looking forward to, an official statement said here
A look at some of the major movers in London's small-cap sector last week

The price of ( , ) shares went down the plughole as the company, whose plant-based polymers are used in detergent products, said order fluctuations are occurring in detergent applications as brands and retailers adjust inventories.

As countries emerge from COVID-19 lockdowns, it seems no one is quite certain about consumer buying habits.

As a result, unaudited revenues in this business area for the first half of 2021 were flat compared to the first half of 2020 due to a sharp decline in monthly volumes at the end of the period.

Revenues in personal care applications in the first half of the year were down year-on-year and substantially down on the second half of last year as shipments in the last part of 2020 were sufficient to meet customer needs during the lockdowns in North America and Europe.

On top of that, like a lot of companies, Itaconix is experiencing an increase in raw material prices.

The shares lost a third of their value this week.

( ), which as the name implies specialises in recruitment, training and conferencing, was another stock to hit the skids, sliding 25% after a disappointing interim report.

Profit before tax eased to 162,000 in the first half of 2021 from 231,000 in the same period of 2020 on revenue that edged higher to 40.5mln from 39.9mln.

The impact of the pandemic on the UK Recruitment segment was mixed, the company reported. Throughout the period it provided contract workers to the infrastructure and rail sectors at slightly higher levels than in the final quarter of 2020, and general UK recruitment and smart-meter installation activities gradually picked up with promising levels of UK recruitment in June especially, RTC told investors.

The hotel and conference business, however, saw depressed levels of activity because of lockdown restrictions.

The biggest gainer this week was Bion PLC, the environmental engineering, wastewater treatment and renewable energy solutions company.

Its shares rallied at the end of the week after initially dipping following last Fridays news of a fire that occurred at a palm oil mill adjacent to the company's biogas power plant located in Malpom, Penang.

The companys power plant was not damaged but it does rely on feedstock from the palm oil mill next door, which has been put out of action by the fire.

Bions shares advanced by two-thirds to 2.5p besting the 51% rise for ( ), which was prompted by renewed enthusiasm for cryptocurrencies. For similar reasons, ( ) was wanted and racked up a 17% gain.

Shares usually get a lift when a company announces it will be selling a chunk of assets but ( ) bucked the trend by seeing its shares rise after it announced it would not be selling its maritime business as previously planned.

The decision may have been made by David Lindsay, who less than three weeks after being appointed as interim chief executive officer (CEO) was made CEO proper.

The consulting, software and technologies business said it had a number of enquiries from companies interested in buying the maritime business but none at a price attractive enough to persuade the company to sell.

( , ), which listed on AIM on 7 July, did not get off to the best of starts  which is possibly embarrassing for a maker of small motors  but after rising 23% to 142.5p this week it is comfortably above its flotation price of 120p.

Uploading a corporate presentation to the company website seems to have given the share price a lift. It must have been a hell of a presentation because they announced the upload twice on the stock market new service.

Lastly, Bidstack Group PLC, which has a technology that implants advertising discreetly into video games, jumped 20% after it announced a new partnership with T-Bull, one of the largest mobile game developers in Poland, for its free-to-play title Racing Classics PRO: Drag Race & Real Speed.

T-Bull is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange and has had its games downloaded more than 250mln times.

Bidstack said its in-game ad placements cover track-side hoardings, the start/finish line of races and flags and banners throughout a track and can enhance the realism of a game without disrupting its performance.
It was another active week in the small-cap oil and gas sector

( , , ) has signed Heads of Agreement (HOA) with Aussie group Synergen Met for a hydrogen conversion plant at Lesedi in Botswana. The company also said negotiations over a 10MW power purchase agreement with Botswana Power Corporation and securing funding for the Lesedi project have significantly advanced.

Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd said it made significant strides in the financial year just ended. The oil and gas exploration company has made progress at its high-value assets in Namibia and Guyana and is committed to achieving exploration success at the sites, according to its results statement covering the year to the end of March.

( ), a West-Africa focused natural resources investor, said non-executive chairman Peter Francis will step down for personal reasons on August 2 and that Oliver Andrews will take over the role on the same date.

i3 Energy PLC completed operations for two new wells in the Marten Hills project, Canada, which are now in production, with a clean-up process presently underway.

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) PLC told investors the proppant squeeze operation on the Ashover Grit reservoir interval in the Wressle-1 well in North Lincolnshire has been completed safely and successfully.

Zephyr Energy PLC said seven wells it has interests in at the Williston Basin project in North Dakota are now in production. The group also said it is advancing the State 16-2LN-CC well in-line with expectations, with operations in Utahs Paradox basin now progressing in the horizontal section of the well.

( , , ) updated investors on operations at Tawke PSC, in Kurdistan, where combined production from the Tawke and Peshkabir oil fields averaged 110,300 barrels of oil per day in the second quarter. The firm also said it received a batch of payments from the Kurdistan Regional Government for oil sales made in May.

( , ) agreed to sell its UK North Sea assets to Quattro Energy Limited for 3.2mln, with 2mln paid in cash up front. Chief executive Brian Larkin also highlighted exceptional operational and financial success in the first half of 2021.

( , ) updated investors on the WR-B1 well in Georgia, saying drilling operations continue on target and as planned.

( ) told investors the Saffron-2 well in Trinidad and Tobago is now on clean-up ahead of well testing.

( , ) said that joint venture firm Greenfield Energy has received the final FEED (Front-End Engineering and Design) study for production facilities for the proposed project in Utah.

( , ) said it is looking forward to sharing the final aggregate Merlin-1 well results with shareholders, once the outstanding analysis is complete.

( , , , ) told investors that production is up around 50% currently, as it filed first-quarter results.
A selection of the week's mining company stories in brief

( ) ( ) said it expects full-year underlying earnings (EBIT) to be at the top end of its US$2.2bn-US$3.2bn guidance range after a storming first half for its marketing business.

In a production report covering the first half of the year, the mining and commodities trading group said its key copper and zinc businesses produced in line with expectations but nickel and coal volumes were hampered.

( ) ( ) announced one of the largest dividend payments ever seen in London after earnings in its latest half-year more than tripled. The miner said it would pay out US$9.1bn to shareholders through a combination of an ordinary dividend of US$6.1bn (376c)and a special dividend of US$3bn (185c)

( ) ( ) said drilling results returned wide, high-grade intersections of gold mineralisation at the Nielle Concession in northern Cote d'Ivoire.

( , ) (AIM:AAU, ) announced better-than-expected gold production from the Kiziltepe mine in the first half of 2021. The mine, a joint venture, produced 7,941 ounces of gold in the first six months, exceeding the forecast by about 19%.

( , ) (AIM:CGH, ) produced just under 26,000 ounces of gold equivalent from its Kapan mine in Armenia during the six months to June 2021.

( , , , ) (AIM:GAL, TSX-V:GAL, OTC:GALKF, ) said it will imminently start an initial Phase 1 surface and underground exploration programme, comprising of 4,000 metres of diamond drilling, at the Omagh gold mine in Northern Ireland.

( ) ( ) said drilling started on July 20 as planned in the Minto North area of the Minto copper-gold-silver mine in Yukon, Canada. The exploration drilling programme will explore undeveloped parts of the licensed Minto claims

( , ) (LSE:ORR, ) said joint venture partner IAMGOLD Corporation completed its Phase 1 drilling programme at the Fare prospect, part of the Senala project in Senegal.

( ) ( ) said the latest phase of drilling at the Eclipse gold project in Western Australia delivered encouraging results and confirmed the existence of several parallel veins in addition to the main Eclipse vein.

( , , , ) (LSE:APF, TSX:APY, OTC:AGPIF, ) is optimistic about the remainder of 2021 after the natural resources royalty and streaming company saw its portfolio contribution fall in the first half.

( ) ( ) has doubled the size of its acreage in Western Arizona through staking ground adjacent to its existing land package. The new claims are next to the existing Burro Creek East, Burro Creek West, and Wikieup clay deposits

( ) ( ) offloaded the Black Pine nickel-cobalt project and associated licences in Southern Cyprus for 0.5mln (A$0.9mln) in a cash and shares deal with Aeramentum Resources Pty Ltd.

( , ) (AIM:JAN, ) reported a 45% jump in estimated resources at its Pitombeiras ferrovanadium project in Brazil. The total mineral resource estimate was increased to 8.26 million tonnes and comprises of results from three exploration target areas

( , , ) (AIM:BSE, ASX:BSE, ) highlighted ongoing strong demand and said all its products are supported by price increases in the quarter.

( , ) (LSE:AYM, ) has appointed Jonathan Battershill as chief executive with effect from 1 August 2021. Battershill is a mining geology graduate from Camborne School of Mines and has extensive experience both in operations and in finance in Australia and in the UK.

( ) ( ) highlighted quarterly updates from Sandfire Resources Ltd and two more of its natural resource investments. Sandfire, in which it holds 3.4% stake, reported strong sales for the June quarter and exceeded its FY2021 copper production guidance,

( ) ( ) has allowed the exclusivity agreement with the owner of the tailings project located at the Elizabeth Hill silver project site in Western Australia to come to an end.

Salt Lake Potash Limited said it made substantial progress on the Lake Way sulphate of potash project in the second quarter of 2021 in Australia. Construction of the Lake Way process plant was finalised with GR Engineering Services handing over the plant for Salt Lake Potash (SO4) to operate.
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.
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The twelfth round of top commanders-level talks between India and China are underway at Moldo on the Chinese side in the Ladakh region on Saturday.

The talks are happening after a gap of three months. Indian military delegates are discussing disengagement at friction areas like Hot Springs, Gogra and 900 square km Depsang plains.

Indian delegation is led by Leh-based XIV Corps chief Lt Gen P.G.K. Menon and Additional Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Naveen Srivastava.

The Chinese military delegation is led by Commander of the PLA's Western Theatre Command Xu Qiling, who was appointed earlier this month.

The build-up in Depsang was not being considered part of the current standoff that started in May last year as escalation here took place in 2013. India has insisted during recent military commander meetings to resolve all issues across the Line of Actual Control.

"The initial attempt will be to resolve Gogra and Hot Springs. Finding a solution to Depsang might be tricky and take longer," said the officer.

In April, during 11th round of Corps Commander level talk, the focus was disengagement on friction points at Gogra, Hot Springs and Depsang. On February 20, Indian and Chinese militaries held 10th round of dialogue to de-escalate tension at the Line of Actual Control.

Till now, apart from 11 round of Corps Commanders-level talks, the two forces have also held 10 Major Generals level, 55 Brigadiers-level talks and 1,450 calls over the hotlines.

China has been enhancing military infrastructure across the Line of Control.

Looking at it, India has changed its posture towards China, unlike its previous defensive approach that placed a premium on fending on Chinese aggression, India is now catering to military options to strike back and has reoriented its military accordingly.

India has reoriented around 50,000 troops whose main focus will be the disputed border with China. The reorientation comes when China is refurbishing its existing air-fields in Tibetan Plateau that will allow twin-engines fighter aircraft to be stationed, sources said.

In addition, China has also brought troops from the Tibet Military region to the Xinjiang region that passes through Karakoram range down south Uttarakhand.

Further, they have deployed larger numbers of long range artillery and are rapidly building infrastructure in the Tibetan Plateau.

So far, the troops of two Himalayan giants have disengaged from both the banks of Pangong Tso in February this year.
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40 MHz experimental station now active in USA ARRL reports Experimental Station WL2XUP is transmitting WSPR on 40.662 MHz in the 8-meter band



The ARRL say WL2XUP is an FCC Part 5 Experimental station operated by Lin Holcomb, NI4Y, in Georgia. Its licensed to operate with up to 400 W effective radiated power (ERP) between 40.660 MHz to 40.700 MHz.



A 2019 Petition for Rulemaking (RM-11843) asked the FCC to create a new 8-meter amateur radio allocation on a secondary basis. The Petition suggests the new band could be centered on an industrial-scientific-medical (ISM) segment somewhere between 40.51 and 40.70 MHz. The spectrum between 40 and 41 MHz is currently allocated to the federal government and, as such, within the purview of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).



ARRL member Michelle Bradley, KU3N, of Maryland, filed the petition on behalf of REC Networks, which she founded and described in the Petition as a leading advocate for a citizens access to spectrum, including amateur radio spectrum.



40 MHz Petition for Rulemaking RM-11843

https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/105260090923685/8%20meter%20PRM.pdf



Read the full ARRL story at

http://www.arrl.org/news/8-meter-experimental-station-on-the-air-from-the-us
Foundations of Amateur Radio

The diversity of our hobby is breathtaking

You've heard me say that amateur radio is a thousand hobbies in one. It's not my idea, but it speaks to me in ways that are hard to articulate. Today I found a way that might give you an inkling just how vast this community is.

One place where our community gathers is on-air, but it's not the only place. There are clubs, websites, email lists, video channels and other outlets all catering for different amateur radio users and their interests. One such place is the social media site Reddit. In the so-called amateurradio sub with currently over 88 thousand members, there is a lively community discussing many of the different aspects of our hobby.

Over the past 24 hours, 23 posts were made in that single community.

"Thanks, K-2722 hunters", was a photo about activating Carolina Beach State Park, as part of an activity called Parks on the Air, or POTA. To participate you can either go to a park, set-up your station and make contacts, or you can stay at home and listen out for people who are doing that.

"It's not high-high, it's hee-hee", a meme around the sound that the Morse Code generates when you send the letter H followed by the letter I, commonly considered laughter.

"Why don't scanners have FM radio?", a discussion around the perceived lack of FM mode on scanners.

"Help with TYT MD-380 CPS", a question from an amateur who purchased a new radio and is looking for software to program it.

"Portable on the Space Coast. QRP on a speaker wire antenna.", a video of an amateur making an activation in Florida and showing off their set-up.

"Could not hit DMR repeater", an amateur sharing that they figured out that they couldn't hit a repeater because they had their radio set to low power and wanted to share that with the community.

"Antenna advice part 2", asking about how to set-up antennas for dual use, how to amplify the signal, use rotators and what kind of coax to use.

"ISS SSTV Aug 6-7 145.800 MHz FM", linking to a news item announcing slow scan television coming from the International Space station in August.

"FT-3DR APRS message question", exploring the specifics on how Automatic Packet Reporting System or APRS messages are sent. Think of it as global distributed SMS via amateur radio.

"Is it okay to leave a handheld radio on while it's on its battery charger 24/7?", with answers to the question that's puzzling one owner of a radio.

"Extra test question", asking about how to learn for the test and wondering if the techniques needed are different when compared with obtaining the "tech" exam.

"Just got my first radio! Now to prep for the test, but first a question about saving time after I pass it...", asking about how to register before the test to speed things along.

And that's just over half way there.

"Maldol TMH-21 / TMH-71 handhelds - any info?", asking about a new to them radio from around 2007.

"2021 Berryville, VA (US) Hamfest - any reddit community members going?", looking for others going to the first hamfest in their region for a long time.

"CB Radio is Going FM! Why is the FCC Doing It?", linking to a video that discusses the changes on how CB radio is getting another mode.

"What is the 'right' way to learn morse?", the age-old question, one that I'm still am working through.

"Sidetone distorted on QCX mini? How do I fix this? It gets better or worse when I move the radio around, but the problem doesn't go away. Anyone else's QCX do this?", with a video showing the issue.

"Aluminium roof trim + HF dipole", with a question on what kind of effects might happen as a result of the combination of the two.

"Never owned a Radio be for please help lol. I got 2 of these on the way any tips for beginners? [sic]", excited new owner looking for advice.

"I finally got my qsl cards printed!", with pictures to show the artistic prowess involved.

"Legality of transmitting digital data over FM audio", asking about the specifics on how data may or may not be transmitted in the United States.

"It's no pie plate on a kayak, but you gotta work with what you have, right?", showing off a frying pan as a magnetic base. If it works, it's not silly at all.

"Very New Here", asking about how to explore radio waves.

Those 23 different posts are all about amateur radio, from one single community, on one day. Each post from someone finding their way in the community, discussing something that's important to them, sharing their experience and contributing to that community. Reddit alone has at least a dozen amateur related communities, covering electronics, specific radios, amateur software development and more.

The thing about this hobby is that it's different things to different people. For some it's about getting on air and making noise, for others it's learning about whatever comes their way. This hobby is so vast because it touches so many aspects of life, it innovates, leads and contributes in ways that are often invisible and that's why it's so engrossing.

What's your latest interest in this hobby and what keeps you coming back for more?

I'm Onno VK6FLAB

 This article is the transcript of the weekly 'Foundations of Amateur Radio' podcast, produced by Onno Benschop, VK6FLAB who was licensed as radio amateur in Perth, Western Australia in 2010. For other episodes, visit http://vk6flab.com/. Feel free to get in touch directly via email: cq@vk6flab.com
Cardinal Wilton Gregory, who served as the bishop of Belleville, Illinois from 2005 to 2019, calling for a change in immigration laws last week on the lawn of Congress.
This is the second body found in that area of the beach in the past two months. On May 30, police responded to a 9 a.m. call about a homeless mans body in the same area. In that case, the man was found in the sand near the wave wall north of Las Olas Boulevard. Foul play wasnt suspected.
Prosperous candidate promises prosperity

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, whos put $2.3 million of her own money into her campaign for Congress, wants the government to send a $1,000 check every month to any adult earning less than $75,000 a year.

A website promoting the Peoples Prosperity Plan, and Cherfilus-McCormicks, features a large block of type proclaiming $1,000 A MONTH FOR YOU.

The plan would cost, by the candidates own estimate, $2.2 trillion. Thats equivalent to what the Congressional Budget Office estimates all individual and corporate income taxes will total in the current fiscal year.

Cherfilus-McCormick said shed start paying for the program with a $400 billion automation tax on employers that eliminate jobs because theyre shifting to automation and a $200 billion data tax on sales of private information.

Bullet points on the website also suggest a $1 trillion value-added tax, which would operate like a national sales tax; a $300 billion wealth tax, and a $250 billion tax on carbon, emissions of which contribute to global climate change.

Even though the proposal is exceedingly unlikely to become law, its the kind of thing that could win her support from some voters, said Kevin Wagner, a political scientist at Florida Atlantic University.

Cherfilus-McCormick dismisses questions about whether it has any chance of becoming reality. She pointed to the temporary, monthly payments that just started going to families with children.

Theres been some other people who are naysayers, some other candidates who are saying Im selling pipe dreams. But it just goes to show you why our district is in poverty, she said. Im the only one who has the audacity to dream different, and do something different. But thats how Ive been successful in my personal life. So Im not afraid to put forth a bold policy.
The details of the Associated Press story by Jason Dearen were shocking. Murder conspiracies always are, of course, but this plot to kill a Black man involved four members of the Ku Klux Klan, half of whom were employed by the Florida Department of Corrections. A third was a former prison guard. Luckily, the fourth was an informant for the FBI
The moratorium hasnt prevented evictions entirely. Some landlords have taken advantage of expiring lease or month-to-month leases to move out tenants even during the moratorium to expire. To qualify for protection under the eviction moratorium, renters had to fill out a declaration form and give it to their landlord, though not all tenants were aware of this, lawyers said.
There is an old saying about age and illness going hand in hand, but the World Health Organization (WHO) is trying to make these two separate concepts rather more synonymous. This has enraged geriatricians, gerontologists and elderly people all over the world.

"They want to include old age as an illness in their next edition of the International Classification of Illnesses," says Juan G. Castilla Rilo, a clinical psychologist, social gerontologist and member of the Spanish Geriatrics and Gerontology Society (SEGG).

He considers this to be an attempt to associate ageing "with the negative label of illness, and to create a new negative discrimination based on age. It aims to make society see old age as something dangerous, and elderly people as those we should distance ourselves from," he says. But the question is, why?

It is true that there are different ways of getting old, good, bad and worse, but it is precisely because there are so many that it seems strange to want to link both concepts so closely.

Ask Jane Fonda, 83, who just before the pandemic was exhibiting her rebellious side by protesting against climate change on the steps of the US Capitol building, before she was arrested by the security forces. Or Company Segundo, now deceased, who was still singing and playing Cuban music on his harmonica at the age of 95. And there are plenty more like them.

Many people are wondering why the WHO wants to make this change, and one of them is the president of the SEGG, doctor and geriatrician Jose Augusto Garcia Navarro. He explains the basis for this situation this way:

"Among its many obligations, the WHO is responsible for drawing up a classification of human illnesses, it is a catalogue with the name of the illness and a code for it. This is called the international statistical classification of illnesses and related health problems, and it is updated from time to time. In January next year, the 11th version will be published.

"The aim is for all the countries in the world, when they talk among themselves of the presence of illnesses in their populations or health services, to be able to compare and speak the same language.

"For example, when they talk about 'rheumatic fever', that could be code I00 for rheumatic fever without a cardiac effect or I01 which is rheumatic fever with a cardiac effect. So in this eleventh version of the catalogue, in the section of general symptoms, not illnesses, old age is classified with the code MG2A. That is 'old age without mention of psychosis', 'senescence without mention of psychosis' and 'senile debility'.

"We don't know why the WHO is doing this now, but it is a serious mistake," he says.

Garcia Navarro considers that old age "is not an illness; in fact, the WHO doesn't say it is. It says it is a general symptom, but it isn't a symptom either. Ageing is actually a positive effect of the social and sanitary fight against illness".

What is this going to mean in practice?

Garcia Navarro: It will mean that all of us, when we are older, will see how the health care services classify us, as well as by the illnesses we have, by our condition of somebody who is older or younger. It is a completely gratuitous and erroneous classification. It is erroneous because nowadays you can't talk about senile debility because it is not a scientific term. It is gratuitous because you only have to look at the date of birth, which is on every clinical file in every country, to see how old someone is. In practice it is a global act of age discrimination with three very serious implications: because it is global it will affect people all over the world; because it comes from such a prestigious institution it will be adopted; and because it is aimed directly against elderly people it is, once again, a sign of active discrimination against the older population.

Castilla Rilo: For me, the most serious aspect is that it runs the risk of the authorities not wanting to look into the causes of the deaths of elderly people, or carry out different treatments according to age. A situation that is not investigated doesn't exist and the causes are not investigated. That means we cannot advance scientifically because any pathology will be due to age or, more specifically, to old age.

Joe Biden and his 78 years

Why do you disagree?

Castilla Rilo: Because ageing combined with increased life expectancy has been one of humanity's and science's greatest achievements, and one of the greatest social and health care advances in recent years. Associating retirement or ageing with being ill is a new folly by the WHO, whose only objective seems to be to become complicit with a globalist agenda.

Garcia Navarro: Because getting older is not an illness. It is the natural evolution of people as the years go by. They get older, not sicker. Think about healthy, active older people like Joe Biden, who at 78 is president of the United States and will be 79 in November. Would you classify him as 'MG2A senile debility'? No scientist in the world of biology, genetics, medicine... nobody would say that age is an illness. In fact, the healthiest people are the ones who grow old.

Can the decision be reversed?

Castilla Rilo: It hasn't happened yet, but there is an online draft and it looks as if it will come into force in 2022 if the scientific societies don't oppose it and put pressure on. Geriatricians, gerontologists and scientific societies who have specialised in ageing, we are all against this categorisation and we will oppose the concept with all the force we have.

Garcia Navarro: I hope that it will be reversible and that the WHO will withdraw this classification. If they don't, then I propose passive resistence: that no health system anywhere in the world uses this code. If nobody uses it, it will be as if it did not exist. I can assure you that no specialists in geriatrics in any country in the world is going to use this code.

A socially non-productive person

Do you think this declaration could affect elderly people psychologically?

Castilla Rilo: Well, it is a piece of news that society has missed, but it is very serious. The declaration itself probably won't have any immediate effects, but it entails age discrimination in everything to do with health and everything subsequently associated with the deaths of elderly people and social discrimination. So it could have psychological effects such as anger, sadness or even fear, when those affected see themselves treated as a socially non-productive person who can just be ignored.

Garcia Navarro: Elderly people are more intelligent than a statistical classification, no matter which organisation comes up with the classification. An older person who has a working life and is socially active won't care. And one who is more dependent and vulnerable won't take any notice either. It won't affect them psychologically. It will simply be, for them, one element more to add to the discrimination that society already holds against elderly people.

Are we talking about ageism here?

Garcia Navarro: Of course. Ageism in capital letters. Getting old is not an illness. Getting old is a success.

The WHO knows that. And I hope that their statisticians will be told that before publishing the classification of illnesses.
The ousted commandant of the Iowa Veterans Home was overpaid by more than $90,000 over nearly two years but didnt report it even though he knew it was too much, a special investigation released Thursday found.

A report by State Auditor Rob Sand identified $105,412 in improper disbursements for former Commandant Timon Oujiri, including $90,027 of gross wages and $15,385.84 of related payroll costs. The excess pay and benefits were a result of Oujiris time sheets for two-week periods showing 112 hours instead of 80 hours in the states payroll system.

Oujiri was dismissed by Gov. Kim Reynolds without explanation in May, after he had for four years led the state's nursing home for Iowa veterans in Marshalltown. The nursing home serves about 500 Iowa veterans and their spouses and employs more than 900.

As a salaried instead of hourly employee, Oujiris pay was to remain at a steady level regardless of the hours he worked in a pay period. As of 2020, a state database shows that his annual salary was $126,000. Efforts by The Gazette to contact Oujiri, who lived at Cumming, have been unsuccessful.

Reynolds spokesman released a statement Thursday saying Oujiri was terminated for job performance issues.

Because the underlying issues were financial in nature, the matter was referred to the Auditors Office, spokesman Pat Garrett said. We are working with the Attorney Generals Office to recover any overpayments received by Oujiri.

The state kept $11,625 that Oujiri was to receive for unused vacation time as partial repayment for excess payroll costs, Sand said. The audit report will be shared with federal officials because federal funds are used for Veterans Home salary costs, Sand said.

Veterans Home officials also are seeking to recover the employers and employees shares of contributions to the state retirement system for the unauthorized wages. If successful, the home would get a credit of about $14,161.

The improper payments came to light as the Iowa Department of Administrative Services was preparing to switch to a new payroll system. In April, when the staff compared the homes authorized pay levels with what employees there were actually getting, a concern was identified with the amount disbursed to Mr. Oujiri beginning at the end of fiscal year 2019, the audit said.

Officials with the Governors Office met May 4 with Oujiri to discuss the overpayments that had been discovered. He said during the meeting that he definitely noticed his pay was too much in the summer of 2020, the report said.

Auditors said the homes payroll staff had manually overridden a default total of hours for Oujiris pay periods, effectively increasing a formula used for his base pay. The staff had not seen an email instructing them to use the default total of 80 hours  instead of 112  that had been established in changing to the new system, the report said.

According to representatives of the Governors office, Mr. Oujiri stated he was too embarrassed to say anything about the overpayment, the audit report said. In addition, when Mr. Oujiri was asked whether he knew the overpayment had occurred, he initially stated he believed the increase was to put him on par with other directors. However, upon further questioning, he reported he knew the pay was too high and stated that he thought about calling, but didnt.

Oujiri declined to talk with law enforcement or auditors, the report said. Copies of the report were sent to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Marshall County Attorneys Office, the Polk County Attorneys Office and the Iowa Attorney Generals Office.

The auditors report included recommendations to strengthen the Veterans Homes internal controls, including ensuring payroll journals are reviewed each pay period by someone independent of processing payroll and knowledgeable of reasonable pay ranges to ensure propriety of pay amounts.

Monday, Reynolds named former Marine Corps Maj. Matthew Peterson as the new commandant of the home.
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Habitat for Humanity of Clearfield County conducting fundraiser during the fair

dbyers / Submitted Habitat for Humanity of Clearfield County is giving away a six-foot-by-eight-foot shed built by volunteers to raise awareness for its Win Big, Build Bigger campaign to raise funds for the organizations work. There are currently three projects being planned.

DUBOIS  As part of its Win Big, Build Bigger campaign to raise funds to build, renovate or repair homes in Clearfield County, Habitat for Humanity is giving away a shed and selling raffle tickets at the Clearfield County Fair.

Habitat for Humanity provides affordable housing for qualifying residents who need it. Chosen candidates are given an interest-free mortgage at the close of the project. They are required to commit time and effort to the project.

The organization currently has three home projects planned, one of them in Clearfield.

According to Habitat for Humanity Representative Harley Steiner, the organization is giving away the 6-foot-by-8-foot shed to one of those who send a text to 814-352-9222 and type in Winbig. There is no fee to participate, she said. The shed was constructed and painted by Habitat volunteers.

The shed will be awarded following the conclusion of the fair, she said.

We will also be walking through the Clearfield County Fair Parade, Monday, Aug. 2 with the shed to allow residents to see it, Steiner said.

Habitat will also be selling raffle tickets during fair week. We have 17 amazing prizes including a laptop, trampolines, a kayak, a 65-inch television, a table tennis game, a treadmill, the newest Xbox, a grill and many more prizes.

Information about the raffle and the prizes is available at https://go.rallyup.com/clearfieldhabitat. Habitat for Humanity will be located in a booth near the grandstand.
Jordan-based Arab Bank Group has reported a net income after tax of $182.4 million for the first half compared to $152.1 million for the same period last year, recording a growth of 20%.

During the first quarter of 2021, Arab Bank consolidated the financial statements of Oman Arab Bank under its group accounts increasing total assets by $8.2 billion to reach $63 billion compared to $51.6 billion for the same period last year.

Oman Arab Bank has also recently finalized the acquisition of Al Izz Islamic Bank, a full-fledged Islamic bank, strengthening its presence in Oman, stated the Jordan-based bank.

Customer deposits grew by 28% to reach $46 billion, while loans grew by 27%, to reach $33.8 billion. The consolidation of Oman Arab Bank has materially increased customer deposits and loans by $7 billion and $7.2 billion, it added.

On the solid performance, Chairman Sabih Masri said the results demonstrate the strength of the banks diversified business model and its resilient performance in this challenging economic environment.

CEO Nemeh Sabbagh said despite the negative economic consequences of the pandemic, the bank's robust performance confirms its effectiveness in operating in a challenging economic environment as net operating income increased by 6% to reach $579.8 million.

The group also enjoys high liquidity and a strong capital base with a loan to deposit ratio of 73.5%, equity of $10.3 billion, and a capital adequacy ratio of 16.7%, he stated, while speaking at the board meeting which was held recently.

At the meeting, the board gave approval to the appointment of Mahmoud Malhas as its deputy chairman.

Meanwhile, CEO Sabbagh has announced his desire to retire at the end of this year. An industry veteran, Sabbagh has had a distinguished 47 year international career in banking and finance. He had been the CEO of Arab Bank for the past 12 years.

During the meeting, Sabbagh had recommended to the board the appointment of Randa Sadik as his successor. Sadik has been holding the position of Deputy CEO since 2010. The recommendation was welcomed by the Board of Directors.

Lauding the results, Masri said he was confident in the Arab Bank Groups ability to maintain its solid financial indicators.

"We remain committed to sustainable community development, and to fostering the interests of our customers, shareholders and communities," he added..-TradeArabia News Service
The Global Education Summit, co-hosted by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in London, has raised a record $4 billion from donors for the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).

In the Middle East, the UAE pledged $100 million, Kuwait pledged $30 million, and Saudi Arabia pledged $3 million. Dubai Cares has also pledged $2.5 million.

The growing pledges from the Middle East come despite difficult global economic conditions due to the Covid 19 reality.

In addition, the IsDB (the Islamic Development Bank) raised its initial co-financing pledge from $200 million to up to $250 million in concessional loans, together with significant commitment from members of the Arab coordination group.

UK too pledged funds worth 430 million ($600 million), the largest ever pledge from the country to GPE.

This fundraising total puts GPE firmly on the path to achieving its target of raising at least $5 billion over the next five years to transform education for millions of the worlds most vulnerable children, said senior officials.

A fully funded GPE would enable up to 175 million children to learn and help get 88 million more girls and boys in school by 2025, they added.

The two-day hybrid event brought together leaders from governments, businesses, private foundations and development banks to commit funding and support to childrens education in the worlds lowest-income countries.

Donor pledges secured at the summit build on the commitment to girls education announced last month at the G7, where leaders pledged at least $2.7 billion to GPE and called on other donors to step up and fully fund GPEs ambitious new five-year plan.

"The funds raised at the summit will transform the lives of millions of children around the world. The UK was proud to contribute 430 million to the GPE and it is fantastic to see others step up and contribute to the goal of ensuring a quality education for every child," said Johnson.

"Education is the closest thing we have to a silver bullet to solve a myriad of problems, from gender inequality to climate change, and is one of the surest ways for our countries economies to rebound. Ensuring that all children  and especially girls  can get the education they deserve is the smartest investment we can make to ensure we build back better from the pandemic," he noted.

In addition to the $4 billion pledged from donors, 19 heads of state and government committed to spending at least 20 per cent of national budgets on education, rallying behind a political declaration on education financing led by Kenyatta.

"I call on my fellow heads of state to endorse the domestic financing statement and to commit at least 20 per cent of your domestic budgets to education," stated the Kenyan President.

"This will ensure that we keep our promises to our children to secure their future through quality and inclusive education," he added.

Over the next five years, the countries endorsing this statement are committing up to $196 billion in education financing. These commitments are a crucial shield against learning losses resulting from the economic impact of Covid-19.

"The summit has helped put education at the top of the international agenda and highlighted its role in accelerating the fight to end poverty, prevent climate change and improve health outcomes," remarked Julia Gillard, GPE Board Chair and former Prime Minister of Australia.

"The summit is an important success for millions of children and young people around the world whose education has been upended by the pandemic, and a critical step to ensuring that education is at the heart of our response and recovery," she stated.

The summit saw an unprecedented number of pledges from businesses, private foundations and development banks, who along with a range of partners have mobilized more than $1 billion towards innovative financing instruments that provide catalytic capital to partner countries alongside investments from GPE.

The business community and private foundations collectively announced over $100 million at the summit, said senior officials.

Business partners launched two major new public-private partnerships, to use social marketing expertise to drive up girls enrolment in school and to strengthen data systems to drive evidence-based improvements in education systems. These in-kind commitments are valued at more than $6 million, they added.-TradeArabia News Service
New Delhi, Jul 29 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday lauded the Government's landmark decision for providing 27 per cent reservation for OBCs and 10 per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Section in the All India Quota Scheme for undergraduate and postgraduate medical and dental courses from the current academic year.

In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said, "Our Government has taken a landmark decision for providing 27% reservation for OBCs and 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Section in the All India Quota Scheme for undergraduate and postgraduate medical/dental courses from the current academic year. This will immensely help thousands of our youth every year get better opportunities and create a new paradigm of social justice in our country."

In a statement, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said, 'Under the visionary guidance of
Srinagar, Jul 31 (UNI) A top Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commander and IED expert was among two militants killed in an encounter that ensued after security forces launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the south Kashmir district of Pulwama.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir range, Vijay Kumar congratulated police and other security forces for conducting a successive operation without any collateral damage.

A police spokesman said that following specific information about the presence of militants in the forest at Nagberan-Tarsar Tral in Pulwama, troops of Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police, and CRPF launched a joint search operation in the wee hours on Saturday.

However, he said when security forces were moving towards a particular area militants hiding there fired at them with automatic weapons. The security forces retaliated ensuing in an encounter, he said.

He said two militants were killed in the general area of the Dachigam forest.

Identifying one of the two slain militants, Mr Kumar said the topmost Pakistani militant affiliated with proscribed outfit JeM Lamboo Bhai was killed in todays encounter. Identification of the second militant is being ascertained, he added.

Sources said that Lamboo Bhai was an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) expert and was involved in many attacks in south Kashmir.

UNI ABS JW1323
Hyderabad, Jul 31 (UNI) Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday called for innovative and collaborative efforts to protect and rejuvenate Indian languages.

Addressing a conference virtually, organised by Telugu Kootami on the protection of mother tongues, Mr Naidu stressed that preserving languages and ensuring their continuity is possible only through a peoples movement and said that people must come together in one voice and pool in efforts to pass on our heritage of language to our future generations.

Touching upon various people-driven initiatives needed to preserve Indian languages, the Vice President highlighted the important role translation plays in enriching a language.

He called for increased efforts in improving the quality and quantity of translations in Indian languages.

Mr Venkiah also advised making ancient literature more accessible and relatable to the youth in plain- spoken languages and called for compiling endangered and archaic words in a language from rural areas and various dialects in order to preserve them for posterity.

The Vice President cautioned that if ones mother tongue is lost, ones self-identity and self-esteem will eventually be lost. It would be possible to preserve various aspects of our heritage - music, dance, drama, customs, festivals, traditional knowledge - only by preserving our mother tongue, he said.

On this occasion, Mr Naidu lauded the recent initiative of Chief Justice of India N V Ramana, who resolved a 21-year-old marital dispute in an amicable way, by allowing the woman to voice her concerns in her mother tongue, Telugu, when she expressed her difficulty to fluently speak in English.

He said that the case underlines the need for the judicial system to allow people to voice their problems in their native languages in courts and also deliver judgments in the regional languages.

The Vice President also reiterated the importance of imparting education in mother tongue up to primary school level and according priority to it in the administration.

MORE UNI VV CS 1330
JORDAN MEAD is News Editor for The Vidette. Contact her at jnmead@ilstu.edu. Follow Mead on Twitter at @meadjordan19

IF YOU SUPPORT THE VIDETTE MISSION of providing a training laboratory for Illinois State University student journalists to learn and sharpen viable, valuable and marketable skills in all phases of digital media, please contribute to this most important cause. Thank you.
ELIZABETH URBAN is News Editor for The Vidette. Urban can be contacted at emurba1@ilstu.edu. Follow Urban on Twitter at @eliizabethurban.

IF YOU SUPPORT THE VIDETTE MISSION of providing a training laboratory for Illinois State University student journalists to learn and sharpen viable, valuable and marketable skills in all phases of print and digital media, please contribute to this most important cause. Thank you.
Royal Caribbean Internationals Adventure of the Seas sails into Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in 2017. A spokesman for the cruise line reported Friday that several passengers  four vaccinated adults and two unvaccinated children  tested positive for COVID-19 after the ship departed Nassau, Bahamas.
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Early Morning Traffic Stop Lead to Two Arrests

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PADUCAH - Two Paducah residents were arrested early Saturday morning after a traffic stop and vehicle search.A McCracken County Sheriff's Deputy pulled over a car at 2:18 am and spotted drug paraphernalia while speaking to the driver, 68-year-old Dewayne Johnson.A subsequent vehicle search reportedly led to discovery of scales with a residue that tested positive for methamphetamine. As Johnson got out of the car, he allegedly tried to toss two baggies of marijuana on the ground. Deputies arrested the passenger, 31-year-old Kayla Birdwell, when they allegedly found methamphetamine on her.Johnson faces charges of careless driving, tampering with evidence, no car insurance, and possession of meth, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Birdwell was charged with possession of meth and drug paraphernalia.
Masks Required at Friends of Library Book Sale

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PADUCAH - Bargain books and audiovisual materials will once again be available for purchase at the Friends of the McCracken County Public Librarys Summer Book sale August 6 & 7 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Paducah. Masks will be required for everyone coming into the building.After a conversation with Purchase Area Health Director Kent Koster, the Friends of the Library Book Sale leadership team decided to require masks to be worn by everyone attending the sale. This directive was made on Friday, July 30.Book sale hours are Friday, August 6 from 9 am to 7 pm and Saturday, August 7 from 9 am to 1 pm at the St. Paul Lutheran Church gym, located on the corner of South 21st St. and Kentucky Avenue. Saturday, August 7 is "Bag Day". Shoppers purchase a grocery bag for $5 and then fill it with as many remaining books and audiovisual titles that will fit in a bag.This is the first large book sale since November 2019 and features more than 20,000 books and audiovisual titles arranged by subject or format and marked down to rock bottom prices. Most hardback books, trade edition paperback books, DVDs and audio books are only $1. Pocketbook paperback publications, music CDs and some children's books are just fifty cents each. Special interest and local collector titles are available at deeply discounted amounts.Sale proceeds benefit the McCracken County Public Librarys collection development and services. Over the last twenty- eight years, Library administration has used some of the thousands of dollars donated by the Friends to improve information access as well as enhancing the librarys summer reading. programs. Friends of the Library donated $30,500 to the Library in 2019 from book sale proceeds.Sale attendees will have the opportunity to join the Friends of the Library at the book sale. Membership forms are also available on the librarys website at www.mclib.net/friends and at the librarys service desks except during the week of the book sale (August 1 - 7).The book sale includes the sale of homemade pastries and other food products to support St. Paul Lutheran Churchs mission projects.Friends of the McCracken County Public Library will accept cash, checks, and major credit cards (minimum charge of $10) for purchases.For more information, contact Friends of the McCracken County Library Book Sale Coordinator Paula Franklin at 270-331-3970 or visit www.mclib.net/friends.
Murray Schools Delay Opening By One Week

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MURRAY - The Murray Independent School District has decided to delay the start of their school year by one week.In a Friday Facebook post, Superintendent Coy Samons said the decision was made after reviewing current COVID-19 case data for Murray and Calloway County, and after consulting with health care providers and district administrators.As of Friday, Calloway County's incidence rate per 100,000 cases was 29.3, which puts it in the state's red category.The first day of K-12 classes has been moved to Thursday, August 12, and the first day of preschool classes will be Thursday, August 19. The first day for staff is now August 11.The five days of missed classes will be added to the end of the school year. As of now the last day of the Murray school year will be May 20, 2022.The district's reopening plan can be seen at the link below, and includes two levels of mask protocols:Level 1 - students, staff and visitors have the option of wearing masks as desired, but are highly recommended for anyone who is not vaccinated.Level 2 - All students, staff and visitors are required to wear a mask on school property and when indoors. Masks may be removed if outside and 6 feet of social distancing can be observed.On the Net:
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 02:29:05|Editor: huaxia

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WASHINGTON, July 30 (Xinhua) -- A new study of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows the Delta variant produced similar amounts of virus in vaccinated and unvaccinated people if they get infected.

The study, published by the CDC on Friday, focused on 469 COVID-19 cases identified among Massachusetts residents who had traveled to Barnstable County, a summer vacation destination, during July 3 to 17.

A total of 346 cases, about 74 percent, occurred in fully vaccinated people, according to the study.

Testing identified the Delta variant in 90 percent of specimens from 133 patients.

Cycle threshold values were similar among specimens from patients who were fully vaccinated and those who were not, according to the study.

The study demonstrated that Delta infection resulted in similarly high SARS-CoV-2 viral loads in vaccinated and unvaccinated people, said CDC Director Rochelle Walensky.

"High viral loads suggest an increased risk of transmission and raised concern that, unlike with other variants, vaccinated people infected with Delta can transmit the virus," she said.

Walensky said this finding is concerning and was a pivotal discovery leading to CDC's updated mask recommendation.

The CDC updated its masking recommendation on Tuesday, urging vaccinated Americans to resume wearing masks in schools and in public indoor spaces in COVID-19 hot spots across the country.

"The masking recommendation was updated to ensure the vaccinated public would not unknowingly transmit virus to others, including their unvaccinated or immunocompromised loved ones," she said.

The CDC suggested jurisdictions to consider expanded prevention strategies, including universal masking in indoor public settings, particularly for large public gatherings that include travelers from many areas with differing levels of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 03:20:30|Editor: huaxia

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WASHINGTON, July 30 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said Friday that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), an agency within the Department of the Treasury, "must" turn over former President Donald Trump's income tax returns to Congress.

The DOJ's Office of Legal Counsel said in its opinion that the House Ways and Means Committee, which first requested the former president's tax records more than two years ago, had given "sufficient reasons" for requesting the information, and that "Treasury must furnish the information to the Committee."

When a congressional tax committee asks for such tax information, "the executive branch should conclude that the request lacks a legitimate legislative purpose only in exceptional circumstances," the opinion said.

The opinion is a reversal from the Office of Legal Counsel's previous position. In 2019, it agreed with the Trump administration that Congress lacked a legitimate legislative purpose and simply want to try to embarrass Trump.

In a June 2019 opinion, the Office of Legal Council, which was under the Trump administration at the time, said Congress's request for the former president's tax returns "was pretextual and that its true aim was to make the President's tax returns public, which is not a legitimate legislative purpose."

The opinion on Friday said that 2019 finding "went astray" in suggesting the executive branch should closely scrutinize Congress's stated justifications. That failed to "to accord the respect and deference due a coordinate branch of government."

"Applying the proper degree of deference due the Committee, we believe that there is ample basis to conclude that its June 2021 Request for former President Trump's tax information would further the Committee's principal stated objective of assessing the IRS's presidential audit program - a plainly legitimate area for congressional inquiry and possible legislation," the opinion said.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal, Democrat of Massachusetts, said in a statement in response to the DOJ's latest decision that he has said "for years" that "the committee's case is very strong and the law is on our side. I am glad that the Department of Justice agrees and that we can move forward."

It is not immediately clear whether Trump, who has intervened in the case in his personal capacity, will continue to fight the public disclosure of his tax records through legal channels.

Judge Trevor McFadden, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., appointed by Trump, has ordered the Biden administration to give Trump's lawyers a 72-hour notice before giving any of the former president's tax returns to the committee. That order is currently set to expire Aug. 3. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 04:17:42|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Martin Griffiths, the new UN emergency relief coordinator, went to a site for internally displaced people in Ethiopia's embattled Tigray region on Friday, a UN spokeswoman said.

Humanitarian partners of the world organization briefed the undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs on his first mission as the relief chief, said Eri Kaneko, associate spokeswoman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Griffiths also met with people affected by the crisis.

"According to our humanitarian partners, an estimated 5.2 million people need assistance in Tigray," she told reporters at a regular briefing.

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) estimates that more than 100,000 children in Tigray could suffer from life-threatening severe acute malnutrition in the next 12 months, a tenfold increase compared to the average annual caseload.

"This malnutrition crisis is taking place amid extensive, systematic damage to the food, health, nutrition, water and sanitation systems and services that children and their families depend on for their survival," UNICEF said. "The risk of disease outbreak is high, particularly in the overcrowded, unsanitary sites hosting displaced families."

Alice Wairimu Nderitu, the UN special adviser to the secretary-general on the prevention of genocide, expressed alarm at ethnic violence in Ethiopia and reports of serious human rights violations and abuses, including alleged sexual violence, recruitment of child soldiers, arbitrary arrests and ethnic-based targeted killings committed by all parties.

She also condemned inflammatory statements used by top political leaders and associated armed groups.

"Such dynamics in the current socio-politico context, characterized by deep-seated ethnic tensions across the country, constitute a dangerous trajectory in the direction of further pulling communities apart," Nderitu said in a statement. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 09:18:23|Editor: huaxia

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KUNMING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Southwest China's Yunnan Province reported no new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases and nine imported ones on Friday, the provincial health commission said Saturday.

All of the imported cases arrived in Yunnan from Myanmar through land checkpoints on July 29. They tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday while under quarantine.

The province also reported no new imported or locally transmitted asymptomatic cases, said the provincial health commission.

By the end of Friday, there were 371 confirmed cases still hospitalized in Yunnan, including 60 locally transmitted cases. There were also 27 asymptomatic cases, including two locally transmitted. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 14:38:12|Editor: huaxia

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SHIBERGHAN, Afghanistan, July 31 (Xinhua) -- A total of 21 militants were confirmed dead as fighting planes struck Taliban positions in Afghanistan's northern Jawzjan province on Friday, army spokesman in the northern region Mohammad Hanif Rezai said Saturday.

The sorties targeted Taliban positions and hideouts in Murghab, Hasantabin, Atma and adjoining villages along the road linking Jawzjan to the neighboring Sari Pul province on Friday afternoon, killing 21 insurgents and injuring 10 others, the official said.

Taliban militants, who have intensified activities since the start of the U.S.-led forces pullout from Afghanistan early in May and have reportedly overrun about 200 districts, have yet to make comments. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 15:30:35|Editor: huaxia

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As rain-triggered floods wreaked havoc in central China's Henan Province, residents in the western Chinese region of Xinjiang extended support in their own way.

180 Uygur residents in Kashgar of Xinjiang spent 8 hours on July 24, making 10,000 naans for flood-hit Henan -- the youngest of them 16 years old, and the oldest, 72.

Naan is a type of leavened flatbread and a staple food for people from ethnic groups in Xinjiang.

Iminjan Kurban and two other drivers drove for two days and three nights without stop to send the naans to Henan Province, crossing over a distance of 9,000 km.

"We were so anxious when we saw that many residents' belongings were washed away by the floods in Henan. I couldn't continue with my regular work. So I asked others to take up my work, and I've come to Henan," said Kurban.

They arrived in Henan at 5 a.m. on July 27.

In Henan Province, the latest round of downpours since July 16 has left around 100 people dead.

As of Thursday noon, more than 13.91 million people in 150 county-level regions had been affected.

Almost 1.05 million hectares of crops were damaged, and over 840,000 houses had collapsed or sustained damages across the province, official data showed.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 15:38:41|Editor: huaxia

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MEHTARLAM, Afghanistan, July 31 (Xinhua) -- At least 20 commuters were confirmed dead in two road accidents in eastern Laghman province on Saturday, provincial government spokesman Asadullah Dawlatzai said.

"The first accident took place when a mini-bus and car collided in Qargai district very early Saturday. As a result, eight travelers were killed and 10 others injured. Women and children are among the victims," Dawlatzai told Xinhua.

Similarly, a car collided with another one in neighboring Kach-e- Aziz Khan district on Saturday morning, leaving 12 commuters dead and eight others injured, the official added.

The official said the congested roads and careless driving often cause such road accidents in the country. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 17:03:59|Editor: huaxia

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by Xinhua writer Yan Jie

MANILA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Hyping up the so-called "China threat" is Washington's habitual trick as it needs excuses for transforming the South China Sea into a hunting ground for its geopolitical self-interest.

Geared up to form an anti-China clique, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has recently visited three nations in Southeast Asia, during which he kept pointing an accusing finger at Beijing with groundless charges, stirring up new waves in the regional waters.

Speaking in Singapore on Tuesday, Austin vowed to challenge what he called China's aggression, reiterated Washington's support for nations involved in disputes with China in the South China Sea, and accused China's claims in the regional waters of having "no basis in international law."

Moreover, during later trips to Vietnam and the Philippines, Austin spared no effort in advocating the so-called "freedom of navigation" in the South China Sea.

To anyone who knows the region's history and current situation, the Pentagon chief's remarks during his visits are totally absurd and ignorant.

It is a clear fact that China's sovereignty, rights and interests in the South China Sea have been formed in the course of a long history and have abundant historical and legal basis.

What's more, Washington's claimed threat to the "freedom of navigation" is purely fabricated. While some 100,000 merchant vessels now travel in this busy shipping route annually, not a single ship has ever reported its safety threatened in the South China Sea.

If there is any such threat, it must be the increasing U.S. military presence in the region. Under the guise of safeguarding "freedom of navigation," the world's sole superpower frequently sends its warships and aircraft carriers to the regional waters and has conducted a multitude of war games.

This time, Austin used the same pretext to persuade the Philippines to recall the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement, with the only aim to strengthen the U.S. military presence in the region.

More ironically, when urging others to follow international law, the United States itself refuses to join the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which is a vivid reflection of Washington's hypocrisy.

In sharp contrast, China has always advocated friendly negotiations and consultations on issues concerning the South China Sea, treated its neighbors as equals, and exercised maximum restraint when safeguarding its sovereignty, rights and interests in the South China Sea.

In the regional waters, there is no room for confrontation, zero-sum games, or bloc rivalries. The so-called "China threat" is merely one of the many tricks adopted by Washington to deliberately smear China, sow discord between regional countries, and contain China's development.

However, Washington's sanctimonious scheme is bound to fail. Instead of just calculating its own geopolitical gains, the United States should do things that are really conducive to regional peace and stability. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 17:53:48|Editor: huaxia

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HONG KONG, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Saturday firmly opposed the irresponsible remarks made by some politicians of the European External Action Service about the verdict of Hong Kong's High Court on the first case of violations of the national security law in Hong Kong.

The spokesperson of the office said there is conclusive evidence about the violation of the law in this case, so Hong Kong judicial authorities shall punish the law-breaker in accordance with law and external forces shall not interfere.

The purpose of preventing, stopping and punishing a very small handful of criminal acts endangering national security in accordance with law is to better protect the lives and property of the vast majority of residents and to better maintain law and order in Hong Kong, the spokesperson said.

Over the past year since the implementation of the national security law, the lawful rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents have been fully protected, the rule of law and judicial independence have been safeguarded, Hong Kong people have enjoyed a peaceful life again, and social justice has been upheld, the spokesperson said.

The national security law protects the security, stability and tranquility of Hong Kong and ensures the steady and sustained implementation of "one country, two systems," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said that certain foreign forces set the national security law against human rights and freedoms and tried hard to defend criminals.

These people are obsessed with interfering with others' judicial justice, turn a blind eye to criminal acts that endanger the lives of others and the safety of the public, trample on international law and the basic norms governing international relations, and meddle with others' internal affairs, the spokesperson said,

The spokesperson urged the relevant politicians to immediately stop interfering in judicial proceedings in Hong Kong, stop harming the rule of law and judicial independence of Hong Kong, and stop meddling with Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs at large. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 18:08:11|Editor: huaxia

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BAGHDAD, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Four people were killed and six others wounded in twin attacks by militants of the extremist Islamic State (IS) group in western and eastern Iraq, security sources said on Saturday.

In the western province of Anbar, the militants attacked a policeman's house outside the town of Heet, some 160 km west of Baghdad at about 2:00 a.m. local time (2300 GMT), Maj. Abdul-Sattar al-Dulaimi of the provincial police told Xinhua.

The attack resulted in the death of the policeman, his father and brother, al-Dulaimi said, adding that security forces have launched an operation to track down the attackers.

On Friday night, IS militants opened fire at an Iraqi army position at a residential area outside the town of Jalawlaa in the eastern province of Diyala, Abbas al-Nadawi of the provincial police told Xinhua.

A soldier was killed and six people were wounded in the attack, al-Nadawi added.

The security situation in Iraq has been improving since Iraqi security forces defeated the IS militants 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| 2021-07-31 18:50:02|Editor: huaxia

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by Xinhua writer Liu Lina, Ni Yuanshi

BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- As a consequence of COVID-19, the world is undergoing the worst economic recession in decades and globalization is becoming fragile. Building resilient globalization requires new international cooperation, in which China will continue to play a constructive role, experts said in a recent forum held in Beijing.

GLOBALIZATION AMID CHALLENGES

According to World Economic Outlook by International Monetary Fund, world economy experienced an estimated contraction of 3.3 percent in 2020. Distrust among countries rose amid complicated international competition while free trade is doubted.

Has the globalization fragmentized or even stagnated? What is the future of international cooperation?

"Globalization is an irreversible historical trend, though with twists and turns," said Chen Deming, chairman of China Association of Enterprise with Foreign Investment and former minister of commerce of China, on the 7th Annual China and Globalization Forum hosted by the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) in Beijing on July 30, which drew around 400 participants including foreign diplomats, Chinese officials, scholars and leaders from international organizations and businesses.

"In an information age (with) rapid scientific and technological progress, international cooperation is the only route for development." "Human beings must cooperate, and the trend of globalization will not stop," Chen said.

"But without effective governance, globalization will be hindered by populism and narrow nationalism. This is a complicated challenge to globalization that we have to face together," he noted.

"The COVID-19 situation is still grim, and climate change issue is even pressing. Global development faces many uncertainties. Thus, international cooperation is even more necessary," said Wang Huiyao, president of the CCG.

"A new research by the World Bank found that the pandemic actually had many countries integrated into global economy rather than separated productive force. Trade will provide powerful momentum for world economic recovery," said Martin Raiser, World Bank's country director for China, Mongolia and South Korea.

Raiser's opinion is echoed by panelists from multinational corporations.

"Speaking of globalization, our world is already indivisible, with global supply and commodity chain deeply integrated. The next stage will be development of digital industrialization and digitalization of the industry. Globalization will provide essential structural support for global market integration," said Zhao Bin, senior vice president of Qualcomm, a global leading company in telecommunication industry.

According to a recent report released by Boston Consulting Group, the integrated circuit industry chain has become the industrial chain with the most concentrated capital in the world. So it requires a high degree of cross-regional cooperation. No single country is capable to master the technology and capacity of every link of the semiconductor industry by itself.

"Globalization has entered a new stage, facing four major challenges: environmental issues, geopolitics, financial crisis, and cyberattacks," said Zhu Guangyao, China's former vice finance minister.

"The pandemic revealed the importance of crisis management in multilateral institutions. We need to restart the global system to overcome the crisis," said Leslie Maasdorp, vice president and CFO of the New Development Bank.

DIGITAL DESTINY FOR ECONOMY

According to experts, COVID-19 brings challenges to world economy as well as new opportunities of globalization at the same time.

In the 70 years of globalization after World War II, emerging countries gained economic growth and broke the original balance of the world, and now it is the time to find a new balance to boost the economy, said Chen.

More experts see significant potential of digital economy on world economic recovery.

By 2022, 65 percent of the global gross domestic product (GDP) will be digitalized, estimated Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), a global provider of market intelligence.

"All countries have increased investment in digital economy under the impact of the pandemic," Zhu noted.

"We should absolutely have confidence in economic recovery," said Zhao, adding that "to a large extend, the pandemic accelerated the evolution to digital economy which in return will contribute to economic recovery."

CHINA: A CONTINUOUS CONSTRUCTIVE CONTRIBUTOR

China has participated in, contributed to and benefited from the globalization in the past decades, and will continue to be a constructive contributor in the new phase of globalization.

In 2020, China was the only major economy that registered positive economic growth, and in the first half of 2021, China's GDP reached 53.2 trillion yuan (about 8.23 trillion U.S. dollars), showing strong resilience and injecting energy into the accelerated recovery of the global economy.

"In the past 40 years of working with China, we have seen that China had fully assumed its social and environmental responsibilities and had been constantly optimizing its project planning. The country has benefited greatly from its own investment in infrastructure. We would like to introduce China's experience to other countries," said Raiser.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of China's accession to the World Trade Organization, Chen said, noting that despite a "difficult climb ahead" amid the deterioration of the international environment, "we should have confidence, patience and tolerance for existing problems."

"At the same time, through joint governance, we should push globalization to a better track led by modern technology, digital economy and other high-tech technologies," said Chen. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 18:57:34|Editor: huaxia

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-- The death toll from torrential rain in Henan had risen to 99 as of Thursday noon. More than 13.91 million people in 150 county-level regions had been affected by the latest round of downpours since July 16.

-- As more young people got involved in different online rescue groups, an anti-disaster fight by China's Generation Z soon started at the fingertips.

-- The fight has rallied thousands of volunteers from home and abroad who are working in shifts 24 hours a day to offer help through the internet.

ZHENGZHOU, July 31 (Xinhua) -- At 5:00 p.m. on July 20, Zhao Jiaqi and her roommate Lou Yikun, two juniors at Beijing Technology and Business University completed a mock test for the postgraduate entrance examination and started to read news online.

At the same time, 27-year-old Zhang Jingshu, a Chinese student at Columbia University, was at a hotel in San Francisco and preparing for her return to China. She habitually checked her phone before going to bed.

"Record rains hit central China's Henan Province." "Rainstorms in Henan cause massive disruptions." The news feed was roaring with information on the Henan floods.

They were unaware that they would soon throw themselves into the same invisible battlefield.

Aerial photo taken on July 26, 2021 shows the rescue scene outside the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University in Weihui City, central China's Henan Province. (Xinhua/Hao Yuan)

The record downpour showed no signs of abating, with requests for help popping up on China's social media platforms.

The death toll from torrential rain in Henan had risen to 99 as of Thursday noon. More than 13.91 million people in 150 county-level regions had been affected by the latest round of downpours since July 16.

The more information they got, the more desperate Zhao and Lou, both 21, were to go to the front line to render help.

On July 21, they searched online and joined dozens of WeChat and QQ groups focusing on disaster relief. Zhang Jingshu was also a member of these groups.

One of the admins of these online groups was a post-1995 generation netizen called Hezi from the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu. Hezi swung into action on July 20 and launched an online rescue campaign.

"We classify and verify the online messages before inputting the data on shared documents. Then, we connect those in need of help with the rescue forces," said Hezi.

As more young people got involved in different online rescue groups, an anti-disaster fight by China's Generation Z soon started at the fingertips.

Stranded residents are evacuated on a shovel loader in flood-hit Weihui City, central China's Henan Province, July 24, 2021. (Xinhua/Li An)

The fight has rallied thousands of volunteers from home and abroad who are working in shifts 24 hours a day to offer help through the internet.

On July 24, Hezi announced on his official WeChat account that he had founded 10 online rescue groups of more than 3,000 people. His teams had collected over 10,000 messages and assisted the rescue of thousands of people.

The original aim of his online teams was simply to collect information calling for help, Hezi said. The situation, however, demanded more. "With plenty of information pouring in, it is far from enough. The urgent messages might be washed away by the highly repetitive and scattered ones," Hezi added.

To ensure targeted rescue, the teams were divided into several groups tasked with different responsibilities like searching and verifying information, and contacting rescuers.

During her long-haul international flight back to China, Zhang Jingshu, majoring in education data analysis, was busy tapping on the laptop to filter critical information using her professional tech skills. As soon as she arrived, Zhang shared the information with other group members through Wechat.

Volunteers Zhao Jiaqi (R) and Lou Yikun help carry flood-relief supplies in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, July 27, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Ruolin)

Zhao and Lou were part of another group to check whether the information source was reliable and if people were still awaiting help. They distinguished the information by marking them with different colors. For instance, green meant saved, red indicated very urgent, orange meant urgent while gray suggested the information sender lost contact or even possibly died.

The two girls ate one hamburger, which was the only food they had after joining the volunteer team for two days.

"We didn't dare to sleep. One-minute delay may leave one trapped person dead," Zhao said.

(Video reporter: Ren Zhuoru; Video editor: Zhao Xiaoqing)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 19:54:04|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The following are the updates on the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

- - - -

JAKARTA -- The number of COVID-19 cases in Indonesia rose by 37,284 within one day to 3,409,658, with the death toll adding by 1,808 to 94,119 on Saturday.

During the past 24 hours, 39,372 recovered patients were discharged from hospitals, raising the total number of recoveries from the pandemic in the Southeast Asian country to 2,770,092, according to the ministry.

- - - -

LAGOS -- A Nigerian official leading the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the country has urged political parties and electoral commission to ensure strict compliance with all COVID-19 protocols while conducting their events.

Boss Mustapha, the chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, warned that mass gatherings served as super-spreader events for the propagation of COVID-19 infection in communities.

- - - -

VIENTIANE -- Laos reported another record high of 380 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, according to the Lao Ministry of Health.

Deputy Director General of the Department of Communicable Diseases Control under the Lao Ministry of Health Sisavath Soutthaniraxay told a press conference in Lao capital Vientiane on Saturday that the new cases recorded over the past 24 hours included 376 imported cases and four local transmissions.

- - - -

MANILA -- The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) reported 8,147 new COVID-19 infections on Saturday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the Southeast Asian country to 1,588,965.

The death toll climbed to 27,889 after 167 more patients died from the viral disease, the DOH added.

- - - -

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan added 4,950 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours with a positivity rate of 8.46 percent, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) said on Saturday.

The NCOC said the country's number of overall confirmed cases has jumped to 1,029,811, including 940,164 recoveries.

- - - -

TASHKENT -- Uzbekistan's COVID-19 caseload rose to 129,327 after 924 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours, the highest daily count this year, the health ministry said on Saturday.

Meanwhile, eight new virus-related deaths were reported, bringing the nationwide death toll to 874. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 20:00:24|Editor: huaxia

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A formation of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Army took part in a grand military parade celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 1, 2019. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)

BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has called for resolute will and determination to work hard in a down-to-earth way to achieve the goals set for the centenary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks on Friday when addressing a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

On behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC, Xi extended regards to officers, soldiers and civilian personnel of PLA and the People's Armed Police Force, and members of the militia and the reserve service ahead of the 94th birthday of the PLA, which falls on Aug. 1.

Xi noted that achieving the goals is a significant decision by the CPC Central Committee and the CMC and a critical task concerning China's national security and overall development.

Reviewing the CPC's endeavor over the past 100 years, Xi stressed that "the Party commands the gun" and building people's armed forces are vital conclusions made through fierce struggles.

On the historic course of fully building a modern socialist country and achieving the second centenary goal, greater importance should be attached to strengthening national defense and armed forces, Xi said.

Xi emphasized that the realization of the goals is a profound reform vital for the overall construction of the whole army, calling for transformation in the development philosophy to ensure high-quality development.

Underlining the necessity of adapting to the global trend of military development and meeting the requirements for strengthening the strategic capacity of the Chinese armed forces, Xi demanded efforts to push forward the reform of the national defense and armed forces. 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 20:12:31|Editor: huaxia

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People talk with each other at Times Square in New York, the United States, May 14, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

"The pandemic revealed the importance of crisis management in multilateral institutions. We need to restart the global system to overcome the crisis," said Leslie Maasdorp, vice president and CFO of the New Development Bank.

by Xinhua writer Liu Lina, Ni Yuanshi

BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- As a consequence of COVID-19, the world is undergoing the worst economic recession in decades and globalization is becoming fragile. Building resilient globalization requires new international cooperation, in which China will continue to play a constructive role, experts said in a recent forum held in Beijing.

GLOBALIZATION AMID CHALLENGES

According to World Economic Outlook by International Monetary Fund, world economy experienced an estimated contraction of 3.3 percent in 2020. Distrust among countries rose amid complicated international competition while free trade is doubted.

Has the globalization fragmentized or even stagnated? What is the future of international cooperation?

"Globalization is an irreversible historical trend, though with twists and turns," said Chen Deming, chairman of China Association of Enterprise with Foreign Investment and former minister of commerce of China, on the 7th Annual China and Globalization Forum hosted by the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) in Beijing on July 30, which drew around 400 participants including foreign diplomats, Chinese officials, scholars and leaders from international organizations and businesses.

"In an information age (with) rapid scientific and technological progress, international cooperation is the only route for development." "Human beings must cooperate, and the trend of globalization will not stop," Chen said.

"But without effective governance, globalization will be hindered by populism and narrow nationalism. This is a complicated challenge to globalization that we have to face together," he noted.

People spend time at the National Mall in Washington D.C., the United States, May 6, 2021. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

"The COVID-19 situation is still grim, and climate change issue is even pressing. Global development faces many uncertainties. Thus, international cooperation is even more necessary," said Wang Huiyao, president of the CCG.

"A new research by the World Bank found that the pandemic actually had many countries integrated into global economy rather than separated productive force. Trade will provide powerful momentum for world economic recovery," said Martin Raiser, World Bank's country director for China, Mongolia and South Korea.

Raiser's opinion is echoed by panelists from multinational corporations.

"Speaking of globalization, our world is already indivisible, with global supply and commodity chain deeply integrated. The next stage will be development of digital industrialization and digitalization of the industry. Globalization will provide essential structural support for global market integration," said Zhao Bin, senior vice president of Qualcomm, a global leading company in telecommunication industry.

According to a recent report released by Boston Consulting Group, the integrated circuit industry chain has become the industrial chain with the most concentrated capital in the world. So it requires a high degree of cross-regional cooperation. No single country is capable to master the technology and capacity of every link of the semiconductor industry by itself.

"Globalization has entered a new stage, facing four major challenges: environmental issues, geopolitics, financial crisis, and cyberattacks," said Zhu Guangyao, China's former vice finance minister.

"The pandemic revealed the importance of crisis management in multilateral institutions. We need to restart the global system to overcome the crisis," said Leslie Maasdorp, vice president and CFO of the New Development Bank.

A staff member introduces knitwear via livestream broadcast in the knitwear market in Puyuan Town of Tongxiang City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Nov. 17, 2020. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

DIGITAL DESTINY FOR ECONOMY

According to experts, COVID-19 brings challenges to world economy as well as new opportunities of globalization at the same time.

In the 70 years of globalization after World War II, emerging countries gained economic growth and broke the original balance of the world, and now it is the time to find a new balance to boost the economy, said Chen.

More experts see significant potential of digital economy on world economic recovery.

By 2022, 65 percent of the global gross domestic product (GDP) will be digitalized, estimated Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), a global provider of market intelligence.

"All countries have increased investment in digital economy under the impact of the pandemic," Zhu noted.

"We should absolutely have confidence in economic recovery," said Zhao, adding that "to a large extent, the pandemic accelerated the evolution to digital economy which in return will contribute to economic recovery."

Photo taken on Sept. 22, 2020 shows an interior view of the Beijing Daxing International Airport in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Ren Chao)

CHINA: A CONTINUOUS CONSTRUCTIVE CONTRIBUTOR

China has participated in, contributed to and benefited from the globalization in the past decades, and will continue to be a constructive contributor in the new phase of globalization.

In 2020, China was the only major economy that registered positive economic growth, and in the first half of 2021, China's GDP reached 53.2 trillion yuan (about 8.23 trillion U.S. dollars), showing strong resilience and injecting energy into the accelerated recovery of the global economy.

"In the past 40 years of working with China, we have seen that China had fully assumed its social and environmental responsibilities and had been constantly optimizing its project planning. The country has benefited greatly from its own investment in infrastructure. We would like to introduce China's experience to other countries," said Raiser.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of China's accession to the World Trade Organization, Chen said, noting that despite a "difficult climb ahead" amid the deterioration of the international environment, "we should have confidence, patience and tolerance for existing problems."

"At the same time, through joint governance, we should push globalization to a better track led by modern technology, digital economy and other high-tech technologies," said Chen. 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 20:15:25|Editor: huaxia

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An exhibitor shows a carpet during an annual exhibition for handicrafts in the resort city of New Alamein, Matrouh province, Egypt, on July 28, 2021. Hundreds of Egyptian artisans have found an opportunity to showcase and market their handmade products in the country's biggest annual exhibition. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

ALAMEIN, Egypt, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of Egyptian artisans have found an opportunity to showcase and market their handmade products in the country's biggest annual exhibition in the Mediterranean resort city of New Alamein.

Dubbed Diarna which means "our homes" in Arabic, the exhibition showcases hundreds of handicrafts and heritage products made by 250 entrepreneurs, productive families and micro-enterprises, including textiles, furniture, home accessories, ceramics, women's accessories, leather, copper kitchenware, and silver and marble artworks.

Starting on July 25 and running until Aug. 25, the one-month event is organized by the Social Solidarity Ministry, aiming to revive traditional crafts and support small-sized handicraft manufacturers by providing outlets to market their products.

"Such events help me market my products in other cities," Nema Ahmed, an exhibitor and maker of women's garments with embroidery, told Xinhua at the 1,000-square-meter main hall.

Ahmed, who lives in Upper Egypt's Sohag Province, said the turnout is good and visitors showed admiration for her handmade products.

"Customers cannot find such items everywhere ... Handmade products are unique and rare, and that is why many people visit the exhibition," said the young woman.

Owning a store in her hometown, Ahmed noted that this is her second year to join the annual event which allows her to meet new customers and find out their preferences.

Such exhibitions help business owners sell their goods amid the recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, she said.

Ahmed expressed her hope that the exhibition could be held more than once a year since it gives a boost to the national economy in general.

For visitors, the exhibition is also a good chance to find breathtaking pieces of artwork at reasonable prices.

"I have bought some leather bags and wallets at very affordable prices," Maha Rashidy, a social development expert, told Xinhua.

The woman said most of the products on view are of high quality, hoping that such exhibitions would be held regularly to enable business owners to sell their products.

Ismail Ahmed, a businessman, moved across the exhibition to buy accessories and home decorations.

"This is my first time to visit the exhibition and I'm really surprised that we have artisans capable of making such incredible pieces of artwork," he said.

The businessman noted that holding such an event in a resort city during holidays is very smart as it enables both buyers and sellers to find what they are looking for.

"The resort is full of holiday makers who would love to buy exceptional handmade items ... It is also important for sellers who can find buyers easily," he told Xinhua. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 20:32:09|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- China reported 328 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in July, close to the total of such cases reported in the previous five months, a health official said Saturday.

Several places in China have recently seen cluster infections linked to imported cases, said Mi Feng, spokesperson for the National Health Commission, at a press conference.

In July, 14 provinces reported new locally transmitted confirmed cases or asymptomatic cases, Mi said.

As the highly contagious Delta variant continues to spread globally, China is facing mounting pressure to guard against the importation of the virus.

Since the beginning of July, China has seen an average of 27 daily new imported cases, Mi said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 20:43:46|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING -- "Globalization is an irreversible historical trend, though with twists and turns," said Chen Deming, chairman of China Association of Enterprise with Foreign Investment and former minister of commerce of China, on the 7th Annual China and Globalization Forum hosted by the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) in Beijing on Friday.

"The COVID-19 situation is still grim, and climate change issue is even pressing. Global development faces many uncertainties. Thus, international cooperation is even more necessary," said Wang Huiyao, president of the CCG.

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JOHANNESBURG -- Lindiwe Zulu, chairperson for the International Relations Sub-Committee in the ANC National Executive Council, expressed concern over the "politicization" of the inquiry into the origins of COVID-19.

"Research into the origins of the virus is important from a scientific and global health policy perspective and it should not be used as a smoke-screen for geopolitical contestation that has nothing to do with ending the pandemic or understanding how to prevent future pandemics," said Zulu on Friday.

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UNITED NATIONS -- "According to our humanitarian partners, an estimated 5.2 million people need assistance in Tigray," Eri Kaneko, associate spokeswoman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters at a regular briefing.

She made the remarks after Martin Griffiths, the new UN emergency relief coordinator, went to a site for internally displaced people in Ethiopia's embattled Tigray region on Friday.

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WASHINGTON -- The arrival of new Chinese Ambassador to the United States Qin Gang came "at a critical moment" in U.S.-China relations, experts have said.

"In any case, the arrival of Ambassador Qin in the U.S. represents the arrival of a new, modern and risen China that is just as unafraid to seek fair-spirited competition with the U.S. as it is unafraid to speak its mind when confronted with rank unfairness and hypocrisy by the West," Sourabh Gupta, a senior fellow at the Institute for China-America Studies, told Xinhua. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 21:08:12|Editor: huaxia

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TOKYO, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Japan Kong Xuanyou on Friday expressed wishes that Japan would adopt correct perception of China and implement positive China policies.

Kong made the remarks at a speech delivered at a symposium on international relations held here on Friday.

Kong said China and Japan, both important Asian countries, shoulder special responsibilities in safeguarding regional peace and stability and achieving prosperity and revitalization.

He noted that maintaining sound and steady development of China-Japan relations not only serve the fundamental interests of the two countries but also is the shared aspiration of the regional countries.

China always develops its relations with Japan with goodwill and sincerity, Kong said, hoping that Japan can translate its positive remarks on growing steady ties with China into actions and demonstrate them via concrete policies.

Kong said that in order to achieve real stability in China-Japan relations, the several important questions should be well addressed.

Firstly, is China really a threat to Japan or not? Based on ideological bias, misunderstanding and misjudgement, some people in Japan describe China's development as a challenge and threat to Japan and they provoke anti-China sentiment.

These noises should not be allowed to evolve, Kong said, noting that no one can deny China-Japan relations have made great progress and delivered huge benefits to the two peoples.

With interests so deeply intertwined and exchanges so frequent, do the two countries have any reasons not to be friends and partners? Kong asked while pointing out that it has long been the political consensus between China and Japan that they are cooperative partners and not threats to each other.

Kong expressed the hope that Japan can adopt correct perception of China, look at China's development in an objective and rational way and implement more positive China policies.

Secondly, should China and Japan engage in competition or cooperation? Kong said competition cannot be eliminated and it is also unnecessary to be excluded, but it should be fair, open and healthy, and can improve each other and promote each other's development.

Some people in Japan advocate cooperating with the United States to suppress Chinese high-tech firms and seek "suspending supplies", "decoupling" and "desinicization" as regards China, Kong pointed out, saying that such a move does not show open and confident mind and violates the principles of market economy and free trade.

Kong called for focus on cooperation between China and Japan and continuously expanding shared interests while in cooperation so as to achieve mutual benefits and win-win results.

Thirdly, how shall China and Japan handle conflicts and differences? Kong said the four political documents between China and Japan have established rules for dealing with important issues such as Taiwan-related issues, and also affirmed important principles including non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

In recent years the two sides have also reached some new consensus on properly handling maritime issues and other sensitive issues, he said, adding that history proves that as long as the two countries act by earnestly following these rules and principles, bilateral relations will move along a steady and sustained path; otherwise, things will go wrong.

Kong noted that recently the Japanese side has made notably negative acts on issues relating to Taiwan, Xinjiang and Hong Kong, causing serious disturbances to bilateral relations.

He hoped that the Japanese side, as China's close neighbor, will earnestly honor its commitments, show basic respect for China's internal affairs, stop harming China's core interests so as to avoid causing more damage to bilateral relations.

Fourthly, what responsibilities shall China and Japan undertake? Kong said both sides should actively fulfill their international responsibilities and make due contributions to regional and global development.

This has been the political consensus repeatedly affirmed by leaders of both countries, he said, adding that China will never accept some people's one-sided demand for China to follow so-called "rules" made by a handful of countries.

Kong said multilateral fields should become the platform for China-Japan cooperation, instead of fight. He hoped that the Japanese side will broaden its vision and mind, join hands with China, take on its responsibilities and actively respond to expectations from the regional and international society.

Fifthly, how should Japan make choices in the China-U.S. game? Kong said China has never asked Japan to take sides and never interfered in Japan developing normal relations with the United States.

However, the Japan-U.S. alliance should never constitute any damage to China's interests, he noted.

While Japan has an alliance treaty with the United States, it also has the peace and friendship treaty with China, Kong said, hoping Japan maintain its strategic autonomy, handle its relations with China and the United States in a balanced and proper way, and play a constructive role in promoting a benign interaction between China, U.S. and Japan.

The year 2022 will mark the 50th anniversary of the normalization of China-Japan diplomatic ties.

The ambassador expressed the hope that both sides will review their original intentions in normalizing the diplomatic relations, learn from experiences of the past 50 years' relations and build more solid, resilient, mature and sound relations, so as to benefit peoples of both countries as well as the region and the world. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 21:09:03|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- As the United States continues to see spikes in COVID-19 infections and deaths, the pandemic has indeed become, as the White House called, an American tragedy. How did it come to this?

Many factors explain America's abject failure to contain the pandemic. A good number of them can be traced back to the deadly hubris of Washington's politicians, as they care more about their own political interests rather than science and people's lives.

Domestically, those politicians released false information which fooled and misled its people on the outset of the pandemic.

Washington chose to turn a blind eye to warnings of the dangerous pathogen and deliberately downplayed its risks. Such absurd and irresponsible rhetoric as "the virus is going to disappear," or "injecting disinfectant" can kill the virus emerged one after another.

Respected experts were muted whenever they told the truth that offended those Washington's elites. For a long period of time, U.S. top infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci had tried to clarify the truth to the public, but consequently, he was blocked from appearing in the media.

The Atlantic once commented on Washington's failure in an article published in last September: "Despite ample warning, the U.S. squandered every possible opportunity to control the coronavirus. And despite its considerable advantages -- immense resources, biomedical might, scientific expertise -- it floundered."

As for epidemic control and prevention, Washington lacked an effective national plan to coordinate actions across the states, which is another major reason why the United States has failed in containing the pandemic.

For instance, some states announced lockdown restrictions in late March in the year 2020, while some other states were hurrying lifting their lockdown measures in April and May, which ultimately led to the infections surge across the country. What is worse, lockdown measures cannot be fully implemented. Statistics show that only about 50 percent of areas in the United States had well implemented effective lockdown.

Some states were even bidding for medical supplies. States including the New York State, California, Illinois rushed to buy ventilators, causing constant price rising and endless finger-pointing.

Total chaos can best depict Washington's epidemic control and prevention inside the country. It has failed to protect its own people. While on the world stage, Washington's hubris is more devastating, largely disrupting the global pandemic fight.

Time and again, the United States is openly stigmatizing the epidemic, labeling the virus, and interfering with global response of the World Health Organization (WHO).

In last July, at a critical moment of the global pandemic fight, Washington announced its decision to defund the WHO, which was described by Richard Horton, editor-in-chief of The Lancet, as "a crime against humanity."

Moreover, the United States has been hoarding a vast number of vaccines that leads to severe waste. With about 4 percent of the world's population, the United States snapped up about 2.6 billion doses of vaccines, a quarter of the global total.

Such a hoarding action is hindering the effective pandemic control at a global scale, as rampant spread of the virus in some countries amid vaccine shortages could create conditions for nurturing even deadlier variants. It is also hurting the United States itself.

The contagious Delta variant is an example. A surge of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths has once again struck the United States, with the total confirmed cases of the pandemic nearing 35 million.

America's pandemic tragedy is a lesson for U.S. politicians. It exposes Washington's hubris that overrides science and people's lives. If Washington cannot face up to the facts and shoulder its responsibilities both at home and abroad, there will be more catastrophes. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 21:21:22|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- In the face of new spikes in sporadic COVID-19 infections, governments at various levels across China have promptly taken measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus in an orderly fashion.

This round of infections started in Nanjing, in east China's Jiangsu Province, when nine airport cleaners at the Nanjing Lukou International Airport tested positive during a routine testing on July 20.

The mega-city with a population of more than 9.3 million had reported a total of 190 locally transmitted confirmed cases by Friday, according to local authorities.

By Saturday noon, Nanjing had designated 30 areas as medium-risk for COVID-19 and one as high-risk. All tourist sites in the city have been closed since Saturday.

Nanjing authorities also announced a 10-day overall disinfection plan for the Lukou International Airport on Saturday. The city is also drafting a disinfection plan for the residence of airport staff.

In order to enhance its nucleic acid testing capabilities, Nanjing has built six advanced air-inflated testing labs, which can screen up to 1.8 million people every day by using the mixed testing approach.

Three rounds of testing have been conducted citywide. Municipal authorities said Saturday that the city will organize vaccinations for those who are qualified to get the second shot in low-risk areas.

Viral genome sequencing has found all strains to be the highly infectious Delta variant, said Ding Jie, deputy director of the Nanjing municipal center for disease control and prevention, on Friday.

Also in Jiangsu Province, the city of Yangzhou has reported a total of 16 locally-transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases since Thursday, and the first case was a visitor from Nanjing.

On Saturday, the city suspended all inbound and outbound flights at its Taizhou International Airport, and closed major scenic spots, including the Slender West Lake and the Daming Temple.

Sporadic cases and cluster infections have also been found in other parts of the country, and many of the most recent patients diagnosed have recently traveled to Zhangjiajie, a world-famous tourist destination in central China's Hunan Province.

Zhangjiajie has reported five confirmed locally-transmitted cases since Thursday. The city closed all tourist sites and upgraded 11 neighborhoods to medium-risk areas for COVID-19 on Friday.

All stranded tourists are required to receive nucleic acid testing three times before leaving the city, and all results must be negative.

Emergency channels have been set up for them at all testing sites citywide, and local authorities have coordinated travel agencies and hotels to provide essential services to those tourists before their departure.

The central Chinese city of Zhengzhou, which was recently hit by heavy floods, classified one area as high-risk for COVID-19 and three areas as medium-risk on Saturday, all of them are in Erqi District, after one asymptomatic COVID-19 case and several suspicious cases were reported since Friday. The city is also planning to launch city-wide nucleic acid testing for COVID-19 in a timely manner.

Since Wednesday, the national capital of Beijing has reported two confirmed locally-transmitted cases. They are a couple who recently visited Zhangjiajie.

Nine residential compounds in Changping with about 41,000 residents in total have been put under closed-off management, Tong Lizhi, deputy head of the district government said Thursday.

Beijing has urged unremitting efforts to prevent and control the virus spread during the summer vacation and strengthen the management of inbound and outbound tourists.

A series of measures such as flow restriction, temperature measurement, health-code verification and mask-wearing in parks, scenic spots and traffic stations, will be strictly implemented, the municipal government said Friday.

Zhang Wenhong, a renowned medical expert in China, said that no community cases were found outside of the transmission chain of Nanjing airport, which indicates that the epidemic situation is still under control.

According to Shao Yiming, a researcher with the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the spikes in cases are limited to a relatively small scale, especially compared with the situation in other countries and regions of the world.

"Judging from our experience since the second half of last year, we are able to detect the epidemic early and take intensive measures to contain it within a few weeks," said Shao.

Shao said the pressure of imported cases will continue in the future, but China's prevention and control measures have also been strengthened.

"Last year, we only had routine public-health precautions, but vaccines have been available since the beginning of this year. We can now bring this outbreak under control more effectively and faster with a two-pronged approach," he added. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 22:20:17|Editor: huaxia

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Aerial photo taken on July 27, 2021 shows "Falcon" air-inflated testing labs for COVID-19 nucleic acid testing at a stadium in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- In the face of new spikes in sporadic COVID-19 infections, governments at various levels across China have promptly taken measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus in an orderly fashion.

This round of infections started in Nanjing, in east China's Jiangsu Province, when nine airport cleaners at the Nanjing Lukou International Airport tested positive during routine testing on July 20.

The mega-city with a population of more than 9.3 million had reported a total of 190 locally transmitted confirmed cases by Friday, according to local authorities.

By Saturday noon, Nanjing had designated 30 areas as medium-risk for COVID-19 and one as high-risk. All tourist sites in the city have been closed since Saturday.

Nanjing authorities also announced a 10-day overall disinfection plan for the Lukou International Airport on Saturday. The city is also drafting a disinfection plan for the residence of airport staff.

In order to enhance its nucleic acid testing capabilities, Nanjing has built six advanced air-inflated testing labs, which can screen up to 1.8 million people every day by using the mixed testing approach.

Three rounds of testing have been conducted citywide. Municipal authorities said Saturday that the city will organize vaccinations for those who are qualified to get the second shot in low-risk areas.

Viral genome sequencing has found all strains to be the highly infectious Delta variant, said Ding Jie, deputy director of the Nanjing municipal center for disease control and prevention, on Friday.

Also in Jiangsu Province, the city of Yangzhou has reported a total of 16 locally-transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases since Thursday, and the first case was a visitor from Nanjing.

On Saturday, the city suspended all inbound and outbound flights at its Taizhou International Airport, and closed major scenic spots, including the Slender West Lake and the Daming Temple.

Sporadic cases and cluster infections have also been found in other parts of the country, and many of the most recent patients diagnosed have recently traveled to Zhangjiajie, a world-famous tourist destination in central China's Hunan Province.

Zhangjiajie has reported five confirmed locally-transmitted cases since Thursday. The city closed all tourist sites and upgraded 11 neighborhoods to medium-risk areas for COVID-19 on Friday.

All stranded tourists are required to receive nucleic acid testing three times before leaving the city, and all results must be negative.

Emergency channels have been set up for them at all testing sites citywide, and local authorities have coordinated travel agencies and hotels to provide essential services to those tourists before their departure.

The central Chinese city of Zhengzhou, which was recently hit by heavy floods, classified one area as high-risk for COVID-19 and three areas as medium-risk on Saturday, all of them are in Erqi District, after one asymptomatic COVID-19 case and several suspicious cases were reported since Friday. The city is also planning to launch city-wide nucleic acid testing for COVID-19 in a timely manner.

Since Wednesday, the national capital of Beijing has reported two confirmed locally-transmitted cases. They are a couple who recently visited Zhangjiajie.

Nine residential compounds in Changping with about 41,000 residents in total have been put under closed-off management, Tong Lizhi, deputy head of the district government said Thursday.

Beijing has urged unremitting efforts to prevent and control the virus spread during the summer vacation and strengthen the management of inbound and outbound tourists.

A series of measures such as flow restriction, temperature measurement, health-code verification and mask-wearing in parks, scenic spots and traffic stations, will be strictly implemented, the municipal government said Friday.

Zhang Wenhong, a renowned medical expert in China, said that no community cases were found outside of the transmission chain of Nanjing airport, which indicates that the epidemic situation is still under control.

According to Shao Yiming, a researcher with the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the spikes in cases are limited to a relatively small scale, especially compared with the situation in other countries and regions of the world.

"Judging from our experience since the second half of last year, we are able to detect the epidemic early and take intensive measures to contain it within a few weeks," said Shao.

Shao said the pressure of imported cases will continue in the future, but China's prevention and control measures have also been strengthened.

"Last year, we only had routine public-health precautions, but vaccines have been available since the beginning of this year. We can now bring this outbreak under control more effectively and faster with a two-pronged approach," he added. 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 23:18:43|Editor: huaxia

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A worker arranges the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine at National Medical Stores in Entebbe, Uganda, July 31, 2021. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)

ENTEBBE, Uganda, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Uganda on Saturday received a donation of 300,000 doses of the Sinovac vaccines from the Chinese government.

The vaccines received here, 40 km south of the capital Kampala are a major boost to the East African country's vaccination exercise aimed at stopping the surge of COVID-19 cases, according to Ruth Aceng, minister of health.

Zhang Lizhong, Chinese ambassador to Uganda said the donation came at a critical time when Uganda wants to vaccinate its people in efforts to curb the spread of the pandemic.

"To bring the pandemic under control requires unity, solidarity, cooperation and actions by the global community. We should reject any form, any attempt of politicization, labeling or stigmatization. We should work together to put the pandemic under control," the ambassador said.

Munir Safieldin, UNICEF representative in Uganda, hailed China for the continued support to developing nations in the fight against the pandemic.

He added that the developed world needs to continue making it possible for developing nations to access COVID-19 vaccines.

Uganda, according to the ministry of health, expects to receive at least 12.3 million COVID-19 vaccines by early 2022.

The country aims at vaccinating about 22 million people, or nearly half the population as a measure to put the pandemic at bay. According to the ministry of health figures, about 1.1 million people have been vaccinated since the exercise started in March this year.

As the country awaits more vaccines, the health ministry urged the public to continue adhering to the COVID-19 prevention measures like avoiding mass gatherings and hand sanitization, among others. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 23:40:57|Editor: huaxia

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TOKYO, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Taipei's world No. 3 Lee Yang/Wang Chi-Lin beat China's third seeds Li Junhui/Liu Yuchen 2-0 in badminton men's doubles final to win the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics Saturday.

Lee and Wang were trailing 10-6 before they caught up to lead a 21-18 win. Li/Liu, unable to bounce back, were overwhelmed by their opponents and lost the second set 21-12 to settle for their first Olympic silver.

Lee/Wang had knocked out the event's top seeds Marcus Fernaldi/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo from Indonesia 2-1 in group stage and ousted Indonesia's second seeds Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan 2-0 in only 27 minutes in the semifinals.

The pairing of Lee and Wang started in 2019. Before they reached the Olympic podium, they have claimed several golds in world tournaments, including 2019 Orleans Masters, 2019 India Open and 2020 Thailand Open.

"I think we were off to a good start today, but we didn't seize the opportunity to expand advantage from midway," Li said after the loss. "Our opponents posed a lot of challenges for us, and we made several unnecessary mistakes."

Talking about his Olympic debut, Li said it was a wonderful experience and he absolutely enjoyed the journey. "Of course there are regrets, but I think it is not easy to have come along this far," he added.

"We have been partners for so long and put a lot of effort into preparing for the Olympics. I hope this will not be our final stop and we can still go ahead hand in hand to Paris," Liu said.

Earlier in the day, Malaysia's Aaron Chia/Wooi Yik Soh beat Ahsan/Setiawan 17-21, 21-17, 21-14 to win the bronze. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 00:01:06|Editor: huaxia

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ISTANBUL -- Turkey is under the shock of unprecedented forest fires that killed four people and injured scores of others in its coastal touristic southern provinces, while authorities are investigating claims of sabotage.

Over 70 wildfires have been reported since Wednesday across the country. Scorching heat and strong winds have fanned the fires in different regions as 4,000 firefighters battled the blazes, aided by helicopters and planes, local media have reported. (Turkey-Forest Fires)

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SHIBERGHAN, Afghanistan -- A total of 37 militants were killed as fighting planes targeted a convoy of Taliban militants in Dasht-e-Lili area of northern Afghanistan's Jawzjan province on Saturday, a local official said.

"Acting on tip-off, the fighting planes struck a convoy of Taliban rebels in Dasht-e-Lili area and Murghab village today, killing 37 insurgents and injuring 14 others," Rezai confirmed in talks with Xinhua. (Afghanistan-Airstrikes)

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ZANZIBAR -- Tanzania's Zanzibar on Saturday received a batch of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines and syringes donated by China.

Zanzibar's Minister of Trade and Industrial Development Omar Said Shaaban, Chinese Consul General in Zanzibar Zhang Zhisheng and other officials from the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar attended the handover ceremony of the vaccines at the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. (China-Zanzibar-Vaccine)

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BAGHDAD -- Four people were killed and six others wounded in twin attacks by militants of the extremist Islamic State (IS) group in western and eastern Iraq, security sources said on Saturday.

In the western province of Anbar, the militants attacked a policeman's house outside the town of Heet, some 160 km west of Baghdad at about 2:00 a.m. local time (2300 GMT), Maj. Abdul-Sattar al-Dulaimi of the provincial police told Xinhua. (Iraq-Twin Attack) Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 00:02:38|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council on Saturday voiced support for the Court of Final Appeal of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) in its ruling on disqualifying some candidates from the region's Legislative Assembly election.

The court on Saturday afternoon rejected the appeals of three election groups over their candidacy and affirmed the decision by Macao SAR's Electoral Affairs Commission for the Legislative Assembly Election of disqualifying three candidate lists from running for the upcoming Legislative Assembly election.

"The ruling is based on a solid legal foundation and facts," the office said in a statement expressing its strong support for the ruling.

The statement said that the Macao SAR Basic Law stipulates that members of the Legislative Assembly should uphold the Basic Law and pledge allegiance to the Macao SAR.

In rejecting the appeals of the candidates, who were disqualified for failing to meet the requirement of the law, and upholding the decision of the Electoral Affairs Commission for the Legislative Assembly Election, the court has safeguarded the constitutional order in the SAR as established by the Constitution and the Basic Law, it said.

The statement noted that upholding the "patriots administering Macao" principle is fundamental to ensuring the full and faithful implementation of "one country, two systems."

Any anti-China disruptor must never be allowed to make his or her way into the SAR's administrative structure and become an administrator by any means, said the statement, adding that this is an iron rule that should be thoroughly implemented in the eligibility review of the candidates.

The office expressed confidence in the success of the Legislative Assembly election and the steady and sustained implementation of "one country, two systems" in Macao. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 00:33:44|Editor: huaxia

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FUZHOU, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The 44th session of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO wrapped up on Saturday in Fuzhou, capital of east China's Fujian Province, with a total of 34 new sites inscribed on the World Heritage List.

The current session's inscriptions, which include 29 cultural sites and five natural ones, bring the total number of sites on UNESCO's World Heritage to 1,154.

Among the newly added sites is "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" in Fujian, which brings the number of world heritage sites in the country to 56.

The Chongqing Wulipo National Nature Reserve officially became part of the Hubei Shennongjia World Heritage Site after a minor modification to Shennongjia's boundaries during the session.

The Committee reviewed over 200 state of conservation reports of world heritage properties, and recognized three properties, namely the Great Wall of China, and Tai National Park and Comoe National Park, both in Cote d'Ivoire, as the model cases of conservation and management, said Tian Xuejun, chair of the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee.

The Committee decided to remove the Liverpool -- Maritime Mercantile City of Britain from the world heritage list. It was the first world heritage site deleted in the past 10 years.

The Fuzhou Declaration was adopted during the session, reiterating the principle of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, and calling for scaling up support to developing countries, especially to African countries and Small Island Developing States.

Tian said the session implemented UNESCO's global strategy of Priority Africa, as two properties from Africa were newly inscribed on the list.

The Committee also fully recognized the achievements and progress made by the Salonga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in eliminating threats of war and illegal poaching, and unanimously agreed to remove it from the List of World Heritage in Danger.

Tian said the session has made significant headway in the reform of application procedures of properties. Starting in September 2023, pre-evaluation will be required to facilitate the communication between the committee and advisory bodies at an early stage of a nomination. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 00:43:33|Editor: huaxia

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HONG KONG, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Saturday expressed deep regret as some officials of the U.S. State Department and the European Union (EU)'s office on foreign affairs and security policy made irresponsible remarks on the conviction and sentencing by the High Court of the HKSAR against an offender under the national security law in Hong Kong.

The HKSAR government deeply regretted and rejected remarks by officials from the United States and the EU which were blatantly trampling on Hong Kong's judicial strengths, let alone their usual politically motivated interference into the internal affairs of China's HKSAR, a spokesman of the HKSAR government said.

Every country has a right to safeguard national security and take resolute actions against any offenses, the spokesman said.

Officials in the United States and EU repeatedly smeared the national security law since its enactment, alleging that the legislation was being abused in Hong Kong without any evidence or substantiation, the spokesman said.

Their unjustified stance on Hong Kong affairs clearly shows their arrogance and double standards, the spokesman said.

The national security law clearly stipulates four types of offenses endangering national security and the penalties and law-abiding people will not unwittingly fall foul of the law, the spokesman said.

After the implementation of the national security law, Hong Kong people's rights and freedoms under the HKSAR Basic Law as well as the relevant provisions of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as applied to Hong Kong continue to be protected, the spokesman said.

Among others, the media and the general public continue to exercise their right to monitor the government's work and the freedom of criticizing policies, the spokesman said, noting that there is no basis for the officials in the United States and the EU to suggest that Hong Kong people's rights and freedom have been undermined.

The spokesman urged the United States and EU authorities to respect the rule of law and refrain from making any attempt to influence Hong Kong's courts in exercising their independent judicial power.

Such behaviors are detrimental to relationships with the HKSAR on a wide range of subjects of mutual concern and benefits, the spokesman said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 02:55:18|Editor: huaxia

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by Saud Abu Ramadan, Emad Drimly

GAZA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Easing the tight Israeli restrictions imposed on the Gaza Strip, home of more than 2 million Palestinians, defuses potential confrontations between Israel and militant groups led by the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), Palestinian analysts said.

The analysts told Xinhua in several separate interviews that Israel's decision to expand the fishing zone off the Gaza Strip's coast and resuming the commercial traffic at Kerem Shalom, the only commercial crossing point with Gaza, would help achieve stability and calm.

Israel recently announced that it will ease some restrictions imposed on the Gaza Strip, including an expansion of the allowed fishing zone.

"On Sunday, it will be possible to bring equipment and goods to Gaza, including materials for projects funded by the international community in the areas of food, water, medicine, and fishing," Ghassan Alian, chief of the Coordination of the Government Activities in the Territories, said in a statement.

Husam al-Dajjani, a political analyst from Gaza, said that the Israeli decision to ease restrictions imposed on the Gaza Strip "was part of the mediators' efforts to prevent possible confrontations between Hamas and Israel."

On May 10, Israel waged a large-scale aerial offensive on the Gaza Strip after Hamas and other militant groups fired hundreds of rockets towards Israel. On May 21, Egypt mediated a ceasefire between the two sides that ended the fighting between the two sides.

"Finding a solution to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is necessary for all parties, including the Israeli government of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett," al-Dajjani said, adding that expanding the fishing zone and resuming import and export at the Gaza crossing point "defuse potential confrontations."

Asked if the Israeli decision to ease restrictions imposed on the Gaza Strip would please Gaza militants, including Hamas, al-Dajjani said that what makes the Palestinian factions satisfied "is the complete lifting of the Israeli blockade that had been imposed on Gaza for 15 years."

Israel has been imposing a tight blockade on the Gaza Strip right after Hamas seized control of the coastal enclave in 2007.

Israel tightened the blockade during the 11-day fighting with Hamas-led militant groups, which ended on May 21 and left more than 250 Palestinians and 13 Israelis dead.

Five days ago, Israel restricted the fishing zone off the Gaza Strip coast in response to the launching of incendiary balloons towards Israel on July 25.

"The new Israeli measures of easing restrictions are positive, and the mediators can build on it," al-Dajjani said, adding that "the mediators are trying to make improvements to ease the reality of life in Gaza, which may postpone the chances of any upcoming confrontation."

Talal Oukal, a Gaza-based political analyst, said that the Israeli measures of easing restrictions came at the request of the ceasefire mediators in light of the difficult humanitarian situation in Gaza, which witnesses high rates of poverty and unemployment.

"The delay in the reconstruction process after the last round of fighting in the Gaza Strip rang a bell of danger and worsened the humanitarian situation in the enclave," he said.

Okal believes that Egypt, Qatar, and the United States pressured Israel to make a real initial "breakthrough" in light of having no progress in the issue of reaching a prisoners' swap deal between Hamas and Israel.

He added that the announced Israeli decision to ease restrictions imposed on the Gaza Strip "will not satisfy the Palestinian factions because these restrictions were not present before the last round of tension in May."

The Palestinian factions in Gaza demand that Israel abides by previous understandings of the truce reached in 2018, which include expanding the fishing area, starting the implementation of infrastructure projects, and lifting restrictions on the import and export of goods.

They also demand that Israel should allow the entry of the Qatari financial grant for humanitarian support to Gaza's needy families and the entry of construction materials to start the reconstruction process.

However, Israeli media reported that Israel links allowing the entry of construction materials and easing restrictions with the release of four Israelis, held captive by Hamas in Gaza.

In 2017, the military wing of Hamas, better known as al-Qassam Brigades, announced for the first time that it keeps four Israeli captives, including two soldiers, without specifying their fate. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 04:12:51|Editor: huaxia

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KHARTOUM, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Sudan on Saturday welcomed an Algerian initiative calling for holding a direct meeting between leaders of Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to reach a solution for the differences over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Chairman of Sudan's Sovereign Council Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan on Saturday met in Khartoum with the visiting Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra.

"The leadership in Sudan has welcomed the Algerian initiative calling for holding a direct meeting between the leaders of the three countries to resolve their differences over the GERD," Mariam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi, Sudan's Foreign Minister, said after the meeting.

She said the meeting also reviewed the Libyan file and the role of the neighboring countries and their cooperation in ensuring peace, security and stability in Libya.

Ramtane Lamamra, for his part, said his meetings with the Chairman of Sudan's sovereign council, the prime minister and foreign minister reviewed bilateral relations with the focus on the current challenges and the contribution of the two countries in facing them.

Lamamra arrived in Khartoum on Friday in a two-day official visit. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 05:21:16|Editor: huaxia

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TEGUCIGALPA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of Hondurans participated on Saturday in an extensive vaccination session organized to fight COVID-19, and more than 50,000 people are expected to be inoculated in two days, said health authorities.

Since the early hours of Saturday morning, people over 35 years of age lined up outside the ten centers set up to administer doses of the vaccine in the Central American country.

During the week, health authorities urged the population to continue getting vaccinated, as the country has registered 7,834 deaths and 297,111 cases of the disease so far.

Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez said on Friday that it is expected that with this event, over two million Hondurans will have been vaccinated.

As of Thursday, 1,912,190 Hondurans had been vaccinated against COVID-19 with 1,639,892 having received the first dose and 272,298 having been fully vaccinated. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 06:16:19|Editor: huaxia

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DUBLIN, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Over 72 percent of adults in Ireland have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said on Saturday.

"The vaccine rollout (in Ireland) is continuing at great pace. Today we edged ahead of our nearest neighbours, a brilliant effort by everyone involved," he said in a tweet.

The prime minister said that 72.4 percent of adults in Ireland have been fully vaccinated, while the figure in the UK is 72.1 percent.

On Saturday, a number of walk-in vaccination clinics have opened across Ireland. People aged 16 and over can receive a first dose of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine at these clinics without appointment.

Earlier this week, Karina Butler, chair of Ireland's National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), said that the NIAC had recommended the use of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for the 12-15 year olds.

The online vaccination registration for this age group has reportedly started.

Ireland on Saturday reported another 1,427 confirmed COVID-19 cases.

"Today we have reached the milestone of 300,000 cases reported in Ireland since the beginning of the pandemic," said Tony Holohan, chief medical officer of the Irish Department of Health in a statement. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 06:28:00|Editor: huaxia

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LIMA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The government of new Peruvian President Pedro Castillo will implement an economic policy that will promote private and public investment, Economy and Finance Minister Pedro Francke said on Saturday.

According to Francke, one of the new government's priorities will be job creation, after the COVID-19 pandemic caused around 2.2 million Peruvians to lose their jobs.

"We urgently need to recover employment while respecting private property, ensuring the proper functioning of markets, promoting private and public investment," the minister wrote on Twitter.

Francke, an economist from the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru with extensive experience in international banking, also said that the Ministry of Economy and Finance will enact social programs to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations.

The minister, who was sworn in as the head of the ministry on Friday, thanked President Castillo for his confidence.

"Peru is at a historic moment; we will act responsibly and within the framework of democracy. I thank President Castillo and Prime Minister Guido Bellido for the trust placed in me. We will work hand in hand with the ministerial cabinet," he said.

The ministry reported that last year, the Peruvian economy fell by 11.1 percent due to the pandemic, and that the projection for 2021 economic growth is 10 percent, based on the recovery of international markets. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 07:24:17|Editor: huaxia

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In this combo photo taken on July 23, 2021, the left part shows Zhou Lei at a fish-vegetable greenhouse; and the right part shows Zhou Lei (L) talking with a worker at the greenhouse in Dongqi Village, Jinzhong, north China's Shanxi Province. In 2016, Zhou Lei decided to develop the fish-vegetable agricultural complex. Without experience to learn from, Zhou Lei constantly tried and improved his technique, and finally established a stable ecological circulation system. As China announced victory over poverty earlier this year, more and more young Chinese return to hometowns to start their own planting businesses. With professional skills and novel ideas of management, they are bringing new vitality to China's rural economic development. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 16:33:41|Editor: huaxia

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LUANDA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Angolan Finance Minister Vera Daves on Friday urged national banks to invest more in security systems when addressing a banking forum here.

The minister noted that digital solutions entail new risks and called for "full attention" to the security of the technological systems of all banks in the market.

"We cannot be vulnerable to cyber attacks as well as to the impact that has on the entire Angolan financial system, a threat that has been recurrent in our country", she stressed.

The official underlined that "it is naive to think that there are cheap solutions to problems that cause or may cause unspoken losses."

The state-owned Savings and Credit Bank was the latest target of a cyber attack on July 20, according to the official. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 17:02:14|Editor: huaxia

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JOHANNESBURG, July 30 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's governing party African National Congress (ANC) on Friday said that while they support the scientific investigations into the origins of COVID-19, they must not be politicized.

Lindiwe Zulu, chairperson for the International Relations Sub-Committee in the ANC National Executive Council, expressed concern over the "politicization" of the inquiry into the origins of COVID-19.

"Research into the origins of the virus is important from a scientific and global health policy perspective and it should not be used as a smoke-screen for geopolitical contestation that has nothing to do with ending the pandemic or understanding how to prevent future pandemics," said Zulu.

Zulu said COVID-19 has killed many people and resulted in vaccine nationalism by high-income countries. She urged countries to rebuild solidarity "as this is the only way to effectively combat the spread and destruction of the virus." Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 21:13:10|Editor: huaxia

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HARARE, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe has reopened the Victoria Falls land border with Zambia for fully vaccinated tourists to allow the smooth flow of tourists between the two neighboring countries.

The development follows the successful rollout of a vaccination program that has seen more than 60 percent of residents in the border town of Victoria Falls being vaccinated.

Victoria Falls town is home to the mighty Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe's prime tourist destination, and one of the world's seven natural wonders.

The adjacent Kazungula border post with neighboring Botswana has also been opened, with the majority of visitors being vaccinated.

However, despite the reopening of tourist activities in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe remains under Level 4 lockdown and other land borders remain closed.

Earlier this week, following requests from players in the tourism sector, the cabinet resolved to reopen the two border posts to allow tourist activities to resume between the countries.

Before the pandemic, more than 350,000 people each year visited the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls which is shared with Zambia to witness the natural wonder.

However, with global travel restrictions and national lockdowns, tourist activities were halted for the greater part of 2020.

Due to its heavy reliance on international tourists, Zimbabwe's hospitality industry has been the hardest hit, and the sector is estimated to have lost at least 1 billion U.S. dollars in potential revenue in 2020.

Following the successful rollout of vaccines in the resort town, players in the tourism sector are optimistic that the tourism and hospitality industries will return to normalcy.

Victoria Falls's vaccination drive was launched in March with Sinovac vaccines purchased from China, and the tourist destination has become the first city in the region to archive herd immunity.

Nick Mangwana, Permanent Secretary for Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services, said Friday night that since Victoria Falls has since achieved herd immunity, President Emmerson Mnangagwa had directed that restaurants in the resort city allow sit-in customers. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 01:07:44|Editor: huaxia

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HARARE, July 31 (Xinhua) -- July 2021 has been the deadliest month in as far as COVID-19 deaths and infections are concerned in Zimbabwe since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020.

Official figures show that while on June 30 the country had recorded 49,864 cases and 1,789 deaths, the figures had ballooned to 107,490 cases and 3,490 deaths by July 30 as a third wave swept across the country and left a trail of disaster throughout.

Official data shows that the number of infections is receding since the peak in mid-July, although the number of deaths remains high.

The government continues to encourage citizens to be vaccinated and is pushing toward attaining herd immunity under which 60 percent of the population (of about 10 million people) are vaccinated.

As of July 30, 1,623,874 people had received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccines, while another 751,487 had completed their courses with mainly the Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines from China.

Zimbabwe recently approved the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for emergency use against COVID-19, bringing the total number of approved vaccines to five.

The other two vaccines are Sputnik V from Russia and Covaxin from India. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 11:01:56|Editor: huaxia

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PHNOM PENH, July 31 (Xinhua) -- World Health Organization (WHO) representative to Cambodia Li Ailan has called for swift and collective actions as Cambodia is racing against COVID-19 variants.

In a statement released late on Friday, Li said the pandemic is far from over, and the numbers of daily confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths remain high in Cambodia.

The Delta variant has been detected amongst migrants returning through land borders and is now in the local community, she said, adding that the Delta variant spreads faster than other known variants and is the most transmissible variant so far.

"We are racing against new variants. We must act today, and we must act fast to have no regrets tomorrow," Li said.

The WHO has been advising and focusing on support in a number of important areas for a swift response, she said, adding that it includes the suppression of transmission through early detection, situation analysis and targeted non-pharmaceutical interventions, the acceleration of COVID-19 vaccination, and the increase of patient care capacity.

Cambodia is at a critical moment. The government has taken some tough decisions including the lockdowns in eight border provinces and the launch of the national campaign as important steps in fighting the pandemic, especially in response to the Delta variant.

Effective implementation and good public compliance will determine the success of these interventions, she said.

"I urge everyone to take every necessary and recommended action to protect themselves, their families and others from getting infected by the virus. Our collective actions will determine our success or failure in fighting against COVID-19," Li said.

"We must stand together and act together to save lives, protect the health system and minimize disruption to the society," she added.

Li said the COVID-19 vaccine rollout has progressed well in Cambodia and remains a key strategy.

The WHO strongly recommends that everyone, regardless of their vaccination status, continue to follow preventive behaviors such as wearing a mask, maintaining physical distancing, washing hands with soap frequently, avoiding crowded, confined, and closed spaces, and avoiding gatherings, she added. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 14:02:43|Editor: huaxia

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Staff members transport China's Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines at the Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, July 31, 2021. A plane carrying a new batch of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine landed in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, on Saturday, giving another boost to the country in its vaccination drive. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)



PHNOM PENH, July 31 (Xinhua) -- A plane carrying a new batch of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine landed in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, on Saturday, giving another boost to the country in its vaccination drive.

Health ministry's secretary of state Yok Sambath, who welcomed the arrival of the vaccine at the Phnom Penh International Airport, said the jab was purchased from Chinese biopharmaceutical firm Sinovac Biotech.

China is the major vaccine supplier to the Southeast Asian nation, she said, adding that with the subsequent arrivals of the vaccines, the kingdom has enough jabs to sustain its inoculation drive.

Cambodia launched a COVID-19 vaccination drive on Feb. 10. To date, some 7.23 million people, or 72.3 percent, of the 10 million targeted adult population have received at least one dose of the vaccines, according to the health ministry.

The country reported 658 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, pushing the national total caseload to 77,243 so far, the health ministry said, adding that 22 new fatalities were recorded, taking the overall death toll to 1,397.

Another 798 patients had recovered, raising the total number of recoveries to 69,996, it added. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 17:09:19|Editor: huaxia

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Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul speaks during an interview in Bangkok, Thailand, on July 29, 2021. Anutin Charnvirakul said China and Thailand have had good cooperation on fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and the two countries will continue to support each other in this regard. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

BANGKOK, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said China and Thailand have had good cooperation on fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and the two countries will continue to support each other in this regard.

Expressing his gratitude for China's assistance in fighting the pandemic, Anutin said "the Chinese government has always supported our country to the most extent, and we have received lots of contributions."

"I could say loudly that Thai people always feel the wonderful brotherhood between the Chinese and the Thais," Anutin said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

"With the good cooperation that we have had with each other, we will continue to help each other to the best we can, and this will continue endlessly," said Anutin, who is also the country's public health minister.

China's Sinovac vaccine is the first COVID-19 vaccine that entered Thailand, and has helped the Southeast Asian country kick-start its national inoculation program, with Anutin taking the first shot.

The Chinese vaccines are the major vaccines that Thailand is using to inoculate its people, said Anutin, expecting that by the year end, the vast majority of the people could be vaccinated.

As Thailand is grappling with the worst wave of the COVID-19 outbreak, with its medical system being overwhelmed, the country needs speedy vaccine rollout to control the situation.

As of Saturday, China has provided to Thailand 19 batches of vaccines, according to data from the Chinese Embassy to Thailand.

Despite the current COVID-19 situation, Anutin said "the plan to open up our country is still there," hoping that the situation could get better in the next few months and Thailand could welcome tourists from China as ever before.

To reboot the tourism-reliant economy and revive the tourism sector, Thailand aims to open up to fully-vaccinated foreign tourists later this year.

On Saturday, the country reported 18,912 new cases, the highest single-day tally since the pandemic began, raising the total number of infections to nearly 600,000. Cumulative fatalities have risen to 4,857, up by 178 over the last 24 hours, also a record high. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 19:54:56|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken on July 31, 2021 shows displaced people at a makeshift camp in Mazar-i-Sharif, capital of Balkh province, Afghanistan. (Photo by Kawa Basharat/Xinhua)

MAZAR-I-SHARIF, Afghanistan, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Bibi Maryam, a displaced woman in Mazar-i-Sharif city, the capital of Afghanistan's northern Balkh province, sits in front of her tent in a makeshift camp with two kids. Her house has been destroyed by the ongoing war in the country.

The 37-year-old woman, who seems much older than her real age, said there had been gunfire almost every day, and she had witnessed the killing of innocent people and destruction of houses.

"My utmost desire in my life is to see peace and to live in peace. This is my dream and what I am praying for. If peace returns I would return to my village and resume my normal life," Maryam told Xinhua.

Maryam denounced the ongoing war in Afghanistan as the source of all sufferings of the ordinary Afghans and lamented that the war has destroyed their houses, rendered many homeless and left countless children orphaned.

"The war has turned to ash our house, and I am living along with my nephews whose father has gone missing," Maryam murmured.

Living in a tent in the makeshift camp outside Mazar-i-Sharif where the temperature is usually above 45 degrees Celsius in summer, she had no cooler or fan available.

"We are living on charity and sometimes begging and asking for alms to find food and water. Begging is a shameful act but we have no choice," she said.

Maryam said there are casualties from both the Afghan security forces and the Taliban in the ongoing fighting every day.

"I am praying for returning peace. I am searching for peace and looking forward to seeing the return of lasting peace in Chamtal district and across Afghanistan to resume peaceful life free of fear."

Afghanistan has been the scene of escalating fighting since the start of the U.S.-led forces pullout from the country in early May. Since May, the Taliban outfit has intensified activities and reportedly has captured some 200 districts including four in the northern Balkh province.

The escalating fighting has left many families homeless, with majority of them having settled in the makeshift camps in and outside Balkh provincial capital Mazar-i-Sharif over the past months.

"Living is very difficult in both the villages and inside the makeshift camps. In the villages people are caught in crossfire and in the makeshift camps we don't have even the basic necessities of living, and we Afghans have been suffering since our childhood," elder of the camp Hajji Faiz Mohammad lamented in talks with Xinhua.

"We are being killed. We are deprived of our rights. Our children can't go to school. Nobody seems to pay attention to our sufferings," Mohammad complained.

Sayed Masoud Qadiri, chief of the Refugees and Repatriation Department in Mazar-i-Sharif, said surveys are being made on the problems of the people living in the makeshifts. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 21:12:59|Editor: huaxia

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SHIBERGHAN, Afghanistan, July 31 (Xinhua) -- A total of 37 militants were killed as fighting planes targeted a convoy of Taliban militants in Dasht-e-Lili area of northern Afghanistan's Jawzjan province on Saturday, a local official said.

"Acting on tip-off, the fighting planes struck a convoy of Taliban rebels in Dasht-e-Lili area and Murghab village today, killing 37 insurgents and injuring 14 others," Rezai confirmed in talks with Xinhua.

A number of arms and ammunition as well as 13 motorbikes and some vehicles of the armed group were also destroyed in the sorties, the official said.

Without providing more details, the official added that the fighting planes would continue to target the insurgents elsewhere in the country.

Taliban militants have yet to make comments. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 21:24:06|Editor: huaxia

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NEW DELHI, July 31 (Xinhua) -- India's federal health ministry Saturday chaired a high-level meeting reviewing situation in Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Assam, among others in the wake of the surge in COVID-19 cases in these states, officials said.

"These states are either reporting a rise in new daily COVID-19 cases or a rise in positivity," a statement issued by the federal health ministry said. "The public health measures taken for surveillance, containment and management of COVID-19 by the health authorities in these states were also reviewed."

The meeting was chaired by a senior health ministry official, Rajesh Bhushan, and the head of country's top health research body Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Balram Bhargava was also present along with other top officials.

During the meeting, it was highlighted all districts reporting positivity rate more than 10 percent in the last few weeks need to consider strict restrictions to prevent movement of people, formation of crowds and intermingling of people to prevent spread of infection and it was forcefully underlined that any laxity at this stage will result in deterioration of the situation in these districts.

"More than 80 percent active cases in these states are reported to be in home isolation. There is need to effectively and strictly monitor these cases so that they are not intermingling and circulating in their neighborhoods, community, village, etc., and spreading the infection," the ministry said.

"The people in home isolation should be effectively monitored in such a manner to ensure that those who require hospitalization are seamlessly transferred for timely clinical treatment."

The ICMR head warned against any complacency with around 40,000 cases being reported daily since the preceding weeks. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 03:25:26|Editor: huaxia

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PRAGUE, July 30 (Xinhua) -- The Czech government on Friday approved a measure to provide two additional days of paid vacation to civil servants who get vaccinated against COVID-19, in a bid to boost the country's vaccination rate, the government announced.

According to Prime Minister Andrej Babis, employees of state authorities and institutions vaccinated from Jan. 1, 2021 will be entitled to the two additional days of paid vaccination.

Babis added that some incentives offered to employees in the private sector were a major impetus for this move by the government. He called on other private employers, as well as regional governments, to follow this example to help boost vaccination.

As of Thursday, the country has administered 10.25 million doses of vaccine, with 4.78 million people fully vaccinated, according to official figures. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 21:29:44|Editor: huaxia

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A forest fire burns near the town of Manavgat, east of the resort city of Antalya, Turkey, July 31, 2021. Turkey is under the shock of unprecedented forest fires that killed four people and injured scores of others in its coastal touristic southern provinces, while authorities are investigating claims of sabotage. (Xinhua)

ISTANBUL, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Turkey is under the shock of unprecedented forest fires that killed four people and injured scores of others in its coastal touristic southern provinces, while authorities are investigating claims of sabotage.

Over 70 wildfires have been reported since Wednesday across the country. Scorching heat and strong winds have fanned the fires in different regions as 4,000 firefighters battled the blazes, aided by helicopters and planes, local media have reported.

Around 100 firefighters and over 80 civilians were injured, mostly from smoke inhalation, emergency authorities have announced.

Many residential areas, villages, and tourism facilities have been evacuated because of the fires, which also caused many farm and wild animals to perish.

Most of the blazes have been brought under control, but several fires were still raging on Saturday in the southwest and south of the country for a fourth consecutive day.

Officials launched an investigation into suspicions that the fires that broke out Wednesday in four locations in Manavgat, a Mediterranean tourist hotspot in Antalya province, were the result of arson.

Forest fires are regular occurrences in summer in Turkey. However, eyewitnesses have reported wildfires erupting at several different points simultaneously, drawing suspicion.

Press outlets and commentators have pointed the finger at Kurdish rebels of the outlawed Kurdistan Worker's Party. Sympathizers of the organization classified as terrorists by Turkey also hailed the fires on social media.

"We won't know for sure until an official announcement is made, but this year many forest fires have started at the same time in many different areas, which may be caused by arson," Aydin Tufekcioglu, a forestry scholar, told Xinhua.

The professor of forest ecology from Coruh University in the northeastern province of Artvin also didn't rule out natural causes, explaining that scorching heat and strong winds make a bad combination for fires.

"There are strong winds in southern Turkey, which makes fighting the fires nearly impossible, and blazes engulf hectares in only minutes," Tufekcioglu said.

"It (fire) began slowly, but it got quite big because of the winds that intensified the flames, and it threatened several residential areas," Barcin Yildiz, an insurance salesman who was vacationing there, told Xinhua from the resort town of Marmaris, in southwestern Mugla province.

"I've heard of forest fires in this region but never that big," he said. "It was terrifying." Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 06:36:25|Editor: huaxia

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CHICAGO, July 30 (Xinhua) -- U.S. city of Chicago now recommends that everyone over the age of two wear masks when indoors as the city reached 206 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, reported the Chicago Tribune.

In a statement issued Friday, the Chicago Department of Public Health recommended that "businesses, employers, and event organizers require universal masking in all public indoor settings." The new guidance keeps masks outdoors optional and makes no changes to the recommendations for social distancing.

"We are taking this step to prevent further spread of the very contagious Delta variant and to protect public health," said Allison Arwady, the city's public health commissioner, in the statement. "This isn't forever, but it is necessary to help decrease the risk for all Chicagoans right now."

Cook County was added on Thursday to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list of areas experiencing "substantial" COVID-19 transmission. Cook, DuPage, McHenry and Will counties in the Chicago area, and 80 others statewide have all met the threshold where masks are recommended for everyone indoors, regardless of vaccination status.

The CDC announced the new guidelines Tuesday for counties experiencing "substantial" or "high" transmission, as the Delta variant of COVID-19 surged across the country. The office of the Illinois Secretary of State announced on Tuesday to reinstitute mask policy in all Driver Services facilities, Secretary of State offices and the Illinois State Capitol Building starting from Aug. 2; Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker ordered on Thursday that masks be worn at all state facilities under his control.

Illinois health officials on Friday reported 2,348 new confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19, the second time in three days the tally topped 2,000. Over the past seven days, the state averaged 1,669 new daily cases, up roughly 46 percent from the previous week's average of 1,140 cases per day.

Illinois recorded a peak of 3,390 daily cases in mid-April during the spring surge.

Along with new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations are also on the rise in Illinois. As of Thursday night, 903 people were hospitalized statewide with COVID-19, bringing the seven-day average for hospitalizations to 796, the highest level since the week ending June 9, when the state was averaging 816 COVID-19 patients in the hospital each day, the local newspaper reported. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 06:09:52|Editor: huaxia

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CHICAGO, July 31 (Xinhua) -- CBOT agricultural futures were in an uptrend in the past week as a result of sliding world's grain stock and strong market demand.

Chicago-based research company AgResource maintains a bullish outlook for agricultural futures based on surging world demand and a declining U.S. dollar.

CBOT corn futures ended the week flat. Both the bulls and bears lack meaningful leverage between 5.40-5.70 dollars. Supply continues to dominate price direction, but this should change following the August World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) Report.

Corn's outlook is bullish on historically tight stocks and another year of China importing 30-36 million metric tons from all sources. Brazil's interior corn market is quoted at 8.30-8.50 dollars per bushel into yearend. Spot European corn settled this week at 8.55 dollars per bushel on Friday. A massive shift in world feed demand is imminent as only the United States has the inventory necessary to fill the supply gap left by Brazil's year-over-year decline in production. U.S. and world exporter corn stocks/use will determine price, as a new record low in world corn exporter stock/use ratios is forecast.

Wheat rallied driven by threatening drought that has plagued major wheat producing areas in North America. Strong world demand is also noted.

World ocean freight rates continued to climb on ship shortages and strong demand. It will be years before world ocean freight rates return to normal amid the building demand profile and lack of new ship builds. AgResource predicts that world freight costs will stay elevated for years to come.

Soybean futures settled higher. Tightening old crop supplies along with massive soymeal cash trade in China will likely underpin the complex early next week.

AgResource looks for China to become an active buyer of U.S. soybeans in the next two weeks. China has imported record tonnages of Brazilian soybeans and is forecast to import 40-43 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans in 2021-2022.

The weekly soybean chart shows strong support at 13-13.25 dollars for November futures with an estimated 32 percent of the U.S. soybean seeded area embroiled in drought. Enditem
Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has paraded before the media seven people accused of committing three separate fraud-related crimes.

The group was paraded on July 28, at the Metropolitan Police Headquarters in Remera, Gasabo District following separate operations that led to their arrests.

The suspects are accused of forming a criminal gang, using forged documents and defrauding businesses and people, Thierry Murangira, RIB spokesperson said.

Murangira said that the suspects identify a business they will defraud and then gather sufficient information about it.

One of the suspects who is said to be the group leader narrated how the plot was hatched. They made contact with their prey, ordered for goods worth Rwf6 million, but paid Rwf400,000. They then forged the bank slip to prove they had wired the Rwf6 million to the seller's bank account.

They sent the forged bank slip via WhatsApp and the seller delivered the goods without verifying whether the money had indeed been deposited in the bank.

Evariste Minani, one of the people who bought some of the stolen goods said; "when they reached out to me, I bought the goods without knowing they were stolen items."

Minani regrets not to have been vigilant because the goods were very cheap and cautioned other businesses to be aware of potential fraudsters.

"After giving them the products, we checked on the company's account and realized there was no money deposited and then alerted the police," said Solange Mutesi, the owner of the stolen goods.

As the investigations continue, Murangira advised sellers to watchful

He also urged sellers to always check if they received money before giving out their products.
Nigeria's top cop, Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari, was named by the United States Justice Department in a $1.1m fraud case involving suspected international fraudster, Ramon Olorunwa Abbass, also known has Hushpuppi, currently standing trial for fraud in a United States Court.

See full text of the court record containing the criminal complaint by telephone or other reliable electronic means, the description of offence and the affidavit duly sworn by Andrew John Innocenti, Special Agent, FBI and endorsed by Hon. Patricia Donahue, U.S. Magistrate Judge.

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

For the Central District of California

Case No. 2:21-mj-00760-DUTY

United States of America

RAMON OLORUNWA ABBAS, aka "Ray Hushpuppi," ak"Hush," aka "Malik,"

ABDULRAHMAN IMRAAN JUMA, aka "Abdul," aka "Rahman,"

VINCENT KELLY CHIBUZO, aka "Kelly,"

ABBA ALHAJI KYARI,

RUKAYAT MOTUNRAYA FASHOLA, aka "Morayo,"

BOLATITO TAWAKALITU AGBABIAKA, aka "Bolamide,"

Defendants

AFFIDAVIT

I, ANDREW JOHN INNOCENTI, being duly sworn, declare and state as follows:

I. INTRODUCTION

1. I am a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"), and have been so employed since approximately March 2015. I am currently assigned to the Los Angeles Field Office, High-Tech Organized Crime Squad, where I primarily investigate cyber-enabled fraud and business email compromise ("BEC") schemes. Between approximately August 2015 and December 2018, I was assigned to a cyber-crime squad in the Chicago Field Office, where I investigated cyber-related crimes, including BEC cases. During my career as an FBI Special Agent, I have participated in numerous computer- crime investigations. In addition, I have received both formal and informal training from the FBI and other institutions regarding computer-related investigations, computer technology, and white-collar fraud.

2. This affidavit is made in support of a criminal complaint against, and arrest warrants for, RAMON OLORUNWA ABBAS, also known as ("aka") "Ray Hushpuppi," aka "Hush," aka "Malik" ("ABBAS"), and the following persons who conspired with ABBAS and each other to fraudulently obtain and launder at least $1,124,426.36 from a victim:

a. ABDULRAHMAN IMRAAN JUMA, aka "Abdul," aka "Rahman" ("JUMA"), of Kenya;

b. VINCENT KELLY CHIBUZO, aka "Kelly" ("CHIBUZO"), of Nigeria; of the Nigeria Police Force;

d. RUKAYAT MOTUNRAYA FASHOLA, aka "Morayo" ("FASHOLA"), of New York State; and

e. BOLATITO TAWAKALITU AGBABIAKA, aka "Bolamide" ("AGBABIAKA"), of New York State (collectively, with ABBAS, the "Defendants").

3. The criminal complaint charges the Defendants with violations of 18 U.S.C.  1349 (Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud) and 18 U.S.C.  1956(h) (Conspiracy to Engage in Money Laundering).

4. The facts set forth in this affidavit are based upon my personal involvement in this investigation, my review of reports and other documents related to this investigation, my training and experience, and information obtained from other agents, law enforcement officers and employees, and witnesses. This affidavit is intended to show merely that there is sufficient probable cause for the requested complaint and arrest warrant, and does not purport to set forth all of my knowledge of the government's investigation into this matter. Unless specifically indicated otherwise, all conversations and statements described in this affidavit are related in substance and in part only. Unless specifically indicated otherwise, all dates set forth below are "on or about" the dates indicated, and all amounts or sums are approximate.

II. SUMMARY OF PROBABLE CAUSE

5. ABBAS is a Nigerian national who previously resided in the United Arab Emirates (the "U.A.E."). ABBAS' social media accounts--on which he was known by the moniker "Ray Hushpuppi" or variations of that name--frequently showed him in designer clothes, wearing expensive watches, and posing in or with luxury cars and charter jets. Online articles in Nigeria suggested for several years

that ABBAS was involved in fraud,1 and, in fact, multiple articles identified him as one of the most prolific Nigerian-origin fraudsters in the world.2 The FBI's investigation confirmed that ABBAS' opulent lifestyle was financed through crime, and that he was one of the leaders of a transnational network committing computer crime and fraudulent schemes (including BEC schemes),3 and money laundering from those offenses, targeting victims around the world. ABBAS was charged by Complaint and then Information, in Case. No. 2:20-CR-00322-ODW, for conspiring in a cyber-heist from a bank in Malta and several BEC schemes, and money laundering relating to those schemes.

6. In addition to that charged conduct, messages obtained from ABBAS' phone and online accounts pursuant to federal search warrants, combined with bank records, other records, and information from victims, indicate that ABBAS and the other Defendants participated in a scheme to defraud a person (the "Victim Businessperson") who was seeking a lender to invest $15 million in a project to

1 See, e.g., TechCity, The Unmasking of Hushpuppi and Why We All Should Be Worried, July 31, 2017, https://www.techcityng.com/unmasking- hushpuppi-worried/ (last visited Feb. 11, 2021); Legit.ng, What Does Hushpuppi Do for a Living?, Dec. 5, 2018, https://www.legit.ng/1207409-what-hushpuppi-a- living.html (last visited Feb. 11, 2021)

2 See, e.g., WithinNigeria.com, The Richest Yahoo Boy in Nigeria 2019, Feb. 17, 2019, https://www.withinnigeria.com/2019/02/17/who-is-the-richest- yahoo-boy-in-lagos-2019/ (last visited Feb. 11, 2021); Top 10 Richest Yahoo Boys in Nigeria, Jist Nigeria, August 29, 2019, https://jistnaija.com/top-10-richest- yahoo-boys-in-nigeria/ (last visited Feb. 11, 2021).

3 BEC fraud schemes often involve a computer hacker gaining unauthorized access to a business-email account, blocking or redirecting communications to and/or from that email account, and then using the compromised email account or a separate fraudulent email account (sometimes called a "spoofed" email account) to communicate with personnel from a victim company and to attempt to trick them into making an unauthorized wire transfer. The fraudster will direct the unsuspecting personnel of the victim company to wire funds to the bank account of a third party (sometimes referred to as a "money mule"), which is often a bank account owned, controlled, and/or used by individuals involved in the scheme based in the United States. The money may then be laundered by wiring or transferring it through numerous bank accounts to launder the money, or by quickly withdrawing it as cash, by check, or by cashier's check.

build an international school in Qatar (the "Qatari Victim Company"). The scheme defrauded the Victim Businessperson of more than $1.1 million.

7. JUMA and ABBAS interacted directly with the Victim Businessperson; JUMA claimed to own a company in Kenya that would provide the loan, while ABBAS pretended to be "Malik," a banker at Wells Fargo in the United States, who was purportedly facilitating the loan payment. CHIBUZO was involved in creating a fraudulent website and automated phone line that would convince the Victim Businessperson that the $15 million loan had been secured. In the course of the scheme, the Victim Businessperson made multiple payments purportedly for taxes and other fees, which JUMA and ABBAS told the Victim Businessperson were necessary to secure the loan.

8. At the time ABBAS joined the conspiracy, JUMA had already defrauded the Victim Businessperson of approximately $314,442.78 in early December 2019. After ABBAS joined the conspiracy that month, JUMA and ABBAS received and laundered additional funds in a variety of ways with the assistance of other coconspirators. AGBABIAKA and FASHOLA were among the coconspirators who assisted ABBAS in receiving and laundering funds.

9. Among those payments, ABBAS convinced the Victim Businessperson to make wire transfers of $230,000 to a Wells Fargo bank account of a luxury watch-seller and $100,000 to a Capital One bank account of AGBABIAKA in late December 2019.

a. ABBAS used the wire transfer of $230,000 to purchase a luxury Richard Mille RM11-03 watch. ABBAS arranged for the watch seller in Florida (the "Florida Watch Seller") to ship the watch to the New York metropolitan area, where AGBABIAKA and FASHOLA picked it up and ultimately delivered it to a coconspirator, who was a relative of FASHOLA. ABBAS then directed that person to transport the watch on a flight from John F. Kennedy International

Airport ("JFK") in New York to the U.A.E., where that person hand-delivered the watch to ABBAS on about January 4, 2020. ABBAS posted a photograph of himself on Instagram wearing the watch, with the hashtag "#Rm1103," on January 13, 2020.

b. As to the $100,000 wire transfer to AGBABIAKA, ABBAS directed AGBABIAKA to withdraw the funds and convert a portion of them-- minus $8,000 for AGBABIAKA, which was her cut--to Nigerian Naira, the currency of Nigeria, which she then provided to coconspirators who would deliver the funds to ABBAS. AGBABIAKA also laundered funds at ABBAS' request by sending cashier's checks totaling $50,000 to a coconspirator who would use the funds to fraudulently obtain St. Christopher and Nevis ("St. Kitts") citizenship and a passport for ABBAS. ABBAS received the passport in February 2020.

10. Between approximately January 8, 2020 and February 4, 2020, JUMA and ABBAS each corresponded with the Victim Businessperson, attempting to fraudulently induce the Victim Businessperson to pay $575,000 in purported "taxes" to release the $15 million loan that the Victim Businessperson was expecting. Between February 5 and 7, 2020, the Victim Businessperson wire transferred $299,983.58 to bank accounts under JUMA's control.

11. CHIBUZO's messages to ABBAS during that time show that he was unhappy with the amount that, and/or speed with which, ABBAS was paying him, so he contacted the Victim Businessperson directly. CHIBUZO told the Victim Businessperson that JUMA and ABBAS were "fake," in an attempt to convince the Victim Businessperson to stop making fraudulent payments to ABBAS and JUMA, and to make fraudulent payments to him instead. When JUMA and ABBAS learned of CHIBUZO's interference, ABBAS arranged to have KYARI--a highly decorated Deputy Commissioner of the Nigeria Police Force--arrest CHIBUZO for interfering with the fraud scheme. ABBAS specifically told KYARI that

CHIBUZO contacted "the job" behind ABBAS' back to "divert the job for himself." ABBAS asked KYARI to have the police administer the "serious beating of his life" and arranged with KYARI to pay to keep CHIBUZO imprisoned for at least a month, so that the fraud scheme could be successfully executed, and the money could be obtained. After KYARI arrested CHIBUZO, he sent ABBAS photographs of CHIBUZO in custody and later told ABBAS that he would not allow CHIBUZO's girlfriend to pay money to get CHIBUZO out of custody as he would have done for a "normal arrest." Following CHIBUZO's arrest, JUMA and ABBAS convinced the Victim Businessperson to make the payments of $299,983.58 described above.

12. In mid-February 2020, the Victim Businessperson came to believe that JUMA had defrauded him/her. ABBAS--still pretending to be "Malik," a Wells Fargo banker--purported to sympathize with the Victim Businessperson and then fraudulently induced the Victim Businessperson to make additional wire transfers of $100,000 to AGBABIAKA and $80,000 to a different coconspirator, which were laundered through a variety of means. At the same time, ABBAS led JUMA to believe that he had not received any additional payments from the Victim Businessperson.

13. Accordingly, there is probable cause to believe that ABBAS, JUMA, CHIBUZO, KYARI, FASHOLA, and AGBABIAKA committed violations of 18 U.S.C.  1349 (Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud) and 18 U.S.C.  1956(h) (Conspiracy to Engage in Money Laundering).

III. STATEMENT OF PROBABLE CAUSE

A. Identification of Defendants

14. As discussed above, ABBAS was identified and charged in Case No. 2:20-CR-00322-ODW. (The identification of ABBAS is discussed in more detail

in the Complaint (Dkt. 1) filed in that case number.) The evidence discussed in this affidavit comes from (a) online accounts of ABBAS and (b) ABBAS' phone that the FBI obtained from law enforcement in the U.A.E., and all of which were searched pursuant to federal search warrants. Review of these sources of information provided evidence--including photographs, financial documents, messages with associates, and/or copies of government-issued identifications-- confirming that ABBAS used the online accounts and phone discussed herein. Moreover, ABBAS admitted, during a Mirandized interview after his arrest by FBI, that he used the WhatsApp phone number +971543777711, the Instagram username hushpuppi, and the Snapchat account hushpuppi5.

15. The following sections discuss the identifications of JUMA, KYARI, CHIBUZO, FASHOLA, and AGBABIAKA, each of whom communicated and conspired with ABBAS on one or more messaging platforms, including ToTok and WhatsApp. In those ToTok and WhatsApp conversations ABBAS used the phone number +971543777711, and ABBAS also communicated using the Snapchat username hushpuppi5 and the Instagram username hushpuppi.

1. Identification of JUMA

16. JUMA used the phone number +2547233377884 to communicate with ABBAS, which was saved by ABBAS in his contacts as "Abdul Kenya Akwete." JUMA also used his true name--ABDULRAHMAN JUMA--to communicate with the Victim Businessperson and the "Financial Advisor" of the Victim Businessperson.

17. According to the Victim Businessperson and the Financial Advisor (as discussed below in paragraph 47), JUMA provided his business card to the Victim Businessperson and the Financial Advisor during an in-person meeting in Kenya. The business card listed his name as ABDULRAHMAN JUMA and stated that he was the "Chairman" of Westload Financial Solutions. The business card also listed his phone number as +254723337788. A photograph of that business card is shown below.

18. Messages that JUMA exchanged with ABBAS corroborate JUMA's identity. On December 10, 2019, JUMA, using the phone number +254723337788, sent a photograph of a medical document to ABBAS. The document listed the patient's name as "ABDULRAHMAN JUMA," and JUMA told ABBAS that he was getting a checkup for an "itchy throat."

19. Records from Google, obtained on November 2, 2020, indicated that the phone number +254723337788 was listed in subscriber records of the email address aabdul300@gmail.com, which used the name "ABDULRAHMAN JUMA."

20. Records from financial service companies likewise indicate that JUMA used the phone number +254723337788:

a. Western Union records indicate that a person using the phone number +254723337788 listed the name "Abdulrahman Imraad Juma,"5 and a date of birth in March of 1993, when making payments through the service.

b. MoneyGram records indicate that "ABDULRAHMAN IMRAAN JUMA"--with the same birthdate in March of 1993, phone number 723337788 (+254723337788 without the Kenya country code "+254"), and a Kenyan passport with the passport number ending in 1127--received a payment through the service on May 28, 2017.

21. Finally, I have reviewed a certified non-immigrant visa ("NIV") application submitted by JUMA. This application included the aforementioned phone number +254723337788 and listed JUMA's name as ABDULRAHMAN IMRAAN JUMA. Moreover, corroborating the records listed above, the NIV application listed JUMA's birthdate as the same date in March of 1993, his Official Kenya passport number as the same number ending in 1127, and his email address as aabdul300@gmail.com. The NIV application further included the following photograph of JUMA.

22. Review of ABBAS' phone revealed that he and JUMA used a U.A.E.- based messaging platform called ToTok, on which JUMA was listed as the username "Wfs." The evidence indicating that JUMA used the username "Wfs" includes the following:

a. ABBAS and "Wfs" discussed the scheme to defraud the Qatari Victim Company in detail, including passing wire details and victim identifying information, while engaging in simultaneous conversations over WhatsApp, as well. For example, in December 2019, ABBAS and "Wfs" used ToTok to discuss how to defraud the Qatari Victim Company, including passing wire confirmation details and a photograph of the passport of the Victim Businessperson. At approximately the same time, ABBAS and JUMA used WhatsApp to share messages that they sent to and received from the Victim Businessperson, and further discussed how to split the proceeds of the fraud they obtained from the Victim Businessperson.

b. Further corroborating that "Wfs" was JUMA, "Wfs" stated on several occasions that he was located in Kenya, and was associated with the Kenyan law firm "Okatch & Partners," which was one of the companies that received funds sent by the Qatari Victim Company.

c. Moreover, there were a number of instances in which JUMA and "Wfs" sent the same or similar information to ABBAS on both WhatsApp and ToTok, respectively, in a short timeframe. For example, on January 3, 2020, JUMA forwarded a message to ABBAS through WhatsApp and, in the same minute, "Wfs" sent the same message to ABBAS using ToTok. Moreover, on January 6, 2020, "Wfs" sent a long message over ToTok to ABBAS discussing how he had not received any money from ABBAS. Within approximately 20 minutes, JUMA sent the same long message to ABBAS over WhatsApp.

2. Identification of KYARI

23. KYARI communicated with ABBAS primarily using the phone numbers +2349099999131 and +2348120000043--both of which ABBAS had saved with contact names including "ABBA KYARI," as discussed below. KYARI's messages to ABBAS contained numerous photographs of himself, some of which also included his name.

24. For example, using the phone number +2349099999131--which ABBAS had saved as "ABBA KYARI"--KYARI sent ABBAS the following photograph, on September 8, 2019:

25. This image depicts KYARI sitting at a desk, surrounded by multiple photographs of himself. Zooming in on the image revealed that the nameplate on the desk says "DCP ABBA A. KYARI" and a photograph on the wall states "DCP ABBA KYARI" and "THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE." "DCP" is an acronym for "Deputy Commissioner of Police," which was KYARI's title within the Nigeria Police Force. A magnified version of the latter photograph is included here:

Using the phone number +2348120000043--which ABBAS had saved as "ABBA KYARI NEW NUMB"-- KYARI sent several images of himself to ABBAS in April and May 2020, including the following:

27. Additionally, on June 9, 2020, KYARI sent ABBAS a link to an article in the Nigerian publication "The Independent" describing how the Deputy Commissioner of Police, ABBA KYARI, was being honored by the Nigeria House of Representatives. I and another FBI employee located this article online, and a screenshot of it is included below:

28. I reviewed online articles about KYARI, which indicated that KYARI is an Inspector General of the Police's Intelligence Response Team and a Deputy Commissioner of Police in Nigeria. KYARI previously managed the Special Anti- Robbery Squad, commonly known as SARS, as the Officer-In-Charge for several years. Articles referred to KYARI as a "super cop" of the Nigeria Police Force, and described him as "The Most Decorated Officer In The History Of The Nigerian Police."6 KYARI has been awarded many accolades, including

recognition for his performance by the Nigerian House of Representatives in June 2020, which KYARI informed ABBAS of via the news article discussed above. I also reviewed other articles, from October and November 2020, which indicated that KYARI had been accused of falsely arresting and extorting a businessman in Lagos.7 Based on those articles, KYARI's work, in general, appears to have related primarily to kidnapping cases, and I did not see any articles suggesting that KYARI worked on fraud cases.

29. Finally, I have reviewed a certified NIV application submitted by ABBA ALHAJI KYARI, in April 2019. This application included one of the aforementioned phone numbers (09099999131) that KYARI used to communicate with ABBAS,8 as well as a date of birth in March of 1975, and KYARI's Nigerian passport number ending in 3677. The NIV application also included the following photograph, which is consistent with the other photographs of KYARI shown above:

30. Based on messages I reviewed, ABBAS appears to have first interacted with KYARI in September 2019, when KYARI traveled to the U.A.E. The conversation indicated that ABBAS sent a car and driver to drive KYARI during that trip. Soon thereafter, KYARI sent ABBAS a video slideshow which showed some personal photographs of KYARI, some of which appeared to have been taken in the U.A.E. Later in September, after KYARI sent ABBAS an article that discussed him arresting alleged kidnappers, ABBAS wrote, in part, to KYARI, "Am really happy to be ur boy," and later, "I promise to be a good boy to u sir."

3. Identification of CHIBUZO

31. CHIBUZO communicated with ABBAS on multiple messaging platforms using the Nigerian phone number +2348078425723, which ABBAS had saved with the name "Kelly Ogudu New."

32. As detailed later in this affidavit (see Section III.B.4), at one point during the scheme to defraud the Qatari Victim Company, CHIBUZO contacted the Victim Businessperson in an attempt to redirect proceeds of fraud to himself. In retaliation, ABBAS employed the assistance of KYARI to have CHIBUZO

imprisoned. The conversation between ABBAS and KYARI about CHIBUZO contained identifying information for CHIBUZO, as well as multiple photographs of him.

a. For example, on January 13, 2020, after becoming frustrated with "Kelly Ogudu New," ABBAS asked him thorough a messaging platform for a good contact number for him. "Kelly Ogudu New" responded to ABBAS' request and provided the telephone number +2348078425723. ABBAS then sent this number, and another phone number, to KYARI.

b. Then, on January 20, 2020, KYARI sent ABBAS detailed information relating to CHIBUZO, including CHIBUZO's full name (VINCENT KELLY CHIBUZO), age at the time (37), place of birth, and address in Abuja. Additionally, KYARI sent the following photograph of CHIBUZO and wrote, "We have arrested the guy [] He is in my Cell now."

c. ABBAS confirmed CHIBUZO's identity, stating "Yes yes that is him sir."

d. Separately, in order to substantiate the claim that CHIBUZO stole money from him, ABBAS provided KYARI screenshots of conversations that contained the phone number 3054405586, as evidence that CHIBUZO attempted to redirect proceeds of the fraud to himself. This number was used by "Kelly Ogudu New" to pass a fake bank website address to ABBAS, as later described in paragraph 130.

e. Moreover, as described in paragraph 148, KYARI sent ABBAS other photographs of CHIBUZO, when discussing how long he had been holding CHIBUZO in custody.

4. Identification of FASHOLA

33. FASHOLA communicated with ABBAS using ToTok and WhatsApp. ABBAS had saved FASHOLA's contact information on ToTok (with phone number 13472042529) as "Morayo Facetime," and on WhatsApp (with the phone number 19735195993) as "Morayyyyyyyyoooooo."

34. Review of the ToTok communications and other information from ABBAS' online accounts confirmed the identity of FASHOLA, as well as indicating that ABBAS and FASHOLA had a child together. For example, on March 12, 2020, FASHOLA provided photographs of a high school transcript and college diploma to ABBAS, which she stated belonged to her. The high school transcript was issued by the New York City Department of Education, and it listed the name RUKAYAT FASHOLA, a specific address on Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, and date of birth in October of 1992. The college diploma was issued by Hunter College of the City University of New York and listed the name RUKAYAT M. FASHOLA.

35. Additionally, on March 5, 2020, FASHOLA sent ABBAS a photograph of her business card, which included the name RUKAYAT FASHOLA, her photograph, and the phone number 9735195993, which she used to communicate with ABBAS on WhatsApp. That photograph is pictured below.

36. In August 2020, I reviewed Department of Motor Vehicles ("DMV") records for the State of New York, which confirmed FASHOLA's date of birth and address as consistent with the information described above. The records further included the below photograph of FASHOLA.

5. Identification of AGBABIAKA

37. AGBABIAKA communicated with ABBAS using the U.S. phone number 9177740064, which ABBAS had saved with the name "Bolatito New."

38. On December 30, 2019, AGBABIAKA sent ABBAS a message containing a photograph of her Nigerian passport, pictured below, which listed her name as BOLATITO TAWAKALITU AGBABIAKA.

39. Records from T-Mobile USA, Inc., received on August 28, 2020, indicated that the phone number 9177740064 was subscribed to BOLATITO AGBABIAKA, with the same birthdate in April of 1987 as the passport, and a specific address on Metcalfe St. in Staten Island, New York.

40. In August 2020, I reviewed records from the DMV of New York, which further confirmed AGBABIAKA's identity, including the name, date of birth, and address listed above. Those records also included the following photograph, which is consistent with the photograph on the Nigerian passport AGBABIAKA sent to ABBAS.

41. On September 9, 2020, AGBABIAKA entered the United States by commercial aircraft from the United Kingdom. I reviewed a U.S. Customs and Border Protection report of a secondary inspection conducted subsequent to her arrival into the United States. During that secondary inspection, AGBABIAKA confirmed her address on Metcalfe Street in Staten Island, New York; that her phone number was 9177740064; that her Instagram account was @bolamide; and that her email addresses were atito2003@yahoo.com and atito2003@gmail.com.

42. Records from email and social media providers confirm that AGBABIAKA used that that phone number, the moniker "bolamide," and the two email addresses listed above:

a. Records from Snap Inc., received on November 16, 2020, indicated an active Snapchat account for the username "bolamide," which used the registration email address atito2003@gmail.com and phone number 9177740064.

b. Records from Google Inc., received on January 6, 2021, indicated that email address atito2003@gmail.com was registered to "Bola Tito" and also listed the phone number 9177740064.

c. Records from Oath Holdings Inc., received on January 8, 2021, indicated that email address atito2003@yahoo.com was registered to "Bolatito Agbabiaka" and also listed the phone number 9177740064.

B. Scheme to Defraud the Victim Businessperson and the Qatari Victim Company

43. Pursuant to federal search warrants for ABBAS' phone and multiple online accounts, I have reviewed communications on multiple messaging platforms between ABBAS and coconspirators--including JUMA, CHIBUZO, KYARI, AGBABIAKA, FASHOLA, FASHOLA's relative who is referred to herein as "Coconspirator 5," and others--regarding the fraud and money laundering scheme targeting the Victim Businessperson and the Qatari Victim Company. I have also interviewed the Victim Businessperson and the "Financial Advisor" of the Victim Businessperson, who have confirmed the details of this fraudulent scheme and provided related documents. Finally, I have obtained records from banks, money service companies, telephone providers, email and social media companies, the Department of State, and the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's Office. The information described below is based, collectively, on these sources of information, except as otherwise indicated.

1. Initiation of Fraud Scheme and Initial Fraudulent Payments of $314,442.78 to JUMA

44. I know the facts described in this section based on information provided by the Victim Businessperson and the Financial Advisor, including documents they provided.

45. The Victim Businessperson planned to build an international school (the Qatari Victim Company) in Qatar, and therefore hired the Financial Advisor to find a lender who could invest $15 million in the project.

46. Around October 1, 2019, the Financial Advisor began reaching out to business contacts and conducted searches online to secure an investor to provide the $15 million loan for his client. As a result of the online search, the Financial Advisor came into contact with Coconspirator 1, who claimed to live and work in the Philippines. Coconspirator 1 referred the Financial Advisor to a company in Kenya--Westload Financial Solutions Limited ("Westload")--to facilitate the loan.

47. On November 12, 2019, the Financial Advisor and the Victim Businessperson travelled to Kenya to meet in person with JUMA and another person. As noted in paragraph 17, JUMA's business card identified him as the "Chairman" of Westload, while the business card of the other person stated he was the "Funding Officer."

48. During this meeting, the Victim Businessperson signed a contract with Westload. The contract stated that the Victim Businessperson was responsible for paying a "consultancy fee" of $225,000 through the law firm Okatch & Partners ("Okatch"), which was located in Kenya. The payment was to be made in two installments--an initial payment of $157,500 and a second payment for $67,500. Westload also provided two initial invoices; one for $157,500 for the first installment and another for $6,900, for purported legal and initial engagement fees.

49. Concurrently, on about November 12, 2019, the Victim Businessperson began communicating with JUMA over WhatsApp.

50. On around November 13 and 14, 2019, the Victim Businessperson wired approximately $164,450 to Okatch in four separate transactions.

51. On about December 1, 2019, JUMA provided the Victim Businessperson a wire transfer confirmation--which was forged and fraudulent-- showing a transfer of $15 million from a Barclays Bank PLC account in the United Kingdom to the Qatar National Bank ("QNB") account of the Qatari Victim

Company,datedNovember28,2019. 19(perconversationwithaffiant2/12/2021) __

52. On about December 4, 2020, the Victim Businessperson learned from QNB that it had not received a payment from Barclays for the Qatari Victim Company.

53. Shortly thereafter, on about December 5, 2019, JUMA told the Victim Businessperson that another "payment of release order" was needed to secure the loan, and requested an additional payment of $150,000.

54. On around December 6 and 7, 2019, the Victim Businessperson wired approximately USD $150,000 to Okatch in four transactions.

2. JUMA, ABBAS, CHIBUZO, and Others Defrauded the Victim Businessperson of $330,000, and ABBAS Used the Funds to Purchase a Luxury Richard Mille Watch and St. Kitts Citizenship

55. Starting on December 7, 2019, JUMA began communicating with ABBAS about the scheme to defraud the Victim Businessperson.9 They discussed

prior payments by the Victim Businessperson, getting the Victim Businessperson's passport information, and forms that they could send the Victim Businessperson to further the fraud scheme. They also discussed how to share the money that the Victim Businessperson would be sending, and JUMA sent ABBAS a photograph of the Victim Businessperson's Qatar passport.

56. On December 10, 2019, ABBAS told JUMA that he would pretend to be a director of a bank when communicating with the Victim Businessperson. ABBAS stated, in part, "u need to let me know when reach to forward [him/her] to speak to the director of the bank which is me to cement things with [him/her] and prepare [him/her] for what's cominh" (sic). JUMA agreed that this was a good idea and that he would introduce the Victim Businessperson to ABBAS. ABBAS also told JUMA that he would make a new WhatsApp number to talk with the Victim Businessperson, possibly using a different phone. ABBAS sent JUMA the phone number +19177026999 and then, the next day, asked JUMA on a different messaging platform if he had received the "work number."

a. As discussed below, this phone number--+19177026999--was what ABBAS used to communicate with the Victim Businessperson.

57. On December 11, 2019, JUMA explained to ABBAS how profits were typically shared in Kenya. ABBAS then wrote "What I had in mind was if there's 150k, I get 50k and u and ur guys get 100k"--indicating that he wanted to receive one-third of the amount received from the Victim Businessperson for his role in the fraud scheme.

58. Several hours later, JUMA sent ABBAS the name and phone number of the Victim Businessperson so that ABBAS could contact the victim directly. When JUMA asked if he should refer to ABBAS' persona--"Malik"--as being from Dubai, ABBAS responded "No o [] My number is from USA [] So say from New York."

59. ABBAS sent messages to the Victim Businessperson claiming to be "Malik," the "director of the bank responsible for crediting you the funds," who was working with "Mr. Rahman from Kenya" (i.e., JUMA). At approximately the same time, JUMA told the Victim Businessperson that "Mr. Malik from the US" would be contacting the Victim Businessperson, and sent the Victim Businessperson the phone number that ABBAS sent him. While both were communicating with the Victim Businessperson, JUMA and ABBAS shared with each other screenshots and copied text of parts of the conversations they were each having with the Victim Businessperson.

60. Shortly afterward, also on December 11, 2019, JUMA asked ABBAS "What do you think of [him/her?]" ABBAS responded, "Amazing job, [s/he] was complying accordingly."

61. On December 16, 2019, ABBAS contacted a coconspirator ("Coconspirator 2"), saying he needed a male voice to call from a specific number, because the Victim Businessperson was "expecting call [sic] from a bank executive in New York[.]" ABBAS then provided the phone number of the Victim Businessperson to Coconspirator 2 and explained what he should say to the Victim Businessperson. Specifically, ABBAS told Coconspirator 2 to relay to the Victim Businessperson that they would need to open a bank account in the United States in order to transfer the $15 million loan because Qatar had purportedly been sanctioned by the United States government. ABBAS also forwarded several conversations he had on WhatsApp with the Victim Businessperson to Coconspirator 2.

62. After Coconspirator 2 contacted the Victim Businessperson, the Victim Businessperson thanked ABBAS, and asked to have the loan funds transferred from the U.S. bank account that would be set up by ABBAS to the Victim Businessperson's bank account in London. At approximately the same

time, ABBAS reported to JUMA, "[S/he]'s so happy[.] I had a white guy call [him/her] from America now" . . . Real white man [] I was on the other line [] [S/he] was so happy and . . . respectful[.]"

63. Shortly thereafter, JUMA asked ABBAS if the Victim Businessperson had opened the U.S. bank account already. ABBAS responded, "the contact is opening [his/her] bank account today [] I will give [him/her] everything today [] Day just started in America." ABBAS then sent to JUMA a part of conversation he was having with the Victim Businessperson, explaining "Me and [man/woman] in conversation [] [S/he] will carry $550,000 bill today."

64. On December 17, 2019, JUMA asked ABBAS if he had opened the U.S. bank account yet. ABBAS responded, "Company opened, account will be opened today." At approximately the same time, the Victim Businessperson told JUMA that s/he had talked to "Mr. Malik from the US" and that he had confirmed that the U.S. bank account would be set up and the $15 transferred to London after clearing the U.S. bank account. JUMA then relayed million loan would be that conversation to ABBAS.

65. Records from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's Office confirm that a person ("Coconspirator 3") filed a Fictitious Business Name Statement in the name of the Qatari Victim Company on December 17, 2019. Bank records indicate that Coconspirator 3 then used that Fictitious Business Name Statement to open a bank account ending in 5320 at the Wells Fargo branch in Canoga Park (the "Canoga Park Wells Fargo Account") in the name of the Qatari Victim Company, on December 17, 2019.

66. On December 19, 2019, ABBAS sent JUMA a photograph of a check for the Canoga Park Wells Fargo Account and an image of a Fictitious Business Name Statement for the Qatari Victim Company, which listed Coconspirator 3 as the registered owner.

67. The same day, ABBAS sent the names of the Victim Businessperson, the Qatari Victim Company, and Coconspirator 3, and a photograph of the Fictitious Business Name Statement filed by Coconspirator 3, to CHIBUZO. Later that day, CHIBUZO sent a photograph to ABBAS of a signature page for a document, and told ABBAS that he should tell the Victim Businessperson that the document would be notarized and sent back to the Victim Businessperson.

68. On December 19, 2019, ABBAS sent the Victim Businessperson the document that CHIBUZO had created, which purported to be a "Durable Power of Attorney" form, and requested that it be returned signed. After the Victim Businessperson signed and returned it, ABBAS told the Victim Businessperson that he forwarded the "Durable Power of Attorney" document to "the appointed personnel to go to the notary office to get it notarized." The form fraudulently purported to be appointing Coconspirator 3 as the "attorney-in-fact" for the Victim Businessperson, on behalf of the Qatari Victim Company.

69. On December 20, 2019, ABBAS sent the account and online login information for the Canoga Park Wells Fargo Account--including the name of the Qatari Victim Company, the bank account number (ending in 5320), the routing number, and the username and password to login to the account--to the Victim Businessperson.

70. Shortly afterward, the Victim Businessperson sent ABBAS the account information for a United Kingdom bank account where ABBAS could send the loan funds. ABBAS told the Victim Businessperson that it would not work to send funds to a "personal account" in the United Kingdom and, instead, said that the Victim Businessperson should open an "investor's account with our private banking service over there[.]" After the Victim Businessperson requested ABBAS' help opening the bank account, ABBAS stated that he would need the Victim Businessperson's "passport photograph" and that the account would need to be funded with a "minimum of 250,000 pounds," which ABBAS said the Victim Businessperson could access after the account was opened.

71. The Victim Businessperson appeared hesitant to wire an additional /he wanted to speak to JUMA. At approximately the same time, ABBAS told JUMA "[S/he]'s paying 250k pounds." ABBAS further wrote, "[S/he] just wants to speak to you to confirm it[,] so confirm it and let [him/her] pay tomorrow. This one is just going to be between me and you cos it's not even the main bill[.]"

a. Based on my training and experience, this conversation suggests that ABBAS and JUMA were not planning on sharing the fraudulently obtained funds with other coconspirators.

72. On December 20, 2019, JUMA sent to ABBAS what appeared to be a message from the Victim Businessperson. That message stated, "I understood that once the US account is opened then the fund will be in the account and Mr. Malik will help me transfer to my UK account."

73. ABBAS also forwarded to JUMA a message he received from the Victim Businessperson about the Victim Businessperson being unwilling to pay additional fees. This led to an argument between ABBAS and JUMA regarding a "commission payment" that was supposed to belong to JUMA. ABBAS responded, "Bro don't let me be wasting my time, how are u telling client not to pay and u are letting me stress out" and JUMA wrote "Come hush" (referencing ABBAS' nickname, "Hush" or "Hushpuppi") as part of his response.

a. Based on my training and experience with online fraud investigations involving Nigerian-origin subjects, the term "client" often refers to a victim of fraud.

74. On December 22, 2019, JUMA told ABBAS that they needed to "show" the Victim Businessperson "something" to get him/her "excited" about the loan.

75. Eventually, on December 23, 2019, the Victim Businessperson agreed to send additional money, contacting ABBAS to inquire about the different types of investment accounts that were available. The Victim Businessperson further asked ABBAS where to send the money. On December 23, 2019, ABBAS told the Victim Businessperson that s/he would be sending funds to "two separate accounts," and that ABBAS would "provide . . . full details in the morning cos of red flags."

76. A few days earlier, on December 19, 2019, ABBAS communicated with AGBABIAKA regarding a bank account to which he could send the funds. AGBABIAKA provided account information for a Capital One bank account ending in 2389 opened in her name (the "AGBABIAKA Capital One Account"), including the account number, the routing number, the bank's address, and AGBABIAKA's home address.

a. Based on records from Capital One, AGBABIAKA opened the AGBABIAKA Capital One Account on January 17, 2017.

b. In the days after AGBABIAKA provided her Capital One bank account information, AGBABIAKA provided the bank account information for two persons she had attempted to recruit for ABBAS to use their bank accounts to receive fraudulent proceeds, as described in the paragraphs below. AGBABIAKA negotiated with these persons on ABBAS' behalf regarding the amount that they would be paid for the use of their accounts:

i. On December 23, 2019, AGBABIAKA provided information regarding a Chase bank account in another person's name for ABBAS to use, including the account number, routing number, account owner's name, business account name, bank address, account address, and ATM PIN. ABBAS asked "And what does he or she want for helping me receive the funds and handing over to you?" AGBABIAKA responded "This one wan collect percentage ni oo [] He dey tel me say 50/50 [] I b tell am say no." (In other words, based on my training and experience with Nigerian Pidgin, AGBABIAKA was saying that the accountholder had requested 50 percent of the funds, which she told him was not acceptable.) AGBABIAKA then suggested to ABBAS that she was waiting for two other persons who might provide accounts to use, and sent screenshots to ABBAS of her requests to them for accounts to accept a wire transfer.

ii. On December 24, 2019, ABBAS then stated, "Yankee needed and the money will be sent out tomorrow morning." (Based on my training and experience with Nigerian Pidgin, "Yankee" is a term sometimes used by persons of Nigerian descent who are committing fraud to refer to a bank account in the United States--so, in other words, ABBAS was saying that he needed a U.S. bank account for a transfer that would occur the next day.) AGBABIAKA then provided the business name, account address, bank address, account number, routing number, and SWIFT code for a TD Bank account in the name of another person. ABBAS asked if that person would "take 10%," and AGBABIAKA responded, "He talk 20%." ABBAS responded "15 max."

iii. Ultimately, however, when ABBAS would not agree to the terms those persons requested for using their bank accounts, ABBAS asked AGBABIAKA if her own Capital One bank account could receive a wire transfer. AGBABIAKA told ABBAS that she would try to open an account at TD Bank, and ABBAS told her to try to "open accounts" that could accept wire transfers.

77. On December 23, 2019, ABBAS asked AGBABIAKA for the "swift code" for her own bank account, which AGBABIAKA, in turn, provided.

78. Also on December 23, 2019, ABBAS began communicating over Instagram with the Florida Watch Seller. This conversation is further described in paragraphs 95 to 95.e. ABBAS then asked the Florida Watch Seller to "send me the account" and the watch seller responded with details of his Wells Fargo account (the "Watch Seller Wells Fargo Account").

79. On December 24, 2019, ABBAS sent the Victim Businessperson account information--including the accountholders' names and addresses, the account numbers, the routing numbers, and the SWIFT codes--for the AGBABIAKA Capital One Account and the Watch Seller Wells Fargo Account. ABBAS also provided instructions for the amounts that were to be paid to each account in U.S. dollars--$265,000 to the Watch Seller Wells Fargo Account and $65,000 to the AGBABIAKA Capital One Account, for a total of $330,000.

80. The Victim Businessperson questioned why the payment was to be in U.S. Dollars when ABBAS initially told him/her it would be 250,000. ABBAS responded, "That's the equivalent in pounds, it won't go in as pounds to the us account so even if you send in pounds, it will be converted to usd and might fall short on exchange rates so it's better to send by usd to avoid such."

81. Later, the Victim Businessperson told ABBAS that there was a $230,000 wire limit per transfer, so s/he would be sending $230,000 to the Watch Seller Wells Fargo Account and $100,000 to the AGBABIAKA Capital One Account. The Victim Businessperson made those wire transfers from the Qatari Victim Company's Qatar National Bank (QNB) account on December 24, 2020, and then sent ABBAS photographs of the wire transfer confirmations, upon his request.

82. The Victim Businessperson also told JUMA s/he had completed the transfer of $330,000 into two accounts and asked, "Can you please let me know when I can receive the fund [sic] as agreed and promised[?]" JUMA forwarded the messages from the Victim Businessperson to ABBAS and stated "I need your advise [sic] before I get back to [him/her.]"

i. ABBAS and AGBABIAKA Laundered $100,000 in a Variety of Ways, Including $50,000 Used to Fraudulently Purchase St. Kitts Citizenship for ABBAS

83. ABBAS and AGBABIAKA laundered the $100,000 in a variety of ways. This included cash withdrawals and cashier's checks, using illicit money exchangers to transfer funds to Nigeria, and using $50,000 of the funds to fraudulently purchase St. Kitts citizenship and a passport for ABBAS. This laundering is further described in the remainder of this section.

84. On December 24, 2019, ABBAS sent a photograph of the wire transfer confirmation for the wire destined for the AGBABIAKA Capital One Account to AGBABIAKA. This photograph contained the account number for the Qatari Victim Company's QNB account, among other information.

85. On December 26, 2019, AGBABIAKA provided ABBAS screenshots of the AGBABIAKA Capital One Account showing that the wire of $100,000 had been posted to the account.

a. Bank records for the AGBABIAKA Capital One Account confirmed the wire transfer of $100,000 from the Qatari Victim Company's QNB account.

86. Starting on December 26, 2019, AGBABIAKA and ABBAS discussed the laundering of the funds. AGBABIAKA told ABBAS that she was able to withdraw $7,000, would find a "buyer," and asked for ABBAS' bank account information.

a. Based on my training and experience, AGBABIAKA's reference to finding a "buyer" indicates that she was going to sell the $7,000 in U.S. Dollars to an unlicensed, illicit currency exchanger, who would then transfer the equivalent amount of Nigerian Naira to the bank account that she specified. ABBAS' response to AGBABIAKA, described in paragraph 87, corroborates that understanding.

b. Bank records for the AGBABIAKA Capital One Account show a cash withdrawal of $7,100 on December 26, 2019.

87. ABBAS then sent AGBABIAKA the account number for a bank account at Guaranty Trust Bank ("GTBank")--a Nigerian bank--in the name of another person. When AGBABIAKA noted that this was not ABBAS' bank account, ABBAS explained that this was the account he used now; he did not use his Nigerian bank account anymore because he was under investigation in Nigeria: "Them dey investigate me so I stop to dey use my account."

88. Shortly after that, AGBABIAKA told ABBAS "Na 355 I find ooo." Based on my training and experience with investigations involving money laundering and Nigerian-origin subjects, I understand that AGBABIAKA was likely telling ABBAS that she was able to find a money exchanger who would provide an exchange rate of $1 U.S. dollar to 355 Nigerian Naira. ABBAS then responded, "Go ahead."

89. Later, after asking AGBABIAKA to "sell" an additional $20,000, ABBAS confirmed AGBABIAKA was working to facilitate the transfer of more money to him, writing "U fit sell dollar there and send me naira?" AGBABIAKA responded "I don do 12k so far frm d 20k u request yesterday" and said later that she would go to Maryland "to deliver d money" to a buyer. (I know based on investigations involving targets who communicated in Nigerian Pidgin that "don" roughly means "did," so AGBABIAKA was telling ABBAS that she had exchanged $12,000 of the $20,000 he had requested.)

90. On December 27, 2019, ABBAS also told AGBABIAKA that she could keep $8,000 for herself to spend on what she wanted. Account records show that AGBABIAKA subsequently withdrew $10,000 as a cashier's check payable to "BOLATITO T AGBABIAKA," on December 30, 2019. Account records for a bank account at TD Bank opened in AGBABIAKA's name (the "AGBABIAKA TD Bank Account") show that AGBABIAKA deposited the cashier's check into that account on December 30, 2019. Based on review of the account statements, AGBABIAKA spent this money on personal expenses.

91. On December 30, 2019, AGBABIAKA sent ABBAS several photographs of transfer receipts showing transfers of more than 4,136,000 Naira (more than $10,000, based on reported exchange rates) to the GTBank account that ABBAS had previously sent her. AGBABIAKA also sent a photograph of her Nigerian passport, which is described and pictured in paragraph 38, and a passport- sized photograph of herself. (As discussed below, in paragraph 100, ABBAS later sent this passport to the Florida Watch Seller to confirm the identity of the person who would be picking up the Richard Mille watch.)

92. Finally, ABBAS used $50,000 of the funds that went into the AGBABIAKA Capital One Account to fraudulently purchase citizenship from St. Kitts and obtain a passport:

a. Beginning in September 2019, ABBAS exchanged messages with a dual U.S. and St. Kitts citizen ("Coconspirator 4") whose parents were citizens and residents of St. Kitts. Coconspirator 4 told ABBAS how he could obtain St. Kitts citizenship and a passport. The scheme included creating a false marriage certificate and then apparently bribing a government official in St. Kitts. ABBAS told Coconspirator 4 that he would create a fake marriage certificate showing that he was married to Coconspirator 4.

b. On October 16, 2019, Coconspirator 4 provided ABBAS with her personal identifying information, including her full name, date of birth, occupation, address, father's name, and father's occupation (bailiff) to use in the marriage certificate. Coconspirator 4 further told ABBAS to backdate the marriage certificate to October 2018.

c. Two days later, ABBAS sent Coconspirator 4 a photograph of the forged and fraudulent marriage certificate from the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

d. On November 5, 2019, Coconspirator 4 told ABBAS the name of the St. Kitts government official to whom he should mail his documents to request citizenship and a passport.

e. On November 13, 2019, Coconspirator 4 told ABBAS that her father could speak to ABBAS directly about how to expedite ABBAS' citizenship and passport, and told ABBAS to call him on WhatsApp.

f. On multiple occasions in December 2019, Coconspirator 4 and ABBAS discussed the process for obtaining citizenship, and the price for citizenship. Coconspirator 4 told ABBAS that her father was trying to negotiate a price, and that he thought it would be "$60,000 to $55,000." Ultimately, after further discussion, ABBAS told Coconspirator 4, on December 30, 2019, "Tell him I can do 50K."

g. The next day, December 31, 2019, ABBAS told Coconspirator 4 that he would split the payment of $50,000 into two transactions: one would be a $40,000 cashier's check and the other a $10,000 cash payment.

h. On December 31, 2019, ABBAS also sent AGBABIAKA the First National Bank of Pennsylvania account number and the name of Coconspirator 4's father, telling her "Send $40,000 tomorrow." After AGBABIAKA told ABBAS that it would take 30 days to send a wire from the AGBABIAKA Capital One Account, ABBAS and AGBABIAKA agreed that AGBABIAKA would attempt to withdraw the amount by cashier's check. i. AGBABIAKA sent ABBAS a photograph of the cashier's check made out to the name of Coconspirator 4's father, and photographs confirming that she mailed the check to an address ABBAS provided (from Coconspirator 4) in Georgia. Before AGBABIAKA sent that photograph, ABBAS explained to AGBABIAKA that he had used this money to obtain citizenship by arranging to have marriage paperwork created and then paying for citizenship.

j. ABBAS sent Coconspirator 4 a screenshot of a messaging conversation with AGBABIAKA discussing the cashier's check, and later sent Coconspirator 4 the photograph of a cashier's check in the amount of $40,000 made payable to Coconspirator 4's father, drawn from the AGBABIAKA Capital One Account.

i. Bank records for the AGBABIAKA Capital One Account show that AGBABIAKA purchased the cashier's check of $40,000, on or about December 31, 2019. Records for the First National Bank account of Coconspirator 4's father show that the cashier's check was deposited into the account on January 13, 2020.

k. On January 29, 2020, Coconspirator 4 told ABBAS that his citizenship certificate had been signed and the passport application had been generated.

l. On February 4, 2020, Coconspirator 4 sent ABBAS a photograph of his Certificate of Citizenship, pictured below:

m. On February 7, 2020, Coconspirator 4 instructed ABBAS to pay the remaining $10,000 to another person, instead of her father, using a Georgia United Credit Union account.

i. Account records for the AGBABIAKA Capital One Account show that AGBABIAKA purchased a cashier's check of $10,000 in the name of that other person, on March 2, 2020. The account records for that person's Georgia United Credit Union account show that the cashier's check was deposited into the account on March 2, 2020.

n. On February 24, 2020, ABBAS sent a message to a person showing ABBAS shaking hands with another male, standing before what appears to be a St. Kitts flag, holding a St. Kitts passport. That photograph is pictured below.

o. ABBAS' St. Kitts passport was seized at his residence in Dubai upon arrest by the Dubai Police Department, on June 9, 2020, and provided to the FBI, on July 2, 2020, at the time of ABBAS' arrest.

ii. ABBAS Conspired with AGBABIAKA and FASHOLA to Launder the $230,000 Wire Through Purchase of a Richard Mille RM 11-03 Watch, Which Coconspirator 5 Hand-Delivered to ABBAS in the U.A.E.

93. As noted above, ABBAS used the wire transfer of $230,000 to purchase a luxury Richard Mille RM 11-03 watch, conspiring with AGBABIAKA and FASHOLA to transport the watch to the U.A.E. That part of the scheme is discussed in this section.

94. Bank records indicate that the Victim Businessperson wired $230,000 from the QNB account of the Qatari Victim Company to a bank account used by the Florida Watch Seller on December 26, 2019.

95. In late December 2019, ABBAS discussed and negotiated, using messaging platforms, with the Florida Watch Seller about the purchase of a Richard Mille RM 11-03 watch:

a. On December 23, 2019, the Florida Watch Seller sent ABBAS multiple photographs of Richard Mille watches, and told ABBAS, "New Rose Gold Titanium $230 Full Rose $265 New Full Rose $275."

b. After sending a photograph of a new Rose Gold and Titanium Richard Mille 11-03 watch, the Florida Watch Seller told ABBAS that it cost $230,000. The Florida Watch Seller told ABBAS that another new, fully Rose Gold Richard Mille 11-03 watch was in New York.

c. ABBAS then immediately asked for the Florida Watch Seller's bank account information. The Florida Watch Seller provided account details, including the beneficiary name, account number, and routing number for the Watch Seller Wells Fargo Account.

d. On December 24, 2019, after confirming that the bank account could handle large, international wire transfers, ABBAS told the Florida Watch Seller, "It's done bro," and sent the photograph of the wire transfer confirmation that the Victim Businessperson sent to ABBAS.

e. ABBAS and the Florida Watch Seller then discussed the particular watch he would be purchasing, with ABBAS ultimately purchasing the Rose Gold and Titanium model.

96. On December 26, 2019, after the wire transfer from the Victim Businessperson, ABBAS asked AGBABIAKA if she would be available to go to Miami to pick up the watch and fly with it to Dubai. He also provided a phone number for the Florida Watch Seller. After apparently calling the phone number, AGBABIAKA reported to ABBAS, "he said he will send it to his partner for nyc," indicating that the Florida Watch Seller would ship the watch ABBAS was purchasing to New York City to another watch seller (the "New York Watch Seller").

97. FASHOLA was separately communicating with the Florida Watch Seller, as well, for ABBAS. On December 31, 2019, FASHOLA forwarded communications to ABBAS that she was having with the Florida Watch Seller. In images discussing the $230,000 wired to the Florida Watch Seller, the Florida Watch Seller told FASHOLA to explain to ABBAS that the delay in sending the watch was because "the bank thought it was fraud cause the way he sent the money."

98. During that approximate time, ABBAS was also communicating with the Victim Businessperson, and told him/her that the receiver of the wire (the Florida Watch Seller) told the bank the wire was for a watch, not for a school (the Qatari Victim Company). ABBAS later reported to the Victim Businessperson, on December 31, 2019, that the issues with the wire had been cleared.

99. Bank records indicate that, on January 2, 2020, the Florida Watch Seller sent a wire transfer of $225,000 to the bank account of the New York Watch Seller, with the wire transfer details stating, "Watch Payment from [Florida Watch Seller] Richard Mille RM11 03 RG Ti 2019."

100. On January 3, 2020, ABBAS sent the Florida Watch Seller a photograph of AGBABIAKA's passport, as discussed in paragraphs 38 and 91. In response, the Florida Watch Seller provided a phone number for the New York Watch Seller. Shortly thereafter, ABBAS messaged the New York Watch Seller and introduced himself as "Hush." The New York Watch Seller provided the address of his store, which ABBAS then sent to both AGBABIAKA and FASHOLA. ABBAS told FASHOLA that AGBABIAKA would meet her at the watch store and provided her AGBABIAKA's phone number. ABBAS also told AGBABIAKA that "U go meet morayo there," referring to FASHOLA's nickname (Morayo).

101. On January 4, 2020, ABBAS and AGBABIAKA discussed how to get the watch to ABBAS in Dubai, U.A.E. Specifically, ABBAS initially purchased a ticket, and arranged a visa, for AGBABIAKA to fly the watch to the U.A.E. When AGBABIAKA told him she could not, and suggested that she could mail the watch to ABBAS, ABBAS rejected that idea, saying, "I'm not taking no risk sending a quarter million dollar watch." AGBABIAKA reminded ABBAS, "I remembered I mailed you the patek [ ] And you get am." (I know based on review of articles on the internet that Patek Philippe is another high-end watch manufacturer.) ABBAS rejected the idea, saying, "That's 70,000 watch [ ] I need that watch here tomorrow [ ] Tomorrow is Saturday[.] delivery won't come." Shortly thereafter, ABBAS told AGBABIAKA to meet "Morayo" (FASHOLA) at the airport, and that she would be bringing someone to fly the watch to Dubai.

102. At approximately the same time, FASHOLA sent ABBAS a photograph of a passport of Coconspirator 5, as well as sending the name and date of birth of Coconspirator 5. ABBAS asked FASHOLA to "Help me call bola [i.e., BOLATITO AGBABIAKA] to arrange where is best to take the watch and go airport straight." ABBAS then told FASHOLA that he was purchasing a ticket for Coconspirator 5, and later sent her a screenshot of a booking confirmation page for Coconspirator 5's flight from JFK to Dubai.

103. After FASHOLA confirmed AGBABIAKA had brought her the Richard Mille watch, ABBAS asked her to take a photo of the watch and warranty certificate. FASHOLA responded by providing the photograph pictured below.

104. Shortly thereafter, FASHOLA wrote she was headed to the airport and asked for ABBAS' WhatsApp phone number to provide to Coconspirator 5. FASHOLA also provided Coconspirator 5's phone number and told ABBAS, "He boarded the plane. His name is [nickname for Coconspirator 5]. Plz be at the airport waiting for him. Its his first time Traveling alone." ABBAS told FASHOLA that he already spoke to Coconspirator 5 and had arranged a "VIP concierge" to get Coconspirator 5 from the plane.

105. ABBAS contacted Coconspirator 5 after he landed in Dubai, asking if Coconspirator 5 had gotten past "immigration" and instructing him to "Wear watch on wrist at all times here no need to take off for security point."

106. On January 6, 2020, ABBAS confirmed to the New York Watch Seller that he had received the watch, and stated he had just purchased a yellow strap for it. ABBAS also sent the following photograph of the Richard Mille watch and new strap, which records indicate ABBAS purchased at the Dubai Mall for approximately $550. 107. On January 13, 2020, ABBAS posted a photograph on Instagram, pictured below, wearing and mentioning the Richard Mille watch.

3. JUMA, ABBAS, CHIBUZO, and Others Conspired to Defraud the Victim Businessperson of $299,983.58

108. On December 26, 2019, CHIBUZO sent ABBAS a screenshot of a messaging conversation with another coconspirator. In that conversation, CHIBUZO stated "Hush and I spoke" and "We will need something like wells Fargo offshore website. Where the client can log in online and attempt a transfer." In other words, the message discussed creating a fake Wells Fargo bank website, which ABBAS would then send to the Victim Businessperson to convince the Victim Businessperson that funds had been deposited into his/her account, in order to fraudulently induce the Victim Businessperson to make a further payment.

109. On January 4, 2020, CHIBUZO sent a message to ABBAS containing a "telephone banking" number that CHIBUZO stated would "blow the client mind." As further described below, this was to be a test of a fake banking automated telephone number that ABBAS would later send to the Victim Businessperson, which would report a monetary balance in an account that did not exist, in order to convince the Victim Businessperson that the promised funds were finally being provided and fraudulently induce the Victim Businessperson to make a further payment.

110. On January 6, 2020, ABBAS sent JUMA the "telephone banking" information. The following day, January 7, 2020, after several calls with ABBAS, CHIBUZO told ABBAS to download a different communication application, TextMe, and asked ABBAS for the account number and name on the account that was opened. ABBAS provided the account number for the Canoga Park Wells Fargo Account opened by Coconspirator 3, and also the TextMe phone number +13477691770.

111. On January 8, 2020, CHIBUZO sent ABBAS a different "telephone banking" number, and sent the account number of the Canoga Park Wells Fargo Account and a purported pin code.

112. At approximately the same time, ABBAS asked JUMA in a message, "How much should we bill [the Victim Businessperson?]" After a brief discussion, ABBAS and JUMA settled on attempting to defraud the Victim Businessperson again for $570,000 initially and, afterwards, an additional $250,000. ABBAS provided JUMA with the new "telephone banking" number and asked JUMA to "Try like the last time." ABBAS then sent this "telephone banking" information to the Victim Businessperson, telling him/her to call the phone number to confirm that his/her money--the $15 million loan--was available in the Canoga Park Wells Fargo Account. ABBAS also told him/her that he was getting him/her "online access" to the funds.

113. The Victim Businessperson told ABBAS s/he contacted the "telephone banking" number and wrote, "OMG, I can't believe it, its true." After asking ABBAS whether s/he could transfer the funds to Qatar, and ABBAS confirming that s/he could, the Victim Businessperson wrote, "thank you so much[.]"

114. ABBAS separately forwarded a screenshot of this conversation to CHIBUZO and JUMA on WhatsApp. ABBAS then instructed JUMA to "Call [the Victim Businessperson] with congratulations too now please."

115. After calling the Victim Businessperson, JUMA responded to ABBAS with an audio message, which is transcribed below:

Aye bro, uh, you have no idea. My God, [s/he] can't even breathe, bro. The excitement! [S/he] can't breathe talking to me, bro. It's crazy [unintelligible]! [S/he]'s really excited. [S/he] can't really talking to me. [S/he]'s even crying tears of joy. Congratulating me. Thanking me. Sorry if I had wronged you. Sorry if this what happened. What-what-what I told [him/her], "Listen, [sir/madam], you know this thing is not easy. And this is why you need to be very, uh, confidential about this whole process because it's not easy completely. It was a time [unintelligible] it was really bad for you to start talking about your progress with other people because you never know their intentions and all that." But, uh, I promised, uh, "Mr. Malik you need to do your best and pay him his charges." That he has been on our side and helpful. [S/he]'s like, "I'll do it just now." So, [s/he]'s very happy, bro.

116. ABBAS then asked JUMA, "Are u proud of me or no?" JUMA responded, in part, "It's a perfect job bro."

117. Also on January 8, 2020, CHIBUZO sent ABBAS a photograph of a fake Wells Fargo banking site that he was working with a "website guy" to create, to further defraud the Victim Businessperson. ABBAS asked CHIBUZO when they should provide the fake website to the Victim Businessperson. CHIBUZO responded that they should provide the website to the Victim Businessperson "Tonight," and added that he was "working on storyline." ABBAS told CHIBUZO, "I need story line in 10mins." CHIBUZO then provided a photograph of what appeared to be a Wikipedia webpage discussing "U.S. State Non-resident Withholding Tax". Shortly thereafter, ABBAS sent that photograph to the Victim Businessperson, claiming that s/he would need to pay a tax of USD $575,000 on the loan to have it cleared. The Victim Businessperson responded, "Sorry but this is too much." ABBAS then separately sent screenshots of his conversation with the Victim Businessperson to both CHIBUZO and JUMA.

118. On January 9, 2020 the Victim Businessperson told JUMA s/he wanted the loan money and asked him to find a way to avoid having to pay the tax of $575,000. JUMA sent screenshots of this conversation to ABBAS.

119. On January 10, 2020, ABBAS and JUMA discussed reducing the amount the Victim Businessperson should be asked to pay. JUMA stated he would tell the Victim Businessperson that the owners of the money being loaned would assist in paying part of the taxes.

120. On January 9 and 10, 2020, CHIBUZO complained to ABBAS that ABBAS had not paid for the work that was being done on the fake website. On January 10, 2020, CHIBUZO called ABBAS and provided the address for the fake Wells Fargo bank website. Soon thereafter, on January 13, 2020, JUMA and ABBAS learned that CHIBUZO had contacted the Victim Businessperson directly to tell him/her that ABBAS was "fake." (The details of the falling out between JUMA and ABBAS, on the one hand, and CHIBUZO, on the other hand, are discussed in Section III.B.4, which describes how ABBAS arranged to have KYARI arrest and imprison CHIBUZO, and requested that KYARI beat CHIBUZO badly, in retaliation for CHIBUZO's interference in the fraud scheme.)

121. ABBAS and JUMA later discussed how to stop the Victim Businessperson from flying to the United Kingdom to confirm that there were funds in the purported Wells Fargo account. JUMA also mentioned that he told the Victim Businessperson to keep things quiet, and to not tell anyone or ask anyone about the status of the loan.

122. On January 13, 2020, the Victim Businessperson told ABBAS that s/he would agree to pay $440,000 in taxes. A few days earlier, starting on January 11, 2020, ABBAS had asked FASHOLA to help him find an account to receive additional funds. FASHOLA replied indicating "Would have to be business and the person would want a cut."

a. FASHOLA discussed with ABBAS laundering funds on other occasions, as well. For example, on March 26, 2020, ABBAS and FASHOLA discussed her purchase of a new home with a mortgage. In this discussion, ABBAS claimed it was hard for him to make a similar purchase "cos I'm not fully legitimately organized here." FASHOLA told ABBAS, "Yea that's why you should clean the money first [] It took me a few months to do that [] I basically pay Abby in cash and she writes me checks. And also ElysianD I put a lot of money in and just sell back the items so it can look clean."

i. Based on bank records, ElysianD LLC is a company owned by FASHOLA.

b. On April 1, 2020, ABBAS sent FASHOLA a screenshot of a conversation with an apparent romance scam victim. FASHOLA asked if this was a "Client?," which, as discussed in paragraph 73.a, is a term that persons committing online fraud sometimes use to describe a fraud victim. ABBAS confirmed the person was, and then complained that the bank account he was sent had "messed things up" because it had already been flagged by the bank.

i. Based on my training and experience, I know that romance scams target persons looking for romantic partners or friendship on dating websites and other social media platforms. The scammers may create profiles using fictitious or fake names, locations, images, and personas, allowing the scammers to cultivate relationships with prospective romance scam victims. Victims may be convinced to provide money or gifts to the scammers, or may be asked to conduct transactions on behalf of the scammers.

c. On May 19, 2020 ABBAS asked FASHOLA to "Give me a company for dating work [] This one is less % but money will come out 1000000%." FASHOLA responded "Yea the one I found they don't like the percentage[.] still looking." When ABBAS asked what percent the accountholder was charging for use of the account, FASHOLA responded "They want 50."

i. Based on my training and experience with investigations of Nigerian online fraud, "dating" is a term that persons committing fraud use to refer to what is described above as a romance scam.

d. In addition, on other occasions in 2020, ABBAS and FASHOLA discussed how much other persons would charge for receiving funds on behalf of ABBAS.

123. On January 14, 2020, after learning the Victim Businessperson agreed to pay additional money, ABBAS again asked FASHOLA for an account to receive additional funds. FASHOLA stated she was waiting for the person to send full account details. At around that same time, Coconspirator 5--a relative of FASHOLA--sent ABBAS the account information for a bank account of a person referred to herein as "Coconspirator 6" at TD Bank (the "Coconspirator 6 TD Bank Account").

124. Also, on January 14, 2020, ABBAS asked AGBABIAKA if he could use the AGBABIAKA Capital One Account again for "100k." AGBABIAKA agreed.

125. Later that day, ABBAS sent JUMA the account information for the AGBABIAKA Capital One Account and the Coconspirator 6 TD Bank Account, including the names of the accountholders, the account numbers, the routing numbers, and the SWIFT codes. Shortly thereafter, JUMA sent the account information to the Victim Businessperson, and, about 30 minutes later, the Victim Businessperson sent the account information to ABBAS. ABBAS then confirmed to the Victim Businessperson that these were the accounts s/he should use.

126. Over the next several days, ABBAS and JUMA each kept in frequent contact with the Victim Businessperson as s/he attempted to raise funds to pay the purported taxes. Then, on February 4, 2020, JUMA told the Victim Businessperson to send money to Okatch, in Kenya. Between approximately February 5 and 10, 2020, the Victim Businessperson sent $299,983.58 to the bank account of Okatch in seven separate transactions.

127. On February 10, 2020, JUMA told ABBAS that the money had been sent to Nairobi and would be available the next day. At approximately the same time, ABBAS asked AGBABIAKA if her Capital One Bank account was still available for him to send money, which AGBABIAKA confirmed it would be.

128. On February 12, 2020, JUMA told ABBAS that because JUMA had not received money from the $330,000 sent by the Victim Businessperson (which ABBAS used to purchase the Richard Mille watch and St. Kitts citizenship, among other laundering), everything was balanced out with this second $300,000 sent to him. After arguing about the amounts that the Victim Businessperson had agreed to pay, ABBAS sent JUMA photographs showing documents relating to several loans ABBAS took out from a watch company located in Dubai (the "Dubai Watch Company"). One of the photographs indicated that ABBAS put up a "RM1103 Full gold Titanium" watch as collateral. (ABBAS' loans from the Dubai Watch Company, and attempts to repay them, are described below in paragraphs 166 to 178.)

4. After Consulting with JUMA, ABBAS Arranged to Have KYARI Imprison CHIBUZO in Nigeria in Retaliation for, and to Prevent Him from, Trying to Coopt the Victim Businessperson

129. As discussed in paragraph 120, JUMA and ABBAS had a falling out with CHIBUZO after CHIBUZO felt that he was being underpaid (or had not been paid) for work on the fake Wells Fargo website, and then contacted the Victim Businessperson directly. ABBAS then arranged to have KYARI arrest and imprison CHIBUZO in Nigeria for attempting to redirect fraudulent proceeds intended for ABBAS and JUMA to himself, to keep CHIBUZO from interfering with the scheme. This section discusses those events and KYARI's involvement in the conspiracy.

130. On January 13, 2020, the Victim Businessperson contacted JUMA about a person who had contacted the Victim Businessperson about the loan, stating "This number is calling me but I didn't answer." The Victim Businessperson also provided JUMA a screenshot of and forwarded additional conversations between the Victim Businessperson and CHIBUZO, who was using the U.S. phone number 3054405586. That phone number was the same phone number used by CHIBUZO to send ABBAS information about the fake Wells Fargo website described earlier. In the messages, CHIBUZO sent the Victim Businessperson's passport, and claimed to be "trying to help" the Victim Businessperson.

131. JUMA forwarded these messages from the Victim Businessperson to ABBAS, who responded, "I will deal with him." At approximately the same time, ABBAS asked CHIBUZO for a phone number on which to call him. Two minutes later, ABBAS sent the phone number on which he contacted CHIBUZO (which CHIBUZO had previously also sent to ABBAS) to KYARI without providing any additional context. Just before forwarding the phone number to KYARI, ABBAS placed a nearly five-minute call to KYARI, using the phone number described in paragraph 136.

132. A short time later, ABBAS told JUMA, "setting him up already [] He will learn." JUMA replied, "He almost messed it up bro," to which ABBAS responded "They are working on it already."

133. Approximately an hour later, CHIBUZO responded to ABBAS' message requesting his phone number by providing another phone number. ABBAS also sent this number to KYARI without providing any additional context in the message.

134. On January 15, 2020, this time using WhatsApp, ABBAS sent an audio recording to KYARI, stating, essentially, that he wanted to remind KYARI about what they discussed earlier.

135. On January 16, 2020, ABBAS sent the following threats to CHIBUZO:

I dey always tell people to think well before they offend me and make them make sure they fit stand the consequences when the time comes. I won't say more than that but very soon, very very soon, the wrath of my hands shall find you and when it does, it will damage you forever

At this point I no get discussion with you, u have committed a crime that won't be forgiven, that is punishable and you shall receive die punishment in due time I swear with my life you will regret messing with me, you will even wish you died before my hands will touch you.

136. Also on January 16, 2020, ABBAS sent a message to KYARI on WhatsApp, and then placed five calls to another phone number (+2348060733588)

that was listed as "ABBA KYARI." Call records show that the last three of the calls were answered and that one of the calls lasted more than two minutes. Shortly after that, ABBAS received a message from KYARI, confirming "We would pick him today or tomorrow." ABBAS wrote, "I will take care of the team also after they pick him up." KYARI confirmed "Yes ooo."

a. Based on the conversation described in paragraphs 143 to 145, ABBAS planned to pay the Nigeria Police Force officers who arrested CHIBUZO for that service.

b. This was not the only time that ABBAS arranged payments with KYARI. On May 20, 2020, ABBAS sent KYARI transaction receipts for two transactions from accounts at Nigerian banks (GTBank and Zenith Bank) of a person ABBAS knew in the U.A.E.--a person also arrested with ABBAS in ABBAS' apartment in the U.A.E. by Dubai Police on June 9, 2020--to the Nigerian bank accounts of another person in Nigeria. The amounts on the transaction receipts totaled 8 million Nigerian Naira, which was approximately $20,600 based on publicly available exchange rate information.

137. Attempting to reason with ABBAS, on January 18, 2020, CHIBUZO recounted for ABBAS all the assistance he had provided in the scheme to victimize the Victim Businessperson, including creating the "power of attorney" document (see paragraphs 67-68), devising a story to tell the Victim Businessperson (see paragraph 117), and facilitating the creation of the "telephone banking" number (see paragraphs 109-116) and fake Wells Fargo website (see paragraph 117).

138. As discussed in paragraph 32.b, on January 20, 2020, KYARI sent to ABBAS biographical, identifying information for CHIBUZO, along with a photograph of him. In a conversation immediately following, ABBAS confirmed "that is him sir." KYARI stated, "We have arrested the guy . . . He is in my Cell now [] This is his picture after we arrested him today." (The below image is a cropped version of the photograph that KYARI sent to ABBAS.)

139. KYARI sent the biographical information about, and photograph of, CHIBUZO to ABBAS using two different WhatsApp numbers--the second of which KYARI said was his "private number." From that point on, KYARI and ABBAS primarily discussed the arrest and detention of KYARI through WhatsApp on this "private number."

140. After receiving the photograph of CHIBUZO, ABBAS stated, "I want him to go through serious beating of his life." KYARI responded, "Hahahaha," and ABBAS replied, "Seriously sir." KYARI then asked for details about what CHIBUZO did "on audio," which KYARI said was "So that we will know what to do."

141. In response to KYARI's question about what CHIBUZO had done to ABBAS, ABBAS sent KYARI an audio message, which is transcribed here, describing how CHIBUZO had tried to steal away a fraud victim (i.e., "the job") from him:

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What he did is, I have one job. The job want to pay me 500, umm, 75,000 dollars [i.e., $575,000]. He went to message the job behind me because I told him to help me make one document for me to give the job. Then he went--he has a--I gave him the details. Then he went to message the job behind my back and try to divert the money and in this process he tell the job because of the documents he gave me that I gave the job, he tell the job, "These document they sent to you before. These people are fake. This money--is me who can help you to get it. Come to me le--bring this money you want to pay these people to me. I'm the only one who can help you," and all these things to divert the job for himself.

142. After listening to the message, KYARI wrote, "Ok I understand [] But he has not succeeded." ABBAS claimed CHIBUZO had taken some money, and provided KYARI with two screenshots, one of which contained the phone number 3054405586 (the phone number CHIBUZO used to contact the Victim Businessperson). The screenshots showed a person contacting the Victim Businessperson and stating that he was providing information to try to "help[]" the Victim Businessperson. KYARI responded, "Yeah I understand." KYARI did not request other information or evidence relating to CHIBUZO's role in the scheme, ask questions about the nature of the transaction, or ask about why CHIBUZO told the Victim Businessperson that ABBAS was "fake."

143. ABBAS then told KYARI, "Now the [Victim Businessperson] was skeptic to pay me the money cos he keep attacking the [Victim Businessperson] from his end. Now I can handle the [Victim Businessperson] correctly." ABBAS further told KYARI that he wanted to pay money to send CHIBUZO to jail for a long time, stating "Please sir I want to spend money to send this boy to jail, let him go for a very long time." KYARI responded, "Ok bro [] I understand [] I will discuss with my team who arrested him . . . And handling the case [] We will do something about it."

144. ABBAS responded, "Let me know how I can send money to the team sir[.] let them deal with him like armed robber." KYARI responded, "OK I will send their account details to u." ABBAS further wrote, "He betray me and try to take food out my mouth, this is great punishable sin," and KYARI responded, "Yeah bro." ABBAS then continued, "I want him to suffer for many years." KYARI responded, "Hahahaha [] Hahahaha."

145. Approximately six minutes later, KYARI provided the account information for a bank account at a Nigerian bank, Zenith Bank, in the name of a person other than KYARI himself. ABBAS responded "Ok sir, tomorrow by noon," indicating that he would make the payment to KYARI's team by the next day.

146. On the same day, ABBAS sent JUMA the photograph of CHIBUZO in custody, which KYARI had sent.

147. Approximately a month later, on February 19, 2020, KYARI sent a message to ABBAS, saying, "Hello hush with [sic] need to talk about the subject under detention with me." ABBAS asked "Should I call u on this number sir?" to which KYARI replied "Yes call me."

148. The following day, KYARI sent ABBAS multiple photographs of CHIBUZO to ABBAS, including close-up photographs showing a rash or skin disease on CHIBUZO's torso and arms. ABBAS responded, "I don pity am, make them leave am from Tuesday." KYARI wrote, "Ok bro, they just brought him from hospital. The fever and the rashes is giving him serious Wahala [] He got the disease from other suspects in the cell." ABBAS responded, "I see am, I no too pity am [] That's what people like him deserve but I go forgive am for God sake." In other words, based on my training and experience with Nigerian Pidgin,

ABBAS was essentially stating, in part, "I don't pity him. That's what people like him deserve, but I will forgive him for God's sake."

a. Based on the date of the messages and later discussion described in paragraph 150, ABBAS was--on Thursday, February 20, 2020-- requesting that KYARI not to release CHIBUZO until Tuesday, February 25, 2020.

149. ABBAS then told KYARI that CHIBUZO's girlfriend messaged him, trying to raise one million Naira to secure CHIBUZO's release, and said ABBAS promised to contribute 100,000 Naira. KYARI stated "They were thinking it's normal arrest that is why they think money can remove him . . . No money can remove him here [] Hahahaha." ABBAS added, "But it's better for them to think that way, I like it like that," and KYARI responded, "Yeah."

150. ABBAS then said, "No problem sir from Tuesday he can go," apparently giving KYARI his blessing to release CHIBUZO from custody. KYARI responded, "Ok bro [] We will also keep his phone and other gadgets for some weeks." ABBAS responded, "Yes those ones they should not give him again, those ones are gone . . . Make he no see those ones again for life," instructing KYARI not to return CHIBUZO's electronic devices. KYARI responded, "Yes he will not see it [] Again," indicating that he would accede to ABBAS' request.

5. ABBAS Defrauded the Victim Businessperson of an Additional $180,000

151. On February 14, 2020--shortly after JUMA had told ABBAS that he would not share the $299,983.58 that he had received from the Victim Businessperson with ABBAS--the Victim Businessperson confided in ABBAS, who was still pretending to be "Malik" the Wells Fargo banker, that s/he believed JUMA had been scamming her/him. ABBAS claimed to be surprised and falsely

promised to help her/him. ABBAS then defrauded the Victim Businessperson of an additional $180,000, conspiring with AGBABIAKA, Coconspirator 5, and Coconspirator 6. This section describes this portion of the fraud scheme.

152. On February 14, 2020, the Victim Businessperson confided to ABBAS that s/he had lost more than $1,000,000 in the fraud scheme, and wrote, "I know that you think I am stupid but I trusted [JUMA] and now I'm going bankrupt." ABBAS--as "Malik"--responded, "Wow , over one million?," and falsely promised to try to help the Victim Businessperson.

153. ABBAS then claimed to have spoken to his supervisor who was willing to reduce the amount the Victim Businessperson would need to pay to $180,000, provided that the Victim Businessperson agreed to keep their discussions confidential.

154. On February 15 and 16, 2020, JUMA asked ABBAS if he had spoken to the Victim Businessperson or was planning anything. In response, ABBAS made it seem like there was a "hold up" because they could not afford the "tools" to show the Victim Businessperson, in order to convince him/her to send them more money.

155. However, at approximately this same time, ABBAS was conversing with the Victim Businessperson, disparaging JUMA and stating that JUMA had stolen the funds he was supposed to send to ABBAS to release the Victim Businessperson's purported loan. ABBAS also told the Victim Businessperson to "try and get the $180,000 sent before the end of the month and [JUMA] will be put to shame and God will deal with him also."

156. On February 17, 2020, ABBAS provided the Victim Businessperson with the account information for the AGBABIAKA Capital One Account and the Coconspirator 6 TD Bank Account, telling him/her to send $100,000 and $80,000 to the accounts, respectively.

157. On February 21 through February 25, 2020, the Victim Businessperson sent messages to JUMA, saying "you have tricked me" and calling JUMA a thief. However, the messages indicated that the Victim Businessperson continued to trust and communicate with ABBAS. On March 1, 2020, the Victim Businessperson sent to ABBAS additional communications s/he received from a phone number in the United Kingdom, which was purportedly connected to JUMA. ABBAS falsely told the Victim Businessperson, "I'm forwarding it my boss so they can report it to the FBI . . . We are making a case for [JUMA] already." ABBAS then requested that the Victim Businessperson send him any communications that the Victim Businessperson had with JUMA, "I am doing [sic] to file them all and have the FBI start a case on it as soon as possible."

a. On March 3, 2020, JUMA sent ABBAS a message stating the Victim Businessperson had people calling the "Nairobi office," saying they were scammers. ABBAS replied, "That's what happens when u leave a client hanging, u take the money and no follow up. Gives the client time to think and involve people."

158. On March 1, 2020, within approximately ten minutes of telling the Victim Businessperson that he would report JUMA to the FBI, ABBAS asked the Victim Businessperson when the wire transfers totaling $180,000 would occur. The Victim Businessperson responded that they would be completed by the next day.

159. On March 2, 2020, the Victim Businessperson sent ABBAS photographs of wire transfer confirmations, showing a wire transfer of $100,000 to the AGBABIAKA Capital One Account and $80,000 to the Coconspirator 6 TD Bank Account. Bank records from both accounts also confirmed the transactions.

160. On March 3, 2020, ABBAS sent the photograph of the transfer to the Coconspirator 6 TD Bank Account to FASHOLA.

161. On March 11, 2020, the Victim Businessperson contacted ABBAS to confirm the money s/he sent had been received and to ask the next steps in the process, so that s/he could finally receive the $15 million loan to build the international school. ABBAS claimed to have gone to the IRS to pay the tax, and said that his boss would be able to send the wire the following day.

162. On March 12, 2020, ABBAS told the Victim Businessperson that his boss, an individual he said was named "Yousif," would be contacting the Victim Businessperson using the phone number 19294345705. FASHOLA provided this phone number and a pin code to ABBAS approximately 10 minutes before ABBAS sent that phone number to the Victim Businessperson.

163. At approximately the same time, the Victim Businessperson began communicating with "Yousif" over WhatsApp. In these chat messages, "Yousif" explained that the Victim Businessperson would need to pay additional "transfer charges." Shortly thereafter, the Victim Businessperson confronted ABBAS about "Yousif" and the additional funds he was requesting, saying, "Sorry Mr Malik but I'm not gonna pay more and I'm out of this game . . . I'll will stop all my communication with you . . . You are doing what exactly [JUMA] did . . . I'm now 100% sure that you and [JUMA] and Yosif [sic] and [Coconspirator 1] are all one team." Despite ABBAS' protestations, the Victim Businessperson did not communicate with ABBAS, JUMA, or "Yousif" after March 12, 2020.

i. ABBAS, FASHOLA, and AGBABIAKA Laundered the $180,000 Received from the Victim Businessperson

164. Bank records show that the $180,000 received from the Victim Businessperson were laundered in a variety of ways, including through cash withdrawals and cashier's checks. Ultimately, based on messages and photographs sent and received by ABBAS, it appears that much of the funds that ABBAS received went to paying the Dubai Watch Company, in an effort to receive back

the Richard Mille watch that he had collateralized in loans. ABBAS received the watch back, but then provided it back to the Dubai Watch Company while one of the wire transfers was in the process of being cleared, and ultimately agreed to sell the watch to pay his remaining debt. The laundering of the funds is described in this section.

165. Bank records show that much of the $100,000 sent to the AGBABIAKA Capital One Account was withdrawn within a few days. Specifically, a $50,000 cashier's check made payable to "BOLATITO T AGBABIAKA" was purchased on March 3, 2020, and there were also cash withdrawals of $15,000 on March 3, 2020, $10,000 on March 5, 2020, and $7,000 on March 7, 2020. Records from the AGBABIAKA TD Bank Account showed that the $50,000 cashier's check was deposited into the account on March 3, 2020.

166. ABBAS sent a message to an employee of the Dubai Watch Company (the "Dubai Watch Seller") on March 2, 2020, asking for account details to where he could wire transfer funds, and stating, "My sister have capital one bank."

a. In at least one other messaging conversation, ABBAS referred to AGBABIAKA as his "sister."

167. On March 4, 2020, the Dubai Watch Seller provided a photograph showing bank account details for accounts at Emirates NBD Bank and National Bank of Fujairah. ABBAS sent the image to both AGBABIAKA and Coconspirator 5.

168. Approximately seven hours later AGBABIAKA sent ABBAS a photograph of a wire transfer confirmation from the AGBABIAKA TD Bank Account, showing a wire transfer of $50,000 to the Dubai Watch Company's account at Emirates NBD Bank. (Bank records from the AGBABIAKA TD Bank Account confirm this transaction.) ABBAS then sent that photograph to the Dubai Watch Seller.

169. On March 5, 2020, ABBAS sent a photograph to the Dubai Watch Seller of a second wire transfer of $50,025 from the Coconspirator 6 TD Bank Account.

170. On March 5, 2020, ABBAS sent a screenshot of his messaging conversation with the Dubai Watch Seller to FASHOLA, telling her "Bola [i.e., AGBABIAKA] sent 50k to the watch guy, New York did 50k to him too, I owe 54k balance now to get my watch back." ABBAS then noted how he had not been posting to social media because people would be expecting him to be wearing his watch, stating, "people started talking that I didn't buy the watch[, that] I just used someone['s] watch for a few days and returned it [] Can u imagine[?]."

171. Over the next few days, after confirming AGBABIAKA's wire transfer had arrived, ABBAS frequently checked with the Dubai Watch Seller to see if the wire from the Coconspirator 6 TD Bank Account had arrived. ABBAS was able to retrieve his watch from the Dubai Watch Company and, on March 9, 2020, sent FASHOLA a video of him wearing it again, and a message saying, "U know God is so good."

172. On March 9, 2020, the Dubai Watch Seller sent ABBAS an audio message requesting that ABBAS send the SWIFT confirmation number for the wire transfer from the Coconspirator 6 TD Bank Account. ABBAS then sent a message to Coconspirator 5 requesting this information. A few hours later, FASHOLA sent a message to ABBAS providing photographs of the wire confirmation documents showing the transfer from the Coconspirator 6 TD Bank Account, stating "[Coconspirator 5] said to send you this." ABBAS then sent a photograph of the wire transfer confirmation to the Dubai Watch Seller.

173. On March 12, 2020, the Dubai Watch Seller complained to ABBAS that he still had not received the wire transfer from the Coconspirator 6 TD Bank Account. ABBAS offered to return the watch while the wire transfer was being straightened out.

174. Later that day, Coconspirator 5 sent ABBAS a screenshot from the Coconspirator 6 TD Bank Account showing a return of funds in the amount of $49,987. ABBAS then sent the screenshot to the Dubai Watch Seller.

175. In a conversation with ABBAS on March 12, 2020, FASHOLA stated that the address used in the wire transfer order was wrong and said, "they will resend it." On March 13, 2020, Coconspirator 5 sent ABBAS a photograph of a wire transfer confirmation the Coconspirator 6 TD Bank Account--this time for $40,025. ABBAS then sent that photograph to the Dubai Watch Seller.

176. Over the coming days, ABBAS again checked with the Dubai Watch Seller to see if the funds had been received. On March 19, 2020, the Dubai Watch Seller stated that his bank told him that the wrong IBAN number was written in the transfer so the money would probably be sent back again.

177. On March 21, 2020, ABBAS sent an audio message to the Dubai Watch Seller stating the money was back in the United States. ABBAS stated that, due to COVID-19, no one was able to get to the bank to send the wire again. ABBAS again gave the Dubai Watch Seller his watch as collateral on about April 2, 2020.

a. Records for the Coconspirator 6 TD Bank Account confirmed the two aforementioned attempted outbound wire transfers and recalls. The records revealed that, between March 3 and 27, 2020, $67,467.46 was withdrawn from the account in seven cash withdrawals.

178. On April 26, 2020, ABBAS asked the Dubai Watch Seller to put the Richard Mille watch up for sale for $230,000, but suggested in other communications that he would accept a price as low as $190,000.

IV . CONCLUSION

179. Based on the foregoing, there is probable cause to believe that ABBAS, JUMA, CHIBUZO, KYARI, FASHOLA, and AGBABIAKA participated in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain and launder money obtained from the Victim Businessperson, in violation of 18 U.S.C.  1349 (Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud) and 18 U.S.C.  1956(h) (Conspiracy to Engage in Money Laundering):

a. ABBAS directly interacted with the Victim Businessperson, falsely claiming to be a Wells Fargo banker named "Malik." ABBAS also orchestrated the receipt and laundering of funds from the Victim Businessperson to and through bank accounts in the United States, as well as the creation and use of the Canoga Park Wells Fargo Account. ABBAS ultimately received the proceeds of the fraud scheme in a variety of ways, including as cash into the Nigerian bank account of another person, purchase of a luxury Richard Mille watch, and purchase of St. Kitts citizenship and a passport. After the Victim Businessperson began to suspect that JUMA had defrauded him/her, ABBAS purported to work with the Victim Businessperson to report JUMA's fraudulent conduct to the FBI, but, in reality, defrauded the Victim Businessperson out of additional funds, which ABBAS then laundered.

b. JUMA worked closely with ABBAS to defraud the Victim Businessperson, interacting directly with the Victim Businessperson and directing the Victim Businessperson to make payments to bank accounts in the United States and Kenya. In particular, JUMA received initial payments from the Victim Businessperson and then involved ABBAS in the fraud scheme. JUMA received and laundered the money that the Victim Businessperson sent to the Okatch bank account in Kenya.

c. CHIBUZO interacted directly with ABBAS, as he worked with ABBAS and JUMA to create various artifices--including a fraudulent website and "phone banking" system--that would induce the Victim Businessperson to make additional payments to the coconspirators. CHIBUZO was to be compensated by ABBAS for his involvement in the scheme. At one point, CHIBUZO felt that he was not being paid enough or in a timely manner, and contacted the Victim Businessperson directly, saying that ABBAS and JUMA had scammed the Victim Businessperson, in an attempt to get the Victim Businessperson to make future fraudulent payments to CHIBUZO and not to ABBAS and JUMA.

d. KYARI, a Deputy Commissioner of the Nigeria Police Force, arranged the arrest of CHIBUZO at the request of ABBAS to prevent CHIBUZO from interfering in the scheme defrauding the Victim Businessperson. KYARI had CHIBUZO held in custody for a month and also facilitated payments from ABBAS to the Nigeria Police Force personnel who arrested CHIBUZO, in order to ensure CHIBUZO's continued arrest, thereby preventing CHIBUZO from notifying the Victim Businessperson of ABBAS' and JUMA's fraudulent scheme and preventing CHIBUZO from hijacking the scheme for his own benefit. KYARI's knowing involvement in the scheme allowed ABBAS and JUMA to continue defrauding the Victim Businessperson undetected and receive money obtained from the Victim Busine
Kano State Government has said that the cholera outbreak that ravaged its 44 local governments has killed 169 people, while another 191 are currently hospitalised.

The Director of Public Health of the Kano State Ministry of Health, Dr Ashiru Rajab stated this yesterday in an interview with newsmen in Kano.

Dr Rajab said the casualties were recorded within the last three months in the state.

He added that a total of 5,221 persons were affected with the disease, while about 4, 860 have been discharged.

According to him, about 191 persons affected were currently receiving treatments in various health facilities in the state.

The director urged members of the public to embark on environmental sanitation and personal hygiene, especially in the rural communities.

"We have recorded 5,221 cases in the last three months. About 4,860 were treated and discharged. Currently, we have 191 active cases in different facilities across the state, while 169 deaths were recorded across 41 local government areas of the state," Dr. Rajab said.

"Kano State Government had embarked on massive sensitisation and enlightenment campaign to the general populace especially the rural dwellers on measures needed to be implored in maintaining environmental and personal hygiene to avoid outbreaks.

"Similarly, the government had provided the needed medications such as fluids, drugs and other essential facilities in government hospitals geared towards addressing the menace," he said.
The Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) Parliament's delocalized meeting of the joint committee on Political Affairs, Peace, Security and African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) / Legal Affairs and Human Rights / Telecommunications and Information Technology (TIT) is being held in Winneba, Ghana, to among other things, familiarize members of the Joint Committee with the situation at hand.

The meeting which kicked off on 27 July and will continue until 31 July 2021, is expected to explore the application of the existing and on the horizon TIT that can facilitate the development in terms [of] finding lasting solutions to Roaming Issues, Peace, and Security and Fundamental Human Rights for the betterment of the ECOWAS region.

The meeting recognizes the potentially valuable role of TIT in the development of the ECOWAS Region particularly in areas of peace and security and fundamental human rights.

It leverages the reputation and convening powers of the Parliamentarians in public policy for the betterment of ECOWAS. At the end of the Joint Committee meeting, Members of the Joint Committee are expected to identify relevant intervention mechanisms allowing Parliament to make an efficient contribution in ensuring that recommendations are made to this effect to Parliament at its next session.

Also, the meeting is expected to ensure that Members of Parliament are more instilled with the progress and challenges through interactions with experts and stakeholders in all the relevant grey areas in all the identified discussion topics.

The discussion covers topics including the Role of TIT in Achieving Regional Peace and Security; the Impact of TIT on the Operations of Judicial Systems in Member States; the Influence of TIT on Elections in Member States; Regional Roaming Issues; Regional Cyber-privacy and Security; and the role of TIT in Enhancing Human Rights.

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On the Role of TIT in Achieving Regional Peace and Security, the final Terms of Reference of the Meeting indicates that today the multilateral system finds itself at a crossroads, adding that violent extremism, humanitarian crises, and global pandemics are more pervasive than ever.

It notes that the current wave of technological change has created new opportunities for multilateral cooperation across a wide range of areas, including sustainable development, conflict prevention, humanitarian responses, peace operations, and state-society relations.

The Terms of Reference also indicate that the TIT sector plays an important role, notably by contributing to rapid technological progress and productivity growth.

It notes that organizations use TIT to organize transnational networks in response to international competition and the increasing need for strategic interaction.
interview

A rapidly escalating conflict has pushed Africa's second most populous country to the edge. In this Q&A, Crisis Group expert William Davison explains why the main protagonists urgently need to strike a deal to avert a downward spiral toward state collapse.

Who is involved in the expanding fighting in Ethiopia?

Ethiopia's grinding nine-month war has entered a dangerous new phase. In late July, the federal government and allied regional leaders intensified attempts to mobilise people from across the country to join the war against forces from the country's northernmost region, Tigray. Those forces, having broken the back of a combined Ethiopian-Eritrean intervention in Tigray after compelling most federal troops to withdraw on 28 June, have made incursions into the neighbouring Afar and Amhara regions. In response, authorities in Addis Ababa enlisted paramilitaries from some of Ethiopia's nine other regions to buttress the flagging federal military. They then launched a mass recruitment drive, including in the capital and in the two most populous regions, Oromia and Amhara. A war that has already exacted an awful toll now seems set to expand significantly, likely leading to thousands more deaths and far greater instability countrywide.

For their part, Tigrayan forces have moved aggressively as Addis Ababa's recruitment campaign proceeds. Though federal authorities have, in effect, blockaded their region, Tigrayan fighters have been able to pursue federal and regional units into Afar, which lies east of Tigray, reportedly displacing tens of thousands of people who fled the violence. They may soon try to cut the key trade route from Addis Ababa through Afar to Djibouti, which functions as landlocked Ethiopia's main port. They have also advanced south and south west, with thousands of Tigrayan fighters pushing down main roads toward Woldiya and Gondar cities in the north of Amhara, taking control of several towns along the way.

Their objective appears to be to force Ethiopian leaders into accepting their terms for a ceasefire, which now include a demand for a "transitional arrangement" - in effect, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's ouster - as well as the withdrawal of Eritrean and Amhara forces from Tigray. By heading toward Gondar, these fighters may well also be preparing to try pushing the Amhara regional government out of parts of western Tigray that it occupied when the ill-fated federal intervention began in early November 2020. If they succeed, Tigrayan forces would open a supply line to neighbouring Sudan. Food and other staples from Sudan would ease the humanitarian crisis inside Tigray, but exacerbate the political one, as Addis Ababa would see Khartoum as aiding a rebellion. Sudanese-Ethiopian ties are already frayed due to clashes over the fertile al-Fashaga borderlands.

Why did Tigray's commanders go on the offensive?

Authorities in Addis Ababa announced a "unilateral ceasefire" following the federal withdrawal from Tigray, which came after the region's fighters had dealt the Ethiopian armed forces a series of devastating blows in June. Addis Ababa said it had taken this step to address a humanitarian crisis in which at least 400,000 Tigrayans are experiencing famine conditions. Tigray's leaders rejected the ceasefire. Their key objection was the continued Amhara presence in western and southern Tigray and the federal blockade on the region, which Crisis Group detailed on 9 July.

This siege continues not just to keep vital aid out of Tigray but also to cut off critical services such as power and telecommunications. The head of the UN World Food Programme (WFP), David Beasley, has said its food supplies will run out in Tigray on 30 July. The agency's vehicles have been unable to get into the region for around two weeks. WFP officials told Crisis Group that local Afar militiamen attacked an aid convoy on 18 July, forcing 170 trucks back to the regional capital, Semera, where they remain.

With the wind in their sails, Tigray's leaders indicate they plan to fight on until they have re-established supply lines and the region's pre-war administrative boundaries. They cast their offensive as a battle for survival. With famine imminent, they argue, they cannot allow Addis Ababa to asphyxiate the region, as the federal government attempted to do in the build-up to the conflict and in the war's first two months when Tigray's defences were overwhelmed.

Leaders in Mekelle, Tigray's regional capital, may well be making a further political calculation. If Tigrayan forces can compel the Amhara region to relinquish the areas it took in late 2020, which many Amhara believe Tigray's ruling party annexed in the early 1990s, that is likely to inspire considerable Amhara anger at regional and federal leaders, particularly Abiy. The ensuing heightened pressure on the premier might force him to the negotiating table on terms favourable to Tigray. Raising the stakes further, Mekelle is looking to capitalise on its gains without delay, both to alleviate the Tigrayan population's desperate plight and to back-foot the depleted federal military before it can acquire new weapons and train and absorb the new recruits.

Where could the renewed confrontation lead?

Both sides continue to pursue a military solution, imperilling not only thousands more Ethiopian lives but also the state itself. As Crisis Group warned three days before the Tigray war broke out, the fighting could tear the country apart. Each side has demonised the other, and each has a starkly contrasting narrative of why the conflict began and what is happening now. Addis Ababa casts the Tigrayans' current offensive as an attempt to fragment Ethiopia, using this pretext to call for more recruits. Tigrayan leaders, on the other hand, say they are battling not the Ethiopian state but what its spokesmen refer to as "Abiy's army" or the "PP army", in reference to the ruling Prosperity Party. For now, more bloodshed appears likely as Tigray's commanders forge ahead and Abiy sends fresh recruits to face them.

Tigrayan forces continuing their progress would lead to increasing domestic pressure on Abiy from some quarters over the failed and costly effort to bring Tigray's leaders to heel. As noted, an advance into Amhara-held areas would anger Amhara factions in particular. Tigrayan leaders now insist on Abiy's departure, saying he has prosecuted a "genocidal war" upon the region alongside their archenemy, Eritrean leader Isaias Afwerki.

In reality, there are still few obvious alternatives to Abiy as national leader. His Prosperity Party just won a landslide in an election (though some major opposition parties boycotted) and he still commands considerable popular support. Moreover, a Tigrayan advance would also galvanise some Ethiopians to double down on their support for him. Tigrayan leaders, whom many Ethiopians blame for decades of authoritarian rule after 1991, when they wielded a disproportionate share of federal power, are widely reviled in the rest of Ethiopia. Tigrayan forces are likely to encounter popular resistance as they advance. The country could descend into even greater chaos, replete with mob attacks on Tigrayan residents and intensified official persecution of Tigrayans. Similar turmoil could develop if Tigrayan forces are able to choke Addis Ababa, blocking imports such as fuel, food and medicine that are vital to the frail economy.

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What steps need to be taken to pull Ethiopia back from the brink?

Key international actors such as the U.S. and European Union share a similar level of alarm about the situation. They urgently need to work in concert to prevent a further unravelling. International actors with direct access to Abiy - such as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, WFP director Beasley and United Arab Emirates ruler Mohamed Bin Zayed - should implore him not to throw more raw recruits at Tigrayan forces that have shown considerable military acumen thus far and are gaining strength as they capture hardware.

Instead, Abiy should seek some form of deal with Tigrayan leaders to avoid the country's further disintegration. Such an understanding would likely involve an Amhara withdrawal from western Tigray, perhaps in exchange for a Tigrayan pledge to have the territorial dispute addressed politically in the future, as Crisis Group recommended in June 2020, months before the war.

Tigrayan leaders, for their part, should stop their advances and soften the transitional government demand. Instead, they should give Abiy and Amhara leaders some time to withdraw forces from western Tigray. Alongside these measures, the federal government would restore basic services such as telecommunications, electricity and banking while granting humanitarian access to Tigray. For now, the parties need to shelve thorny disputes over power arrangements in Addis Ababa and Tigray's future within the federation. The priority instead must be to prevent mass starvation and check the very real risk that the Horn of Africa's pivotal state falls apart.
analysis

Debating Ideas is a new section that aims to reflect the values and editorial ethos of the African Arguments book series, publishing engaged, often radical, scholarship, original and activist writing from within the African continent and beyond. It will offer debates and engagements, contexts and controversies, and reviews and responses flowing from the African Arguments books.

Nigeria, Africa's most populous country and biggest economy, is assailed on all fronts by insecurity that increasingly appears to overwhelm both its political leadership and its institutions. The response of the government has been underpinned by diagnostics that mistake symptoms for cause with the result that the management of Nigeria's crises of insecurity has suffered an escalation of misadventure and misfortune founded on the official mindset that the country can shoot its way out of its problems. This limited toolkit would benefit from a re-think.

Some numbers may help to illustrate - even if inadequately - the scale of the crises. In June 2021, Nigeria recorded over 763 atrocity killings. One state alone, Kaduna, in the north-west, officially reports a toll of at least 545 killed and 1,723 kidnapped in the first six months of 2021. Over the same period, 2,371 people were reported kidnapped in at least 281 separate incidents across the country, grossing tens of millions of dollars for Nigeria's fastest growing industry. Reported ransom economy in the first half of 2021 alone grossed over 10 billion Naira (about $20 million) although the actual sums are believed to be significantly higher. The Financial Times reports that "the kidnapping industry is thriving in Nigeria." Over 1,000 victims of what the British conservative magazine, The Spectator, recently described as Nigeria's "abduction epidemic" were taken in mass attacks on schools that now threaten to shut down education systems in about 14 of the 19 states of northern Nigeria. The recorded incidents and victims represent only a fraction of the full picture in a country in which statistics are chronically massaged and most victims prefer quiet arrangements with the kidnappers since the state acts indifferent. Former United State Ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell, notes the existence of a "growing perception among many in Nigeria" that "the country does not meet the first condition of statehood: the provision of security for its citizens."

Since the end of 2016, Nigeria's National Security Adviser (NSA) has issued an annual internal security threat assessment to govern prioritization and deployment of security assets across the spectrum of Nigeria's internal security challenges. Over the same period, the assessment has held constant, identifying the following as the main threats: in the north-east, Boko Haram and its affiliates; in the north-west, bandits so-called and the Shi'ites of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN); in the north-central, "killer herdsmen"; in the south east, the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB); in the south-west, cults and criminal gangs; and in the south-south, resource militants.

This exercise in federal character falls far short, however, of providing an informed or useable security threat assessment. Sheikh Zakzaky, the leader of the IMN, has been detained since the end of 2015 and the group proscribed under the Terrorism Prevention Act. The government similarly proscribed the IPOB in 2017 and has recently abducted its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, back from Kenya to Nigeria. There was not even a pretence of legal process to his extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria. These developments have not made any dent in the pathologies of insecurity in the country, suggesting that regime security rather than public safety could be the focus of the NSA.

An assessment of the internal security threats in Nigeria should proceed from acknowledging the fact that Nigeria has been unable to subdue the various networks of agitation or violence identified by the NSA. Far from being diminished by the enhanced attentions of the Nigerian state, they have grown in intensity and significance. A security threat assessment must seek to uncover those things that imperil or incapacitate the ability of the state to prevail over these. Five issues easily stand out.

First is demographics. Nigeria's population is growing at a rate that the country cannot sustain. Shortly before he died, in December 2020, former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Habu Galadima, warned that "Nigeria's population is growing at 3.2% every year, which translates to an additional 6.7 million persons annually, making it one of the highest in the world. As of 2019, 86.7% of Nigerians depend on others to survive, meaning that only 27.9 million people out of about 210 million are productive." A national average fertility rate of 5.4 births per woman masks disturbing regional disparities. The fertility rate in the southern states is around four births per woman, nearly doubling to above seven in the north-east and north-west, where early and child marriage as well as polygyny are both customary and widespread. While the population has grown at 3.2% over the past five years, the economy has averaged an annual growth rate of a mere 0.28% over the same period, recording negative growth in two of those five years and near-neutral growth in a third. The result is that the supply of public goods is exponentially mismatched against the demand. Absent capable institutions and leadership, the ensuing contest can only be resolved by violence.

Second, therefore, is the criminalization of elective politics and the weaponization of demographics for this purpose. With elective politics as the only legitimate means of producing leaders, Nigeria's politics has come to resemble organized crime powered by the three deities of "godfathers, guns and graft." Politicians have perfected the art of arming rival political gangs and thugs during elections, after which they are unable to amnesty or buy-back the guns. Indeed, an official panel of Nigeria's federal government all but confirmed in 2011 that the Boko Haram insurgency began from this pattern of political misconduct. Deploying the spoils of office, the political rulers who emerge from these mutually assured killing fields compromise security institutions in order to cover their tracks. Over time, this has incapacitated the effectiveness of the security services. In Nigeria's winner-takes-all political system, demographic growth is weaponized for electoral purposes by the ethnic interests who control Nigeria's politics and who, therefore, have no self-interest in addressing the mismatch between population and productivity.

Third is a crisis of incapable security institutions. Afflicted with poor morale and conditions of service, over one-third of the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force find comfort in hawking personal guard duties to higher-ups in and out of government. The result is that the Force is chronically short-staffed and overwhelmed. Rather than address this, government has chosen to casualise the Police and deploy the army routinely in internal security operations in all 36 of Nigeria's states. In both its primary role and its assumed one, the army is compromised to the point of being popularly accused of being complicit in Nigeria's insecurity crises or profiteering from it. It is unable to fulfil its primary role of defending the country against external threats and at the same time it is not equipped to undertake internal policing. Far from diminishing in footprint, insecurity has metastasizyd.

These three problems point to an obvious fourth, a crisis of political inequity. With a crisis of demand and supply, dissolute political leadership and incapable institutions, it is only natural that systems of productivity, distributive and remedial justice in the country are ineffectual. Deeply held notions of injustice when popularised across the country become a tinder-box, endangering every part.

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Looking to the future, there is a fifth problem. Nigeria's economy is dependent on oil and gas for over 65% of government revenues and 88% of foreign exchange earnings in an era in which the world is transitioning from dirty energy. In 2020, Nigeria reportedly spent 97% of its revenues on debt servicing. This implies not merely that government relies on debt to service its capital expenditure and to pay for its overheads and salaries, but logically also that a significant part of the debt is unsustainable, pointing to potentially bigger problems. With a population estimated to grow by nearly 100% in another quarter of a century and an incapacity to improve its investments in public goods to underpin the legitimacy of the state, the country's fundamentals could suggest even deeper crises of violence unless it can extract a dividend from its demographic curve, render its politics more accountable and navigate the global energy transition to a safe harbor.

Addressing these issues will not be easy by any means. It requires a different approach to Nigeria's crisis of insecurity, which must begin with a national leadership that is present and a security strategy that follows clear political direction not the other way round. It is not without political cost either. There is no sustainable pathway out of this situation without addressing Nigeria's mutually dissonant demographic and productivity gradients. The last Nigerian ruler to recognize this publicly in office was Ibrahim Babangida, the military ruler who instituted a national population policy in 1988, limiting population size per family to four. As a soldier, he did not need votes. President Obasanjo updated the policy in his second term in 2004, knowing he was term-limited. Nigeria's insecurity problem is not going to be fixed by soldiers wielding guns and bayonets. As long as the dominant politicians choose to weaponize demographics without a plan for investing in productivity, for so long shall Nigeria know little peace.
analysis

18 years after African leaders adopted the Maputo Protocol, a progressive initiative by and for Africans, it is still yet to be fully implemented.

July is a significant month for African Women. On 31 July every year, the African Union (AU) leads the continent in celebrating African Women's Day. More significantly, eighteen years ago on 11 July, African leaders converged in Mozambique and adopted what's commonly referred to as the Maputo Protocol.

This legal instrument guarantees comprehensive rights to women. Among other things, it calls for the elimination of discrimination and harmful practices, rights to reproductive health and political participation, and the protection of women in armed conflict. It is a truly progressive initiative by and for Africans. Yet almost two decades later, it is yet to be fully implemented.

To date, 42 of 55 African states have ratified the Maputo Protocol. This has allowed human rights defenders in these countries to use it as a litigation tool. In 2020, for instance, Kenya's High Court cited various international human rights instruments - including the Maputo Protocol - in finding the government liable for failing to investigate reported cases of gender-based assaults during the 2007-2008 post-election violence.

While many courts have been progressive in their application of the Protocol, however, many governments' legislative and executive arms have created obstacles to it. Several states that require parliamentary approval to domesticate international treaty law into national law are yet to do so. This is perhaps unsurprising. In sub-Saharan Africa, women hold, on average, just 25% of legislative seats and patriarchal African states rarely prioritise women's rights. There is an urgent need for more female political participation to ensure that women's and girls' rights are protected and promoted; only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches.

Another challenge for the full implementation of the Protocol is the issue of "reservations". These legal caveats allow states to be party to a treaty while excluding the legal effect of one or more of its provisions. Certain African states have placed reservations on the Maputo Protocol, most commonly on articles 14(2) (c) and 10 (3) which provide the right to medical abortion and the reduction of military expenditure in favour of social development and the promotion of women. In Kenya, which ratified the Protocol in 2010 but with these reservations, 2,600 women and girls die every year from complications arising from unsafe abortions.

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Under international law, reservations are not meant to be held indefinitely. Rather, member states are required to take steps towards creating the conditions so that they can lift them. Rwanda, for example, has removed its reservation on article 14 (2) (c) and initiated a law reform process alongside sensitisation campaigns and the training of healthcare providers. There is no excuse for countries like Kenya to still have reservations on clauses 11 years after ratification.

It is possible to prioritise women's rights in Africa. This can start with the AU's firm commitment to holding its partner states accountable to international treaty law, including the full implementation of the Maputo Protocol. While it could be argued that the AU cannot interfere with the sovereignty of African states or police them, it is worth noting that membership to the continental body is voluntary and that states routinely sign international law instruments, thus binding themselves.

International law can no longer be considered a suggestion hiding behind the guise of sovereignty. It is important and of great urgency that the AU shifts its reputation from a paper tiger to an efficient and effective intergovernmental organisation - one that holds its member states accountable to the obligations to which they commit. Until then, women and girls' rights in Africa continue to be violated.

Stephanie Musho is a human rights lawyer and an Aspen Institute New Voices Senior Fellow.
Brussels, Belgium / Jeddah, Saudi Arabia  A short answer to this question is yes, but it is obvious and predictable failure was visible for some time. This debate started before 2015, the year in which the Sustainable Development Goals (or SDGs) were adopted as successors to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) agreed in 2000. The 8 MDGs were expanded to 17 massive goals and 169 targets.

Using projections from international organizations such as the World Bank, the OECD and the WHO, the British Overseas Development Institute (ODI) already quantified in 2015 how much the world would need to accelerate current trends to achieve the SDGs by 2030.

The targets were given a 'grade', based on the expected progress. An 'A' rating meant that current progress is sufficient to meet the target, 'B', 'C', 'D' and 'E' numbers need to go up a notch. An "F" number indicates that the world is going in the wrong direction.

None of the 17 SDGs was rated A. Only three SDGs, -- SDG1 (no poverty), SDG8 (economic growth and decent jobs) and SDG15 (biodiversity) -- were rated B. SDG 3 (health for all), 4 (quality education), 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions), 17 (partnerships for the goals), 2 (no hunger), 6 (water and sanitation), 7 (energy), 5 (gender) and 9 (industrialization) all received an average C grade. SDGs 10 (inequality), 11 (cities), 12 (waste), 13 (climate change) and 14 (oceans) were all unsatisfactory.

In other words, only 3 of the 17 SDGs were on track to achieve a reasonably acceptable outcome by 2030. This score was developed in 2015, long before COVID-19 hit.

With the devastating effect of COVID-19 on nearly every sector of the global economy, it is clear that achieving the SDGs by 2030 is virtually impossible. Moreover, addressing development goals by nation states is more difficult than was recognized by the authors of the 2030 Agenda for Development.

For example, a study by Lin and Monga (2017) concluded that between 1950 and 2008, only 28 countries managed to reduce their gap with the United States by 10 percent or more. That is a period of 58 years, while the 2030 agenda must be realized within 15 years. Of the 28 countries listed by Lin and Monga, only 12 were non-European or non-oil economies.

According to Lin and Monga, the challenge of renewing developing countries' economies is inseparable from some of the intellectual and policy errors imposed by the Washington consensus in the 1970s to 1990s, the years described as the lost decade for developing countries.

Banerjee and Duflo (2019), who shared the 2019 Nobel Prize in Economics for their work on poverty alleviation, in fact emphasized how economists designing development policies are out of touch with the realities of ordinary people.

In a more recent analysis, published in the authoritative World Development, Moyer and Hedden (2020) also question how feasible the SDGs are under the current circumstances. They highlight difficulties for some SDG indicators (access to safe sanitation, high school completion, and underweight children) that will not be resolved without a significant shift in domestic and international aid policies and prioritization.

In addition, Moyer and Hedden cite 28 particularly vulnerable countries that are not expected to meet any of the nine human development targets. These most vulnerable countries should be able to count on international aid and therefore financial support.

In our view, the realization of the 2030 agenda can only be achieved on the basis of three factors.

The first is financing. The critical question that is posed in various forums about the SDGs invariably ends with the question: who is going to fund it? Where will the money come from? How can low- and middle-income countries generate sufficient resources to finance the 2030 development agenda.

Although each country has its own priorities, paying the bills for the SDGs remains a delicate matter. The Asia-Europe Foundation calculated (2020: 6) that "the total investment costs to achieve the SDGs by 2030 are between USD 5 and USD 7 trillion per year at the global level and between a total of USD 3.3 and USD 4.5 trillion per year in developing countries.

This implies an average investment need of USD 2.5 trillion per year in developing countries. To better understand the real financial needs of the SDGs, these countries should prepare their own estimates, at least for their priority objectives".

A significant effort must be made through the private sector and philanthropists. While governments and ordinary people have been hit hard by the health and economic impact of COVID-19, in a way it has been good news for billionaires, many of whom have seen their wealth grow astronomically.

A report from the Washington-based Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) shows that US billionaires have seen their wealth grow by $1 trillion between March and November 2020. Amazon's owner Jeff Bezos' net worth increased 61 percent between March and November 2020, from $113 billion to $182.4 billion.

The report added that just three years ago, there was not a single multi-billionaire, that is, a person with a net worth of more than $100 billion. Since November 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are now at least 5 multi-billionaires; namely Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Bernard Arnault, president of Louis Vuitton; Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft; Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook; and Elon Musk of Tesla (Huffington Post 2020).

These billionaires, along with the more than 2,000 billionaires from around the world, are wealthy enough to help make substantial progress in some of the SDGs.

The second important factor that can help achieve the SDGs is political will. Many countries have drawn up ambitious national development plans that look great on paper. How many of those plans end up being realized?

When one sees that the fortunes of a country have been successfully changed through the effective implementation of national plans, one cannot separate such achievements from the strong political will of the leaders. The example of China speaks for itself.

The crucial question to be asked is whether that political will is there. UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, responded to a mid-term review of the Sustainable Development Goals (UN 2020): "It is inevitable that one crucial ingredient is still missing. Political will. Without political will, neither the public opinion, nor the stakeholders take sufficient action". This is where the challenge to achieve the SDGs lies, i.e. a real political will.

The third factor is the need for robust communication for development and social change, so that political will can be conveyed to all stakeholders. Leaders who inspire change do so with the communication tools available in their time.

While the digital age disrupts social systems and drives transformation at a scale and pace unparalleled in history, the SDGs remain quite silent on the subject. Indeed, today digital technologies determine what we read and consume, how we vote and how we interact with each other and the world around us.

Many risks and uncertainties are emerging, including threats to individual rights, social justice and democracy, all amplified by 'the digital divide' - the differential speed of internet penetration and access to digital technologies around the world.

None of the SDGs can be achieved unless people are able to communicate their dreams, concerns and needs - locally, nationally, regionally, globally. We therefore propose to supplement the list with SDG 18: Communication for all.

Communications for social change in the era of COVID-19 must also consider the challenge of misinformation when initiating communication strategies. Therefore, the communication strategies of the World Bank, UNICEF or WHO are not comprehensive enough.

First, they failed to take into account the challenges of infodemics and fake news in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. The second shortcoming is that the strategies contain little scientific communication to make the public aware of how health professionals make decisions and advise the public about its safety. Disinformation is a critical factor that exacerbates the challenges that communication for development and social change must address.

For all these reasons, the UN and the rest of the international community need to be realistic and review the 2030 Agenda for Development by shifting the timeline from 2030 to 2050.

Some regional organizations, such as the African Union, have already set the date for achieving their development goals to 2063 (https://au.int/en/agenda2063/sdgs).

The SDGs should be prioritized with SDG1 on the eradication of extreme poverty as the main objective for the next 10 years. Eradicating extreme poverty is likely to have implications for other SDGs, in particular SDGs 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Efforts to eradicate extreme poverty should not be based on slogans, but should be supported by governments, funding agencies, donors and philanthropists are seen as the best chance to save humanity. The intellectual errors and policies imposed on low- and middle-income countries, which plunge them further into the abyss of underdevelopment, must be avoided.

Serious thought should be accorded to the post COVID19 world due to the impact of the lockdown on the global economy. Some governments, multinational institutions and private sector are hastening to institutionalize remote work before the pandemic ends.

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As an interim major, working from home has contributed significantly in reducing the impact of the pandemic, but what is the impact of working from home on the future of work in a post-COVID-19 World?

Will the closure of offices, firms and other businesses for remote work accelerate or reduce the chances of achieving the SDGs? Is there sufficient data to back the policy decisions on a permanent remote work culture? How does this affect the employability of low and unskilled workers?

These are questions that policy makers must think through. The SDGs are meant to promote social inclusion and reduce inequality, not to save money and increase profitability.

Setting the timeline for the achievement of the SDGs to 2050 will allow sufficient time to re-evaluate progress made so far, complete missing objectives, such as SDG 18 on communication for all, and bridge the lost ground of the SDGs.

It will also give the global community ample time to strategize on how to deal with the potential rise of right-wing, populist and nationalist governments such as Bolsonaro, Duterte or Trump's, which may impose limits on the SDGs through their disdain for multilateralism. And plans must also be made in advance to mitigate the next disasters that could impair the achievement of the SDGs.

Jan Servaes was UNESCO-Chair in Communication for Sustainable Social Change at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He taught 'international communication' and 'communication for sustainable social change' in Australia, Belgium, China, Hong Kong, the US, Netherlands and Thailand, in addition to short-term projects at about 120 universities in 55 countries.

Muhammad Jameel Yusha'u is an international development expert and former journalist with the BBC World Service, London. He was the Managing Editor of Africa Policy Journal at Harvard Kennedy School, USA and one-time Senior Lecturer in Media and Politics at Northumbria University, UK; he has taught Mass Communications at Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.

This text is based on Muhammad Jameel Yusha'u & Jan Servaes (eds.).

The Palgrave Handbook of International Communication and Sustainable Development, Palgrave MacMillan, 2021, ISBN 978-3-030-69769-3, Follow
analysis

Location of GERD on the Nile River

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the long-simmering dispute between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan over Ethiopia's great dam on the Blue Nile now seem to be stuck. The matter had been batted to the United Nations Security Council again this month, only to be sent back to the African Union (AU).

The AU took over as the lead mediator in June last year after South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, as AU chair, persuaded the three disputants not to refer the dispute to the Security Council. But a year of on and off negotiations - first by South Africa and then by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the new AU chair - failed to resolve the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) dispute.

So Egypt and Sudan - backed by the League of Arab States - took it back to the Security Council. But on 8 July, the council refused to take up the issue and sent it back to the AU. There are no signs that an agreement on the format of negotiations, let alone a resolution, is in sight. In the meantime, Ethiopia has proceeded to fill the dam for a second year, angering Egypt and Sudan and heightening tensions.

Egypt contends that the 74 billion cubic metre dam, designed to produce hydroelectric power to drive Ethiopia's development, will threaten the supply of the Nile water on which it is almost entirely dependent. Sudan worries that GERD, which is just 15 kilometres from its border, could damage its own dams and riparian lands.

The two countries are seeking a legally binding agreement on the management of the water flow from the dam and a formal dispute resolution mechanism. Ethiopia insists that it cannot be bound by other countries on how it operates its own dam.

Although South Africa was no more successful than anyone else in mediating a resolution, some observers say that it tried harder than DRC. The DRC is naturally putting a different spin on that. During the July Security Council debate, the DRC ambassador read a statement by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Christophe Lutundula Apala Pen' Apala, claiming 'several positive developments' in DRC's mediation.

The Security Council's nearly unanimous decision was a major setback for Egypt and Sudan

These included a ministerial conference of the three countries in April and visits by DRC President Etienne Tshisekedi to Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan in May. The minister added that Tshisekedi had reported to the AU Bureau on 24 June on his efforts and that a report was forthcoming. A summary document had also been drafted, which would soon be presented to Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt as the basis for negotiations.

Tshisekedi's proposal was for a two-step approach. First, the most pressing issue of the current filling of the GERD would be addressed. Next, guarantees would be sought for a comprehensive agreement on the subsequent filling and operation of the dam, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa, told the Security Council. But events have overtaken Tshisekedi's negotiations. Even as the council was debating, Ethiopia was again filling the dam.

The Security Council was nearly unanimous in passing the GERD ball hurriedly back to the AU - a major setback for Egypt and Sudan. The Trump administration had seemed to be favouring Egypt over Ethiopia in this dispute. But President Joe Biden's UN ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield - a former assistant secretary of state for Africa - was very firm that the AU should handle the GERD file.

Even as the Security Council was debating, Ethiopia was filling the dam for the second year

Was it irresponsible for the Security Council to refuse to take up the issue when the AU has proven incapable of resolving it? Egypt and Sudan seem to think so. They regard the referral of the dispute to the AU - ostensibly in the interests of seeking an 'African solution to an African problem' - as a way for Ethiopia to avoid real negotiations.

Others might argue that GERD isn't an issue for the Security Council or even perhaps the AU, since some water disputes in Africa have been resolved without recourse to either. Ethiopia is also, arguably, under no obligation to get the approval of another country to build and operate a dam on its territory.

But whatever the precedents in sharing regional watercourses may be, the GERD dispute has the potential to trigger conflict. That makes it a legitimate issue for the Security Council and the AU, both of which have a mandate to defuse conflict.

The passing of the buck by the Security Council prompts Gustavo de Carvalho, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in Pretoria, to remark that, 'The Security Council is never shy to sideline the AU - in the Libya matter last year it completely ignored the AU position. It thus seems convenient for some of the P5 to use the excuse of subsidiarity when it suits them not to be involved.

Will the dispute only be resolved through some form of club diplomacy between the key stakeholders?

'The challenge is that the less the Security Council is involved, the higher the risk that issues will escalate. And if there is no serious movement regarding roles and responsibilities, the function of preventing conflicts, that is so important for both the UN and AU, will fail.'

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Priyal Singh, Researcher at the ISS, agrees that the GERD issue is 'a vital test of the relevance of key multilateral organisations.' However, he adds that more focus should be given to the DRC's role in the mediation and that of the AU Bureau. Singh believes there is a consensus that Tshisekedi could have been more active on this file.

So quo vadis GERD? Tensions among the three disputants will surely rise, adding to irritants in relations such as the Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute and other sources of regional instability, such as the Tigray civil war.

Singh believes that the GERD dispute will likely only be resolved through some form of club diplomacy between the key stakeholders. He suggests that multilateral organisations like the Security Council and the AU will sit this one out until the situation has deteriorated much further. That is not a comforting scenario.

Peter Fabricius, ISS Consultant

In South Africa, Daily Maverick has exclusive rights to re-publish ISS Today articles. For media based outside South Africa and queries about our re-publishing policy, email us.
UNEP scientists inspecting a pipeline right of way around 30 metres wide cut through mangroves in Ogoniland

A Dutch court in January ruled that Shell had polluted the Niger Delta and ordered the energy giant to pay compensation. But many are now questioning whether it is enough to put right the misery suffered by the people.

The conflict between the indigenous people of Ogoni in Nigeria's Niger Delta is a perennial one.

This year's court ruling by an appeals court in the Netherlands -- in favour of Milieudefensie/Friends of the Earth Netherlands and four Nigerian farmers -- was heralded by some of them as justice.

The court delivered its judgment at the end of a long-running civil case. The farmers were seeking financial compensation and a cleanup by Shell for pollution caused by pipelines leaking oil into the Niger Delta.

Justice served

"Shell Nigeria is sentenced to compensate farmers for damages," the court said. The bench added that parent company Royal Dutch Shell was also liable to install detection equipment that could prevent future damage on the Oruma pipeline, the site of a significant number of the spills.

"After years of litigation there is finally justice for many of my clients," said Channa Samkalden, the lawyer for Milieudefensie and the Nigerian farmers.

This is a sentiment also shared by Eric Dooh, one of the farmers.

"Finally, there is some justice for the Nigerian people suffering the consequences of Shell's oil," Dooh told DW.

For Donald Pols, Milieudefensie director, it was "fantastic news for the affected farmers. It is enormous that Shell has to compensate for the damage."

It may well be that justice has indeed been served, based on the argument by Mr Pols, who said: "this is also a warning for all Dutch transnational corporations involved in injustice worldwide. Victims of environmental pollution, land grabbing or exploitation now have a better chance to win a legal battle against the companies involved."

The question that remains unanswered, however, is whether implementation of the court's ruling will be carried out to the satisfaction of the afflicted population.

Discontent over implementation

Since a United Nations 2011 recommendation that operations be put in place to clean up the oil spills, the feeling among the Ogoni indigenes is that little has been done.

A popular sentiment remains that the Dutch court ruling would not translate into concrete action.

"The Ogonis are not satisfied with the level of environmental remediations so far," said environmentalist FyneFace Dumnamene.

While the Nigerian government acknowledged that the cleanup exercise was not going according to plan, due to the COVID pandemic, it insisted that the process was going on smoothly.

This is a position that is vehemently challenged by some of the Ogoni residents.

"I am not satisfied with the clean up exercise," said Bemene Tanem, an Ogoniland resident who insisted that reports of a smooth cleanup were "fake news."

"President Muhammadu Buhari actually meant well for the Ogoni people, but for those that are executing the project, they are not doing what they ought to do."

This refers to an ongoing plan to clean up the heart of the country's oil industry, which came after Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari asked the UN Environment Programme to assess the level of oil contamination in 2016.

But some five years later, the UN reported shocking pollution levels.

Delay tactics?

Environmentalists and activists have been questioning whether Shell's actions are simply a stalling technique, while they continue to exploit the resources of the region to the detriment of the people and the environment.

These allegations are founded on the basis of an 2009 decision by Shell Corporation to settle out of court with a group of Ogoni people.

The 2009 settlement of $15.5 million (13 million) -- which some people described as insufficient to redress the devastating pollution, human rights abuses and misery suffered by millions of Ogoni people over several generations -- may have stalled the agitation for a while but did not successfully stop it.

For some people, such as Bemene Tanem, even this year's court ruling, ordering Shell to clean up the environment, fell short of the demands of the Ogoni people.

"... what the Ogoni people are demanding for basically is political emancipation, we have been deprived of our economic rights, despite the huge economic and natural resources God had endowed in our land, we have not benefited from it economically," said Bemene.

The importance of the people benefiting economically from any projects being carried out is further articulated by Legborsi Yaamabana, a journalist and Ogoni resident.

"What we just want to see in Ogoni is an improvement in the socialeconomic and environmental life of the Ogoni People ... that even the present attempt to clean the area have to march with a socioeconomic recovery," Legborsi told DW.

These sentiments are not shared by Sunny Zorva, former spokesman for the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), who sees the current steps being taken as huge milestones in the right direction.

"Individuals will benefit, the community will benefit, the government will benefit, and, in fact, the companies that will later come to do some work in the area will also benefit ... after the clean up, the water will be restored, the aquatic life will be restored, farmland will be restored for farmers to continue their fishing and farming," maintained Zorva.

Allegations of Corruption

The optimism shared by some of the people is dampened by growing allegations that, while Shell claims to have done significant work in cleaning up the Ogoni environment, the governing council and board of trustees -- known as HYPREP -- set up by the Nigerian government to oversee the clean up process, has been mired in allegations of corruption.

"The project started without the implementation of the emergency measures recommended by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

These measures include the provision of potable drinking water for the people and of course the provision of issues around livelihood, including the building of a contaminated soil management centre... " environmentalist FyneFace Dumnamene argued.

Such allegations are ones that some feel will not go down well with the people. For those who have been involved in the ongoing campaign for better living conditions, any actions by HYPREP that do not conform with people's expectations will be opposed.

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"Any report of corruption in HYPREP will be seriously resisted," Sunny Zorva said. "The people are not happy about it, because it's about their life, it's about their environment."

Hope on the horizon

There is, however, a high degree of optimism among different experts and Ogoni residents.

After President Buhari's administration apologized for the delay in the cleanup, the work resumed in earnest and 17 sites were certified as having being cleaned.

There was a sense that keeping their promise also works to the government's advantage, as they also benefit from a clean Ogoniland environment.

"They said Ogoni people are volatile or violent, it's because they do not have jobs, they do not have what to eat what to do. But when these things are back, there will be security in the place, even the government will benefit," assured Zorva.

The UN estimated that the entire effort to reverse the shocking levels of pollution caused by oil spills could take as long as 30 years.

Such a long time frame is to be expected given the extent of damage that has been wrought by decades of Shell's involvement in the destruction of the environment and persisting accusations of human rights abuses.

That illtreatmnet ultimately led to the 1995 execution of activist Ken Saro-Wiwa by a former military regime in Nigeria for fighting for the rights of the Ogoni.

Muhammed Bello contributed to this article
Likewise, the 60-year-old economist said he will lead a Ministry of Economy and Finance close to the most vulnerable citizens, while responsibly promoting the change expected by Peruvians.

"Besides, from the Cabinet, we will defend the need to have a clear separation between the government and (Peru Libre) party, recognizing that this is an indispensable political base as long as the bet is to harmonize and strengthen democracy," he stressed.

Likewise, the new Cabinet member assured that he will fight for equal opportunities without discrimination based on gender, ethnic identity, or sexual orientation.

Francke also reminded citizens that Peru is in a historic moment, emphasizing he will act responsibly and within the framework of democracy.

"I thank President Castillo and Prime Minister Guido Bellido for the trust placed in me. We will work hand-in-hand with the entire Ministerial Cabinet," he concluded.

Con el compromiso de aplicar el Plan Bicentenario asi como lo expresado por el Presidente Castillo en su mensaje de 28 de julio, asumo la cartera de Economia y Finanzas. Trabajaremos por un rumbo economico que asegure progreso con justicia para todos.




"Our first great task is to continue the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hit our country very badly. I cannot forget those Peruvians who are no longer with us. We will honor their memory by ensuring that this is a priority," he expressed.





The Peruvian leader underlined that the pandemic is not over, noting that he is convinced that the country will move forward.

The top official stated that this will be possible by "building on what has been achieved so far, by listening to the science and putting the well-being of Peruvians first. Our efforts will focus on guaranteeing the vaccination of the entire population in the shortest possible time."













(END) KGR/RRC/RMB/MVB

The new President of the Republic Pedro Castillo on Wednesday affirmed that one of his government's priorities will be to vaccinate the entire (eligible) population in the shortest possible time.Published: 7/28/2021
YEREVAN, JULY 31, ARMENPRESS. US congresswoman Katherine Clark urges Azerbaijan to immediately withdraw from the territory of Armenia, ARMENPRESS reports she wrote on her Twitter page.

Azerbaijans military forces must withdraw from Armenian lands immediately and stop the violence that has already cost multiple lives. Proud to have voted for Chairman Frank Pallones amendment to cut off military funding to Azerbaijan and to stand with the Armenian people, Katherine Clark wrote.
YEREVAN, JULY 31, ARMENPRESS. US Congressman Adam Schiff considers the bill passed by the US House of Representatives to deprive Azerbaijan of military aid a victory. ARMENPRESS reports, citing the Voice of America, as reported by "Voice of America", the congressman noted that the bill adopted by the House of Representatives has still to go through several stages.

 Let's hope it will succeed in the Senate. As a rule, we have seen over the years that such projects are not approved by the Senate, but we must struggle for the final success of the bill with the existing content, Adam Schiff said.

Speaking about the tense situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, Adam Schiff emphasized the importance of increasing the role of the OSCE Minsk Group and the development of Armenian-American relations.

In my opinion, we should not finance a country where human rights are violated, which threatens regional security and peace. In addition, the ceasefire violations by Azerbaijan has created a worrying situation on the border, unfortunately, there have been casualties in recent days, the congressman said, adding that he will continue to support all pro-Armenian initiatives.
The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia informs that on July 31, at 06:30, the units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire on the Armenian positions located in the Yeraskh section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.

July 31, 2021, 11:37 Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire on the Armenian positions located in the Yeraskh section

STEPANAKERT, JULY 31, ARTSAKHPRESS: They tried to carry out fortification works using engineering equipment.

After the retaliatory actions of the Armenian positions, the enemys fire was silenced and the fortification works were stopped.
US congresswoman Katherine Clark urges Azerbaijan to immediately withdraw from the territory of Armenia, she wrote on her Twitter page.

July 31, 2021, 13:09 US congresswoman urges Azerbaijan to immediately withdraw from Armenian territories and stop violence

STEPANAKERT, JULY 31, ARTSAKHPRESS: ''Azerbaijans military forces must withdraw from Armenian lands immediately and stop the violence that has already cost multiple lives. Proud to have voted for Chairman Frank Pallones amendment to cut off military funding to Azerbaijan and to stand with the Armenian people, Katherine Clark wrote.
NSW's Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant expressed her dismay this week over the number of elderly Australians yet to come forward for their first Covid-19 vaccine.

She said it was "quite distressing" to see the number of people over the age of 60 who had yet to receive their first jab with the state in the midst of a nine-week lockdown imposed to protect the vulnerable.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard went even harder on Thursday, calling anyone who doesn't come forward for a jab when eligible "extremely selfish" and told them to "wake up".

Statistics shows more than 35 per cent of people over 50 in NSW have yet to come forward for their first jab. That equates to more than one million people.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian continues to stress the state needs to hit 10 million doses administered for a significant opening up. Just 3.8 million have been recorded so far.

Dr Kerry Chant appeared dismayed this week over vaccination rates for older residents of NSW. Source: Getty

So what is causing older Australians not to come forward in a time of need?

Undoubtedly mixed messaging surrounding the AstraZeneca vaccine  the only jab readily available to Australians  has played its role.

Following the emergence of an extremely rare blood clotting side-effect, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) changed its advice for under 60s, saying Pfizer was now the vaccine of preference.

Amid NSW's outbreak that advice has been reverted, however Dame Sarah Gilbert, the vaccinologist who co-developed the AstraZeneca jab, warned it was difficult to get people back on board.

"If you're telling people at some stage you shouldn't have this vaccine and it's probably not the best thing for you and you want to change the message and say 'no, we changed our mind, it's good', I think it's difficult for people to know when to get vaccinated and complicates the situation," she told the ABC.

Vaccination rates for NSW residents. Source: Federal Government

Why are some older Australians not coming forward?

For those over 60 and who have always been advised to take the AstraZeneca, Professor Jaya Dantas from Curtin University's School of Population Health believes complacency and a lack of enforcement has played a role the low uptake.

Story continues

"We had very little Covid... and we were not affected by the Delta variant until just recently so there was a certain sense of complacency and we thought we were safe," she told Yahoo News Australia.

"Elderly people have never felt vulnerable (unlike in other countries where infection rates were high)."

She said with the complications of the AstraZeneca highly-publicised, despite rarely found in elderly recipients, older Australians were undoubtedly attracted to an alternative jab in Pfizer and she was aware of people holding out for it. Prof Dantas said a wave of misinformation on vaccines only worsened the problem.

And unlike other countries, Prof Dantas said Australia did not have an effective vaccination plan earlier in the year as the federal government basked in its success at managing to suppress

Prime Minister Scott Morrison famously stressed the vaccine rollout was "not a race".

However a lack of urgency and pressure on Australia's residents to get vaccinated has proven devastating, Prof Dantas said.

Vaccination rates for older Australians are not where the government want. Source: Getty

What can be done to make older Australians take the vaccine?

Prof Dantas argued governments should have mandated vaccines for the elderly, with restrictions on activities such as going to a restaurant or the cinema in a way countries such as Germany and France have used.

"When you don't mandate it and make it voluntary and leave the choice on people, they feel 'Oh, it's voluntary, I'll wait and watch and see what happens'," she said.

"We should have mandated vaccination for everyone over 70 and anyone over 60 with comorbidities by now."

Prof Dantas said the success of the AstraZeneca vaccine overseas should be highlighted more in Australia. India, for example, has administered more than 400 million doses, including widely across its elderly and Israel, the world's vaccine success story, is lining up the jab for its top up doses.

Dr Chant has this week urged families to ensure they are doing everything they can to assist older family members to get their jabs.

While Mr Morrison announced last month all aged care workers must be vaccinated by mid-September, Prof Dantas said the focus should turn to the residents themselves.

"We need to go to where the elderly are," she said.

In a similar way those whose are not proficient in English, Prof Dantas said the government needs to ensure older Australians, who may not have access to the internet for example, are receiving the correct information through the right avenues.

"The information is there but how people have access to that information is critical."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
Carol Dunbar Mills, Sharon Coleman, Kathy Nodine, Amanda Dates and Kenny Van Patten were guides at the Victory Village History Center and Museum. Lauren Nodine wore our beautiful silk dress and portrayed Leta Coppernoll Lane Tifft (1894-1974) who was the daughter of William A. and Ann Whitford Coppernoll. She was a teacher from Victory and Niagara Falls who met her military husband, Joseph W. Lane, at Fort Niagara. Leta then followed him to China in 1936 to teach western ways in the palace of Madam Chiang Kai-shek (1898-2003), wife of the Chinese Nationalist president. When war broke out between China and Japan, Leta had to come home.

She brought back many mementos, including the beautiful silk dress, donated previously to the museum by former Victory Town Supervisor Lucille Coppernoll Craine. When Lane returned home in 1936 he was to become commander of the guards at Boulder Dam, Colorado, but he fell sick and died in 1942. Lane was a 32nd degree Mason and is buried in Union Cemetery in Victory. A trumpeter and firing squad from old Fort Niagara came for his services in April 1943. Leta later married an old friend of the couple, Lt. Commander Paul Tifft of the Coast Guard Academy. His wife had died previously, and neither realized they had both lost their spouses until years later.

What a great day to honor our ancestors and the present people in the town of Victory! Dont forget the next barbecue at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 26.

Beverly Coleman Sayles is the Victory town historian and a New York state registered historian, and can be reached at (315) 730-3183 or beverlycs65@gmail.com.

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Cayuga County officials on Friday announced two public vaccination clinics next week.

The first clinic is scheduled from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, at Port Byron Central School District, 30 Maple Ave., Port Byron. That clinic will offer shots of the two-dose Moderna and Pfizer and the one-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccines.

The second clinic, set for 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4, at Fingerlakes Mall, 1579 Clark St. Road, Aurelius, will offer Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

The Pfizer vaccine is available to people age 12 and older, while the other two are available to those 18 and older.

In its statement about vaccine myths, the health department emphasized that all of the vaccines have gone through rigorous safety testing, and that they provide the best protection available against catching COVID-19 and also against serious illness and death should a vaccinated person still become infected.

"At least 75% of the population need to have received the vaccination to attain herd immunity (community immunity). Currently, only 48% of Cayuga County residents are fully immunized. If you are eligible, go get your vaccine!" the statement said.
Recipients can use the grants for a variety of purposes, including educational programming and capital projects. They must raise at least 10% of the grant amount from outside sources.

"The Park and Trail Partnership Grant program makes it possible for Friends groups and other organizations to strengthen and expand their roles as stewards for our parks," said Erik Kulleseid, commissioner of the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. "We are grateful for all the support by these groups and their continued dedication towards building and enhancing the park experience for all visitors to enjoy."

Friends of Fillmore Glen is one of three groups in central New York that has been awarded grants. Friends of Lorenzo, a historic site in Madison County, will receive $43,020 to digitize letters, maps, photos and other historical documents. Friends of Clark Reservation, a state park in Onondaga County, will get $5,400 to develop a strategic plan.

Overall, $900,000 was awarded to 30 organizations across New York.

Tily said the project would not be completed without the grant. She thinks it will have a huge impact on the visitor experience because of a lack of signage in the park.
TRENTON, N.J. (AP)  A federal freeze on most evictions enacted last year is scheduled to expire Saturday, after President Joe Bidens administration extended the original date by a month. The moratorium, put in place by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in September, was the only tool keeping millions of tenants in their homes. Many of them lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic and had fallen months behind on their rent.

Landlords successfully challenged the order in court, arguing they also had bills to pay. They pointed out that tenants could access nearly $47 billion in federal money set aside to help pay rents and related expenses.

Advocates for tenants said the distribution of the money had been slow and that more time was needed to distribute it and repay landlords. Without an extension, they feared a spike in evictions and lawsuits seeking to boot out tenants who were behind on their rents.

Even with the delay, roughly 3.6 million people in the U.S. as of July 5 said they face eviction in the next two months, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus Household Pulse Survey. The survey measures the social and economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic every two weeks through online responses from a representative sample of U.S. households.

Heres the situation in New Jersey:
Chances are no one in those communities knew anything about them  because they were closed to the press.

How counterproductive is that? One would think Hempstead, Middletown, Utica and Binghamton were chosen for the community meetings because those cities are having particular issues with gun violence. Wouldnt it make sense to have the press in attendance so that they could report to the community the problems community leaders are having and what the state is doing to help? The fact there is gun violence in the four cities doesnt come as a shock to community residents, but in our view it would have made sense to use the state officials visits to shine a spotlight on the issue.

The fact that the meetings were closed to the press makes us wonder what, exactly, state officials are afraid of? Do they not want to answer questions about Gov. Andrew Cuomo? Are they afraid they will have to explain how the states closure of courts for more than a year is contributing to the problem? Do they not want to the public to hear local officials complaints about bail reform?

Last weeks meetings should have been open to the media and the public  and the state should reverse course and make any future gun violence prevention community meetings open to the press and the public.

 Jamestown Post-Journal
Hyundai is developing an all-new MPV that may be placed as a rival to the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. If overseas reports are to be trusted, the car may be called the Hyundai Stargazer. It will be aimed at developing markets such as India, Indonesia and also Russia, among others.

The Stargazer is internally known by the codename - Hyundai KS. Its world debut is likely to take place by 2022 in Indonesia. Some of the direct rivals to the Stargazer (Codename: KS) MPV will include cars such as the Honda BR-V, Mitsubishi Xpander, Suzuki Ertiga, and the Nissan Livinia.

(Also Read: Hyundai teases Custo MPV ahead of official debut, design inspired by Tucson)

Indonesia's MPV market is huge and Hyundai will be aiming to cash in on the high MPV demand in the country. In fact, the Stargazer is likely to be one of the first cars to roll out from Hyundai's new Indonesia plant.

Hyundai's new car will be underpinned by Creta inspired platform and will also source bits and pieces from the upcoming Kia MPV (Codename: KY).

The new Hyundai MPV was recently spotted getting tested in the South Korean market. The car can be seen (in the above spy image) smartly hidden inside a full camouflage covering the body from head to toe. It is said to borrow several styling cues from the latest Hyundai models such as the globally sold Tucson and also the Bayon crossover that was launched in Europe in 2020.

(Also Read: Hyundai Casper micro SUV production may start from September in South Korea)

Under the hood, expect the model to be introduced with a 1.5-litre petrol engine, shared with the Creta. There may also be a 1.5-litre diesel if it's launched in India.

Interestingly, Hyundai's sister brand - Kia has confirmed the launch of an MPV in India and adding a Hyundai derivative will definitely help the company to cover a wider range of customers. But there is still no confirmation if the model will be launched in India anytime soon.
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Rain resumes Friday as Coconino County awarded funding to reduce flood impacts

Rachel Gibbons, Arizona Daily Sun The San Francisco Peaks stand shrouded in clouds and mist as another monsoon storm system rolls through Flagstaff Friday afternoon. Rachel Gibbons, Arizona Daily Sun John Sayles and Eileen Baca cross a street in downtown Flagstaff under the protection of a rainbow umbrella Friday afternoon. The two were enjoying coffee at Brandy's when the storm broke over town. Rachel Gibbons, Arizona Daily Sun The Rio de Flag flows past Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff Friday afternoon. The river, which has been mostly dry the past couple years due to a lack of rain, has seen plenty of flows this year.

After a relatively dry week, monsoon rains returned to Flagstaff on Friday. Though there wasn't much flooding this week, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors passed a motion to accept a federal exigency grant to help mitigate the impacts of future flooding.

Coconino Countys Board of Supervisors/Flood Control District hosted a special meeting Friday afternoon to accept financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to help respond to the recent flooding. The response will come in the form of an emergency watershed protection project.

This will be a total of "$606,328, with a [Flood Control District (FCD)] match of $152,000," with in-kind funding accepted, according to a presentation that Deputy County Manager Lucinda Andreani gave on the project. A press release about the grant said it "will be funded by NRCS at 75 percent and by the Flood Control District at 25 percent."

This will be used to fund the NRCS Exigency Project, which will work to stabilize channels that will decrease erosion in a number of locations throughout Mount Elden Estates. The work will involve grade control in the form of rock work, such as rock vane weirs. Mount Elden Estates has been affected by the flooding and is about half a mile downstream from the Museum Fire burn scar.

County Engineer Christopher Tressler said the project would also have positive impacts downstream.

Some of the erosion is four to five feet deep, he said, thats just a huge amount of sediment...that is mobilizing downstream. This sediment causes issues with the stormwater inlets downstream. Our goal is to try to get as much stormwater into the underground Flagstaff infrastructure as possible.

Tressler also mentioned that even though the project was being fast-tracked, they had still completed environmental and cultural assessments in the areas they would be working.

The districts total costs for the flooding response between the first floods between July 13 and July 29 was a total of $601,000, according to Andreani. This does not include the NRCS funding.

Even with less flooding recently, we still have six weeks of the monsoon season, Tressler said, and we have this opportunity to do more flood mitigation work to decrease erosion and decrease sediment.

County Supervisor Patrice Horstman said the FCD would need to look at longer-term mitigation measures "down the line."

"For now," she said, "we are in the middle of the monsoon and this is going to make a tremendous difference.

Monsoon rains have been relatively light in Flagstaff over the past week. A series of showers brought heavy rain late Friday morning, though by 3:30 p.m., the National Weather Service said most of the heavy rain was over.

Rain was heaviest on the southeast side of Flagstaff, with as much as 1 1/2 inches compared to around half an inch elsewhere in the city.

The National Weather Service in Flagstaff issued a flash flood warning that included the city at 12:45 p.m. Friday that lasted until 3:45 p.m. They also issued a severe thunderstorm warning along Highway 89 just below Grey Mountain to the north of Flagstaff.

A flash flood watch was in effect for the area until 11 p.m. Friday.

The Weather Service recommended people practice flood safety by staying away from slot canyons and swimming areas, among other measures.

United Way of Northern Arizona has continued hosting volunteer events to fill sandbags and clear debris over the past week. An update Friday from Coconino County said 7,950 sandbags had been produced over the past two days and that their current stockpile totaled 44,650.

More of United Way's Neighbor Helping Neighbor events are scheduled for the weekend. Anyone interested in volunteering can sign up by visiting their website.

The weather service said they expected next weeks weather to follow a similar pattern to this week. They predicted a continued uptick through the weekend, decreasing at the start of the next week.
Dear EarthTalk: Ive heard that U.S. national parks are disproportionately affected by climate change. Is this true, and if so, why?

-- Joseph Pearl, Longmont, CO

The effects of climate change can be felt all over the globe in various ways, but Americas national parks seem to be suffering more than U.S. overall land mass. A 2020 study by researchers from UC Berkeley and the University of Wisconsin found that human-caused climate change has exposed the U.S. national park area to more severe increases in heat and aridity than the country as a whole and caused widespread impacts on ecosystems and resources.

Since 1895, annual average temperature of the area of the 419 national parks has increased at a rate of 1.8F per century, double that of the U.S. as a whole. Precipitation declined significantly on 12% of national park area, compared with just 3% nationally.

Whats driving this exaggerated response? One theory holds that national parks are feeling the heat more because they tend to be located in extreme environments to begin with. Their rarer ecosystems are in some cases fragile and less resilient to change than the average backyard or suburban park.
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A pair of small airports in Montana are at risk of losing funding thanks to a reduction in flights due to the pandemic.

Two Montana airports, the Yellowstone Airport in West Yellowstone and the Sidney-Richland Airport in Sidney, could each lose $1 million and other funding opportunities through the Airport Improvement Program because they saw drastically fewer passengers than normal in 2020.

That funding relies on an airports status, which is determined by the Federal Aviation Administration and is based on the number of enplanements  how many passengers get on a plane  each year. The two airports could see their statuses changed from primary to non-primary.

Montana Republican Sen. Steve Daines plans to propose a bill that would help stall the effects that the pandemic had on airports ability to access Airport Improvement Program grants.

Usually the number of enplanements from the previous year is used to determine the next fiscal years funding. Daines soon-to-be introduced bill would require that numbers from 2019 or 2018 would be used to more accurately reflect enplanements in a regular year.

[That] is an honest, realistic snapshot of how the airport normally operates, said Yellowstone Airport Manager Jeff Kadlec.
Smith later filed a formal request and a motion for a jury trial, which Severin again denied. Smith filed a complaint against the judge with the Judicial Conduct Commission. Severin turned the case over to Charles Isakson, a municipal judge in Lincoln and an alternate judge for Bismarck. Isakson on Jan. 7, 2021, found Smith guilty and fined him $100. Smith a day later asked the Supreme Court to weigh in on the judgment and the order denying a jury trial.

Justices recently ruled that Smith had no right to a jury trial under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution but that the state constitution might offer more protections. At the time the state constitution was adopted, only misdemeanors and felonies existed -- infractions did not.

Although a violation of the ordinance would not have been categorized as an infraction in 1889, Smith would have had the right to a jury trial for allegedly violating it when the state constitution was adopted, the panel wrote.

Smith called the case an attempt at a "power grab" and a waste of time and money by city officials. He said hes more than equipped to defend himself at the jury trial. The case is about political free speech and the peoples right in the campaign season to join in political free speech, he said.
The world is discovering that pandemics arent easy to tame. COVID-19 has been making a comeback spurred by the latest variant, delta. It needs to be taken seriously.

Despite the Trump administrations extraordinary efforts to quickly develop safe vaccines, a large segment of the American public has been giving vaccinations the cold shoulder. Yes, a minuscule risk exists that someone could have a reaction to the vaccine. Theres a far greater risk someone could get very ill or die from the coronavirus.

In North Dakota about 49% of eligible adults have been fully vaccinated while fewer than 19% of eligible adolescents, 12 to 18, have received the vaccines. Medical experts say about 70% of the population needs to be vaccinated to provide whats called herd immunity.

North Dakota, along with most of the rest of the country, has seen the number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths increase in the last couple of weeks. Most of the cases are in people who havent been vaccinated.
SHALDON, England (AP)  They are simple pleasures that hark back to analog, unplugged summer days: a book and a picnic blanket, a bucket and spade, fish and chips.

They are also the traditional trappings of the great British seaside holiday that is making a comeback amid foreign travel concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Back in the day, as the eagerly awaited school summer break loomed on the horizon, one question dominated the playground: Where are you off to on holiday?

This was the 70s, and time may have dimmed the memories, but I dont recall any of the 30 children in my class saying they were heading overseas. I was part of the last generation for whom the British seaside holiday was still king.

Its heyday stretches back to Victorian times and probably peaked in the post-war years of the 1950s and 1960s. Full employment and annual paid leave gave the working and middle classes the financial clout to take a break on the coast each summer.
+7 Law enforcement officials search residences of Pigeon, two other key political figures State and federal law enforcement officials are executing search warrants to gather evidence in a probe involving former Erie County Democratic Party Chairman Steve Pigeon and former Buffalo first deputy mayor Steve Casey, according to

Casey, who left his City Hall job in 2014, figures prominently in the case settled Thursday before Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny, in which his LSA Strategies consulting firm pleaded guilty to wire fraud stemming from the 2012 campaign for the State Senate's 60th District. Casey's firm acknowledged prosecution claims that LSA Strategies schemed to defraud Charles M. Swanick, the former Democratic county legislator from Kenmore who ran in primary and general elections that year.

The government charged that Casey's firm provided consulting services to Swanick, "including arranging for campaign mailings to be printed by an unnamed company." According to prosecutors, LSA defrauded the candidate by having a printing company  believed to Marketing Technologies of WNY  inflate invoices for campaign mailers. Swanick's campaign paid the jacked-up price and the printers gave Casey's firm the cash difference, prosecutors said.

Walton spokesman Seamus Gallivan did not return a call seeking comment. But a campaign source who asked not to be identified said it is not expected that Walton will dwell on the past but look more toward the future. Still, the source noted that Buffalo politics continues to draw FBI attention, and labeled the Casey situation "another example of the old regime's missteps."

Buffalo GOP weighs helping Byron Brown's write-in campaign for mayor After India Walton upended the local political world by defeating Brown in last month's primary election, Buffalo's tiny band of Republicans may exert some influence yet.
"If the numbers continue to grow, I think they have to consider dramatic action," Cuomo said of schools, but he did not say what that might be.

Children under 12 are not yet eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine, but the Food and Drug Administration may issue an emergency use authorization for the vaccines for children this fall.

For now, local superintendents are planning on opening school full time to all students, but they are still waiting for further guidance from the state. It's getting close in the Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda School District, where the first day of school is Sept. 1.

"Please know that Ken-Ton will adhere to the NYS guidance and we will communicate that as soon as it is released, but as I stated before, we are planning on five-day in-person instruction in September," Ken-Ton Superintendent Sabatino Cimato said in a letter Friday to parents.

Rosa said Health Department guidance is needed "as soon as possible," and she also commiserated with superintendents.

"The urgency and frustration you are feeling as September approaches is palpable and is shared by the department," she wrote. "The overall goal for the 2021-2022 school year is to maximize in-person teaching and learning, be responsive to student needs, and keep students and staff healthy and safe."
 People with immunocompromising conditions (blood cancers, organ transplants, HIV/AIDS) are particularly susceptible, even if vaccinated. Schang noted that if he was visiting an immunocompromised person, he would always wear a mask. If he were living with one or was the main contact for that person, he said, I would be making a big effort to minimize my contacts outside the household as much as I can. Work and groceries are fine, but if I were playing beer league baseball, I probably wouldnt be doing it, for the time being."

How do we get out of this?

Vaccination is the simple answer, but thats not working at the level needed to snuff the pandemic. Only people ages 12 and older are eligible, and 60% of New Yorkers have at least one dose. Thats a few points ahead of the national number (57%), but both essentially mean that four in every 10 people have no protection, save for whatever level of safety natural immunity provides for those who already had Covid.

Masking, which Russo calls a bridge to vaccination, will help for now. Think back to last school year, when students wore masks in schools, and schools saw little spread, and that becomes clear.

Its another effort, and it has been a long year, Schang said. People are tired and thats perfectly understandable. But if we do the effort now its going to be much faster going back to normal.

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+4 Sean Kirst: St. Luke's mission co-founder recalled as 'example of Christ' Mike Taheri, a volunteer at St. Lukes Mission, recalls Norm Paolinis loving service to children, the poor, the hurting: I think he may be the holiest person Ive ever

There are challenges in the moment that can seem impossible, he said. So he has learned to do what he can within reach of his own arms, and he puts his faith in God and people he loves and trusts  and in the morning, he wakes up to live within the boundaries of the next day, in the same way.

At 18, he brings that outlook, that map of everyday possibility, to the youths that he now tutors.

Julian told his story as he sat across a table from Sam and Traci Hutchins Tillman, and Anita Lakareber. Sam - who survived a Covid-19 infection of enough severity that for a time he struggled to breathe - recalled how he found solace at the mission more than 25 years ago, going there in search of peace after years of tumult that included being shot in the chest, at point-blank range.

+3 From St. Luke's to law school: Joanah Perkins blazes her own path Joanah Perkins departure has profound meaning at St. Lukes, whose kindergarten-to-eighth-grade home school has embraced many children raised in struggle, providing extensive support with powerful

Sam began serving as an associate missionary at St. Lukes, counseling other men whose suffering he understood. One day he saw Taheri working with a children's reading group, and Sam approached him in the mission cafeteria: He explained he had left high school as a freshman, that he had struggled to read since childhood  and that many St. Lukes regulars were in the same place.

Was there a way, he wondered, to help them?
There is no mistaking the hint of political opportunism in Mayor Byron W. Browns proposal for a lottery that would award $500 a month to about 1,600 Buffalo households for two years. Monthly checks could strike a chord with voters who in November will choose between Browns write-in candidacy and Democratic nominee India Walton.

Politics aside, the plan itself is worth trying. First, the City of Buffalo can afford it, thanks to more than $328 million it will receive from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan. Thats a windfall that was not available in the past and may never be repeated.

Using $20 million in a two-year social experiment would be entirely reasonable for a city in which poverty seems an intractable problem. We hope the Common Council gives Browns proposal the OK.

The mayor described his plan as a work in progress, saying he was open to suggestions. We have some.

To make the most of a guaranteed income lottery, the city should:
The reopening of the Canadian border is a promising sign we have finally turned a corner.

But as tourists flock back to Niagara Falls and Buffalonians return to long lost lake houses, American visitors will be struck by sharp differences between the U.S. and Canada when it comes to pandemic precautions.

I know. As dual citizens, our family has been at the vanguard, able to travel in both directions.

After being cooped up in our New York City apartment for the first few months of lockdown, we sought refuge across the border, moving to a farmhouse in rural Quebec. For months, we have crossed as needed for work. When you enter the U.S., Customs and Border Protection doesnt ask a single question about Covid. On the return trip, the Canadians require multiple PCR swabs plus a mandatory two-week quarantine.

Canada errs on the side of caution.

Canadian health authorities call new arrivals. They even stop by the house. You have to update your health status daily via an app. The penalty for breaking these rules? Imprisonment and fines of up to a million Canadian dollars.
IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar (file photo)

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 31 (ANI): Two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists were gunned down by the security forces in Kashmir in an encounter in the Pulwama district on Saturday morning.

"Two terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) were killed in an encounter today. One of them (Mohd Ismal Alvi) was involved in the 2019 Junaidpura attack", said IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar

A name of a Pakistani terrorist, who was involved in today's Pulwama attack was surfaced in a chargesheet that was produced by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Speaking to ANI, Inspector General of Police of Kashmir, Vijay Kumar said, "Mohd Ismal Alvi was involved in conspiracy and planning of Lethpora Pulwama attack and figured in chargesheet produced by the NIA."

Vijay Kumar earlier today informed that Mohd Ismal Alvi (alias Lamboo) was from a family of Masood Azhar. Azhar is the founder and leader of the Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

While speaking to ANI, Kumar said, "Topmost Pakistani terrorist affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) Lamboo was killed in today's encounter. Identification of the second terrorist is being ascertained."

"Mohd Ismal Alvi alias Lamboo alias Adnan was from a family of Masood Azhar. He was involved in the conspiracy and planning of the Lethpora attack. He stayed with Adil Dar till the day of fidayeen attack, a viral video of Adil Dar had his voice in it", said IGP Kashmir.

Earlier today, security forces gunned down two terrorists during an encounter here at Hangalmarg in the Dachigam forest area and recovered AK and M4 rifles from their possession, police said.

The joint operation, which was launched this morning, is still in progress.

"Operation Hangalmarg, #Pulwama. A Joint Operation was launched today morning at Hangalmarg in Dachigam forest, Pulwama based on Jammu and Kashmir Police inputs. Contact was established. Two #Terrorists eliminated. One AK and one M4 were recovered. Joint Operation in progress," the Chinar Corps said in a tweet. (ANI)
No other big game species is regarded with such disdain and callous treatment as wolves. It is clear that illegal killing, government-implemented revenge killings for alleged livestock predations, and traffic fatalities added significantly to the already massive overkill that occurred in February. Despite this the Wisconsin DNR wants to present a rosy picture that will justify a second trophy killing slaughter this year. This cannot be allowed to go forward.

If the threat of more permissive and reckless hunting programs in the fall isnt bad enough, we are now in the midst of the bear hound training season in Wisconsin. The very same hounds that were used to chase, fight, and help kill wolves in February are now being set loose by the thousands in our state and national forests in Wisconsin.

We know that a significant number of hounds are killed each year in these state-sanctioned dog fights, but what isnt accounted for are the wolves or their pups that end up being killed by these packs of marauding hounds. These wolf deaths are likely not known and certainly are not reported by the legal dog fighters when they occur.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 30)  Local shares plunged further on Friday as Metro Manila faced tighter quarantine measures due to the threat of the Delta coronavirus variant - sending jitters among investors.

All indices were in the red as the Philippine Stock Exchange index finished at 6,270.23 - down 3.48% or 226.30 points from Thursday's close.

"That's the biggest for 2021 so far," AAA Equities head of research Chris Mangun told CNN Philippines regarding the plunge. "The last time the market was down (like that) was in April of last year."

He also described it as pandemic uncertainty striking again.

"Nobody is confident enough or optimistic enough to say that we're gonna be out of this in a few months," Mangun said.

Malacanang announced on Friday that the National Capital Region will be under general community quarantine (GCQ) with "heightened and additional" restrictions until August 5. It will then return to the strictest enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from August 6 to 20.

Some investors "kept to cash to assess the impact of reverting to ECQ after a week," Regina Capital managing director Luis Limlingan said, noting establishments will have to adjust once again - particularly restaurants and other dining businesses.

Philippine stocks also nosedived on Monday to the 6,300 territory due to fears over the highly contagious variant - with investors also uncertain with President Rodrigo Duterte's final State of the Nation Address.

CNN Philippines correspondent Melissa Lopez contributed to this report.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 30) Those planning to file their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the 2022 polls will have to do so in person, but minus the fanfare due to COVID-19, according to the Commission on Elections.

The poll body earlier considered allowing the online filing of COCs during the scheduled period from October 1 to 8. But this is apparently not possible, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez told CNN Philippines on Friday.

"Meron nang study 'yung aming (There's already a study conducted by our) law department saying that online filing is legally questionable. We're trying to find a workaround but there's no word on that yet," Jimenez said.

"Again, as a fundamental point, hindi 'yan (that's not) allowed," he reiterated.

Republic Act 7166 states that COCs should be filed by candidates personally or through their duly authorized representatives. "No certificate of candidacy shall be filed or accepted by mail, telegram or facsimile," the law reads.

Jimenez said Comelec is still working on the guidelines for the filing of COCs this year. It will surely limit the number of people in and out of Comelec offices, including supporters who will accompany the candidates, and the media covering the events.

The Comelec is also studying designating separate dates of filing per elective post to avoid crowding.

Where are we in election preps?

The poll body targets to refurbish the vote counting machines (VCMs) in the last week of August or the first week of September.

It wanted to jumpstart the process by conducting a walk-through of the location of the warehouse by the second week of August, but this will likely be affected by the imposition of enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila from August 6 to 20.

"Like everyone else we are scrambling right now to see how that affects our schedule but yes that will affect our schedule," Jimenez said.

Early this week, the Comelec declared the lowest calculated bid for the transport of VCMs and other election equipment and paraphernalia. It was won by F2 Logistics, which said it could transport election materials in several parts of the country at the price of 1.61 billion.

Jimenez said nothing's final yet as the Comelec will still look into the company's capacity to deliver before it is awarded any contract.

F2 Logistics' founding chairman, Efren Uy, is known as one of the businessmen who donated in President Rodrigo Duterte's 2016 campaign, but Jimenez said this should not be an issue.

"Of course, it's understandable that some people would be wary about that," Jimenez said. "The thing is there are very strict rules for bidding...These are basically the securities and the guarantees that we have."

Comelec expects high voter turnout

In a June 2021 Pulse Asia survey commissioned by Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, 46% percent of the 2,400 adult respondents said they would not vote in the May 2022 elections if there's a high number of COVID-19 cases in their areas.

Zubiri presented the results during the Senate's plenary session on Wednesday, as he called on relevant government agencies to take action to prevent a low voter turnout.

Jimenez said this is a "very timely warning," but added that the Comelec is doing all it can to secure the voting precincts and assure the safety of voters.

He said voter registration is also doing good, with more than 60 million registrants to date. The target is more than 61 million registered voters before the deadline ends on September 30.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 31)  Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Wendel Avisado will be on medical leave from August 2 to 13 after contracting COVID-19.

The DBM issued the statement Saturday night amid rumors Avisado resigned or was fired from his post.

The department explained Avisado was hospitalized for eight days following his COVID-19 diagnosis and quarantined for over a month.

Avisado will also undergo a series of examinations upon the advice of his doctor, as it has been 14 years since he had a quadruple open heart bypass, the DBM added.

Undersecretary Tina Rose Canda will act as the officer-in-charge during Avisado's 12-day medical leave.

"Rest assured that the DBM remains steadfast and committed to its mandate of promoting the efficient and effective management of the national budget to support its budget priorities especially in the midst of the pandemic," the DBM said in a statement.

Avisado joins the list of government officials who tested positive for COVID-19, including Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, and Education Secretary Leonor Briones.

Avisado's poor health condition was evident when he frequently coughed during the virtual pre-State of the Nation Address forum last July 16. When asked for an interview by CNN Philippines last June 21, he said he was "currently indisposed."

CNN Philippines correspondent Melissa Luz Lopez contributed to this report.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 31)  A hard lockdown in Metro Manila - even if extended to four weeks - will not stem the spike in COVID-19 infections and could even top 30,000 active cases in September based on projections, a Health official said on Saturday.

The two-week enhanced community quarantine set to take effect on August 6 - the third for the capital region - will help prepare the health care system for the expected surge, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said, but virus transmission is expected with the Delta variant now considered a factor.

"Ang isang scenario na pinakita rin ay apat na linggo na hard lockdown... nakakita po ng increase in the number of cases from 18,000 to 30,000 plus cases, 'yan ay naka-ECQ na po tayo," Vergeire said, citing projections from the disease surveillance tool FASSSTER and Autumn group.

[Translation: One scenario shows that even with a four-week hard lockdown, the number of cases will increase by 18,000 to over 30,000 cases.]

In a separate message, Vergeire said the numbers represent the projected total active cases in Metro Manila by end-September.

The initial projection is more than double the current active cases in the capital, which stand at 12,108 as of Saturday afternoon.

"Ang sinasabi natin, these lockdowns will help us prepare the system but it is not going to control the spread. Kailangan iprepara ang system, gawin natin ang mga dapat gawin para ma-prevent ang further spread ng Delta variant," the health official said.

[Translation: What we're saying, these lockdowns will help us prepare the system but it is not going to control the spread. We need to prepare our system, implement the needed measures to prevent the further spread of the Delta variant.]

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Friday said Metro Manila will remain under general community quarantine (GCQ) with "heightened and additional restrictions" until August 5.

The hard lockdown will take effect August 6-20 in light of official data that confirmed local transmission of the highly infectious variant. Delta cases reached 216 as of Thursday.

Vergeire said the Delta variant is "part of those factors that we are now considering when it comes to the increasing number of cases."

RELATED: New COVID-19 infections top 8,000 anew as active cases near 62,000

She said there should be enough evidence to confirm community transmission of the variant.

However, Vergeire acknowledged the limited genome sequencing capacity such that the sampling only covers high-risk areas, and those with confirmed Delta cases.

CNN Philippines correspondent Carolyn Bonquin contributed to this report.
(CNN)  The US Justice Department told the US Treasury Department that it "must" turn over former US President Donald Trump's tax returns to the House Ways and Means Committee, which first requested them more than two years ago.

The direction came in an opinion released Friday by the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel, which provides legal advice to the executive branch.

"The Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee has invoked sufficient reasons for requesting the former President's tax information." Under the department's interpretation of federal law, according to the opinion, "Treasury must furnish the information to the Committee."

The opinion was released on the same day that the House committee and the Treasury Department are expected to submit a court filing in the lawsuit that House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal brought in July 2019 seeking the tax returns. According to previous filings in the case, lawmakers and the Biden administration have been in discussion for several months as to how to move forward in the litigation.

"As I have maintained for years, the Committee's case is very strong and the law is on our side. I am glad that the Department of Justice agrees and that we can move forward," Neal said in a statement to CNN.

The OLC opinion indicated that the House committee had again submitted with the Treasury Department a request for the returns in June of this year. That request, obtained by CNN, shows that the committee had shifted the scope of its investigation since it had originally requested the returns, with a new interest in understanding the "business entanglements" of the former president and how the IRS' presidential audit program handled them.

The House panel now say tax returns could "reveal hidden business entanglements raising tax law and other issues, including conflicts of interest, affecting proper execution of the former President's responsibilities."

"An independent investigation might also show foreign financial influences on former President Trump that could inform relevant congressional legislation," the new request said. It also shifted forward the years of returns the committee was seeking, to cover Trump's time in office more squarely. The new request seeks the returns between 2015 and 2020.

It is unclear whether Trump, who has intervened in the case in his personal capacity, will continue to fight the release of the returns in court. A lawyer for Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

At Trump's request earlier this year, the judge ordered that the Treasury Department give the former President a three-days heads up if it intends to hand over the returns, so that he could consider whether he would like to take legal action to stop the agency.

The Treasury Department declined to comment.

DOJ's shift in position is victory for the House as it continues to investigate the former President and his administration.

"Access to former President Trump's tax returns is a matter of national security," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement. "The American people deserve to know the facts of his troubling conflicts of interest and undermining of our security and democracy as President."

Reversal of opinion

Under Trump, DOJ's Office of Legal Counsel cast doubt on whether the lawmakers had a legitimate legislative purpose in making the request.

The new opinion said that the previous administration got it wrong. "In evaluating whether the information sought in the April 2019 Request could serve such a purpose, however, the 2019 Opinion failed to afford the Committee the respect due to a coordinate branch of government," the new opinion says.

Neal initially requested Trump's tax returns from Treasury and the IRS in April 2019 using a little-known section of the US tax code that allows chairmen of both Ways and Means and Senate Finance committees to request the tax returns of any American. Neal argued he made his request to learn more about the Presidential Audit program, which automatically reviews the taxes of any sitting President and Vice President.

But when the Trump administration rebuffed the request, Neal subpoenaed the records. The subpoena was ignored and in July 2019, the House filed suit.

The litigation dragged on for months and then stalled out entirely in early January 2020, when the judge  Trump-appointee Trevor McFadden  put the proceedings on hold while a federal appeals court considered a separate case, concerning the House's subpoena of former White House counsel Don McGahn for testimony.

While that case was resolved earlier this year with an agreement for McGahn's testimony, the legal waiting game for Trump's tax returns continued after Biden was inaugurated, as discussions between the House and the administration about a resolution dragged out for months, according to court filings.

Biden's Justice Department has a mixed record on where it has sought to reverse Trump-era DOJ positions that protected the former President.

On the one hand, the DOJ, under Biden, is continuing to argue that it should be allowed to substitute itself for Trump as a defendant in a defamation lawsuit brought by E. Jean Carroll, a woman who was smeared by Trump when she claimed that he had raped her. On the other hand, the department recently indicated it would allow former officials to testify in the House investigation into the January 6 insurrection.

This story has been updated with additional details.

CNN's Jeremy Herb contributed to this report.

This story was first published on CNN.com "Biden's Justice Department says IRS 'must' hand over Trump tax returns to Congress"
Columbus Mayor Jim Bulkley said he knows four people have been tested for carbon monoxide, but did not say the cases had been officially linked to a coal fire that has been smoldering at the Columbus Archer Daniels Midland facility for three or four weeks.

"I know of two incidents that were late last week or the weekend," Bulkley said. "I'm not sure about the other two."

Bulkley emphasized that no one has been hospitalized.

Bulkley said he has known about the fire since Tuesday morning. He said he visited the ADM facility and met with Columbus Fire Chief Dan Miller that day.

"The fire department was informed three to four weeks ago of a smoldering incident at the coal pile," Bulkley said. "They responded for the first time at that point.  At that point they worked the scene and then had to come back a couple of different times."

The Columbus Telegram was unable to reach Miller for comment.

Bulkley said ADM brought in an outside firm to help deal with the fire. That was between approximately 10 days and two weeks ago, Bulkley said.
As the COVID-19 Delta variant is spreading across the country, both local and national entities are continuing to encourage people to get the vaccine.

On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its mask mandate, recommending that fully vaccinated people wear masks indoors in areas where COVID-19 could be significantly spread. The CDC said this is due to the Delta variant as it can infect vaccinated folks which can be transmitted to those who are unvaccinated.

As of Thursday, Mayor Jim Bulkley said the City of Columbus isnt going to require a mask mandate.

At this point, I see no need to follow the CDC guidelines about wearing a mask. In Nebraska, our part of the state is in pretty good shape, Bulkley said.

He added he does believe that there has been a slight uptick in cases as thats been common around the country.

East-Central District Health Department (ECDHD) Chief Public Health Officer Chuck Sepers said ECDHD will continue to direct residents to evidence-based guidance to protect their health and the well-being of their loved ones, friends and neighbors.
Tom Adelman and his friend, Craig Mustard, were reminiscing about growing up in Columbus, talking about how they wished there had been a music festival here when they were younger.

Around 10 years ago, the duo - along with members of Adelmans group, The Midland Band - decided to change that by starting the Power and Progress Music Festival. Its been going strong since and this years event is on the horizon.

The Power and Progress Music Festival will be from Thursday to Saturday, Aug. 5-7, at Camp Pawnee, 2330 S. 16th St. in Columbus. The first night will be from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., the second from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. and the final show will be from 12:15 p.m. to 3 a.m.

There was nothing quite like what we were trying to do as far as a music and art festival, said Adelman, a festival organizer and, along with The Midland Band, a performer at this years event. I grew up playing music in Columbus there werent as many opportunities. So we wanted to bring something to the community that we thought was needed.

Tickets cost $35 while kids under 12 get in for free. Sales end on Aug. 5, and tickets can be purchased at visit bit.ly/3fgvIGS.
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Because Bird operates independent of the city, Bird was responsible for selecting the scooter locations.

The museum, 2916 16th St., is one of several spots around town where the scooters seemed to be placed. Frankfort Square and the intersection of 28th Avenue and 13th Street are other downtown locations.

The scooters were also reliably located elsewhere in Columbus this week at Glur Park, near the intersection of 28th Street and 26th Avenue, and at Gerrard Park, 4340 27th St.

The local Bird employee will also be responsible for repairing and maintaining the scooters.

A press release about the scooters sent to The Columbus Telegram by City of Columbus Administrative Assistant Linda Cloeter on Monday said that using community mode in the app people "allows anyone with a Bird account to report or provide feedback on vehicle-related issues such as poorly parked or damaged vehicles in their area." The release said community mode can be accessed by tapping the yield sign on the bottom left of the map in the Bird app.

People must be at least 18-years-old to ride one of the scooters, which can be operated using the Bird app.
The campaign will begin early next week as the resurgent coronavirus in the form of the highly contagious delta variant is skyrocketing cases in Pennsylvania and across the nation.

The text message will tell the recipient that the delta variant is here and encourage them to check vaccines.gov to find a provider nearby. Those receiving the text will have gotten their first shot between Dec. 14 and May 14, said the states acting health secretary, Alison Beam.

Beam said the second dose will provide stronger protection against the delta variant. Its not too late to get it, and its not necessary to start over with the first shot, she said.



WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden is telling the Pentagon to determine how and when the COVID-19 vaccine will be made mandatory for members of the U.S. military.

Until now, defense leaders have said that the vaccine will remain voluntary for troops around the world until the Food and Drug Administration gives final approval to the drug. The White House on Thursday said Biden will tell the Defense Department to look at when the COVID-19 shot will be added to the list of vaccines already required for military service members.
HARRISBURG  The first donation came in early May, for $50, and with a message: GOD BLESS THE USA!!

In just over a month, the crowdfunding page dedicated to bringing an Arizona-style review of the 2020 presidential election to Pennsylvania had collected $15,339 from 332 donors. Today, the effort has morphed into a full-fledged campaign to Audit the Vote PA. The website offers a six-week course on the Constitution and encourages supporters to become a walking billboard for a forensic audit by purchasing various hats and T-shirts.

Still prominent is the donate button. But unlike the initial crowdfunding page, its hard to tell how much money the group is bringing in or how the money is being spent. Multiple requests for information sent to an email listed on the site received no replies.

Efforts to expand Arizonas controversial, Republican-led review of the 2020 election to other states are growing, fueled by former President Donald Trumps false claims of victory and funded by a network of groups operating with little oversight. Election officials and experts have raised the alarm about these private fundraising efforts and what they see as a broader push by candidates to raise money off conspiracy theories about the 2020 election.
Senate Republican leaders Jake Corman of Centre County and Kim Ward of Westmoreland County have been conspicuously quiet about Mastrianos requests to the counties, despite several attempts to seek their comment. Corman is a member of Intergovernmental Operations.

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After Philadelphia made its decision Friday, the state Democratic Party issued a release claiming Corman is afraid to stand up to Mastriano.

Lets tell it like it is: Corman is a weakling who would happily sell out Pennsylvania taxpayers to keep his fancy position in a do-nothing legislature, Pennsylvania Democratic Party spokesman Brendan Welch said.

A draft of the Philadelphia boards three-page letter said Mastrianos review would be duplicative of other efforts that have turned up no problems with the vote count but could lead the state to decertify the machines. The Department of State recently told Fulton County its machines could not be used again after it agreed to a similar post-election review Mastriano had pressured the commissioners for.

The draft letter also said it would cost the city more than $35 million to replace the equipment, plus related labor and other costs.
The Republican advocacy group, Fair Lines America Foundation, sued the Census Bureau for information about how the group quarters count was conducted, saying it's concerned about its accuracy and wants to make sure anomalies didnt affect the state population figures used for apportionment. The apportionment numbers were released by the Census Bureau in April, and the redistricting numbers used for drawing congressional and legislative districts are being made public next month.

The group quarters count is under added scrutiny this census because the Census Bureau, for the first time, decided in the middle of crunching numbers to use a last-resort statistical technique called imputation to fill in the data gaps for the dorms, nursing homes and prisons. The method has been used for some time to fill in missing information on individual households.

If the Census Bureau is permitted to conduct these sorts of methodology changes and implementations behind closed doors ... electoral chaos may result from the states reliance on potentially defective numbers in conducting redistricting," Fair Lines said in court papers.
BENSALEM, Pa.  At least five people were injured when severe weather struck an auto dealership, homes and other businesses in eastern Pennsylvania, authorities said.

The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes touched down Thursday in Bucks County, including an EF-3 twister that hit in Bensalem and contained top winds of 140 mph. The tornado sent trees falling and debris flying, while thunderous downpours flooded streets and roadways.

I have been doing this for 34 years, I havent seen that sort of devastation from a storm, said Bensalem Police Public Safety Director Fred Harran.

One of those tornadoes damaged the auto dealership and a mobile home park, news outlets reported.

Four people were injured at the dealership and a fifth was hurt at a nearby business, Harran told reporters in a nighttime news conference. All injuries were considered non-life-threatening, he said.

A video posted on Twitter shows a building at the dealership collapsed, with emergency sirens ringing.

Anthony Perez, an employee at the dealership, told The Courier Times of Bucks County that a weather alert sounded on his phone just before the tornado hit.
Second, theres the matter of children under 12 who still cant get the vaccine. My heart aches for any child who dies from COVID-19  or anything else. Fortunately, the death rate for children is statistically miniscule. According to the CDC, of the more than 600,000 deaths from COVID-19, only 335 have been kids under 18 (and its unclear how many of them had significant additional health issues). According to the CDC, roughly twice as many kids die in car accidents every year. We dont ban kids from cars.

The third argument, usually only hinted at, is that we need to keep COVID-19 from mutating into an even more dangerous variant that can defeat vaccines. This is a real concern. But masking and even lockdowns wont prevent that. As best we can tell, the delta variant came from India. We could require Americans to wear masks and even get vaccinated, but that wouldnt stop the virus from mutating somewhere else. And unless we want to ban global travel indefinitely, or until we vaccinate much of the planet (which we should do), we have to live with that possibility.
We don't know exactly what time it will be because we don't have long the talent shows going to last, Fryman said.

On Thursday, the 4H livestock judging will start at 8 a.m. and the auction will be at 6:30 p.m.

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After the livestock auction at about 9:30 p.m., local musician Dustin Coleman will perform.

Friday will feature two musical performances. The ODoyles  a local '90s and 2000s rock cover band  will take the stage at 7 p.m. The band features Korey Smith on vocals and guitar, BeeJay Smith on guitar, Nick Fulton on bass, and Johnny Axton on drums.

The ODoyles will be opening for country musician Alexandra Kay, who will take the stage around 9 p.m. According to her bio on the fairs website, Kay grew up in Waterloo, Ill., and is currently recording 10 tracks in St. Louis and Nashville.

Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. will be focused on fun for the kiddos.

At 3, we give away all the kids prizes, Fryman said. Every kid to come in will have a ticket and you have to be present to win some of the prizes for kiddie day that the merchants around the area have donated.

The gates will reopen at 5 p.m.
Under the divisions current policy, as revised July 8, masks are required of all students, staff and visitors in schools, offices and other school division facilities when students are present, regardless of vaccination status. Masks are not required during outdoor activities.

Earlier this week, the CDC said everyone in a school building should mask up. Previously, the agency had said anyone unvaccinated should wear a mask. The American Academy of Pediatrics also has recommended universal masking.

The COVID-19 vaccine is currently not available to children 11 and younger.

In the release, the division said the decision not to change the mask policy was based on recommendations from the Blue Ridge Health District and follows rising case counts related to the delta variant of COVID-19.

Case counts in Albemarle County and the broader Blue Ridge Health District dropped significantly in May and June as vaccination rates increased.

Yet, the health district reported 330 new cases this month. Thats far fewer than the winter surge but comes after 96 new cases were recorded in June. Albemarle Countys seven-day average of new daily cases hit zero July 8 and remained in the low single-digits for much of the month. But that metric has slowly ticked up to seven.
Searls was on the Zoom call to discuss the potential of relocating the statue to the Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center.

I got this call on Saturday, and [was told] in 30 minutes here, you can make your case for it to come to the museum. And so I made my case, but if youve seen that emergency meeting, I sort of was laughing a little bit at myself, Searls said.

The council decided to wait rather than make an immediate decision on the final disposition of the statue, but councilors were supportive of the idea of it being brought to the center. After it was removed, the statue was transported to a lot in Darden Towe Park, where it sits today.

I really hope we get to keep it here, Searls said.

A long process

The Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center has had its eye on the statue as early as the first protests to remove it in the early 2000s.
Its not what we sent, its certainly not what we need, but its a good step forward, she said. It doesnt mean that were finished, but it does mean that we cant wait another day until we strengthen the Capital Police force, strengthen the Capitol.

The legislation would boost personal protection for lawmakers who have seen increasing death threats since the insurrection, install new security cameras around the complex and replace riot equipment the police lost in the fighting that day. It would fund new intelligence gathering and boost wellness and trauma support for the Capitol Police, as many troops are still suffering in the wake of the attack. And it would reimburse the National Guard $521 million for the thousands of troops that protected the Capitol for more than four months after the siege.

Unlike previous proposals, the bill would not provide money for the FBI to prosecute cases related to the insurrection, for temporary fencing in case of another attack or to create a new quick reaction force within the police or military that could respond to events at the Capitol. Police were overrun on Jan. 6 as the National Guard took hours to arrive.
While announcing measures to incentivize Covid-19 vaccinations on Thursday, President Joe Biden suggested people in states with high vaccination rates do not need to wear masks. The reality is slightly more complicated.

Speaking from the East Room with a mask in his hand, Biden said, "In a significant part of the country you wouldn't have to take one of these off because you don't have to put one on. Like in my home state of Delaware, where I lived in New Castle County, where I was yesterday in Pennsylvania. Because people got vaccinated. They got vaccinated. They don't need a mask when the majority, the vast majority of the people got vaccinated."

Facts First: Just because you live in an area where the majority of people have been vaccinated does not necessarily mean you "don't need a mask" in certain situations. The latest mask guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is based on the level of transmission and Covid-19 case rate in an area, not specifically the rate of vaccination, which Biden noted later in his remarks.
More than 20% of Virginias rental households have people with extremely low incomes  and a majority of them spend half their money on housing costs and utilities, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Plus, Virginia has a shortage of nearly 150,000 rental properties for people with extremely low incomes. Concerns about affordable housing are most acute in northern Virginia, outside the nations capital, but housing advocates say Richmond and Hampton Roads have very tight rental markets as well. Theyve also seen a sharp rise in rents, according to Realtor.com . For instance, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Richmond rose 19% year over year, to $1,166 in June. The region that includes Norfolk and Virginia Beach saw a 14.6% rise in median rent for a two-bedroom apartment, to $1,392.

A recent U.S. Census survey of nearly 120,000 Virginians found that about 23,000 feared they were very likely to leave their home in the next two months due to eviction. Housing advocates worry that evictions will surge, and homelessness could eventually follow, if landlords fail to tell tenants about the relief money. Some will still utilize Virginias relief fund, said Holly Yates, a managing attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia. But she said others wont want to jump through any more hoops, especially in a tight rental market where folks who are a little bit more financially stable are lined up at the door. But Patrick McCloud, CEO of the Virginia Apartment Management Association, said the eviction process is far more arduous than working with a tenant applying for relief. Plus, McCloud said, If I evict the resident, Im never going to see that money.
Whatever the case might be, we all isolated from our loved ones, Chung said.

As a freshman at the University of Richmond, Alicia found it hard to make new friends. She had struggled with depression before, and the pandemic amplified her challenges. She felt like she had no support system. Alicia, who declined to give her last name because of the stigma sometimes attached seeking mental health treatment, started missing assignments and classes, lying in bed all day.

At the end of October, she overdosed and called poison control. She only gave them her first name and the fact that she was a UR student. But poison control called university police, who connected the dots and found her. Police and paramedics knocked on her door and took her to the hospital. She withdrew from classes to return home and focus on recovery.

Alicia will return to UR this fall, but shell continue seeing her therapist from home, as UR isnt equipped to give her all the care she needs, she said.

Mental health was already a crisis before the pandemic began, Chung said. One in five children or young adults experiences a diagnosable mental health condition. The number of VCU students who have sought care has risen about 15% between 2014 and 2019, Aziz said. VCUs counseling staff has grown to keep up with the rise.
Variants of concern are more easily transmitted than the original strain, while those of interest could possibly fall into the same category.

Variants of concern include alpha, from Great Britain; beta, from South Africa; gamma, from Brazil; and delta, from India.

Variants of interest include eta, which was found in several countries; iota, from the U.S.; kappa, from India; and lambda, from Peru.

There are 16 variants to be monitored, including epsilon, from the U.S.; zeta, from Brazil; and theta, from the Philippines, which were downgraded from variants of interest.

The CDC said studies in Canada, Singapore and Scotland showed the delta variant is more contagious and likely causes more severe illness in the unvaccinated population than the other variants in circulation.

Dr. Patrick Jackson, an infectious disease expert at UVa, said the delta variant has changed the virus game.

In May and the early part of June, I think we thought we were really seeing the tail end of COVID-19. We thought wed get to the point where it would be a routine infection that wed have to deal with on an ongoing basis, but it would never be an emergency again, he said at Fridays press conference.
Gov. Kate Brown Friday ordered mandatory masking inside state buildings, an order covering workers and visitors whether vaccinated or not.

The edict  "effective immediately"  was the first major mandatory action taken in Oregon following a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report on Friday saying the delta variant of COVID-19 was faster and stronger than first thought.

"The science and data are clear: the Delta variant is spreading in our communities and is more contagious," Brown said in issuing the order.

The order came on a day when the state reported 1,076 new cases and three deaths.

It's the third time in the past four days that the state has reported over 1,000 cases. Oregon hasn't averaged 1,000 cases per day since the height of the pandemic last winter.

Brown would not be issuing any additional mandatory orders on Friday, spokesman Charles Boyle said in an e-mail.

The governor is keeping track of the situation and OHA officials are in contact with the CDC and other states.

"We are working with hospitals and health care providers to maintain hospital capacity," Boyle said.
Annual cicadas come out yearly in the midsummer months, so we get to see them more than their periodical peers.

Periodical cicadas come out in large groups called broods every 13 or 17 years, depending on their cycle, Kritsky said. Those cicadas are only found in the eastern part of the United States in deciduous forests.

Annual cicadas do come with a bit of mystery, though. There is one big thing researchers don't know about them, Kritsky said.

"It is quite probable that they do not have a one-year life cycle," Kritsky said. "We don't know when those things were laid that are producing a lot of these annual cicadas. It could have been two to five years ago."

The two types of cicadas don't overlap too much. Periodical cicadas may emerge from the soil in April and be seen through mid-June, while annual cicadas tend to start showing up in July through the early fall.

They have a different survival strategy

Annual cicadas are stealthy, more inconspicuous creatures than their less tactful periodical counterparts, Kritsky said.
Environmental_issues

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Flower Mound HOA wants uniformity. Homeowner wants to save water, fights back.

Al Key/DRC Dean and Angela Rosencrans stand in their front yard on Beverly Street in Flower Mound earlier this week. Their homeowners association took issue with their plantings in between the curb and sidewalk.

FLOWER MOUND  Angela Rosencrans leaned on her knowledge as a Denton County Master Gardener and as the owner of a garden design business to turn her hellstrip into something prettier than a weedy, patchy island at the curbside of the Flower Mound home she shares with her husband, Dean.

Whats a hellstrip? Its that narrow plot of soil, grass or rocks between a curb and a sidewalk.

But the plants she chose for the hellstrip  Blonde Ambition blue grama grass (Bouteloua gracilis) and monkey grass (Liriope muscari)  earned a letter from the Wellington of Flower Mound Residential Association informing them that they had violated homeowner association rules, and asking for a change.

I think part of what bothered them about it is that there is mounding, but that eventually settles, and the soil will be even with the curb, Angela Rosencrans said. They want us to remove it and put Bermuda grass, or some other sod or turf, in its place.

The Rosencranses want to be good neighbors, but they also want to save water, a resource thats dwindling as Denton Countys population surges. With new homes springing up everywhere (and developers rolling out the St. Augustine by the acre) water will only get more scarce, Angela Rosencrans said.

The couple said the state Legislature is on their side, citing the section of the Texas Property Code that limits homeowners associations from interfering with a homeowners efforts to conserve water by using rain barrels (the Rosencranses have several) and landscaping with drought-tolerant plants, trees, shrubs and grass.

The association, which told the Denton Record-Chronicle it would not comment on the matter, sent a letter May 12 to the Rosencranses informing the homeowners they were out of compliance with association rules in two instances: The couples composting bins could be seen from the street, and the flower bed next to the curb had been modified without approval from the associations architectural control committee.

Native plants, cement and conflict: A Flower Mound family clashes with HOA over narrow strip of property Close

The Rosencranses said that letter tipped the first domino in a chain of letters and communication about the small strip of property. As it stands, the association said the Rosencranses property is out of compliance with association rules.

The composting bins had been shrouded by shrubs that were killed by the winter freeze in February, and the couple compromised by screening the gate and fence to obscure the large bins that allow Angela Rosencrans to add nutrients to her flower beds and landscaping using materials she gathers from her yard. Soon, she said, the shrubs will grow back and screen the yard from view from the street or sidewalk.

The hellstrip, though, is a sore spot.

Bermuda grass isnt going to grow here, she said. I cant think of a turf or sod thats going to do well here. Theres too much shade from the tree; you see that all over the neighborhood. Anywhere there is a mature tree, the turf planted under it isnt growing because it cant get enough light.

The Rosencranses appealed to the association with information about plants, photographs of association-maintained hellstrips and entrances that use rocks, stones, plants and no turf.

In addition to completing the Denton County Master Gardener program, Angela Rosencrans and her husband participated in a yearlong Denton County water conservation study that helped the couple plan and plant a landscape that keeps their water costs at less than $200 a year.

If you look at our yard after we get a downpour, you wont see runoff into the street like youll see in other yards on our street. These houses are built on a hill, and the runoff comes from the backyard to the street. But weve been careful, and the water stays in the yard, where it helps the plants and trees, she said.

Angela Rosencrans said most of her landscaping uses native plants, with the remainder being reliable adaptive plants that do well in Denton Countys searing sun and paltry rainfall. She installed drip irrigation, which uses less water but puts it in focused spots. Her hard work has resulted in more than one Yard of the Month award.

Al Key/DRC Native and adapted plants border the sidewalk in front of Dean and Angela Rosencrans home in Flower Mound.

The Rosencranses dont dislike Bermuda grass, and they have a soft, green patch of Zoysia in the front yard. Angelas objection is that, in some spots, Bermuda grass isnt a water-wise turf.

Watering Bermuda grass is one of the most wasteful practices using city water, she said. People think its water-wise, but thats not always the case.

Becky Bowling, a professor at Texas A&M University and an AgriLife Extension urban water specialist, said turf isnt the problem in North Texas yards. The problem is ignorance.

Turf grass itself is not inherently bad, Bowling said. But it can be mismanaged. Sometimes its the right plant, and sometimes its not. What weve found is that the expectation for turf dont change in aesthetics.

Texans, and homeowners all over the country, yearn for rich green lawns that have no weeds. They love the traditional lawn because its great for children and pets to play on. But the problem is that so many people want the grass to be mown too short and to be green year-round.

When its managed properly, turf grass does offer some benefits.  If we compare turf with impervious materials, like concrete, it doesnt compare, Bowling said. It protects the soil from erosion. But the way you manage turf in one community isnt going to be identical in another, because what does well in one city wont do well in another.

Texas homeowners should learn how to properly irrigate their turf, and Texans could incorporate summer dormancy  when the roots dive deeper starting in July and green gives way to gold  into their yards.

We call it letting it go blond, Bowling said. People actually do a lot of damage by going out and watering. Similarly, we see people overdo nutrient and pest management. Theres a way to manage turf grass where you get more environmental benefit. But mostly, this is about expectations around aesthetics. In Texas, we should not expect that everything stay green and beautiful year-round.

Bowling said homeowners associations want the best for their residents. They want homeowners to be confident that neighbors will care for their property.

I think communities can set new standards for what is beautiful, she said.

In the longer term, Bowling said homeowners, retailers, landscaping businesses and installers need to get on the same page to conserve water.

Angela Rosencrans said she plans to comply. But not immediately.

Ill change it in October, when its the right time to plant, she said. But this isnt a good use of our resources, and Id love to see the homeowners association let the Texas property code stand.
Moscow, ID (83843)

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Mostly sunny. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 96F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph..

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Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 62F. Winds light and variable.
Holland got another thrill after she left the stage with a bouquet of flowers to rejoin her husband and company executives at their table that night.

The event has a side purpose of raising at least $70,000 on the night for the apprenticeship program. At each table, theres a place for investors to enter their donation amount and have it added to the total as it is generated and displayed. By the time she got back to her chair, that goal had been surpassed. Before the night was over, the total would climb to $200,000.

For Holland, that was one of the very best things about the entire whirlwind of events since her employment started.

I think every company ought to have apprenticeships, she said. I love that theres money set aside for those people coming up like me that want to make their futures better and brighter through this industry. I love it. I want to do all I can with Aimbridge because I love the company and the opportunities it has given me. This has been a life-changer for me. I never thought this would happen, never envisioned it was possible. Even when apprenticeship came along, I figure that, in addition to the things Id be able to learn, that the best other thing that could come of it would be that Id have that experience on my resume, to position me well in the industry. I never thought Id be in L.A.
He would take the product-slinging style previously done at state fairs and Woolworth stores to television starting in the late 1950s, offering viewers a chance to skip stores and buy straight from the source with a simple phone call.

As his influence grew, he crafted an enthusiastic, guy-next-door presence that suffused the 1970s with commercials for such gadgets as the the Popeil Pocket Fisherman, a self-contained fishing apparatus, and Mr. Microphone, a then-groundbreaking wireless mic that was amplified through the nearest AM radio.

"But wait  there's more," he'd say in the ads.

Though Ronco Teleproducts went bankrupt in 1984, Popeil started from the bottom again and built himself and his company back up. By the 1990s, as the infomercial gained footing and cable television's influence spread, he was doing full-length shows that evangelized about such devices as pasta makers, food dehydrators and "GLH" (Great-Looking Hair), which was commonly called "hair in a can."

He appealed to consumers in part because he was a classic American showman, equal parts P.T. Barnum and Thomas Edison  an inventor and innovator, yes, but a popularizer as well, a man who saw consumers' needs and then found accessible ways to entice them into making purchases.
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Were seeing positive cases and hospitalizations approach the same levels we saw at the peak of the pandemic, Latimer said in a written response to the Dothan Eagle. Recently, I was off for a few days, and when I came back it felt like I stepped back into 2020. Were also seeing more hospitalizations among younger patients with fewer health issues now.

Latimer said hes talked to a number of patients about their choices regarding vaccinations.

The explanations Ive heard for people not taking the vaccine are not substantiated by science, Latimer said. Ive not had anyone give a logical explanation as to why they would not take the vaccine. Unfortunately, Ive talked to a number of patients who said they were waiting to see if the vaccine was safe, and theyve died in the meantime. We know the vaccine is safe, and the hesitation behind the vaccine is one of the difficulties as a healthcare provider  these deaths feel unnecessary and could have very well been prevented by taking a vaccine.

Misinformation on social media and elsewhere has caused people to put themselves and others at risk for serious illness and possibly death, Latimer said.
A woman works in a lab of a pharmaceutical firm in Hau Giang Province, southern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of the company.

Large pharmaceutical enterprises in India have expressed their hope to establish a pharmaceutical industrial park in Vietnam, with an initial investment of about $500 million.

The idea of setting up the pharmaceutical industrial park was launched during recent trade and investment promotion sessions for the pharmaceutical industry organized by the Vietnamese Embassy in India, according to the local Vietnam Trade Office.

Vietnamese Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau said construction of the pharmaceutical industrial park would open an opportunity to welcome large pharmaceutical giants for long-term investment, helping Vietnam reduce dependence on traditional pharmaceutical supplies and diversify production chains.

It is estimated the industrial park would create jobs for 50,000 direct and 200,000 indirect workers, earning export revenue of about $5 billion per year.

Leaders of localities in Da Nang and Thua Thien-Hue in central Vietnam, Long An in southern Vietnam, and Hai Duong, Bac Ninh, and Thai Nguyen in the north have discussed land rent, geographical location, transport infrastructure and investment incentive mechanisms with Indian investors.

Ramesh Babu, chairman of India-based pharmaceutical manufacturing company SMS Pharmaceutical Group, which plans to invest in the pharmaceutical industrial park in Vietnam, said if successful, it would turn the country into a leading pharmaceutical research, development and production base in Southeast Asia and the world.

Analysts at SSI Securities estimated Vietnam's pharmaceutical industry to grow by 15 percent in 2021 mainly due to a rapidly aging population and rising incomes.
Harris heads to the Southeast Asian nations "to strengthen relationships and expand economic cooperation with two critical Indo-Pacific partners of the United States," senior advisor Symone Sanders said in a statement.

Harris, an Asian-American whose mother was of Indian origin, will be the first U.S. vice president to visit Vietnam.

A schedule for the August trip has yet to be released.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is visiting Southeast Asia this week.

Sanders said Washington has a "top priority to rebuild our global partnerships and keep our nation secure, and this upcoming visit continues that work -- deepening our engagement in Southeast Asia."

Harris will engage with the two countries' leaders on regional security, the global response to the pandemic, actions to address climate change, "and our joint efforts to promote a rules-based international order."
People walk through the Myeongdong shopping district of South Korean capital Seoul in May, 2021. Photo by Reuters.

The South Korean government has advised students from 26 countries, including Vietnam, to postpone travel to that country until the end of September amid rising Covid-19 fears.

They should only come to South Korea after 70 percent of its population receives the first dose of vaccination by the end of September, Korea Herald quoted it as saying.

If students from these 26 countries, which face a big threat from the Delta variant of Covid, arrive in South Korea now, they need to quarantine for 14 days.

They must also furnish a negative PCR test result from their home country, and self-test will not be accepted.

Some 35.8 percent of the population has received the first jab.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said around 200,000 Vietnamese study and work in South Korea.

The highly transmissible Delta variant has become the most prevalent in many countries, including Vietnam, where most new cases are linked to it.

Three months into its fourth wave, it has had 137,266 cases, prompting the government to accelerate its vaccination campaign.
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Elkoans protest against new mask mandate

Toni Milano / TONI R. MILANO Protesters hold up signs against the new mask mandate to motorists on Idaho Street in front of the Elko County Courthouse on July 29. Toni Milano / TONI R. MILANO Misty Atkins, founder of Parents of Elko County, holds a sign up to motorists driving past on Idaho Street in front of the Elko County Courthouse on July 29.

ELKO  Dozens of community members peacefully protested against the new mask mandate while another protest was taking place in Carson City on Thursday night.

About 60 protestors, including some small children, held up signs, waved American flags and shouted no more masks to motorists on Idaho Street in front of the Elko County Courthouse.

It was in response to Nevada health officials rollback to require masks starting on Friday that requires individuals to wear face coverings indoors regardless of vaccination status.

Christy Armbruster, a member of the Parents of Elko County, said the group quickly organized the gathering mid-Thursday afternoon after they learned about a peaceful protest at the State Capitol in Carson City called Stand Up Nevada.

An online flyer asked residents to all stand together and fight against this mask mandate.

The Elko group sought to mirror Carson Citys protest, Armbruster said. She said the response from drivers who honked their horns and waved to the protestors showed the protest was received favorably.

Id say 95% of the people honk and are excited and happy and give thumbs up, Armbruster said. There are a few people with masks on in their car, but for the most part, its very well received.

The sign she held up was small but had the 14th Amendment written out that says, in part, No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States....

Were a Constitutional County. We want to protect our 14th Amendment right, Armbruster said. We want choice for masks, especially for kids with school coming up.

Misty Atkins, the founder of Parents of Elko County, has been a vocal supporter of parental choice in schools for masks and vaccines. Her sign read, Parents choice period! No negotiating.

Catherine Halley spoke against implementing masks in schools Tuesday night at the Elko County School Board of Trustees meeting. The recent developments in mask mandates combined with watching her grandchildrens discomfort and unhappiness wearing a face-covering prompted Halley to join the Parents of Elko County and bring her family to the courthouse protest to express her views.

Were fighting for their future. Ive never been political before, Ive never stood for anything before, but I tell you this is more important than ever, Halley said. Our freedoms are at risk. Thats how I feel.

Although the protest started with two dozen at 6 p.m., it grew to include more people within 45 minutes.

The state implemented the mask requirement in response to rising cases in 12 Nevada counties, including Elko County, listed at a high-risk level.

According to Nevadas Roadmap to Recovery, the state will review county data every Tuesday to determine if mask requirements would increase or relax.

Nevada's Roadmap to Recovery Mask Guidance

A countys status will change if there are significant changes for two consecutive weeks, and will have until that Friday of the same week to implement that change, the state said.

If your county reduces transmission levels to moderate or low for two consecutive weeks, then vaccinated individuals will no longer be required to wear a mask in indoor public settings. Unvaccinated individuals will still be required to wear masks while indoors or while in crowded outdoor settings.

Public indoor settings were also defined in the Roadmap to include businesses, public buildings, gyms, indoor public venues, public transportation, and the workplace in a space visited by the general public or enclosed area where other people are present.

Those who are exempted include children nine years old and younger; those with a medical condition, disability or other health reasons; the homeless; the hearing impaired; those eating and drinking, vocal performers musicians playing an instrument; and athletes while playing or practicing.
Attorney David Lockie wrote that White Cloud believes that it didnt get a reasonable opportunity from the city to bid on the proposal and to provide a complete and correct grant proposal. We were given only five working days to provide a complete bid document that would normally take weeks to complete.

Lockie asked in the letter that all bids be tabled until the next council meeting to provide a level playing field to all participants.

Assistant City Manager Scott Wilkinson said White Cloud was bringing up a valid concern, and he recommended the council take no action on the agenda item that called for selecting a proposal or proposals to submit for the grant.

Mayor Reece Keener said he thought that if the council chose a partner it would be controversial and would be protested, and it appears to me the free market works in Elko. I tend to agree to just sitting on this. He also said that with applications coming in nationwide for the grant, Elko might not receive any money, anyway.

The council had set the deadline of July 21 for proposals so the council could act on any submissions at its July 27 meeting and have the final application ready by the federal Aug. 17 deadline.

Proposals can now be dropped off at the countys community development office, emailed to sstierman@elkocountynv.net or mailed to Elko County Community Development, 540 Court St., Suite 104, Elko 89801.

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The Eagle has landed.

Astronaut Neil Armstrong transmitted that striking statement back to Earth on July 20, 1969 from the surface of the Moon. Armstrong and fellow Apollo astronauts Edwin Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins achieved President John F. Kennedys dramatic commitment to reach the Moon before the end of the decade.

Now, mega-entrepreneurs Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson have just taken dramatic if brief flights to the edge of outer space. They have confirmed their dedication to taking risks, this time physically and not just financially.

The pair also personify the commercial potential of space exploration. Tourism is one obvious course to pursue, but there are many others.

Meanwhile, with considerably less fanfare, that other prominent business personality Elon Musk has made a major space deal. In mid-April, U.S. space agency NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) signed a contract with Musks SpaceX Corporation to construct the vehicle to land astronauts on the Moon for the first time since the last Apollo mission in 1972.

President Kennedy was crucial in creating the strong foundation of business-government partnership in space exploration through the 1962 legislation on communication satellites.
Former judge of Dniprovsky District Court of Kyiv Mykola Chaus himself appealed to the officers of the State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) with a statement about the abduction and imprisonment, the SBU press center said.

"Yesterday, a person approached the security service hotline, saying that a person who introduced himself as Mykola Chaus arrived at one of the village councils of Vinnytsia region and asked to call the SBU officers. Subsequently, the SBU investigators received information from Mykola Chaus, testifying to his abduction, imprisonment and the use of other illegal actions against him. Due to the relevant statement regarding Mr. Chaus, measures have been taken to ensure his safety," according to the statement on the Telegram channel.

The SBU said the special services did not "abduct" Chaus and acted exclusively within the law and their powers.

"Recall that since May 2021, it is the SBU that has been carrying out a pretrial investigation of criminal proceedings into the abduction of former judge Chaus and his illegal transportation across the state border," the service said.

"In its actions, the State Security Service of Ukraine proceeds from the fact that, according to the Constitution of Ukraine, human lives are of the highest value. And the SBU officers performed their duties within the investigation of the relevant criminal proceedings. Any attempts to present information to the public in a different vein are common manipulations," the SBU said.

According to the SBU, at the moment, Chaus is being provided with medical assistance, which he needs in connection with the lengthy imprisonment. His wife was informed about this.

The SBU officers are taking the necessary measures to establish all the circumstances of the abduction of Chaus, to deprive him of his liberty and to identify the persons who committed it.
Ukraine has recently lost about 17,000 gas distribution networks that have groundlessly ended up in private ownership, National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) Secretary Oleksiy Danilov said.

"Unfortunately, we must say that recently, in some amazing way, the government has lost 16,920 kilometers of networks, which have passed into private ownership. We see no reason today not to deal with this issue and intend to find out how this happened," he said at a briefing on the results of the NSDC meeting in Kramatorsk on Friday, July 30.

At the same time, he said the gas distribution market segment is distinguished by the monopoly position of one group of companies owned by businessman Dmytro Firtash, due to which the NSDC will instruct the Cabinet of Ministers to check their activities.

"One of the companies owns 70% of regional gas companies. This directly concerns Mr. Firtash, against whom personal sanctions have been imposed. We will also deal with this issue. By the decision of the NSDC, we will instruct the Cabinet of Ministers to check all these things in order to bring them into line with the current legislation. We will not allow someone as a state to blackmail us and distort bills," Danilov said.
'War has changed', CDC says, calling for new response to Delta variant

People wait in line for a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) test at a testing site which is temporarily set up at a public health center in Seoul, South Korea, (Photo : REUTERS/ Heo Ran/File Photo/File Photo)

The "war has changed" against COVID-19 because of the highly contagious Delta variant, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control said, proposing a clearer message, mandatory vaccines for health workers and a return to universal masking.



An internal CDC document said the variant, first detected in India and now dominant across the globe, is as contagious as chickenpox and far more contagious than the common cold or flu. It can be passed on even by vaccinated people, and may cause more serious disease than earlier coronavirus strains.



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The document, entitled "Improving communications around vaccine breakthrough and vaccine effectiveness", said the variant required a new approach to help the public understand the danger - including making clear that unvaccinated people were more than 10 times more likely than those who are vaccinated to become seriously ill or die.



"Acknowledge the war has changed," it said. "Improve communications around individual risk among vaccinated."



A list of recommended prevention measures included making vaccines mandatory for health care professionals to protect the vulnerable and a return to universal wearing of face masks.



The CDC confirmed the authenticity of the document, which was first reported by the Washington Post.



While vaccinated people were less likely to become infected, once they contracted such "breakthrough infections" from Delta - unlike the case with earlier variants - they might now be just as likely as the unvaccinated to pass the disease on to others.



"High viral loads suggest an increased risk of transmission and raised concern that, unlike with other variants, vaccinated people infected with Delta can transmit the virus," CDC head Rochelle Walensky said in a statement.



On Friday the CDC released data from a study of an outbreak in Massachusetts in which it said three quarters of those infected had been fully vaccinated. That study had played a pivotal roll in a CDC decision this week to again recommend that vaccinated people wear masks in some situations, Walensky said.



'VIRUS HAS BECOME FITTER'



In parts of the world where large numbers of people have yet to be vaccinated, the Delta variant has led once again to surging death rates and hospitalisations.



The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said health systems in many countries were now being overwhelmed: "Hard-won gains are in jeopardy or being lost," he told a news conference.



The global health body's top emergency expert Mike Ryan told a news briefing that vaccines were nevertheless still effective at preventing serious illness and death: "We are fighting the same virus but a virus that has become fitter."



Even in rich countries that were among the first to roll out big vaccination campaigns, cases have surged. While vaccines have so far kept death rates lower, big populations remain vulnerable, especially those who refuse vaccines, a particular problem in parts of the United States where voters supported former President Donald Trump.



Nearly a third of U.S. adults have yet to get a first shot. Areas where vaccination rates are low have seen sharp rises in cases in recent weeks, and authorities fear hospitalisations and deaths are not far behind.



The top U.S. infectious diseases specialist, Dr Anthony Fauci, told Reuters he expected that vaccines, which so far have received only emergency approval, could begin getting full regulatory approval in August, and that this could help persuade more people to get vaccinated.



In Britain, where the Delta variant caused a sharp surge in infections in recent months despite one of the world's fastest inoculation campaigns, a panel advising the government said immunity from vaccines was likely to wane over time, meaning vaccination campaigns would probably last for years.



On Tuesday, the CDC, which had advised vaccinated Americans months ago that they no longer needed to wear masks, reversed course, saying even the fully vaccinated should wear face coverings in situations where the virus was likely to spread.



On Thursday, U.S. President Joe Biden urged local governments to pay people to get vaccinated and set new rules requiring federal workers to provide proof of vaccination or face regular testing, mask mandates and travel restrictions.



"The main thing that does change (because of Delta) is that masks will still be used and that in countries where this requirement has been lifted, it will have to be re-introduced," said Carlo Federico Perno, head of microbiology and immunology diagnostics at Rome's Bambino Gesu Hospital.



ASIAN COUNTRIES TIGHTEN RESTRICTIONS



Countries in Asia, many of which avoided the worst outcomes that hit Western nations in 2020, have been particularly hard hit in recent weeks. Several announced new restrictions on Friday. From Monday, army personnel will help police Australia's biggest city Sydney, checking that people who have tested positive are isolating.



The Philippines announced a plan to put the Manila capital region, home to more than 13 million people, in lockdown for two weeks.



In Japan, where a surge in cases has overshadowed the Olympic Games, the government proposed states of emergency through the end of August in three prefectures near Tokyo and the western prefecture of Osaka.



"Infections are broadening. The situation is extremely severe," Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said, warning infections had not yet reached a peak.


People sleep at a cooling shelter set up during an unprecedented heat wave in Portland, Oregon, U.S. (Photo : REUTERS/Maranie Staab)

More than 60 million Americans across the Pacific Northwest and the U.S. Southeast were under a heat advisory on Friday, facing temperatures well into the 100s and near-record high temperatures in parts of Idaho and Washington.



The temperature in Spokane, Washington, could climb to 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 C) on Friday, tying a record high from 1929, while Lewiston, Idaho, could see a near-record of 108 F, National Weather Service forecaster Bob Oravec said.



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High-temperature records were shattered across the Pacific Northwest last month when a days-long heat wave killed hundreds of people and paralyzed a region accustomed to temperate summers, and where many residents do not have air conditioning.



The cities of Portland and Salem in Oregon, and Seattle in Washington all set new temperature records above 110 F in late June.



A study https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/heat-wave-pacific-northwest-could-soon-repeat-due-climate-change-research-2021-07-07 published earlier this month found that the region's devastating heat wave would have been "virtually impossible" without the impact of climate change.



Such record-smashing heat waves may become two to seven times more frequent around the world over the next few decades, scientists found in another study published this month.



While summer heat waves are more common in the U.S. Southeast and the parts of the Great Plains that were experiencing high temperatures on Friday, the National Weather Service warned that the high heat index - a combined effect of high temperature and humidity - could lead to dangerous conditions.



"Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," the National Weather Service's Mobile, Alabama, office said in a Friday advisory.


People wearing face coverings due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic ride the subway in New York City, U.S. (Photo : REUTERS/David 'Dee' Delgado/File Photo)

The fast-spreading Delta variant of the coronavirus is worrying some U.S. commuters who are already back on crowded buses and subway cars as corporate America attempts a greater return to the workplace after more than a year of pandemic disruption.



For New York City resident Bernice Donkor, whose subway commute takes more than one hour each way, it is already hard to snag a seat.



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"I've been very worried," said the 28-year-old city worker. "I try to protect myself -- hand sanitizing, washing my hands the minute we get to the office and, of course, at home."



In Atlanta, 69-year-old Scott Monty wore a blue face mask as he waited for the bus earlier this week. He was headed to an office that had recently reopened.



"I have hypertension, and I am old, so I need to be careful. So I say a prayer to the Lord," said the semi-retired accountant. "I have a mask and I have God."



For a few months earlier this year, the pandemic ebbed as vaccines became widely available and states loosened most restrictions, allowing some aspects of daily life to resume.



Infections declined, COVID-19 hospital wards emptied, and some businesses began asking remote employees to head back to the office after working from home for more than a year.



With the highly-contagious variant now spurring a rise in U.S. coronavirus cases, a rethink is underway.



The White House announced Thursday that people working for the federal government, the largest employer in the United States, will have to show proof of vaccination or wear masks, practice social distancing and get regular tests.



Tech giants like Alphabet's Google said this week that all their U.S. employees must get vaccinated to step into offices. But Microsoft's LinkedIn is now allowing most employees to work fully remote.



In schools, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently recommended that all students and staff wear masks regardless of vaccination status.



PANDEMIC PLUNGE



Public transport ridership had plummeted across U.S. cities during the pandemic.



New York subway ridership remains down about 50% during the weekdays, according to the Metropolitan Transit Authority, the largest transit system in the country.



The San Francisco-Bay area's BART system had an average of 47,000 weekday riders during the first quarter of 2021, about one-ninth of ridership before the pandemic. But BART ridership has started to rebound - it was more than 88,000 Wednesday, up from about 70,000 two months ago.



COVID-19 transmission on public transit is difficult to determine given the mitigation measures such as masking and social distancing put into place early in the pandemic, said Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in Baltimore.



Mass transit systems located in areas with high vaccination rates are best positioned to avoid outbreaks, he added, but "it's inevitable that there's going to be spread and transmission on those cars between unvaccinated individuals."



Many subway and bus riders turned to cars and bikes during the pandemic.



By October last year, the average daily number of Citi Bike rides taken by New Yorkers rebounded from pandemic lows recorded in April 2020 to levels higher than for the same month in 2019, according to New York City's bike-share program https://www.citibikenyc.com/system-data/operating-reports.



Sebastian Tordilla, 17, said he can't wait to get his driver's license so he can get off Los Angeles buses.



"It's become very crowded in there, lots of people don't wear masks, there's this new variant, it's very claustrophobic," said the student and part-time restaurant worker.



Other commuters, such as Atlanta chef Chris Rabideau, are less concerned.



Rabideau, who is fully vaccinated, was reading a dog-eared paperback on a blistering afternoon as he sat on bus bench, awaiting the No. 6 to take him to work.



"No, COVID and Delta and whatever's next doesn't bother me. I'm just living my life," said a mask-less Rabideau, 46. "If it comes to it, I'll wear masks again, but right now I'm cool."


With a passport, a visa, or an airline ticket, those who wish to travel will be able to immediately receive the coronavirus vaccine and QR code certificates through soon-to-be operating international vaccination centres, Head of the Egyptian health ministry's Preventive Medicine Department Mohamed Abdel-Fattah said on Tuesday.

179 international vaccination centres nationwide will be inaugurated within a week to 10 days and will be dedicated to vaccinations and their certificates for those who wish to travel, Abdel-Fattah said during a phone-in with ONTV satellite channel on Tuesday night.

Those wishing to travel have been suffering from multiple procedures for obtaining a vaccination certificate from the Ministry of Health, documenting it from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and translating it at the embassy of the country to which they intend to travel.

Once they are open, Abdel-Fattah indicated, the international vaccination centres would cut short all the procedures as the travellers would be able to get the vaccine and for the first time acquire an authentic secure QR code that is easily verifiable at airports worldwide instead of a certificate that needs to be documented and translated.

Given that various countries around the world have not yet approved the Chinese vaccines  even though they have been approved by the WHO  Abdel-Fattah noted that the traveller would receive one of the vaccines authorised in their destination country.

Egypt, which started its vaccination campaign early this year, has imported millions of doses of the WHO-approved British AstraZeneca vaccine, the Chinese Sinopharm, and the Russian Sputnik V  which hasnt been approved by the WHO.

Given that a majority of countries have not approved Chinas two vaccines as of yet, the majority of travellers are choosing to be inoculated with the AstraZeneca vaccine, leading to its shortage.

The still not recognised vaccines, especially the Chinese ones, will soon be within the loop. It is all about politics, Islam Anan, an epidemics specialist and a pharmaeconomics lecturer at Misr International University, told Ahram Online.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to approve the Chinese vaccine, which means that countries that have traditionally depended on the FDAs lead are also delaying approval, Anan explains. But the delays, he argues, have nothing to do with the effectiveness of the vaccine. What they do mean, however, is that Egypt needs to continue importing vaccines for those who wish to travel.

According to statements of health ministrys officials, Egypt will receive shipments of millions of doses of the Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer vaccines in the coming days.

On 26 July, the WHO reported that 5.3 million doses had been administered in Egypt, which has a population of 102 million.

Egypts tally of coronavirus cases has so far reached 284,090 infections, including 16,498 deaths and 228,624 recoveries.

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Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Saturday will hold talks here with Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ramtane Lamamra.

The two ministers will discuss means of boosting Egyptian-Algerian ties on all fronts, as well as regional and international issues of common concern.

Following their talks, Shoukry and Lamamra will hold a joint press conference.



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Chief of Staff of Egypts Armed Forces Lieutenant General Mohamed Farid on Saturday checked on measures taken to promote the combat efficiency of one of the units of the Southern Military Region to assess its readiness to safeguard Egypt's borders.

Farid was posted on a report on the combat efficiency of the unit, including its technical and administrative conditions after it was upgraded.



The inspection is meant to assess the security situation and follow up on the progress in the assigned plans and tasks.



Farid met with a number of army commanders, officers, NCOs and soldiers, and conveyed to them greetings of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Defense and Military Production Minister Mohamed Zaki for the efforts they are exerting and sacrifices they are making to uproot smuggling, infiltration and illegal immigration, in addition to safeguarding the country's southern borders against any aggression.



Farid paid tribute to the Armed Forces for their high combat readiness, their ability to carry out their duties with full dedication and strength to maintain security and stability in the country.

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Governor of the Egyptian province of South Sinai Khaled Fouda has discussed with Serbias Prime Minister Ana Brnabicways ways to revitalize tourism between the two countries and increase the number of flights to the Egyptian airports, especially the city of Sharm El-Sheikh and tourist cities.

Their meeting at the Serbian cabinet headquarters in Belgrade came as part of Foudas visit to Serbia, which aims to enhance means of cooperation between Cairo and Belgrade, increase tourism flow from Serbia to touristic destinations in South Sinai and support investment.

Brnabic has welcomed Fouda and his accompanying delegation and emphasized her interest in the huge development boom undertaken by the Egyptian state recently under the leadership of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi.

During the meeting, which was attended by Egypts Ambassador to Serbia Omar El-Juwaili, Fouda invited Brnabic to visit Sharm El-Sheikh.

Fouda, who is accompanied by a delegation of businessmen and investors, also discussed overcoming all difficulties between the civil aviation authorities of both countries.

In a separate meeting with Serbian Trade Minister Tatjana Matic, Fouda has touched upon all means of cooperation between the two countries in the field of investment and tourism.

In their meeting, Matic has offered to finance 20 percent as a non-refundable grant for any Egyptian investment project carried out in Serbia.

From his side, the governor has also called for facilitating visa procedures for Egyptians, increasing the number of airlines between the two countries, and allowing the operation of Egypts Air Cairo airlines, the statement said.

During a third meeting with the head of the Civil Aviation Authority and deputy minister of transport of Serbia, Fouda discussed operating a direct regular flight from Belgrade to Sharm El-Sheikh as soon as possible.

Moreover, Fouda has agreed with Serbian officials on operating a direct flight between Sharm El-Sheikh and the Serbian city of Nis, similar to the already-operating Belgrade-Hurghada direct flight.

During a meeting with the Mayor of Nis Dragana Sotirovski, the governor has also signed a preliminary agreement for the city of Nis to be a twin city of Sharm El-Sheikh, aiming at enhancing cooperation between the two cities, especially in the field of tourism.

Sotirovski said Foudas visit represents a strong start to the relations between the two countries and has promised to visit Sharm El-Sheikh, the statement noted.

It was agreed to name a square in the Serbian city of Nis after Sharm El-Sheikh.

On the sidelines of his visit, Fouda has attended Egypts celebration of the 23 July Revolution, which was held at the Public Library in the Serbian capital Belgrade.

A group of prominent Serbian politicians, religion and art officials and a group of Arab and foreign ambassadors were present at the ceremony.

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Sudanese Foreign Minister Mariam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi said she hopes Ethiopia will come to its senses and accept the unwavering Sudanese stance on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) dispute

In a meeting with her Algerian counterpart, Ramtane Lamamra, Al-Mahdi said Khartoum seeks to reach a diplomatic solution to the GERD crisis, the Sudanese news agency (SUNA) reported.

She highlighted Sudans stance on the need to reach a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam.

As Ethiopia implemented this month the second phase of the filling, Sudans irrigation ministry said the River Nile revenue in July reached five billion cubic metres, compared to 7.8 billion cubic metres in July last year.

Egypt and Sudan reiterated that they support development in Ethiopia, but called for reaching a legally binding instrument on the filling and operation of the dam.

The two downstream states warned of probable significant harm to their water rights and peoples lives.

While Ethiopia calls for the resumption of the GERD talks under the auspices of the African Union, Sudans irrigation minister Yasser Abbas affirmed on Wednesday his countrys rejection of participating in the GERD negotiations under the same methodology adopted in previous talks.

Abbas described the previous methodology as a waste of time, reiterating Sudans call to involve the international quartet of the United States, United Nations, African Union, and the European Union in the talks to boost the AUs mediating role."

Egypt agrees with Sudan on the need for the international community to get involved in the talks to help the three countries reach a legally binding deal.

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Egypt expressed condolences on Saturday to the families of victims of Turkeys southern coast wildfires which have killed six people in four days.

Firefighters have been battling blazes since Wednesday after the evacuation of dozens of villages and some hotels, as fire broke out through forests and some settlements.

Most of the 98 fires that broke out in light of the strong winds and heat have been brought under control, according to Minister of Agriculture Bekir Pakdemirli on Saturday.

The Turkish emergency and disaster authority has labelled neighbourhoods affected by the fire in five provinces as disaster zones.

Egypt has followed up with much sadness and sorrow the human losses caused by the outbreak of forest fires in different areas in Turkey, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said Egypt wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.

Egypt affirms its solidarity with the brotherly Turkish people in the face of the implications of this natural disaster, the ministry added.

Speaking from the town of Manavgat, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that the Turkish government would cover the rents for people affected by the fire and rebuild their homes.

He said taxes, social security, and credit payments would be postponed for those affected and small businesses would be offered credit with zero interest.

We cannot do anything beyond wishing the mercy of God for the lives we have lost, but we can replace everything that was burned," he said.

Erdogan said the number of planes fighting the fires increased from six to 13, including planes from Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, and that thousands of Turkish personnel as well as dozens of helicopters and drones were assisting the firefighting efforts.
Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra said on Saturday that his country is keen that Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia reach satisfying solutions to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) issue that preserves their rights.

His remarks came in a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry, during his visit to Cairo. Lamamras tour also included Sudan and Ethiopia.

We believe that the relations between the three countries are passing through a critical stage, Lamamra said during the presser, noting that Algeria is keen to form a complete image of the issue.

Lamamra said Algeria is keen that the relations between the three countries are not defined by these dangers that we are better off avoiding.

Lamamra called for satisfying solutions that achieve for each party its rights and duties  so that absolute transparency is reached in this relation.

He said he was keen during his visits to Sudan, Ethiopia, and Egypt to be briefed on all the information about the issue, adding that he agreed with Shoukry to maintain a dialogue on the crisis.

Algeria is always keen, whenever the circumstances are available and when the climate is suitable, to be part of the solution to these big and existential issues, Lamamra said.

The Algerian FM affirmed that the GERD dispute has attracted international attention, including the convening of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) earlier this month.

Earlier on Saturday, Sudan welcomed an Algerian initiative inviting the leaders of the three countries to hold a direct meeting to reach a solution to the GERD dispute.

Egypt did not immediately respond to the Algerian call and FM Shoukry did not comment on the GERD issue during the presser.

Concerning the situation in Tunisia, Shoukry said Egypt is following with great interest the incidents in the Arab country and hopes that the measures currently taken lead to achieving stability and conforms to the peoples will.

Lamamra voiced his countrys full support to Tunisia so that its institutions are put on the right track.

The top Algerian diplomat said the current incidents in Tunisia is an internal affair, expressing full appreciation of Tunisian sovereignty and solidarity with its people.

On Lebanon, Shoukry affirmed that the current developments in Lebanon are a domestic affair, noting that Egypt aims to contribute to helping Lebanon end its current crisis due to its firm relations with the Lebanese people.

The top Egyptian diplomat expressed hope that the Lebanese political leadership can achieve the aspiration of the people, especially amid challenges including the coronavirus pandemic and the economic situation.

Shoukry also expressed hope that the new Lebanese Prime Minister-designate, Najib Mikati, quickly form a government that is able to get the country out of its political and economic crisis.

Shoukry voiced Egypts full support to Lebanon so that the Arab country achieves stability, security, and prosperity.

Shoukry and Lamamra spoke about their stance towards the situation in Libya.

The Algerian FM said both Egypt and Algeria have decided to shoulder their solidarity-related responsibilities towards Libya, urging the need for vigilance and support to Libyan legitimacy so that the country can end its crisis.

Lamamra affirmed continuous coordination with Egypt and Libyas neighbours, voicing keenness to support the positive developments in the country and open new horizons of progress.

Shoukry said Egypt and Algeria have been concerned about the challenges facing Libyan people and are keen that Libyan solutions be reached to restore the stability in the country.

The Egyptian FM said his country is optimistic that Libya will end its crisis and implement its election entitlement on 24 December, as scheduled, so that a government that represents the Libyan people and achieve security and stability is formed.

Shoukry also affirmed the need for the exit of foreign forces from Libya.

Lamamra said he conveyed during his meeting with Shoukry before the presser Algerian President Abdel-Madjid Tebbounes message to his Egyptian counterpart, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi.

It is a message of love, a message of brotherhood, a message of renewing commitment to this special kind of relations between the two countries, Lamamra said.

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Rwandan troops have joined Mozambican forces to launch a major offensive against Islamic rebels in northern Mozambique as more troops arrive from South Africa and other neighboring countries to battle the insurgency.

Less than two weeks after landing in Mozambique, the 1,000 soldiers from Rwanda fought alongside Mozambican troops to regain control of Awasse, a strategic town in northern Cabo Delgado province, according to the Mozambican government.

We have attacked and re-occupied the enemy position at Awasse, President Filipe Nyusi said in a broadcast to the nation earlier this week. He said three other towns also were retaken from the rebels.

The new offensive is seen as a drive to regain control of Mocimboa da Praia, the Indian Ocean port that the rebels have held for nearly a year.

The joint forces have also been fighting the rebels in Palma and appear to be trying to secure the nearby Afungi peninsula where the French firm Total was forced to stop operations in its $20 billion liquified natural gas project, according to Cabo Ligado, a newsletter about the extremist violence.

Rwandas forces killed 14 extremists, that countrys army spokesman announced Thursday. Mozambican media report that both sides have suffered casualties.

The campaign against the rebels will be further supported by troops arriving from South Africa, leading the contingent being sent by the 16-nation Southern African Development Community to assist Mozambique.

South Africa, the regional powerhouse, will send about 1,500 troops at a cost of nearly 1 billion rand ($68 million), President Cyril Ramaphosa informed parliament this week. A South African general is to lead the regional force.

Zimbabwe announced Thursday that it will deploy 300 soldiers as trainers and advisers, and Botswana sent 300 troops to Mozambique earlier this week. Angola and Botswana have also announced they are sending forces.

The countries of southern Africa are giving military support to Mozambique to try to prevent the extremist rebels from expanding their foothold in the region.

Since its start in 2017, the insurgency has been blamed for more than 3,000 deaths, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project. The rebels, allied to the Islamic State group, have beheaded scores of people and imposed Shariah law in areas they have seized. More than 800,000 people have been displaced by the conflict and nearly 1 million people need food aid, according to the U.N. World Food Program.

The U.S. has sent 12 special forces officers to help train Mozambiques military, and the European Union is to send a military training mission to build on a training program provided by Portugal, according to a recent report by Cabo Ligado, a project led by ACLED to research the conflict.

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Six civilians were killed and several wounded Saturday by rebels in a village in the northeast of the perennially volatile Central African Republic, the UN peacepeeking mission said.

"This morning at dawn elements from the 3R (Return, Reclamation, Rehabilitation) launched a large-scale attack against C.African army positions in the village of Mann," the spokesman for the MINUSCA mission said, adding: "Six civilians were killed and several wounded."

The village is about 550 kilometres (340 miles) from the capital Bangui, Lieutenant Colonel Abdoulaziz Fall told AFP.

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Two crew members of an oil tanker managed by a prominent Israeli businessman's company were killed off Oman in what appears to be a drone attack, the vessel's London-based operator and the US military said Friday, with Israel blaming Iran.

Tehran is "sowing violence and destruction," an Israeli official said.

The Islamic Republic "is not only Israel's problem, but it is the world's problem. Its behaviour threatens the freedom of navigation and global commerce", the official added.

US Navy forces came to the aid of the crew in response to an emergency distress call and saw evidence of the attack, said an American military statement.

It added that initial indications "clearly point" to a drone-style attack, and that US Navy ships were now escorting the vessel with US personnel aboard to help.

Analysts said the attack bore all the hallmarks of tit-for-tat exchanges in the "shadow war" between Israel and Iran, in which vessels linked to each nation have been targeted in waters around the Gulf.

The Israeli official warned that "our campaign against them (Iran) will continue".

Zodiac Maritime, owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer, said the incident on board the MT Mercer Street on Thursday killed one Romanian and a UK national, who was a guard for British maritime security firm Ambrey.

The vessel was in the northern Indian Ocean, travelling from Dar es Salaam to Fujairah with no cargo onboard when the attack occurred, it said.

"We are not aware of harm to any other personnel," it said in a statement, adding that the Japanese-owned tanker was back under the control of its crew and was steaming to an undisclosed "safe location" under US naval escort.

Oman's state news agency said the country's navy dispatched a ship and confirmed the attack took place outside the sultanate's territorial waters.

'Probably Iran'

The United States, a key ally of Israel and arch-rival of Iran, expressed concern and said it was working to "establish the facts".

Meir Javedanfar, an expert on Iranian diplomacy and security at Israel's IDC Herzliya university, told AFP the attack was "most probably Iran".

Iran's state TV channel in Arabic Al-Alam, citing "informed regional sources", said the attack was a "response to a recent Israeli attack" targeting an airport in central Syria. It did not provide further details.

Javedanfar said Iranians "feel badly disadvantaged when it comes to responding to attacks inside Iran which have been associated to Israel", including an April strike on the Natanz uranium enrichment site reportedly executed by Israel.

An attack on a maritime vessel "is one area where (Iranians) feel they can try to at least retaliate," he added, calling the latest strike an escalation in the "shadow war" between the two Middle Eastern powerhouses.

But he assessed the fundamental dynamics of the rivalry would change little.

"Both sides will continue what they're doing," he said.

'Significant escalation'

Zodiac Maritime is part of the Zodiac Group, owned by billionaire Ofer, whose enterprises span shipping, real estate, technology, banking and investments.

Ofer was ranked the world's 197th richest person by Forbes this year, with a fortune of $11.3 billion. His firms own and operate over 160 ships.

Zodiac initially called the attack on the MT Mercer Street "a suspected piracy incident".

The Arabian Sea and surrounding Indian Ocean were plagued by piracy around a decade ago, but incidents have waned in recent years after foreign navies stepped up patrols.

An anti-piracy taskforce run by the British Royal Navy, which issued a report of "a vessel being attacked" around 152 nautical miles (280 kilometres) off the coast of Oman, classed the incident as "non-piracy".

Maritime industry analysts Dryad Global said the attack was similar to previous incidents against vessels associated with Israel and Iran.

Two ships operated by Israeli firm Ray Shipping were attacked earlier this year.

"The attack on the MT Mercer Street is now assessed to be the fifth attack against a vessel connected to Israel," Dryad said in an email note on the incident.

But it said before the deaths were confirmed that the loss of two personnel "would represent a significant escalation in events that... would likely lead to significant international condemnation and would require diplomatic redress".

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Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has granted clemency to more than 2,800 jailed convicts to mark two Muslim religious holidays, his website said Saturday.

The statement did not elaborate on the identity of the 2,825 prisoners who were either pardoned or had their sentences commuted.

Clemency was granted to mark Eid al-Adha celebrated in Iran on July 21 and Eid al-Ghadir commemorated on Thursday.

Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the biggest celebrations on the Muslim calendar, and Eid al-Ghadir is a significant Shia religious holiday.

In June, Khamenei made the same decision for more than 5,000 prisoners to make the birth of Imam Reza, one of Shia Islam's most revered figures.

Iran's supreme leader grants clemency to prisoners several times each year on occasions of religious or national holidays after it is proposed by the head of the judiciary authority.

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The Ocean Viking on Saturday rescued 196 migrants off Libya, the humanitarian ship's operator said.

It first picked up 57 people in an inflatable dinghy struggling in international waters off the North African country, SOS Mediterranee said.

In the afternoon, the ship's crew carried out two additional rescues in the same area, plucking 54 people from a dinghy and 64 others from a wooden vessel.

In their latest operation, they saved 21 people from a wooden vessel.

The total rescued included at least two pregnant women and 33 minors, 22 of them unaccompanied.

According to the International Organization for Migration, at least 1,146 people have died at sea trying to reach Europe during the first half of 2021.

SOS Mediterranee says it has rescued more than 30,000 people since February 2016, first with the ship Aquarius, then with Ocean Viking.

SOS Mediterranee accuses European Union governments of neglecting coordinated search-and-rescue action to discourage migrants from attempting the crossing from war-torn Libya, where they are often victims of organised crime and militia violence.

Libyan authorities are also accused of forcibly returning intercepted ships to Libya, even when they are in European waters.

A UN Human Rights Office report in late May urged Libya and the EU to overhaul their rescue operations, saying existing policies "fail to prioritise the lives, safety and human rights" of people attempting to cross from Africa.

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Belarus authoritarian president said Friday hes prepared to invite Russian troops into the country if such a move is necessary to ensure the security of both Belarus and Russia.

But, President Alexander Lukashenko said, at the moment there is absolutely no need to do that.

In remarks carried by the state-run Belta news agency, Lukashenko stressed that he had dealt with last years anti-government protests without involving other countries armed forces, but added that he would not hesitate to bring in Russian troops if necessary.

Belarus is able to quickly deploy 500,000 of its own personnel, but if it is not enough, all Russian armed forces will be brought in, Lukashenko said, according to Belta. If it is necessary, we wont hesitate.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday that Moscow hasnt received any official requests from Belarus to deploy troops, and the move is possible only after an official request from the leadership of one country to the leadership of other.

Russia and Belarus have close military and defense ties. Two Russian radar stations communicating with nuclear submarines in the Atlantic and Indian oceans and parts of the Pacific are based in Belarus. In September, the two ex-Soviet nations are scheduled to conduct large-scale joint military exercises.

Until recently, Lukashenkos government had resisted Moscows attempts to expand military presence in Belarus and rejected requests to open an airbase and station additional troops in the country.

But amid the political crisis that unfolded in Belarus after Lukashenkos reelection to a sixth term in August 2020 was met with huge protests, Russia promised its neighbor military support and allocated a $1.5 billion loan for Belarus ailing economy.

Lukashenko faced months of protests that were triggered by his being announced the winner of an August 2020 presidential vote that the opposition and the West saw as rigged. He responded to demonstrations with a massive crackdown that saw more than 35,000 people arrested and thousands beaten by police.

The United States and the European Union have imposed multiple sanctions targeting the Belarusian leadership and key sectors of its economy in the wake of the crisis.

Belarusian political analyst Valery Karbalevich told The Associated Press that Lukashenkos statements on Friday were a clear attempt to scare the West.

For the first time, he threatened with the deployment of Russian troops to Belarus. However, the Kremlin is no hurry to support these initiatives, Karbalevich said.

Lukashenko has accused the West of attempting to orchestrate a revolution in the country he has ruled with an iron fist for decades and of plotting a coup, including by pressuring Belarus with sanctions. His challenger in the election fled to Lithuania and Lithuanian officials say authorities in Belarus are now flooding Lithuanias border with migrants to put that EU nation under pressure.

They seem to seek out our sore spots. They hit primarily the export sectors of the Belarusian economy: petrochemistry, mechanical engineering, potash, and so on. But the main goal is to leave the people without pensions, salaries, benefits, education, medical care and cause discontent among Belarusians, Lukashenko said.

The Belarusian president called for further action against the countrys human rights groups, alleging that behind them are foreign masterminds, and said government pressure on independent media would continue.

Freedom of speech that were protecting under the constitution today has turned into extremist activities, Lukashenko charged, urging state officials to closely control every journalist and blogger. Its one thing to criticize the authorities. We have always took criticism adequately ... Its a different thing to call for a rebellion and massacre of those who dont support these so-called revolutionary, thuggish sentiments.

Belarusian authorities in recent weeks have ramped up the pressure against non-governmental organizations and independent media, conducting more than 200 raids of offices and apartments of activists and journalists this month alone, according to the Viasna human rights center.

The Belarusian Association of Journalists said raids and detentions targeting reporters continued Friday in Minsk and other cities. Earlier this week, the authorities declared the Polish-funded Belsat TV channel an extremist group.

A total of 28 Belarusian journalists remain in custody either awaiting trial or serving their sentences. Journalist groups on Thursday demanded that authorities give urgent hospital care to a leading journalist who has been in pre-trial detention.

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Moody's announced that it has maintained Egypts long-term foreign and local currency issuer ratings (credit rating) at B2 with a stable outlook.

Moody's has also kept Egypt's foreign currency senior unsecured ratings at B2, and its foreign currency senior unsecured MTN program rating at (P) B2.

The affirmation of the B2 ratings and stable outlook reflects Egypt's continued exposure to volatile financing conditions driven by weak debt affordability and high gross borrowing requirements, balanced against improving shock resilience evidenced during the pandemic as a result of the government's track record of economic and fiscal reform implementation, Moodys explained.

It added that Egypt's broad domestic funding base and renewed build-up of foreign exchange reserves support the countrys economy against volatile capital flows as well as backing the government's second wave of economic reforms, which focus on attaining structural reforms.

Local currency ceiling kept, foreign currency ceiling raised

Concerning the countrys local currency ceiling, Moodys also kept its rating unchanged at Ba2.

This affirmation acknowledges the public sector's large footprint in the economy that stifles private sector development and credit allocation, mitigated by the growing implementation of structural competitiveness reforms, Moodys illustrated.

On the other hand, Moodys raised Egypts foreign currency ceiling to Ba3, up from B1 previously.

This advancement reflects the progressive removal of remaining barriers to capital inflows and outflows and a more elastic exchange rate, according to Moodys.

Egypts debt affordability very poor

Yet, Moodys warned that Egypt remains exposed to potential liquidity and external financing shocks, driven by the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and the volatile external liquidity conditions.

Egypts debt affordability is very weak and susceptible to a sharp rise in financing costs; its external position remains sensitive to bouts of capital outflows. The renewed build-up of foreign exchange reserves provides a buffer against sharp capital flow reversals, but vulnerabilities persist, Moodys elaborated.

Egypt's debt affordability as measured by interest/revenue at 46 percent and interest/GDP at 9 percent in general government terms estimated for FY2021/22 is among the weakest of sovereigns rated by Moody's and underpins its exposure to potential funding shocks, according to Moodys.

Despite improving from recent peaks, Moody's expected such risks to remain elevated compared with B-rated peers.

Moreover, Moodys said that Egypt's exposure to funding shocks is exacerbated by very high annual gross borrowing requirements at about 35 percent of GDP in both FY2020/21 and FY2021/22.

On this point, Moodys clarified that the countrys funding risks are mitigated by the large banking system which represents a reliable domestic funding base for the government through continued access to international capital markets at favorable terms and by the government's gradual maturity lengthening strategy that aims for an average domestic debt maturity at five years by 2025 from about 3.5 years in FY2020/21.

Borrowing requirements the highest

Nevertheless, Egypts annual gross borrowing requirements are expected to remain among the highest of Moody's rated sovereigns for the foreseeable future.

For the external side, the structural narrowing in the current account deficit and renewed build-up of foreign exchange reserves to $36 billion at the end of fiscal 2021 after declining to $32 billion in May 2020 provides a buffer against future outflows, potentially related to a resurgence of the pandemic or to tightening international liquidity conditions, according to Moodys.

In this respect, Moody's expected Egypts foreign exchange reserve buffer to remain sufficient to fully cover annual external debt service requirements accruing over the upcoming three years.

Egypt responded to pandemic flexibly

Regarding Egypts response to the pandemic, Moodys noted that the government's flexible crisis response has sustained growth during the pandemic despite the sharp contraction in the tourism industry, which accounted for about 10 percent of GDP in 2019, supported by continued public investment and strong remittance inflows.

Furthermore, the government maintained a primary surplus at 1 percent of GDP by raising revenue in FY2020/21, keeping the debt to GDP ratio close to the 90 percent.

Looking forward, Moody's projected Egypts debt to GDP ratio to decline to 84 percent by 2024 owing to the continued primary surpluses and the tendency to return to economic trend growth of 5.5 percent starting FY2021/22.

Also, Moodys said that Egypts exposure to social risks is high, driven by low employment rates, resulting in high youth unemployment rates at over 25 percent of the labor force, including among graduates.

Relatively high poverty rates and gender inequality also contribute to social risks which have been exacerbated by the large economic reform adjustment costs borne by consumers over the past few years. As part of the government's reform effort, social risks are being mitigated by a more targeted social safety net, although the breadth of coverage remains relatively narrow, Moodys also said.

Egypts Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait said on Saturday that Moodys affirmation of Egypts credit rating reflects the international financial institutions (IFIs)s confidence in Egypts economy, its resilience, and its ability to cope positively with the harsh impacts of the pandemic.

He also added that this action comes while Moodys has downgraded the credit ratings and revised down the outlook for about 50 percent of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions countries.

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KYODO NEWS - Jul 29, 2021 - 11:54 | World, All, Coronavirus

Thailand and Indonesia have begun recommending U.S.- and European-made coronavirus vaccines to their populations after seeing some deaths among those inoculated with Chinese vaccines amid the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant.

The abrupt change of tack in the two Southeast Asian countries reflects concerns about the efficacy of Chinese-made vaccines, such as the one produced by China's Sinovac Biotech Ltd., against the variant first identified in India and spreading quickly across the region and beyond.

Southeast Asia has relied heavily on Chinese-made vaccines. But Thailand said on July 12 that it would give the vaccine produced by Britain's AstraZeneca Plc as a second dose to people who received a first dose of the Sinovac vaccine.

The Thai government also unveiled plans to give those who have already completed a two-dose regimen a booster shot with vaccines from drugmakers such as AstraZeneca and U.S. pharmaceutical company Pfizer Inc.

According to the government, 618 of the roughly 677,000 medical workers who received two doses of Sinovac on a preferential basis between April and July have become infected, leading to the death of one nurse.

The government said the moves are intended to enhance people's immunity to the Delta variant and did not cite efficacy issues.

A doctor at a Bangkok hospital indicated that people are still advised to get vaccinated even with Sinovac, saying inoculation should be expedited. But a 37-year-old man in the capital who is fully immunized said he became worried after hearing about the nurse's death.

Another male, aged 41 and unvaccinated, said he was waiting for the vaccine made by U.S. pharmaceutical company Moderna Inc., citing his lack of confidence in Sinovac.

In Indonesia, which recently saw new daily infections surge at the fastest pace in the world, over 80 percent of the roughly 152 million doses of vaccine secured by the government as of July 22 have been Sinovac.

On July 16, the government began giving medical workers who had already received two shots of vaccine an additional shot using the Moderna vaccine.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has said booster shots are intended to give frontline medical workers "maximum protection against new variants of the virus." The minister did not refer to efficacy issues.

But since January, 20 doctors have died of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, despite receiving at least one vaccine shot, and some of them had been inoculated with Sinovac, according to a doctors' association in the country.

In Singapore, where the government provides Pfizer and Moderna vaccines as part of its free vaccination program, Sinovac has also been made available through private clinics to individuals who wish to have it.

But the government has so far excluded people vaccinated with Sinovac from its official vaccination tally.

"We don't really have a medical or scientific basis or have the data now to establish how effective Sinovac is in terms of infection and severe illnesses on Delta," Health Minister Ong Ye Kung explained at a media briefing earlier this month.

The World Health Organization has given emergency-use approval to Sinovac and a vaccine developed by Chinese pharmaceutical giant Sinopharm.

The WHO cited Sinovac's 51 percent effectiveness in preventing symptomatic COVID-19, which is lower than the more than 90 percent efficacy rates of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and the around 70 percent for AstraZeneca's.

China has provided over 100 million doses of vaccines to countries in Southeast Asia. Chinese vaccines account for most of the doses secured by Cambodia, Indonesia and Laos.
New Delhi:

The Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) board on Monday gave its go-ahead to the powerful insurance organisation to acquire the debt-ridden IDBI Bank by raising the stake to 51 per cent via preferential shares, Economic Affairs Secretary SC Garg said.

Most likely that (preferential share allotment route) would be the way. The bank needs capital. They will issue preferential shares that should be the method, PTI quoted Garg, who is on the LIC board, as saying.

The debt-laden bank will issue preferential shares to state-owned LIC to raise capital.

The other one is that they can buy from the government but that does not provide capital to the IDBI Bank and therefore, that is the preferred mode to do it (acquire the bank), he said after the meeting held in New Delhi.

However, this will not be enough for the LIC to acquire the stakes and Insurance behemoth will now approach markets regulator SEBI, as the bank is a listed entity.

If the SEBI also gave its approval the LIC will get about 2,000 branches through which it can sell its products, while the bank would get massive funds of LIC. The company will be able to appoint at least four members to the banks board of directors.

Insurance regulator IRDAI has already given its approval to the insurer for the stake purchase.

LIC already has 7-7.5 per cent stake in the bank and will acquire the remaining for majority holding, Garg said without giving details about the capital the IDBI Bank would get by selling stakes the insurer.

However, sources said the LIC stake buy will help the bank get the capital support of Rs 10,000-13,000 crore.

(With Inputs from agencies)

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New Delhi:

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was given a warm welcome on Saturday as she arrived in Manama on her two-day visit to Bahrain.

Swaraj, who is visiting Bahrain for the third time, will co-chair the second joint commission meeting with her Bahraini counterpart Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.

The first meeting of the High Joint Commission (HJC) was held in New Delhi in February, 2015.

#WATCH: Foreign Minister of Bahrain Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa receives External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Bahrain. pic.twitter.com/d6OolckmsT  ANI (@ANI) July 14, 2018

A warm and personal welcome! In a special gesture reflecting our close ties, EAM Sushma Swaraj received at Manama airport by the Foreign Minister of Bahrain Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.

This is EAMs 3rd visit to Bahrain in her capacity as External Affairs Minister, he tweeted.

Swaraj also inaugurated the new Chancery-cum-Residential complex.

A testimony of close cooperation between India and Bahrain! Joint inauguration of the impressive Embassy of India Complex in Manama by EAM Sushma Swaraj and Foreign Minister of Bahrain Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmad bin Khalifa, Kumar tweeted.

Issues of trade, investment and counter-terror cooperation are likely to be discussed at the joint commission meeting.

India is Bahrains fifth largest trading partner.

Terrorism and counter-terror cooperation are also key areas of strategic cooperation between the two countries.

The Indian community of about 3,50,000-4,00,000 people forms nearly one-fourth of Bahrains population.

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Mumbai:

A 21-year-old student, who had allegedly consumed poison after reportedly failing in her college exams on Saturday died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in suburban Kurla here, police said.

Puja Sangle, the daughter of a constable attached to Nehrunagar police station, was depressed for the past few days after she failed her second year Bachelor of Architecture exams, a senior police official said.

The official said the deceased had also applied for admission to a new stream at a different college.

Three days ago, she consumed poison and fell unconscious near Kurla station following which she was rushed to a nearby hospital, an official said.

She died today while undergoing treatment. A probe into the incident is underway, said Vilas Shinde, senior inspector, Nehrunagar police station.
New Delhi:

Reading good not only enriches you with knowledge but also enhances your physical appearance too. It's a proven fact that reading good content helps to enhance your beauty as it is said to slow down ageing process and boost self-confidence which enhances your persona.

So keeping all the wonderful benefits of reading in mind, we have curated some of the highly-rated and thought-provoking opinion pieces from News Nation for your Sunday read:

Only extraordinary luck can resurrect Nawaz Sharif

There is no disputing the fact that former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam have shown great courage in landing in Lahore even though they were certain of being jailed. That they were arrested when they landed in Dubai en route to Lahore and were whisked away to jail in a chartered plane from Lahore airport shows the..Read Full Article Here

Trump's fireworks in Europe may burn US interest in world

US President Donald Trump is incredible. Not for him the niceties of how to deal with fellow world leaders. After the way Trump behaved with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the G7 Summit calling him meek and mild and accusing him of dishonesty on trade issues, and his subsequent walkout of the signing ceremony for a communique has come his broadside against German Chancellor Angelo Merkel at the NATO Summit in..Read Full Article Here

Politicking in full gear, political manoeuvring in full flow in Bihar

The Janata Dal (United) alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party in Bihar faces an acid test as the dates for the Lok Sabha and subsequent Assembly elections near. Seat sharing would indeed be a major challenge in a state where politics is an obsession. There is indeed much at stake with NDAs total tally likely to shrink from its 2014..Read Full Article Here

Building worthwhile places of learning

Catering to the aspirations of its huge population, Indias education system consisting of primary, secondary and tertiary level has undergone exponential growth. The All India Survey on Higher Education indicates a rise in gross enrolment ratio (GER) to 25.2 per cent in 2016-17. The target achievement is fixed at 30 per cent GER by 2020. This would mean around..Read Full Article Here

Pakistan falling into Chinese debt trap

Slowly but surely, realisation seems to be dawning on Pakistan that it will fall into a Chinese debt trap if it allows China to invest heavily on infrastructure projects in that country on highly extortionist terms. A few months ago, Islamabad withdrew its request to include the $14-billion Diamer-Bhasha Dam in the China-Pakistan Economic..Read Full Article Here

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Thane:

A Thane court on Saturday remanded an alleged aide of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim in police custody till July 17 in connection with the seizure of an AK-56 assault rifle from his Mumbai home earlier this month.

Naeem Khan, who has been in jail since April 2016 for allegedly planning to kill a former gangster, was produced before the court by the Anti-Extortion Cell of the Thane Police.

The court remanded Khan in police custody till July 17.

The AEC had seized the AK-56, apart from a pistol and ammunition, from his home in Mumbais Bangur Nagar area on July 6 following a tip-off.

Khans wife, Yamsin, was arrested that day under sections of the Arms Act.

The information about the rifle being stored in Khans house came after Thanes AEC nabbed two alleged drug peddlers, Jahid Zali Shoukat Kashmiri (47) and Sanjay Shroff (47) on July 5, according to the police.

Police officials, at the time, had said that they wanted to probe if the seized rifle was part of the arms consignment that landed in Mumbai prior to the 1993 serial blasts.

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New Delhi:

With Parliament monsoon session around the corner, Government on Monday met opposition leaders at Parliament library and discussed several key issues for a smooth functioning of both the Houses.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Goel reached out to leaders of opposition parties, including Samajwadi Party leader Ramgopal Yadav, BSP leader Satish Chandra Misra, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Rout and CPI leader D Raja to formulate strategies.

Goel also met leaders of TRS, BJD and others and sought their cooperation in the smooth functioning of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

During their interaction, the union minister said the functioning of Parliament without any hindrances was the national duty of the ruling and opposition parties.

Read | BJP to come up with seat-sharing proposal within 4-5 weeks: Nitish Kumar

The discussion also stressed on the bills of national interest which are either pending or will be introduced in the upcoming session.

Earlier, Goyal also met former prime minister Manmohan Singh to seek the Congress' cooperation for a successful parliamentary session.

On being asked about the meeting of opposition leaders, Congress MP Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "It was a conventional meeting. All 13 parties decided that we want to see the Parliament function. Last time also, opposition wanted both houses to run. But they didn't let Parliament work and we were blamed instead".

Meanwhile, the government has called an all-party leaders meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, wherein the views and opinions of all parties would be consulted for effective running of the monsoon session.

Read | Womens Reservation Bill: Rahul Gandhi offers 'unconditional support' to Modi

The monsoon session of Parliament will commence from July 18 and end on August 10.

(With inputs from agencies)

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New Delhi:

Building on flourishing business ties, India and South Korea have been ramping up relations in the last decade and more.



South Korean companies like Samsung, Hyundai and LG, are now household names in India. The thriving business has led to closer political, cultural and defence ties.



South Korean President Moon Jae-ins maiden visit to India has to be seen in the context of swirling changes in both the Korean Peninsular and the larger Asian region where Chinas shadow looms large. And an unpredictable US president is at the helm in Washington.



Today, when the world is in flux, both India and South Korea, are looking for options to hedge their bets.

Cementing ties with the worlds most populous democracy works well for South Korea. India sees enormous benefit in Korean FDI and its companies are playing

a pivotal role in Modis Make-in-India initiative.



Moon arrived in Delhi late Sunday. Mondays engagements included a visit to the Samsung facility in Noida, accompanied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



Samsung plans to make India an export hub. This flows into Modis promise to create jobs for the young. Any company expanding its capacity is a must for the PM, who faces national elections next year.

Read | India is now world's 2nd largest phone maker due to Make-in-India initiative, says PM Modi



On Tuesday, Modi and Moon held talks in Hyderabad House and vowed to strengthen the `Special Strategic Partnership between the countries. More defence exercises, joint defence production, and greater coordination between the defence forces of the two countries.



The two countries are also hoping to work together in Afghanistan on capacity building.



During the talks, Moon also briefed Modi on the situation in the Korean Peninsular, the peace moves and the denuclearisation of the region. He gave an optimistic picture but cautioned about bumps on the way.



Modi praised Moon for his efforts at getting Kim Jong-un to the negotiating table. Moon, unlike his predecessor, had been promising better relations with North Korea in his election manifesto.



Moon worked tirelessly for this and despite major provocations, the nuclear and missile tests by Kim Jong-un, he persisted and made a breakthrough. What finally happens is not known, but Moon will have the satisfaction of knowing that he gave it his best shot and convinced the president to come on board.

Read | India will make efforts to ensure peace in Korean peninsula: PM Modi after bilateral talks with Moon Jae-in



At the end of the talks, the two sides released a joint statement on `A Vision for People, Prosperity, Peace and our Future. Recognising the link between prosperity and security, we reaffirmed the importance of freedom of navigation, overflight and unimpeded lawful commerce. We supported initiatives for peaceful resolution of conflict through dialogue, underlying the centrality of sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with the universally-recognised principles of international law. This is a clear call for freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific, something that all countries of the region, as well as India and the US now stress. Although China is nowhere mentioned, it is obviously directed at Beijing.



Moon, who was elected in 2017, is keen to elevate ties with India to the level of Seouls relations with major powers like Japan, China, Russia and the US. South Korea is keen to diversify and extend its diplomatic reach.



Indias Act East policy ties are in tune with Moons `New Southern policy aimed at expanding ties with countries which Seoul paid not much attention to earlier. India is at the heart of Moons new diplomatic initiatives. The President had spelt his vision as people-centred, peace-loving and promoting mutual prosperity with India and smaller ASEAN member states, that earlier did not get as much attention.



In India, it is not just Modi, but successive governments have been working at improving ties with South Korea. Talks on a Free Trade Agreement between the countries began in 2004. Today, both sides have agreed to upgrade the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. In all, 11 agreements, including MOUs were signed at Hyderabad House. These include cooperation in high-tech, like Artificial Intelligence, 3D technology, railways, especially high-speed rail, biotechnology, as well as cultural exchanges.

Read | South Korean Prez Moon Jae-in visits Akshardham temple in Delhi



Modi and Moon also addressed a CEOs Roundtable. Korea had earlier put up USD10 billion to finance infrastructure projects in India. Delhi is also making sure that Korean projects are fast-tracked, as many Korean companies are partnering PMs flagship projects like Digital India, Skill India, Make in India and Smart Cities. Bilateral trade last year was over $20 billion.



India and South Korea also have ancient cultural links. In 48AD, a legendary princess of Ayodhya, Suriratna had travelled to Korea and married King Kim-Suro. Many Koreans trace their ancestry to this princess, known there as Queen Hur Hwang-ok. There is already a monument in her honour in Ayodhya. This will now be upgraded as a showcase of the historical links between the countries.
Thiruvananthapuram:

A thorough study by the Kerala government in the recent outbreak of Nipah virus has suggested that 17 of the 19 infected people might have contracted the deadly virus from the first victim, 26-year-old Mohammed Sabith.

Sabith, who died on May 5, was among the 17 people who lost their lives after they contracted the virus. Two people had recovered.

As per available records, it has been found that Sabith contracted the Nipah virus from fruit bats and 17 othersincluding three from his family i.e. father, younger brother and a paternal auntgot infected from him, government sources said.

Besides, the virus from him is also suspected to have infected four other people at the Peramabra Taluk Hospital, Kohzikode, where he was first brought, the sources in the state surveillance department of the Kerala Health Services said, adding that 10 others in the Kozhikode medical college hospital, where he was taken for a CT scan in the radiology department, also picked the virus from him.

One patient was infected by another man at the Perambra hospital, they said.

It is suspected that Sabith, an electrician, had contracted the virus from fruit bats, however, it is not clear the circumstances under which he got infected. Sabith had returned from the gulf eight months before he died.

Sabith first took treatment as an out patient at the Perambra hospital for high fever and body pain on May 2.

On May 3, he was admitted at the hospital, and it is suspected that four people on night duty including sister Lini Puthussery, who attended to him, picked the virus from him.

As his condition worsened on May 4, Sabith was shifted to the Medical College hospital for a CT scan, where he died on May 5. Ten people got infected at the medical college on the single day he was there, the sources said.

Though Sabiths blood samples were not tested for Nipah, as per records, it has been concluded that he had contracted Nipah virus, the sources said.

His younger brother was admitted to the hospital with similar symptoms and tests revealed that he was Nipah positive. He died shortly after, followed by their 60-year-old father and a paternal aunt who had come to help them.

It was suspected that the brothers might have contracted the virus when they got into a bat-infested well in their newly bought property. However, the bats in the well were found to be insect-eating ones, the sources said.

As a precautionary measure, a contact list of nearly 3,000 people with whom the infected persons had been in touch was prepared and they were put under quarantine. Nipah test was also conducted on them, the sources said.

The exhaustive report on the Nipah outbreak has been sent to the central surveillance department, the sources said.

Since the outbreak had national implications, the state surveillance unit has sought permission to officially close the outbreak as the 42-day double incubation period of the virus is over.

Two of the infected patients made a miraculous recovery bringing cheer to the doctors and nurses who treated them.

Fever, altered mental status, severe weakness, headache, respiratory distress, cough, vomiting, muscle pain, convulsion, diarrhoea are the symptoms of the virus, which also causes severe illness characterised by inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or respiratory diseases.

The government had declared Kozhikode and Malappuram districts as free of Nipah on June 30 after no new cases were reported since May 31.

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday attacked the Congress over its stand on triple talaq, asking if it was a party for Muslim men alone.

The real face of these parties was revealed by their approach on triple talaq, he said at a public meeting here, part of his two-day visit to eastern Uttar Pradesh.

On one side the Centre is making efforts to ease and improve the life of women and on the other these parties are working to put the life of women, especially Muslim women, in danger, he said, criticising the opposition.

Crores of Muslim women had always demanded that triple talaq should be banned, as it is banned even in Islamic countries, he said.

I read in the newspaper that the Congress president had said that Congress is a party of Muslims, and there has been discussion on this for the past two days. I am not surprised as when Manmohan Singh was PM, he had said that Muslims have the first right over natural resources, he said.

But I want to ask the Congress whether it is a party of Muslims men alone, he said.

The attack comes just days ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament during which the BJP-led government is likely to push for the passage in the Rajya Sabha of a bill against instant triple talaq.

Lok Sabha has already passed the bill but it remains pending in the Rajya Sabha.

Is there any place for the dignity and the rights of Muslim women? They have stalled legislation in the Parliament and they do not allow Parliament to run, Modi said.

These dynastic parties are toiling to oust Modi. I want to tell them that there are still four or five days left for the Parliament session to begin. Meet the victims of talaq and halala, ask them about their plight, and then put your point of view in Parliament, he said.

The prime minister was in Azamgarh to lay the foundation stone for the 340-km Purvanchal Expressway which will connect Lucknow with Ghazipur.

Modi will also address rallies in Varanasi and Mirzapur and launch a slew of other development projects.

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New Delhi:

Anurag Kashyap, co-director of Sacred Games, have praised Congress President Rahul Gandhis take regarding the controversy over the Netflix Original series.

Following an uproar over the use of derogatory language in the web series while referring to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi said that the BJP and the RSS believe that freedom of expression must be controlled, while he regards it as a fundamental right.

"My father lived and died in the service of India. The views of a character on a fictional web series can never change that," Rahul Gandhi wrote on Twitter on Saturday.

BJP/RSS believe the freedom of expression must be policed & controlled. I believe this freedom is a fundamental democratic right.



My father lived and died in the service of India. The views of a character on a fictional web series can never change that.#SacredGames  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 14, 2018

Kashyap replied to the remark by quoting Rahul Gandhi's tweet and wrote, "That's a yay..."

Meanwhile, Swara Bhasker also backed Rahul Gandhis stance, saying it is gracious how Rahul Gandhi is able to keep personal and national interests apart.

"It is impressive that a mainstream politician like @RahulGandhi is taking this clear and progressive stand on freedom of expression and censorship. Also it's gracious and mature that he is able to set aside the personal for the larger goal of democratic rights. #CreditWhereDue," Swara tweeted.

It is impressive that a mainstream politician like @RahulGandhi is taking this clear & progressive stand on freedom of expression & censorship. Also its gracious & mature that he is able to set aside the personal for the larger goal of democratic rights. #CreditWhereDue  https://t.co/cfEU0S2KaS  Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) July 14, 2018

Rahul Gandhis comment on the Sacred Games controversy comes days after a plea was filed in the Delhi High Court demanding the removal of certain scenes from the series, claiming the content was derogatory to Rajiv Gandhi.

A police complaint has also been filed by a Congress activist in Kolkata against the producers and the actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui over the issue.

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New Delhi:

The sole witness and survivor in the Hapur lynching incident that claimed the life of a 45-year-old man has challenged the polices version of the incident, while alleging threat to his and his familys safety for speaking the truth.

Samayuddin, the 64-year-old farmer from the Muslim-majority Madapur village of Uttar Pradeshs Hapur, on Saturday alleged that the mob attacked the cattle trader Qasim for alleged cow slaughter, contrary to the fact mentioned in the FIR registered by the police, which claimed the June 18 lynching was triggered by a road accident.

The FIR registered on the day of incident mentioned that Qasim and Samayuddin were beaten up by 20-25 people after they got in an argument with an unknown person over a motorcycle accident.

Samayuddin on Saturday said the attack on Qasim played out before his eyes on the fateful day when he and his neighbour, Hasan, had gone to the farm to get fodder and took a break for smoking.

We saw 25-30 people come running from Bajheda village and started beating Qasim. When I said whats the matter, why are you beating him up, they said tu ruk mulle, tujhe bhi dekhte hain (You stay right there, you are next), he told PTI in New Delhi.

A video that went viral after the incident showed a large number of people thrashing and abusing Samayuddin and forcing him to confess to the allegation of cow slaughter.

They said you slaughter cows, I asked them where is the cow, where is the knife or the axe. They didnt listen to anything and kept beating me and pulled my beard, he added.

While initial reports after the incident alleged that it was a case of mob lynching fuelled by a rumour of cow slaughter, the police has maintained its stand that it was a tiff between the villagers over a motorcycle accident.

Now that I have spoken the truth about what happened that day, I fear for my and my familys wellbeing. I feel the people in that mob and the police from Pilkhuwa police station will come after me and my family, he said.

He also alleged that the police never came to take his statement in the hospital or to ask him about the suspects. Although, he remembered that somebody in the ambulance had taken his thumb prints.

They dragged me and Qasim towards the Devi temple in Bajheda village. I was barely conscious by then. I dont remember when the police arrived. I only remember that somebody took my thumb prints because it caused a lot of pain. I dont know on what documents they took my prints, he said.

Dinesh Tomar, a friend of Samayuddin from neighbouring Hindalpur village, alleged that a police officer threatened him, Samayuddins brother Yasin, and Madapur village Pradhan Kamil, to write a false report, saying they will be put behind bars otherwise.

He told us that write the report as I tell you, otherwise you and your family along with Samayuddin will also be put behind bars for cow slaughter, he claimed.

He alleged the officer threatened them saying, Remember whose government this is. Its better if you stay quiet.

Earlier, after the FIR was registered, the police had arrested two men and picked up some others for questioning.

One of the accused, Yudhishthir Sisodia, was released on bail by the Hapur Sessions Court last week due to lack of evidence.

Human rights lawyer Vrinda Grover on Saturday said that since the local police and judiciary had not done their duty, they will now take the case to the Supreme Court.

We are in the process of filing our complaint. It will take us one or two days to do so. We will take it to the highest court to get justice to the victims, she said.

Meanwhile, Grover said that Samayuddin, his brother and Tomar recorded their statements themselves today and e-mailed them to the IG (Meerut).

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New Delhi:

Accusing the Congress and other parties of shedding crocodile tears for farmers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked why development and irrigation projects across the country were ignored during their rule.

While addressing a public meeting in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh after inaugurating the Bansagar canal project and laying the foundation stone of the Mirzapur medical college, he said those using farmers for their agendas, did not have the time to think about an effective hike in Minimum Support Prices (MSPs).

PM Modi emphasised on the point that farmers income would get doubled due to his governments efforts.

Those shedding crocodile tears for farmers today should be asked why they did not complete irrigation projects across the nation during their tenure, Modi said.

This is not the matter of Bansagar alone. Such atke, latke and bhatke (stuck up, pending and derailed) projects pertaining to farmers welfare can be found in different states. They never had any concern. Why were such projects left incomplete? he asked.

The prime minister said that projects worth Rs 4,000 crore, including Bansagar project, were inaugurated or their foundation stone laid.

In the name of agriculture and farmers, the previous governments had been leaving projects incomplete or delayed them, Modi, who began his speech in the local dialect, said.

These delays have made the people suffer for decades, he added.

The Bansagar project worth Rs 3,500 crore will benefit Mirzapur, Allahabad and adjoining areas by providing irrigation to 1.5 lakh hectares of land. Had this project been completed earlier, the benefits which you would get now, would have reached almost two decades ago, he said.

Almost two decades have been lost, he rued.

The previous governments did not bother about the farmers. The framework of the project was drawn almost 40 years ago. In 1978, the foundation of the project was laid, but work actually started after 20 years. Governments came and went, but on this project, there were only talks and promises and the people here did not get anything, Modi said.

Modi praised the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, saying, since Yogi Adityanath took charge, the eastern zone was being paid adequate attention and development work in Purvanchal region accelerated.

This area has divine powers. Last time in March when French President Emmanuel Macron had come here with me for the inauguration of a solar plant, we were welcomed with a picture of Goddess Vindhyavasini and a chunri (sacred cloth).

An overwhelmed Macron wanted to know the divine powers of the presiding deity and when I narrated the glory of the goddess, he was awestruck. All-round development of this area, which is a symbol of faith and tradition, is our commitment, Modi said.

He said the NDA government was working to improve the lot of farmers and cited the recent hike in MSP for kharif crops and easy availability of fertilisers.

There are people who are shedding crocodile tears in the name of the farmers. MSP used to be declared earlier too, but no purchases were made. Similarly, there were advertisements and photographs of support price in the newspaper, credit taken, but nothing went to the homes of the farmers. Files suggesting hike in MSP used to gather dust, he said.

The government has raised the MSP of 14 kharif crops in the range of Rs 200 to Rs 1,800 and it was decided that farmers should get a 50 per cent profit on the input cost of these crops, he said.

After Mirzapur, Modi is likely to visit Shahjahanpur on July 21 to address a Kisan Kalyan rally.

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New Delhi:

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday said that he was severely abused on social media but police was not taking any action against abusers even after filing a complaint.

Yadav alleged discrimination by the UP Police and said that instant actions were being taken in similar cases with BJP leaders.

I am getting severely abused on social media, I have filed a complaint also but no action is taken. But in similar cases with BJP leaders instant action is taken and the culprit thrown in jail, the former CM said in a press conference at Samajwadi Party office in Lucknow.

I am getting severely abused on social media,I have filed complaint also but no action is taken. But in similar cases with BJP leaders instant action is taken and the culprit thrown in jail: Akhilesh Yadav pic.twitter.com/WFbTajghM3  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) July 14, 2018

In the past, several people had been jailed for posting objectionable content against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

In March 2017, a 22-year-old man Muslim man was arrested by Greater Noida police for an objectionable post against Yogi.

At least four people were arrested across Uttar Pradesh hours after Yogi sworn-in as Chief Minister of the state in 2017. An FIR was registered against a Bengaluru woman for her Facebook post allegedly portraying the UP CM in bad light.

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New Delhi:

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Saturday broke down in tears while expressing his unhappiness at the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in the state during an event in Bengaluru.

Addressing JDS workers, Kumaraswamy, with tears in his eyes, said that he was swallowing the pain of running the coalition government with the Congress like Lord Shiva, who swallowed poison to protect all the living beings.

You all are happy that one of your brothers has become the Chief Minister. But I am not happy. I am swallowing my pain like Vishakanta (the one who held poison in his throat, Lord Shiva), Kumaraswamy said during an event organised by JD(S) workers to felicitate him for becoming the chief minister.

#WATCH: Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy breaks down at an event in Bengaluru; says 'You are standing with bouquets to wish me, as one of your brother became CM & you all are happy, but I'm not. I know the pain of coalition govt. I became Vishkanth&swallowed pain of this govt' (14.07) pic.twitter.com/cQ8f90KkFT  ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2018

The Congress and the JD(S) had stitched a post-poll alliance to form the government in the southern state after the BJP failed to cross the majority mark. Soon after Kumaraswamys swearing-in, several reports claimed rift between the allies over few issues.

This was not the first time when Kumaraswamy had expressed his unhappiness at the coalition government. He had, on many occasions, said that people of Karnataka didnt bless him with a clear mandate and he was chief minister of the state on the mercy of Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

The remarks of the JD-S leader came days after he presented his maiden budget in the Karnataka Assembly. In the budget, Kumaraswamy tried to balance the interests of both coalition partners by waiving farm loans, promised by his party and continued several schemes of previous Siddaramaiah-led Congress government.

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Cairo:

Archaeologists say they have discovered a mummification workshop dating back some 2,500 years at an ancient necropolis near Egypts famed pyramids.

Antiquities Ministry officials said at a press conference on Saturday that archaeologists hope the find will reveal more about the secrets of mummification in the 26th dynasty of ancient Egypt. They said a communal burial site was also uncovered.

Officials said the discovery dates to the Saite-Persian period from 664-404 B.C. The site is located at the Saqqara cemetery, part of the Memphis necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The site, which lies south of the Unas pyramid, was last excavated in 1900.

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New Delhi:

The rupee fell 6 paise to 68.59 against the US dollar in early trade on Monday on fresh buying of the American currency by importers.

Traders said dollar's strength against some currencies overseas and fresh demand of the US currency from importers weighed on investor sentiment.

Besides, India's trade deficit widening to a more than three-and-a-half-year high of USD 16.6 billion due to costlier crude oil imports, too kept pressure on the rupee.

On Friday, the rupee saw a marginal four paise rise in its value at 68.53 a dollar.

Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex rose 117.08 points, or 0.32 per cent, to 36,658.71 in opening trade.

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Bengaluru:

US President Donald Trump is no stranger to outlandish statements. He has in the past rubbed world leaders on the wrong side ever so often that there was apprehension all around when he held the summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki on .

While he was circumspect with Putin, he blamed strained ties between the United States and Russia on US stupidity, especially the decision to investigate election interference. He also said he saw no reason to believe his own intelligence agencies rather than trust Putin on the question of whether Russia interfered to help him win the 2016 election.

While this brazenness of calling his own countrys action as stupid was bound to encounter sharp reactions at home, that an angry response from a former CIA chief John Brennan would come soon after he made the statement showed the extent of outrage.

Brennan said Trumps statement was nothing short of treasonous and exceeded the threshold of high crimes and misdemeanours.

Also Read | Trump's fireworks in Europe may burn US interest in world

One senator Lindsey Graham said this was a missed opportunity by Trump to firmly hold Putin accountable for 2016 meddling and deliver a strong warning regarding future elections.

One wonders whether Trumps soft approach towards Putin had anything to do with his own involvement with the Kremlin leader in unhealthy practices to change the course of presidential elections in his favour. In the American system as it prevails , it is inconceivable that Trump would ever be found out and would be held personally accountable.

Although nothing tangible emerged from the Trump-Kremlin talks, the two countries would put together a working group of businessmen from both countries. That that would kickstart greater economic cooperation between the countries it is premature to say.

Trump under fire over poll meddling comments after summit with Putin

There was a ray of hope generated that on issues such as the situation in Syria, nuclear disarmament and anti-terrorism measures this could well be the starting point for some onward movement in the future. But there are far too many roadblocks that tend to come in the way in relations between the countries as has been seen on numerous occasions.

It does not take long for Trump to take on an adversarial role so there can be no reasonable confidence of Trump remaining non-adversarial for long. Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping seemed to be on the same page on many issues when they met before Trump unleashed his trade war against Beijing.

Speaking before s much-anticipated summit, Trump had said he hoped for an extraordinary relationship and blamed US-Russia tensions on previous administrations.

Some US politicians had called for the summit to be cancelled after 12 Russian military intelligence agents were charged with hacking the presidential campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.

Read More | Need to defuse escalating Indo-US trade war

The Americans have been critical of Russia because of their military support for President Bashar al-Assad in Syria as well as its destabilising actions in Ukraine. The accusations of Russian interference in the 2016 US election, and Trump campaign collusion in the effort have also evoked frowns.

The allegations are being investigated by special counsel Robert Mueller. Trump, however, has consistently denounced the inquiry as a witch hunt. The 12 Russians indicted on were targeted as a part of Muellers investigation.

Trumps broadsides at German Chancellor Merkel at the recent NATO Summit and the suspicion he evokes among European leaders would predictably go down well with the Russians. If Trump is to endear himself to the Europeans, he will have to distance himself from Putins Russia.

Clearly, there are currents and cross-currents that Trump would have to reckon with. While the Mueller investigation would influence the

course of US-Russia relations, much would also depend on the follow-up to the summit in Helsinki.
New Delhi:

The first batch of Haj pilgrims was on Saturday flagged off by Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, who said the preparations for ensuring a smooth pilgrimage have been completed.

The first batch of 410 Haj pilgrims from Delhi left for Madina from the Indira Gandhi International Airport this morning.

A total of 1,28,702 pilgrims will be facilitated by the government across India through the Haj Committee this year.

Over 1,200 Haj pilgrims are leaving Delhi for Saudi Arabia in three flights on Saturday.

Besides Delhi, 450 pilgrims from Gaya, 269 from Guwahati, 900 from Lucknow and 1,020 pilgrims from Srinagar are also leaving for Saudi Arabia on Saturday for Haj.

Naqvi said that the Ministry of Minority Affairs, in cooperation with the Saudi Arabia Haj Consulate, Haj Committee of India and other concerned agencies, had completed preparations for Haj 2018 well before time to ensure a smooth pilgrimage.

Noting that Haj 2018 is being organised according to the new Haj Policy, the minister said it had made the entire Haj process transparent and ensured better facilities for the pilgrims.

Naqvi said despite the removal of the Haj subsidy and various new taxes imposed in Saudi Arabia, there was no additional financial burden on the pilgrims.

He also said that Rs 57 crore less will be paid to airlines this year as compared to 2017 for Haj pilgrims travelling through the Haj Committee of India.

Naqvi said that it was the first time after Independence, that 1,75,025 Muslims from India were going for Haj this year.

He said more than 47 per cent females are going for Haj this year and for the first time 1,308 Muslim women, travelling without 'Mehram' or male companion, were among them.

Delhi Revenue and Transport Minister Kailash Gehlot, Haj Committee of India Chairman Chaudhary Mehboob Ali Kaiser, Delhi Haj Committee Chairman and MLA Mohammad Ishraq Khan and Minority Affairs Ministry Secretary Ameizing Luikham, were also present at the airport.

On July 17 pilgrims from Kolkata, on July 20 pilgrims from Varanasi, on July 21 pilgrims from Mangalore, on July 26 pilgrims from Goa and on July 29 pilgrims from Aurangabad, Chennai, Mumbai and Nagpur, will embark for Haj.

On July 30, pilgrims from Ranchi, on August 1 pilgrims from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Cochin, Hyderabad and Jaipur, and on August 3, pilgrims from Bhopal, will embark for Haj.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Saturday took to micro-blogging platform Twitter to say that his father and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi lived and died in the service of India and the thought process of a fictional character of a web series could never change that.

Gandhi was referring to the recent complaints that were lodged against popular streaming platform Netflix, Nawazudding Siddiqui and the producers of the series Sacred Games for insulting Rajiv Gandhi.

"BJP/RSS believe the freedom of expression must be policed & controlled. I believe this freedom is a fundamental democratic right. My father lived and died in the service of India and that the views of a character on a fictional web series can never change that," he tweeted.

BJP/RSS believe the freedom of expression must be policed & controlled. I believe this freedom is a fundamental democratic right.



My father lived and died in the service of India. The views of a character on a fictional web series can never change that.#SacredGames  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 14, 2018

The complaint was filed by Suresh Shyamal Gupta, the President of Youth Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), Mumbai.

"I would like to draw your attention towards a serial called 'Sacred Games' which has started on Netflix contains a scene from the fourth episode in which the lead actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui is seen abusing our late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and calling him Fattu (p**** as translated in the subtitle of the show)," he had said.

Gupta in his complaint had also stated about how the show disregarded the decision of Parliament on Shah Bano Case.

"Hence, I request you to consider this as my formal complaint and lodge an FIR against Netflix, production house, actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, director Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane and the producer of 'Sacred Games' under appropriate sections of IT Act and Indian Penal Code," he had demanded.

On Tuesday, a Congress activist in West Bengal lodged a police complaint against actor Nawazuddin and the makers of the series for insulting and abusing Rajiv Gandhi.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

A new book introduces kids into discussions around difficult childhood experiences and addresses issues like grief and healing.

The picture book "The Ammuchi Puchi" is a gentle bittersweet story of love, loss and hope by Sharanya Manivannan with illustrations by Nerina Canzi.

The author says "The Ammuchi Puchi" was written to help children deal with the loss of a beloved grandparent. Aditya and Anjali lose their grandmother and find themselves consoled by nature.

"It's a book about grief, the supernatural, eternal love and the power of the imagination. Additionally, 'The Ammuchi Puchi' features distinctly South Indian landscapes including a grandmother who chews betelnut and tells ghost stories so many kids reading it will see themselves and their culture in it, and this will positively impact their sense of self in the world," she says.

Published by Puffin (Penguin Random House India), "The Ammuchi Puchi" is billed as a must have for every family to explain the concept of death and bereavement to young ones, as well as coming to terms with losing a loved one.

The story is about Aditya and Anjali and their grandmother Aamuchi. The two kids love listening to their grandmother's stories, particularly the scary one about the ghost in the tree. But the night their grandmother passes away, all her stories seem to lose their meaning
Mumbai:

A GoAir flight from Mumbai to Delhi with 173 passengers on board was diverted to Amritsar due to ATC congestion on Saturday delaying its arrival in Delhi by nearly three-and-a-half hours.

Flight G8 465 was scheduled to depart from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport here at 12.05 PM, but it took off at 12.20 PM.

Its scheduled arrival in New Delhi was 2.20 PM.

However, the flight was diverted to Amritsar where it landed at 3 PM. We remained seated in the aircraft till it took off for New Delhi at 4.57 PM, said a woman passenger who was travelling to Delhi to attend a family function.

Since 3 PM we remained stuck in the aircraft...We had left home at 10 AM. But there was nothing to eat in the aircraft and we had to depend only on a cup of noodles, she added.

When contacted, a GoAir official said the flight was diverted to Amritsar due to ATC congestion in New Delhi.

As per the woman passenger, the flight finally landed at its destination at 5.57 PM.
The Border Security Force has scoffed two intruders along the Pakistan border in the Ferozepur district of Punjab while they were trying to cross the international border. An official statement said the BSF troops challenged the intruders but as they did not pay any attention to repeated warnings and continued to move towards the Indian side, they were fired upon by the BSF troops in which two intruders were shot down.

The BSF troops deployed at Ferozepur in Punjab on July 30 night discovered the suspicious movement of intruders creeping inside Indian territory. The BSF troops challenged them to stop, but the intruders did not pay any heed to repeated warnings and continued to move towards the Indian side in an attempt to cross the border fence. Subsequently, they were fired upon by the BSF troops during which 2 intruders were shot down, said the statement.

The incident took place at Thehkelan (Amarkot) area of Ferozepur and a detailed search was in progress, the statement added.

Kerala: Air India Express flight makes emergency landing in Thiruvananthapuram

Sidharth Malhotra wishes Kiara Advani a happy birthday in this romantic manner

Tokyo Olympics: Vandana Kataria creates history, became first player to score hat-trick goal
New Delhi: Underworld Don Chhota Rajan has been discharged from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the national capital. Chhota Rajan has returned to his second home Tihar jail after being discharged from the hospital. Chhota Rajan was admitted to the AIIMS on Tuesday after complaining of a stomach ache. Officials have informed in this regard on Saturday.

Officials said 61-year-old Rajan was discharged from the hospital on Friday evening after treatment. Director General (Delhi Jail) Sandeep Goel informed that Rajan has been discharged from AIIMS and has now returned to jail. Rajan was admitted to the hospital in April after he was also found positive for coronavirus. He was brought to jail after recovering from the infection. Rajan, who was arrested in Indonesia after his extradition from Bali in 2015, has been lodged in a high-security prison.

Just a few days ago, a Special Court in Mumbai accepted the 'closure' report filed by the CBI against jailed mafia don Chhota Rajan in a 2001 shooting case against builder and film financier Yusuf Lakdwala. The report is filed when an investigating agency feels that it does not have enough evidence to take action against the accused.

India returns after Sri Lanka tour, these players not allowed to travel!

Centre agrees to supply 1 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses to Karnataka: CM Bommai

Amit Shah to visit UP tomorrow to lay foundation stone and dedicate several schemes
Rachakonda: The cybercrime wing of Rachakonda police on Friday arrested Tara Bahadur of Nepal, from Delhi and brought him here on prisoner transit warrant and remanded him to judicial custody. According to the police, the accused person created fake profiles of Europeans with intent to cheat gullible people by promising high returns on investments.

He pretended to be an investment banker from a top-notch bank in Europe and by creating the fake profiles he cheated many users. "Bahadur came to India in 2018 and stayed in Delhi while working at a travel agency.

He came across many foreigners who lured him to commit cybercrime. Fascinated with the idea, he committed such crimes," said the police. He was charged under Sections 417, 419 and 420 of IPC and Section 66 (C&D) of IT Act and sent to judicial custody.

Bihar: Man gets death sentence for rape and murder of 10-year-old child

'Justice' of people on suspicion of murder of husband, did this with wife by tying her to a pillar!

Chhatarpur: 13-year-old kid ends life after losing Rs 40,000 in online game
Islamabad: Amid rising bloodbath in neighbouring Afghanistan -- Pakistan, China, Russia and the US will be meeting in Doha on August 11, to discuss the security situation there and deliberate on ways to prohibit the Himalayan South Asian nation from plunging into yet another civil war.

The 'Troika Plus" meeting in Doha holds great significance as Afghan Talibans continue to make major inroads and take control of parts of Afghanistan, since the start of the US and NATO forces' withdrawal. Since the foreign forces have started exiting Afghanistan, the Asrhaf Ghani government is facing stiff resistance from the Afghan Taliban, who have been claiming control of many districts and provinces of the country. The Troika Plus meeting is also important as the US is keen to have China and Russia on board on the situation in Afghanistan, despite having serious concerns against China.

notably, Russia and China, have strongly criticized the US for opting to a hasty withdrawal, blaming the Americans for failing to bring peace in Afghanistan. Moreover, Pakistan has also made it clear that it will neither be providing its ground bases or airspace to the US forces to operate in Afghanistan. Islamabad has also asserted that the country will not be part of any future conflict in Afghanistan.

Chicago mandates indoor mask wearing for people over 2 years

WHO warns action to suppress Covid before more deadly variants emerge

President of Uganda directs military to oversee COVID screening at International airport
Bangkok: Thailand is considering reopening the country in mid October is going ahead despite a surge in Covid-19 infections, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said. He said, "The plan is still there. We have been trying every way to clean up our country, though the virus is still around. We hope in the coming few months we can welcome our old friends," Anutin, who is also the Health Minister, said on Friday.

There have been calls for the suspension of the campaign, although the tourism industry remains a lifeline for many people of Thailand. To curb the spread of infections, Phuket City will ban travel from the rest of the country to the resort island from August 3 to 16, but overseas visitors will not be banned. The Deputy Prime Minister said the authorities are well prepared and confident to solve the problems that could occur in the Phuket Sandbox campaign. The campaign was launched on July 1, allowing fully vaccinated tourists to move freely on the island with no quarantine upon arrival.

The Deputy Prime Minister urged the people to take vaccines as soon as possible. "Regardless of any reason, having vaccines is far better than not." On Friday, Thailand reported 17,345 new cases and 117 additional fatalities, raising the total number of infections to 578,375 and the cumulative deaths to 4,679.

Bulgaria: President asks anti-elite ITN party to form new govt

Thailand's economic growth weighs on rising Covid-19 outbreak

National museum in Iraq to reopen after recovery of looted artefacts
(Adds State Department comment; adds WASHINGTON to dateline)

By Jake Spring and Valerie Volcovici

BRASILIA/WASHINGTON, July 30 (Reuters) - Brazilian state governors met with U.S. climate envoy John Kerry on Friday, sidestepping their country's president, Jair Bolsonaro, in the first of several meetings with foreign powers to request funding for conservation projects aimed at combating climate change.

Bolsonaro has rolled back environmental enforcement and called for construction on protected areas since taking office in 2019, contributing to a surge in deforestation and wildfires in the Amazon rainforest and other biomes seen as critical to curbing climate change.

Seven state leaders from the Governors for Climate alliance presented a list of projects to Kerry in the virtual meeting, according to statements from governors following the meeting.

Kerry discussed how the U.S. can support Brazil's efforts to fight illegal deforestation, its programs to mitigate climate change and its goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, a State Department spokesperson said.

The meeting comes after at least 23 state governors in the alliance sent a letter to U.S. President Joe Biden in April signaling a desire to cooperate on sustainability initiatives in light of the "climate emergency."

The projects could be executed in two to six years and create more than 150,000 green jobs, although the total investment required has yet to be determined, the Espirito Santo state government said in a statement. The projects are located across Brazil and not confined to the Amazon region.

Flavio Dino, the left-wing governor of Maranhao who represented the Amazon states in the meeting, told Reuters that he had requested support for the region's Green Recovery Plan, unveiled earlier this month. That plan seeks to spend 1.5 billion reais ($287.75 million) to curb destruction and promote sustainable development.

"Of course, the role of the states increases if the federal government doesn't do its job," Dino said. "Brazil being in the supposed position of environmental villain, or a place open to environmental crime, isn't good for anyone."

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Bolsonaro's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Dino said that Kerry was friendly throughout, even when he expressed concerns about the continued rise in deforestation in 2021.

Espirito Santo Governor Renato Casagrande said in an online broadcast following the meeting with Kerry that the governors would next hold technical-level meetings with Kerry's team on possible cooperation.

Governors for Climate is also seeking to meet with China, the European Union and other international organizations, according to the Espirito Santo government. ($1 = 5.2128 reais)

(Reporting by Jake Spring; Additional reporting by Eduardo Simoes in Sao Paulo and Valerie Volcovici in Washington; Editing by Aurora Ellis and Leslie Adler)
RADNOR, Pa., July 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP reminds investors that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has been filed against Kanzhun Limited (NASDAQ: BZ) ("Kanzhun") on behalf of those who purchased or acquired Kanzhun securities between June 11, 2021 and July 2, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period").

KTMC Logo (PRNewsfoto/Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP)

Deadline Reminder: Investors who purchased or acquired Kanzhun securities during the Class Period may, no later than September 10, 2021 , seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class. For additional information or to learn how to participate in this litigation please contact Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP: James Maro, Esq. (484) 270-1453; toll free at (844) 887-9500; via e-mail at info@ktmc.com; or click https://www.ktmc.com/kanzhun-limited-class-action-lawsuit?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=kanzhun

Kanzhun operates an online recruitment platform, BOSS Zhipin, which is a mobile-native product that promotes instant direct chats between employers and job seekers, delivers matching results, and is powered by proprietary artificial intelligence algorithms and big data insights.

On June 23, 2021, Kanzhun filed its final prospectus for its IPO on a Form 424B4, which forms part of the Registration Statement. In the IPO, Kanzhun sold approximately 48,000,000 American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") at $19.00 per ADS.

The complaint alleges that the Registration Statement failed to reveal the Cyberspace Administration of China's ("CAC") positions and discussions with Kanzhun regarding its data security and cybersecurity issues.

The truth was revealed on July 5, 2021, when Kanzhun issued a press release entitled "KANZHUN LIMITED Announces Cybersecurity Review in China" which announced, in part, that Kanzhun "is subject to cybersecurity review by the [CAC]. During the review period, 'BOSS Zhipin' app is required to suspend new user registration in China to facilitate the process."

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Following this news, Kanzhun's ADS price fell $5.79 per ADS, or 15%, to close at $30.52 per ADS on July 6, 2021, the next trading day.

The complaint alleges that in the Registration Statement and throughout the Class Period, the defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Kanzhun would face an imminent cybersecurity review by the CAC; (2) the CAC would require Kanzhun to suspend new user registration on its BOSS Zhipin app; (3) Kanzhun needed "to conduct a comprehensive examination of cybersecurity risks"; (4) Kanzhun needed to "enhance its cybersecurity awareness and technology capabilities"; and (5) as a result, the defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

Kanzhun investors may, no later than September 10, 2021 , seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. In order to be appointed as a lead plaintiff, the Court must determine that the class member's claim is typical of the claims of other class members, and that the class member will adequately represent the class. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country involving securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duties and other violations of state and federal law. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP is a driving force behind corporate governance reform, and has recovered billions of dollars on behalf of institutional and individual investors from the United States and around the world. The firm represents investors, consumers and whistleblowers (private citizens who report fraudulent practices against the government and share in the recovery of government dollars). The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit www.ktmc.com.

CONTACT:

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP

James Maro, Jr., Esq.

280 King of Prussia Road

Radnor, PA 19087

(844) 887-9500 (toll free)

info@ktmc.com

Cision

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SOURCE Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
You've all seen the iconic picture of the US astronaut riding gracefully upon his NASA-built MODOK chair. That astronaut was Bruce McCandless II, Houstons capsule communicator during the moon landing mission, Challenger crew member, and the driving force behind America's ability to conduct operations outside of the stuffy confines of space shuttles and international stations. Without McCandless, there's no guarantee the US would have EVA capabilities today. Wonders All Around, exhaustively researched and written by McCandless's son, Bruce III, explores McCandless the elder's trials and tribulations during NASA's formative years and his laser-focus on enabling astronauts to zip through space unencumbered by the mass of their ships.

Wonders All Around cover

Copyright @ 20201 Bruce McCandless III. Published by Greenleaf Book Group Press. Distributed by Greenleaf Book Group. Design and composition by Greenleaf Book Group and Kimberly Lance. Cover design by Greenleaf Book Group, Shaun Venish, and Kimberly Lance. Cover image courtesy of NASA, photographed by Robert L. "Hoot" Gibson

In his long leaden days of waiting for a spaceflight, my dad found the route to redemption on the back of an aging cartoon character. From the afternoon in December 1966 that he first tried out the Manned Maneuvering Unit in a Martin Marietta simulator, he was hooked on a vision of a gas-propelled jetpack that would allow astronauts to operate outside their spacecraft. This vision had an obvious pop-culture antecedent. In the 1920s a comic-strip character named Buck Rogers  a rock-jawed, All-American World War I veteran  succumbed to the effects of a mysterious gas he encountered while working as a mine inspector. He fell into a deep sleep and woke after five centuries of slumber to a strange new world of spaceships, ray guns, and Asian over-lords. Though he initially traveled this new world via an antigravity belt, a device that allowed him and his best gal, Wilma, to leap great distances at a time, Buck eventually acquired a svelte and evidently omnidirectional jetpack. He eventually ventured into space in an adventure called Tiger Men from Mars, and his exploits in the cosmos changed Americas vision of the future forever. Millions followed Bucks adventures in the funnies, on radio, and in movie serials. Among Bucks imitators and spiritual heirs are Flash Gordon, Brick Bradford, John Carter of Mars, and Han Solo.

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A host of talented men and women spent significant amounts of time and money to wrestle that jetpack out of the funny papers and into the space shuttle. None worked harder, though, than Bruce McCandless and his chief collaborator, an Auburn-educated engineer and Air Force officer named Charles Edward (Ed) Whitsett, Jr. Whitsett was a pale, bespectacled individual, mild-mannered but tenacious. He had a head start on my father. Hed been thinking and writing about jetpack technology as early as 1962. In a sense, he was trying to solve a problem that didnt exist yet: Namely, how could an astronaut venture outside his or her spaceship and perform constructive tasks in an environment with no oxygen, with extreme temperature fluctuations, and in an orbital free fall that would leave the spacefarer lolling in the practical equivalent of zero gravity? Alexei Leonov of the Soviet Union and American Ed White had proven that extravehicular activity was possible, that men could survive outside of their space capsule, but basically all theyd done was float. How could a man move from one part of a spaceship to another, or from one spacecraft to another craft, or from a spacecraft to a satellite, in order to make inspections or repairs? None of these needs really existed in the early sixties, when the programs of both nations were still just trying to fire tin cans into low Earth orbit and predict, more or less, where they would come back down. But clearly the needs would eventually arise, and various methods were proposed to address them.

In the mid-sixties, the Air Force assigned Whitsett to NASA to supervise development of the Air Forces Astronaut Maneuvering Unit. Gene Cernans failed test flight of the AMU on Gemini 9 in 1966  the space-walk from hell, as Cernan called it  set the jetpack project back, but it never went away. McCandless, Whitsett, and a NASA engineer named Dave Schultz worked quietly but assiduously to keep the dream alive. They enlarged and improved the AMU all through the latter half of the decade and into the seventies. In the Forgotten Astronauts wire story that portrayed him as a washout in 1973, my dad mentioned the reason why he wanted to stay in the manned space program despite not having won a crew assignment on either Apollo or Skylab. McCandless, said the article, has helped develop the M509 experimental maneuvering unit. The Skylab astronauts strap it on like a backpack and propel themselves Buck Rogers  like around the Skylab interior. [He] wants to build a larger operational unit to perform space chores outside the shuttle. And thats exactly what he did.

Though the Skylab M509 tests in 1973 and 1974 were a resounding success, resulting in the triumph of the jetpack concept over both rocket boots and the handheld maneuvering unit, Whitsett and McCandless didnt rest on their laurels. Over the next several years, using whatever time and funding they could scrape together, the team made multiple upgrades  eleven, by one count  to what was now being called the manned maneuvering unit, or MMU. The bulbous nitrogen-gas fuel tank of the ASMU was replaced with two streamlined aluminum tanks in the rear of the unit, each of which was wrapped in Kevlar. The number of propulsion nozzles was increased from fourteen to twenty-four, positioned around the jetpack to allow for six-degrees-of-freedom precision maneuvering. Smaller gyroscopes replaced those used on the ASMU, and, as space historian Andrew Chaikin has noted, the ASMUs pistol-grip hand controllers, which were tiring to operate in pressurized space suit gloves, were replaced by small T-handles that needed just a nudge of the fingertips. The MMUs new arm units were made to be adjustable, to accommodate astronauts of all sizes. Painted white for maximum reflectivity, the unit was built to survive the 500-degree fluctuation in temperatures (from a high of 250 degrees F to a low of minus 250 F!) that an astronaut might encounter in space.

By 1980 the machine weighed in at 326 pounds. Like the AMU and the ASMU before it, the MMU was designed to fit with or over the astronauts pressure suit. Shuttle astronauts wore a newly designed suit called the Extravehicular Maneuvering Unit, or EMU, a two-piece marvel of textile engineering made up of fourteen layers of Nylon ripstop, Gore-Tex, Kevlar, Mylar, and other substances. Power for the jetpacks electronics was supplied by two 16.8-volt silver-zinc batteries. Two motion-control handles  the translational hand controller and the rotational hand controller  were mounted on the units left and right armrests, respectively, and a button activated an attitude-hold mode, which used motion-sensing gyroscopes to direct the firing of the thrusters to maintain an astronauts position in space.

The machine had been tested in every way its designers could imagine. A representative of a local gun club visited Martin Marietta and shot the MMUs nitrogen fuel tank with a .50 caliber bullet to ascertain whether the tank would explode if pierced. (It didn't.) The jetpack was run through hundreds of hours of simulations. At my fathers urging, a gifted and intense Martin Marietta project manager named Bill Bollendonk subjected the device to space-like conditions in the companys thermal vacuum facility. The MMU was no longer a far out experiment, as Mike Collins once called it. It was now a promising space tool. Unfortunately, for the moment, it was still an unused space tool. American astronauts remained on Earth, as NASA struggled to produce its next-generation orbital workhorse, the space shuttle.
SEATTLE, July 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line took delivery of Rotterdam today, July 30, 2021, officially making it the 11th ship in the fleet. A handover ceremony took place at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard in Italy the evening of July 29.

Holland America Line Standard Photo/Logo

Holland America Line takes delivery of its newest ship, Rotterdam, making it the 11th ship in its fleet.

Click to tweet: .@HALcruises takes delivery of #Rotterdam from @Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. Milestone marked with handover ceremony and intimate celebratory event. New Pinnacle Class ship is 7th to bear the name Rotterdam for Holland America Line.

The ceremony was attended by the ship's master, Captain Werner Timmers, and Cyril Tatar, Holland America Group's vice president of newbuilding services. Giuseppe Bono, CEO, Fincantieri, and several other executives also attended. Video congratulations were extended by Jan Swartz, president of Holland America Group, and Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line.

"Rotterdam looks stunning and will certainly live up to bearing such an iconic name as the new flagship of our fleet, carrying on a tradition of excellence that our guests have loved for nearly 150 years," said Antorcha. "Thank you to our partners at Fincantieri and our own team members who worked tirelessly to deliver the ship on schedule during what has been the most challenging of times, and also deliver a ship that looks beautiful, is immaculately finished and will be an incredible addition to our brand. We cannot wait to welcome guests on board later this fall."

Upon delivery, Rotterdam will remain in non-guest operations until its transatlantic crossing Oct. 20, 2021, from Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where it will then begin its maiden season in the Caribbean. Naming details have not been finalized and will be announced at a later date.

About Rotterdam

The third vessel in the Pinnacle Class series and the seventh ship to bear the name for Holland America Line, Rotterdam will carry 2,668 guests and feature highly successful amenities and innovations introduced with her sister ships. Throughout the ship, Rotterdam will showcase Holland America Line hallmarks that drive one of the highest guest repeat rates in the industry: exquisite cuisine guided by seven of the world's leading chefs; gracious, award-winning service; and superbly appointed staterooms and suites, including family and single accommodations.

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Rotterdam delivers the best live music at sea with an exclusive collection of world-class performances nightly at Rolling Stone Rock Room with classic rock hits; Lincoln Center Stage, offering chamber music; Billboard Onboard, where live musicians entertain the crowd with chart-topping hits; and the popular B.B. King's Blues Club, bringing the best of Memphis music to sea. With the 270-degree LED projection at World Stage, Rotterdam will immerse guests in panoramic visual and sound effects.

In addition to the impressive Dining Room, guests will delight in specialty restaurants Rudi's Sel de Mer, a French seafood brasserie; Tamarind, exploring traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan; Nami Sushi with tasty sushi and Asian spirits; Pinnacle Grill, the ultimate steakhouse at sea; Canaletto with family-style Italian dining; and Club Orange exclusively for guests in the Club Orange program.

Additional culinary venues include Grand Dutch Cafe featuring traditional Dutch coffee and treats and European beer; Dive-In, serving up gourmet burgers and fries poolside; New York Deli and Pizza, offering made-to-order sandwiches and pies; and Lido Market, with themed serving stations that revolutionize the buffet experience.

The History of the Name Rotterdam

Holland America Line's first ship was Rotterdam, which sailed its maiden voyage from the Netherlands to New York on Oct. 15, 1872, and led to the founding of the company on April 18, 1873. Rotterdam II was built in 1878 for British Ship Owners Co. and purchased by Holland America Line in 1886. Rotterdam III came along in 1897 and was with the company until 1906. The fourth Rotterdam joined the fleet in 1908 and also served as a troop carrier when World War I ended. Following the war it made regular cruises from New York to the Mediterranean.

Rotterdam V, also known as "The Grande Dame," set sail in 1959 and began sailing transatlantic crossings with two classes of service. It later converted to a one-class ship in 1969. She sailed with Holland America Line for 38 years until 1997, including several Grand World Voyages, and currently is a hotel and museum in the city of Rotterdam. Rotterdam VI, the most recent to cruise for Holland America Line, was introduced in 1997 as the first ship in the R Class.

Rotterdam VII is the 17th ship constructed for the brand by Italian shipyard Fincantieri.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the home page at hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]

Holland America Line has been exploring the world since 1873 and was the first cruise line to offer adventures to Alaska and the Yukon more than 70 years ago. Its fleet of premium ships visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world, offering an ideal mid-sized ship experience. A third Pinnacle-class ship, Rotterdam, is under construction and will join the fleet in July 2021.

The leader in premium cruising, Holland America Line's ships feature innovative initiatives and a diverse range of enriching experiences focused on destination exploration and personalized travel. The best live music at sea fills each evening at Music Walk, and dining venues feature exclusive selections from Holland America Line's esteemed Culinary Council of world-famous chefs.

In light of COVID-19, Holland America Line is currently enhancing health and safety protocols and how they may impact future cruises. Our actual offerings may vary from what is displayed or described in marketing materials. Review our current Cruise Updates , Health & Safety Protocols and CDC Travel Advisories.

CONTACT: Erik Elvejord PHONE: 800-637-5029, 206-626-9890 EMAIL: pr@hollandamerica.com

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SOURCE Holland America Line
Storyful

A Detroit Police officer was filmed punching a man in the face in the citys Greektown area in the early morning hours of Sunday, August 1.Video filmed by Jesus Reason at approximately 1:20 am local time shows a man standing in the street and talking to police officers before one of the officers punches him in the face, knocking him to the ground.In a statement to Storyful, police said, The Detroit Police Department was made aware, via social media, of an allegation of excessive force in Greektown. Internal Affairs is reviewing the circumstances surrounding this allegation. DPD is committed to remaining transparent throughout this process and will provide updates to the community and our media partners as soon as practicable.Second Deputy Chief Rudy Harper told Storyful that the department received video from a civilian showing what appears to be officers assaulted before the punch. The man who was punched is also seen confronting officers in this video. Storyful has not verified the time this footage was filmed.Harper told Storyful police were in the area because, Its an entertainment district in the city that has been troubled for years. Our interim chief has deployed an aggressive 5-point crowd control plan across the city, Harper said. Credit: Jesus Reason via Storyful
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / July 30, 2021 / Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Tarena International, Inc. ("Tarena" or the "Company") (NASDAQ:TEDU). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether Tarena and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On April 30, 2019, Tarena filed a Form NT 20-F Notification of inability to timely file a Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The Company stated that the delay in filing the Form 20-F was due, in part, to, "the independent audit committee of the registrant's board of directors...conducting a review of certain issues identified during the course of the audit of the registrant's financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018, including issues related to the registrant's revenue recognition."

On this news, Tarena's American depositary share ("ADS") price fell $0.06 per ADS, or 1.2%, to close at $5.02 per ADS on May 1, 2019.

Then, on May 17, 2019, Tarena filed a Form 6-K with the SEC announcing that it "received a notification letter from Nasdaq Listing Qualifications [...] stating that the Company was not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) due to its failure to timely file its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2018."

On this news, Tarena's ADS price fell $0.19 per ADS, or 4.8%, to close at $3.73 per ADS on May 20, 2019.

On July 24, 2019, Tarena filed a Form 6-K with the SEC providing an update on the audit committee's independent review of the Company's financial statements, stating in relevant part that the Company "expects that its historical disclosure of its financial results and audited financial statements for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, as well as the financial results and audited financial statements for periods prior to 2017, may need to be restated and should not be relied upon, pending the completion of the Independent Audit Committee Review."

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On this news, Tarena's ADS price fell $0.08 per ADS, or 4.7%, to close at $1.63 per ADS on July 25, 2019.

Finally, on November 1, 2019, Tarena filed a Form 6-K announcing results of its independent investigation, in which Tarena disclosed, among other things, that the investigation had revealed inaccuracies in the Company's revenues and expenses, conflicts of interest and related party transactions, and interference with external audit processes. Accordingly, Tarena advised that its financial statements from 2014 through 2018 could not be relied upon and would need to be restated.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/657884/SHAREHOLDER-ALERT-Pomerantz-Law-Firm-Investigates-Claims-On-Behalf-of-Investors-of-Tarena-International-Inc--TEDU




The mission of the grant program seems similar to the countys attempts to highlight the role the former school for Black students played in desegregation. When Virginia refused to integrate schools, Black families in King George sued for the county to build a separate-but-equal facility. Their actions brought about the 1949 opening of the high school, which served the countys Black students until 1968.

The building was used for other purposes before it closed in 1998, and in recent years, its leaky roof has caused several problems, including mold.

Funds from the park service grant will be used to replace the roof and either replace or repair any damaged and deteriorated roof decks and overhangs. The grant also will cover the disposal of rooftop HVAC units and mechanical equipment, according to the application, as well as plans to mitigate any hazardous materials in the building.

While preserving the school is a testament to how far we have come as a community state, and nation, according to the countys press release, finding the funds to stabilize the deteriorating building has been difficult. The county has entered into several partnerships with private entities, only to see efforts stall or fail, Supervisor Jeff Bueche said in June.

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Camping is legal again in Spotsylvania County.

County supervisors unanimously approved amendments last week to a 1980s ordinance that outlawed camping in the county, except at campgrounds.

The amendments allow temporary camping in the county and give property owners the authority to camp on their land or approve camping for others for up to 14 days before having to apply for a sewage pump-and-haul permit.

Earlier this year, the Planning Commission recommended striking the ordinance entirely, thereby defaulting to state camping regulations.

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The supervisors later learned from county staff that striking the ordinance would not reverse the ban on camping, something the Planning Commission did not know. The supervisors sent the issue back to the commission, which recently supported approval of the amendments.

At its meeting Tuesday, the board also addressed proposed parking changes for new mixed-use and multi-family developments.

Fire and rescue departments brought up the issue earlier this year, pointing out troubles navigating townhouse, apartment complexes and newer mixed-use developments, which incorporate residential and commercial space together.
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  Alaska Native artist Rico Worl said he jumped at the chance to create for the U.S. Postal Service a stamp he hopes will be a gateway for people to learn about his Tlingit culture.
But Anderson argued party leaders shouldn't let Republican opposition slow them down. "Republicans didn't want to work across the aisle time and time again," she said of recent years. "If we're going to continue to move in a direction that helps the many instead of the few, Democrats are going to have to push."

Despite the strong approval for Biden and two-thirds of Democrats saying the country is headed in the right direction, the poll finds 53% of Democrats say they are pessimistic about U.S. politics generally. Just 27% say they are optimistic, while another 19% hold neither view.

Interviews with Democratic voters show those concerns are rooted in a deep distrust of Republicans, especially in the wake of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol by supporters of then-President Donald Trump as Congress convened to certify Biden's victory.

Those Democrats cast the GOP as a threat to democracy. They pointed especially to Republican obstruction of federal election and voting rights bills, the lack of GOP participation in an official inquiry into the Jan. 6 insurrection and the struggle to pass an infrastructure program -- though a bipartisan breakthrough on infrastructure could now be on the cusp of clearing the 50-50 Senate.
To me that seems very reasonable, said Dr. Joseph Kanter, the state health officer of the Louisiana Department of Health. You achieve the goal of providing a safe environment. You maintain some choice in there. And clearly most people are going to look at that and say it make sense for them to get vaccinated, given that context.

The push to vaccinate children varies by country. Half of 12- to 17-year-olds in Estonia's second-largest city of Tartu have received their first vaccine shot, and local health officials are working to push the number to 70% before the school year begins. Countries such as Denmark and France also are actively encouraging vaccination of children, while others such Sweden and the United Kingdom have yet to begin mass vaccinations for those under 18.

The Pfizer shot is currently the only U.S. vaccine authorized for children 12 years and up. Moderna expects the Food and Drug Administration to rule soon on its application for children in the same age group.

Moderna said Monday that it expects to have enough data to apply for FDA authorization for younger children by late this year or early 2022. Pfizer has said it expects to apply in September for children ages 5 through 11.
HERAT, Afghanistan -- Afghan security forces and Taliban militants clashed again on the outskirts of the western Afghan city of Herat on July 31 -- a day after the militant group attempted to storm into the city.



A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi on July 31 that the Taliban's advance on Herat was in response to attacks by government forces and pro-government militia forces on Taliban-held areas nearby.



The governor of Herat Province, Abdul Sabur Qani, said the Taliban had been pushed back from the provincial capital -- echoing statements made to Radio Azadi on July 30 by officials from the Afghanistan Defense and Interior ministries.



Qani said that about 200 Taliban fighters were killed "in air strikes and ground operations" while attempting to advance into the city from the adjacent Guzara district.



"The Taliban had launched attacks on the city from the east and west last night and tried to infiltrate the city," Qani told reporters on July 31. "They were pushed back by the Afghan security and defense forces and the Taliban suffered heavy casualties."



"The Taliban tried to capture Guzara district near Herat city," Qani said. "But Afghan security forces have since retaken it. On the outskirts of the city, where the Taliban are still active, the security forces are fighting them."



"The Taliban also tried to threaten the road leading from the city to Herat Airport and the Guzara district," Qani said. "However, Afghan security forces have cleared the way."



Qani also said pro-government militia fighters led by Herat's powerful factional leader Ismail Khan are fighting against the Taliban alongside Afghan government troops in the Guzara district.



Those who have been fighting against the Taliban for the past two weeks under the command of Ismail Khan are calling themselves "the people's resistance forces."



"We make sure we stand up to the enemy and will not allow the Taliban to enter the city," Ismail Khan told reporters on July 31.



Support from Ismail Khan's forces is seen as vital for the defense of the city. He is an ethnic-Tajik former warlord who rose to power during the Soviet-Afghan war in the 1980s when he commanded a large mujahedin force in western Afghanistan.



His militia fought fiercely against the Taliban during the 1990s. After the collapse of the Taliban regime in 2001, he became the governor of Herat Province and then took a post in the Afghan government as Minister of Energy and Water from 2005 to 2013.



As a politician, he is a key member of the Jamiat-e Islami party -- a mostly ethnic-Tajik political force that includes most of the surviving former Northern Alliance commanders who had fought against the Taliban during the 1990s.

Despite claims by Afghan government officials of heavy Taliban losses, there have been disturbing reports from the battle around Herat city.



The provincial governor's office said in a statement that Abdul Hamid Hamidi, commander of the 1st Brigade of the 207th Zafar Corps, has been killed after being captured by the Taliban.



An Afghan police guard was killed on July 30 in Herat city at the compound of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) when it was attacked by militants firing rocket-propelled grenades and assault rifles.



Although the UN said it was still trying to establish a full account of the assault, the U.S. State Department described the attackers as "anti-government militants."



Meanwhile, a Herat police officer who has been fighting for days against the Taliban in the security belts that surround the city told Radio Azadi that the morale of the city's defenders is being affected by logistics problems.



"For a few days now we have been in the security belts around Herat," police officer Nazir Ahmad told Radio Azadi on July 31. "We have no bread, no water, and no rest. We fight the enemy day and night without bread and water."

In Lashkar Gah, the capital of the southern province of Helmand, heavy fighting was also reported on July 31 between Afghan security forces and Taliban militants who entered parts of the city two days earlier.



A provincial councilor in Helmand, Abdul Majid Abkhundzada, said air strikes hit a private hospital where Taliban fighters were hiding.



But Mohammad Din Narewal, the owner of the 20-bed Afghan Ariana Specialty Hospital, told the Associated Press that the Afghan Air Force had erroneously bombed the building -- killing one person and wounding three.



"There were no Taliban in the hospital," Narewal said. "I was told there had been a mistake because they had been given the wrong information that the Taliban were inside the hospital."



Akhundzada also expressed fears about the ongoing conflict in populated parts of the city, saying "many civilians have been trapped inside the war zone."



Residents of several different neighborhoods of Lashkar Gah reported seeing back-and-forth battles between Taliban and Afghan government troops on July 31.



This story is based on reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Azadi correspondents on the ground in Afghanistan. Their names are being withheld for their protection.
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Partly cloudy early followed by scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High 79F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms. Low 57F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 79F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms. Low 57F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
Developers built tens of thousands of new homes in Colorado's riskiest areas for wildfires over the last decade, while local and state forest officials allowed wildfire protection plans across the state to age to the point they may no longer remain effective.

An analysis by The Gazette shows some of the most vulnerable areas of the state rely on some of the states oldest wildfire protection plans, putting those areas in peril for wildfire devastation.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, over the past decade, more than 2,000 homes, going from about 15,000 to about 17,000 homes, have been built in the top 1% areas of the state most at risk for wildfires, using wildfire burn probability data available from the U.S. Forest Service. At least one-third of those new homes are in areas without a fire mitigation plan updated in the past five years.

In the riskiest 5% of the state, more than 23,000 new homes have been built, bulging from about 100,000 homes to about 123,000. At least 70% of those new homes are in areas with plans that havent been updated in five years or more.

The Colorado State Forest Service, which provides oversight of the local wildfire protection plans, recommends that local officials update the plans at a minimum of every five years to remain effective. But the five-year update is only a recommendation in Colorado and not a requirement.

The fire documents  known officially as Community Wildfire Protection Plans detail evacuation routes, subdivisions in hazardous locations and places where proactive mitigation work should take place. The Gazette found fewer than one out of every six of the 242 wildfire protection plans in Colorado were updated or created in the last five years. Roughly half of the plans are older than 10 years.

Colorados approach differs from that of the state of Idaho, as an example, where counties must update their protection plans at least every five years and where state officials annually review the plans to determine areas eligible for federal grant funding for mitigation work.

The proposal for a cyclical planning process, built on a five-year rotation, is a valuable approach to an ever-changing wildfire risk, wrote a team of researchers headed up by Stephen Miller, a law professor at the University of Idaho, who studied Idahos wildfire protection planning process and reviewed wildfire regulation and incentives in all Idaho cities and counties.

By embracing a cycle of wildfire planning, local communities can feel confident that they have a procedural mechanism in place to continually rethink this evolving risk as their communities also evolve over time, the research team found in 2016.

Updated plans can save lives and property, said Dan Gibbs, executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. Summit County updated its plan in 2016, which Gibbs said helped attract $1 million in federal aid and local funding to clear out defensible protection zones around expensive housing in the Wildernest neighborhood in Silverthorne. That work ended up blunting a wildfire in 2018, saving 2,600 homes and property worth about $1 billion, he said.

I would urge communities to take a hard look at their plans, Gibbs said. These are not something that should just be put on a shelf. Land use decisions can dramatically change a focus area. If you put in a new neighborhood, should that be incorporated into wildfire planning? You bet it should. These plans are living, breathing documents that need to be updated regularly.

The local wildfire mitigation plans have grown old and languished even as wildfire perils have become riskier and more acute in Colorado as climate change continues to exacerbate and create persistent drought condition, according to one key state planning document. Large swaths of dense forest land in Colorado have become home to dry, volatile fuels, warns Colorado's State Hazard Mitigation Plan, which guides state planning for the the years 2018 through 2023.

That plan identified wildfire and drought as two of the top three hazards facing communities in the state. And the other top hazard in the state, flooding, often is exacerbated when wildfires destroy natural protective habitats, the document states.

From 1984 through 2017, wildfires caused more than $1.3 billion in insured dollar losses, with the amount of those losses increasing dramatically since 2010, according to the planning document. Last year, three of the largest wildfires in the states history burned over 600,000 acres in some of the states most pristine watersheds and iconic areas, including Glenwood Canyon and treasured forested mountain landscapes.

Such losses prompted the state legislature to pass a $29.8 million wildfire-mitigation package this year that Gov. Polis signed into law amid concerns Colorados conditions have progressed so severely that the state no longer has wildfire seasons, but instead faces a year-round wildfire threat, where mega-fires can occur from spring through late fall.

The legislation, SB21-258, will boost grants the state can make available for local mitigation work and also provide funding to the Colorado State Forest Service to help local communities and fire districts update their wildfire protection plans. The legislation also included $200,000 for the Colorado Department of Natural Resources to work with federal officials to develop a statewide wildfire risk assessment that will determine where mitigation work is most needed.

Despite the worsening wildfire conditions in Colorado, The Gazette found more than 20 instances where officials allowed protection plans to become outdated in high-risk areas despite significant growth in housing in the areas those protection plans cover. The analysis found areas in Jefferson, Douglas, Teller and El Paso counties among those most at risk due to wildfire probability, significant growth in housing and outdated planning.

Teller County, which claims to have created the first wildfire protection plan in the state in 2005, last completed an update in 2011 and is currently updating its wildfire mitigation document. Jefferson Countys plan, which is also is being updated, dates back to 2012. El Pasos plan is more than nine years old. And Douglas Countys, which also is being revised, was created in 2011.

All those counties have local municipalities and local fire protection districts within their borders that also have outdated wildfire protection plans, some of which are at least 14 years old.

Kevin Michalak, the fire management officer for the Jefferson County Emergency Management System, said he was surprised when he was hired for his position in February to discover the countys wildfire protection plan was so old. He immediately pushed for an update, which he predicted will take more than a year to complete.

It was the first thing on my list, he said.

With the amount of people moving in the areas, things have changed with population density and what areas we were looking at before as opposed to now, Michalak said.

He said he worries whether evacuation routes can handle all the population growth.

One area of concern for the Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District, which also is updating its 2007 fire protection plan, is an aging population, said Daniel Hatlestad, the battalion chief for the mostly volunteer fire department located in Jefferson County. He said mitigation work is mostly done by residents, who chop down overgrown trees and brush on their own for fire crews to collect.

The need for mitigation is never ending, Hatlestad said.

Douglas County's plan is so old the software used to model risk areas when the plan was created in 2011 no longer works, which has complicated the work on updating the plan, said Jill Welle, the senior wildfire mitigation specialist for Douglas County.

"You don't just snap your fingers and click on Google and have the mapping come up," she said. New homes have gone up in Douglas County and forested areas have dried out and become major risks since the creation of the county's plan in 2011, but officials still are addressing needs, she said.

Just because a protection plan is outdated doesnt mean mitigation work isnt underway, said Randal Johnson, the fire marshal for the Larkspur Fire Protection District, which covers about 109 square miles in Douglas County.

Local officials in Douglas County, despite old plans, still successfully snagged grant money to treat and clear Douglas fir trees vulnerable to wildfire due to Tussock moth larvae destruction, which struck forested areas in 2014 and 2015, Johnson said. But the work underway will address only a few hundred acres of the tree devastation, he said, and more than 8,000 acres of trees in the area, mostly in Pike National Forest, have been damaged and become a potential fire hazard material.

The Perry Park community, where Johnson lives, which is covered by the Larkspur Fire Protection District, is among the 1% riskiest areas of the state for wildfires, according to the federal data analyzed by The Gazette. But Perry Parks community wildfire protection plan hasnt been updated since 2007 despite hundreds of new homes going up in the area, Johnson said, and many of the new residents come from areas of the nation unfamiliar with wildfire risks. He recalled how Perry Park residents had to evacuate when wildfires raged nearby in 2002 and said he hopes people will be prepared when wildfires inevitably flare again.

We've had people come in and move here and try to landscape the same as they would a suburban area, he lamented. To do it right, you need to have a five- to six-foot wide non-combustible zone perimeter around the house.

In Teller County, the fire risk is driven not only by population growth and dense forests, but by the 15,000 to 20,000 campers and visitors that come on weekends and holidays and leave campfires smoldering, said Don Angell, director of the Office of Emergency Management. Teller County has an out-of-date community wildfire protection plan, last updated in 2011, a document it is updating now. But its also organized other efforts to address fire risk.

For example, crews go out after every weekend and holiday to look for and put out fires that werent properly extinguished with water or dirt. After the 4th of July weekend, crews led by fire protection districts put out 20 smoldering campfires to make sure they didnt grow into an uncontrollable blaze, Angell said.

Some of the fires are built with just a few rocks around them instead of within a proper fire pit, making it easy for them to jump out, Four Mile Fire Protection District Chief Jay Teague said. The crews also find fires are started on large vacant lots within subdivisions by campers who own or are renting the property, he said.

Those fires could easily grow into a raging blaze within the 65-square-miles of the Four Mile district south of Florissant and northwest of Cripple Creek that is considered the driest part of Teller County, he said.

We are seeing more and more trees that are unhealthy and starting to die off, he said.

In addition, some subdivisions in the Four Mile district only have one access road, an issue the Office of Emergency Management is trying to address throughout the county, Angell said.

It just makes them all high risk, Teague said.

To help address the needs in the district, Teague has worked hard to build his department. While it can only afford a handful of paid staff, the department has recruited more than 60 volunteers, up from about six a year and half ago.

What Ive focused on is making the fire department the social heartbeat of our community, he said.

The district holds concerts and events to help get people involved and interested in its work, he said.

He is also trying to encourage subdivisions to write their own wildfire protection plans and start groups to organize mitigation efforts, he said.

But even organized neighborhoods can face challenges with fire mitigation and prevention.

The Bear Trap Ranch subdivision, also in Teller County, posts signs informing residents of the fire danger at the entrances and discusses the risk at quarterly meetings, said Victoria Carnahan, president of the landowners association.

Still, only about half the property owners mitigate their 20-acre lots in the heavily wooded area, she said. Part-time residents tend to be uneducated about the importance of the issue, she said.

We have some that do great, and some do nothing, she said.

Out of the 400 people who live in the subdivision only about 12 to 15 volunteers are available to help keep areas of neighborhood interest, such as the land alongside roads, trimmed back to help mitigate fires, she said.

Despite the wildfire risk, Carnahan says she loves her wrap-around view of three mountain ranges, and thats one of the reasons she stays in the remote subdivision with only two roads in.

We lived in the city, and we moved up to the mountains to get away from the city life, to get away from the political issues and have the privacy and be left alone, she said.

The Colorado State Forest Service can help communities and fire districts that want to update their protection plans, some of which exceed 200 pages in length, said Daniel Beveridge, fire fuels and watershed manager and the state forest official who monitors community wildfire plans in Colorado. But he said local control is strong in Colorado, and that residents first contact should be local officials if they fear their area does not have an up-to-date protection plan.

If local residents are interested in seeing to it that these plans are updated and modernized, the best course of action would be for those folks to reach out to their local authorities that are most appropriate when it comes to providing, you know, guidance and direction related to these matters and just simply ask the question, Beveridge said.

In Colorado, local officials saw the state forest services role as so minimal that they didn't even alert the forest service when they updated wildfire protection plans on at least 22 occasions, The Gazettes review found. Even when plans were updated, they often werent done so regularly or consistently.

In contrast, the state of Idaho requires counties to make their community wildfire plans part of their "all-hazard" mitigation plans, which communities are required to file with the Federal Emergency and Management Agency to qualify for certain forms of non-emergency disaster federal aid.

Synchronizing wildfire planning with the all-hazard mitigation process means counties in Idaho are required to update their wildfire protection plans every five years. County and state officials also review the county plans annually to keep proposed mitigation work in the plans on track.

This is the way to help inform the most efficient use of scarce resources, said Tyre Holfeltz, Idahos wildfire risk mitigation program manager, who works with counties in Idaho to ensure they are updating their wildfire protection plans.

He said that within the next two years, all the counties in Idaho will have their plans updated and on the five-year hazard mitigation planning cycle. Idaho officials also review the wildfire protection plans to prioritize areas best suited for grant applications for federal mitigation aid, he said. Holfeltz said he makes sure counties are working on the mitigation projects identified in the wildfire protection plans.

We want to see that these plans are being utilized or implemented, Holfeltz said. Its to show progress. It allows us to go to a check list and see what weve accomplished and add additional work we endeavor to complete.
Why are pork producers constantly trying to overturn laws relating to cruelty to animals? Balk asked. It says something about the pork industry when it seems its business operandi is to lose at the ballot when they try to defend the practices and then when animal cruelty laws are passed, to try to overturn them.

In Iowa, which raises about one-third of the nation's hogs, farmer Dwight Mogler estimates the changes would cost him $3 million and allow room for 250 pigs in a space that now holds 300.

To afford the expense, Mogler said, hed need to earn an extra $20 per pig and so far, processors are offering far less.

The question to us is, if we do these changes, what is the next change going to be in the rules two years, three years, five years ahead? Mogler asked.

The California rules also create a challenge for slaughterhouses, which now may send different cuts of a single hog to locations around the nation and to other countries. Processors will need to design new systems to track California-compliant hogs and separate those premium cuts from standard pork that can serve the rest of the country.
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There was a proposal before the council for the city to contribute financially to the MicroEnterprise program, joining with NIACC and the John Pappajohn Center to develop a job training program for young adults. The city was to contribute $165,000 over a three-year period.

On March 15, the council was to come up with $15,000 to get the ball rolling. Three council members  Max Weaver, Jeff Marsters and Don Nelson -- opposed the plan because they felt NIACC didnt need the citys financial help.

It needed four votes to pass but got only three  from council members Travis Hickey, Scott Tornquist and Janet Solberg.

On May 3, the city came back with the same proposal but for less financial involvement, $9,750 instead of $15,000. The vote was sure to be 3-3  but heres the catch. On financial deals of less than $10,000, the mayor can vote to break the tie. Thats why the city lowered the price. Mayor Eric Bookmeyer was poised to break the tie by voting in favor of it.

Weaver, Nelson and Marsters knew what was going on. So when the new proposal was presented, Weaver stood up, said he had another engagement, and left the room. Marsters and Nelson followed him out, eliminating a quorum. No vote could be taken.
IN PERSON/ONLINE SERVICES

Mount Vernon United Methodist Church now offers in-person services at 10 a.m. each Sunday as well as online worship services every Sunday at mtvernonumc.org or www.facebook.com/MountVernonUMC. These will be held until further notice.

IN-PERSON SERVICES

North New Hope Baptist Church, 123 Old Piney Forest Road, has resume church service beginning at 9:30 a.m. Sunday for Sunday school and 11 a.m. for morning worship. Guidelines set by the state of Virginia will be followed.

Mount Sinai Glorious Church of God, 716 Jefferson St., will hold services in the sanctuary with Sunday school at 10 a.m. and morning worship at 10:30 a.m. Participants are asked to remember a mask and to practice social distancing. The service also will be streamed on Facebook.
Dr. Anthony Fauci and CNN's Chris Cuomo discuss the importance of wearing masks and getting vaccinated as the Delta variant of Covid-19 continues to surge around the US.

More COVID-19 outbreaks in the Pittsylvania-Danville Health District  blamed on the delta variant and mass gatherings  and a recommendation to return to wearing masks even if vaccinated highlight a critical point of the pandemic, health officials say: Its far from over.

An about-face on masks from the Centers for Disease Control this week represented a setback of sorts for vaccinated individuals who thought COVID-19 was in the rear-view mirror. Instead, a fast spreading and more infectious variant of the original novel coronavirus  combined with low vaccination rates  is causing health officials to approach COVID-19 as an ongoing battle that will likely continue to rage.

It is important to understand that the Covid-19 pandemic has not ended (we havent yet returned to normal) and we should approach it with a long-game strategy in mind, Chris Andrews, a epidemiologist with the Pittsylvania-Danville Health District, wrote in a Friday email to the Register & Bee. We must commit to preventing COVID-19 until the matter is resolved.

The emerging concern centers around the delta variant first discovered in India. Even fully vaccinated people can become infected with this strain, Andrews said, but they are less likely to suffer severe illness if they were to become infected, known as a breakthrough case.
Some people questioned these and other comments. For their skepticism they were banned from social media and called spreaders of disinformation, even kooks.

The UK, which has one of the worlds highest vaccination rates in the world, is seeing a surge in COVID cases because of the Delta variant.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett says the Pfizer vaccine is weaker against the Delta variant. This, after we were told  again by experts the drug is effective against this strain. Which is it? No wonder the public is confused.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki says the administration is in regular touch with social media about what they are allowing to be posted on their platforms. President Biden has said that people who spread disinformation were killing people. Is that true?

The government and the heads of social media companies that contributed large amounts of money to the political campaigns of Biden and other Democrats now claim the ability to distinguish between fact and fiction. Given their track record it does not instill confidence for the vast majority who know little more than the so-called experts. How do we know their future statements can be trusted when previous ones have been problematic?
This is complex stuff found in the curriculums of law schools and graduate schools, not in K-12 education, despite the narrative pushed by the right to stir up its white conservative base.

Thursdays presentation featured statistical data on racial disparities in income, wealth and life expectancy, including in Richmond, where residents of Gilpin Court statistically have lives 20 years shorter than residents of Westover Hills.

White people have been sold the idea that anti-racism is a zero-sum game in which they are the losers. The reality is that attacking racism and discrimination benefits everyone. Toward that end, we need to be producing a generation of anti-racists.

During the Q&A, the speakers were asked: Why do you think it is appropriate to have children focus on other childrens race?

I think that the issue is that children are already focusing on other childrens races, Perrin said.
What are valid defenses against eviction?

Tenant believes landlord filed for eviction to retaliate after tenant made a complaint or sought repairs.

Landlord failed to repair problems.

Landlord accepted rent after knowing about lease violations.

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Landlord filed eviction because tenant is domestic violence victim.

Tenant or member of household has a disability.

Landlord failed to provide notice to move as required by lease or the law.

Amount of rent claimed is wrong.

Note: Not being able to pay rent is not a legal defense.

What if one side doesnt show up in court?

If a landlord fails to appear, the case will be dismissed.

If a tenant fails to appear, the case will be decided based only on the landlords version of the facts. The tenant can be ordered evicted and also, in some cases, to pay money owed.

How much time does an evicted tenant have to move?
The North Carolina Zoo has been lucky in that regard  no animals have tested positive for the virus since it reopened to the public last summer.

But there was a scare in July when one of the gorillas began showing signs of an upper respiratory infection. The test came back negative, Minter said, but the entire group ended up catching what turned out to be the common cold.

Minter said he expects to sit down with the animal care teams on staff and make an executive decision on how to roll out the vaccine program. Theyll consider which animals are more exposed to humans  such as otters, where visitors can get close to the edge of their open-air enclosure  and which have some layer of protection  such as sand cats, which sit behind glass.

Theyll also have to work out how to deliver the vaccine.

Minter hopes they can do it through behavioral training without any anesthetics. That means the gorillas and chimpanzees would have to willingly walk up to their keepers to receive the shot.

But he said thats nothing unusual.
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Members and others in the community have flooded social media with stories of a beloved faith leader, including one told by a woman who had faced a difficult pregnancy and Jacobs was right there praying with her as the baby later faced unexpected and life threatening medical issues. Others also wrote about her generosity and how she made them feel loved and accepted.

"A heartbreaking loss for the church and the world," one person wrote of Jacobs, who was also a mom.

It was after a weekend of especially horrific tragedies in October, 2017, including a crash that resulted in the deaths of five people on Battleground Avenue and a shooting massacre in Las Vegas, with at least 55 people dead and more than 500 injured, that the church had offered the community space the following Monday to gather.

She stood and prayed with those who had gathered.

She did that a lot whether those who stood before her were members or not.

While the churchs physical doors were closed by the pandemic, Jacobs continued writing columns that were posted to the churchs website.

They often encouraged others to think about someone else.

My message to each of you is to hold on tight  call, text, email one another, Jacobs wrote earlier this year. Virtually offer love, hope and light during this strange time where, when God created us to be in community, we cannot be.

Contact Nancy McLaughlin at 336-373-7049 and follow @nmclaughlinNR on Twitter.

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BREVARD  Dozens of coronavirus cases across 17 states are now tied to a summer camp in the North Carolina mountains, officials say.

At least 75 positive COVID-19 tests reportedly have been linked to campers or staff members who were at The Wilds Christian Camp and Conference Center from June 28 to July 17.

The news comes as summer camps across the nation have faced coronavirus outbreaks.

At The Wilds, the number of infections tracing back to the camp has grown since last week, when there were 58 coronavirus cases in 14 states.

The faith-based camp, which has a corporate office in South Carolina, said it followed quarantine recommendations after a small percentage of campers and staff became sick. The Wilds also canceled a session last week so it could sanitize facilities and conduct testing, according to officials.

The Wilds Christian Camp has sought to operate with caution and concern for the health of our campers, staff, sponsors and families, the camp said in a statement. We have been taking various COVID-19 precautions throughout the summer, including weekly screenings and/or testing of our staff, screening of our campers and isolation of any who showed signs of illness.
State health officials reported on Thursday that there had been 3,200 new cases of COVID-19 in the state, the most since February. A day earlier, Guilford County reinstated its mask mandate in county buildings and could expand the mandate countywide, if necessary, county commissioners Chairman Melvin Skip Alston told the News & Record.

Bergers not alone. One of our U.S. senators, Republican Thom Tillis, has sent an email of his own pooh-poohing the CDCs directives.

I am deeply concerned that the Biden administrations contradictory decision will cause even more vaccine hesitancy, giving many Americans the false impression that the vaccines are not as effective as they were originally told, Tillis said in the Tuesday statement.

The CDCs advice has changed because circumstances have changed. The delta variant is taking hold because not enough Americans have gotten vaccinated.

And the best ways to cut the variant at its roots  and keep the economy open  are to get vaccinated and wear masks, even if youve already been vaccinated.
The effects of unregulated chemicals

A lot of chemicals are in use today, and tracking them all is incredibly difficult. Today, more than 80,000 chemicals are registered with the National Toxicology Program. When the program was founded in 1978, 60,000 of those were grandfathered into the program with minimal information, and nearly 2,000 new chemicals are introduced each year. Many scientists believe that the safety testing for health and environmental risks is not strong enough and that the rapid development and introduction of new chemicals challenges the ability of organizations to test long-term risks to human health.
DECATUR  Despite a change in guidance from the federal government, Decatur officials say there are currently no plans to bring back a stricter form of the citys mask mandate.

City Manager Scot Wrighton said that no updates to the mask ordinance are on the city council agenda, and I've not been asked to put any on the city council agenda.

His comments came Thursday, just a few days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its masking guidance, recommending that everyone, including fully vaccinated people, wear a mask indoors in areas with substantial and high transmission of COVID-19.

According to CDC data, there is "substantial" transmission of COVID-19 cases in Macon County. The vast majority of Illinois counties are now included in one of those two categories, which are based on case rates over the previous week.

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced the state was fully adopting the CDCs masking recommendations. Gov. J.B. Pritzkers office announced Thursday that masks would once again be required in all state facilities regardless of vaccination status.

Wrighton, however, said there was a lot of confusion coming out of the CDC, noting the gulf between the agencys latest data and the latest data from IDPH.

Though the CDC data indicates about 94 cases per 100,000 residents in Macon County, IDPH data on Thursday was showing only 18 cases per 100,000 residents, with the county also meeting each state target metric. There is a lag time of about a week in state data, however. As of Friday, the state number increased to 74 cases per 100,000 residents, placing the county in warning status for this metric.

The city isn't going to go beyond the mask requirements that are already in place for medical facilities, for public transit facilities and other locations where, for whatever reason, the owner or the proprietor may require masks because of this confusion and because we don't think Macon County is covered yet, Wrighton said.

The city of Decatur first adopted its mask mandate in November, requiring face coverings to be worn in all public places, including businesses, government facilities, healthcare settings, public transportation and rideshare services. Businesses violating the ordinance faced up to a $500 fine and individuals up to a $250 fine for each offense.

The council voted to scale back the ordinance in June after the CDC and IDPH said that fully vaccinated people no longer needed to wear masks in public.

The pared-back ordinance leaves mask requirements in place in healthcare settings and on public transportation. Masks remain mandated in public settings for unvaccinated people, though that has been based on the honor system.

While there is no county-wide mask mandate, it is recommended that residents of Macon County (who are 2 years or older) wear face coverings in indoor settings in accordance with CDC and IDPH guidance, said Krystle Tempel of the Macon County Health Department.

The Decatur Public Library is among the local entities requiring masks to be worn by those visiting and working at the downtown Decatur facility.

City Librarian Rick Meyer said he didn't make the decision lightly, and as soon as possible, will go back to no masks. The library board had no objection to reinstating the requirement, he said.

Nobody wants to be in this position, Meyer said. But here we are. People are disappointed, but it's tied to the community transmission level. We're not just randomly or arbitrarily doing this. We're following the best advice we can get.

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The Macon County Health Department on Friday announced 92 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the past week, bringing its total to 11,232 since the pandemic began. To date, 38.88% of Macon County residents are fully vaccinated, lagging behind the state average of 50.7%.

Among those positive cases, health officials said 251 are variant strains. The seven identified strains included the UK, Brazil/Gamma, Delta, California and South African.

The number of new coronavirus cases in Illinois increased by nearly 50 percent during the week ending Friday compared with the previous week, state health officials said, the latest sign of a fourth wave of infections in the state that experts attribute to sluggish vaccination rates and the more contagious Delta variant of COVID-19.

Illinois health officials on Friday reported 2,348 new confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19, the second time in three days the tally has topped 2,000. Over the past seven days, the state has averaged 1,669 new daily cases, up roughly 46% from the previous weeks average of 1,140 cases per day.

While the statewide average remains well below the peak of 3,390 daily cases recorded in mid-April during the spring surge  the smallest of the previous three waves of COVID-19 and the only one during which some portion of the population was vaccinated  new information from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing the delta variant is as contagious as chicken pox and can be transmitted by fully vaccinated people is raising alarms.

Shelly Williams, from Charleston, had lunch Friday in her vehicle with family during a trip to Decatur.

Its stressful for everybody, especially having kids, she said. But its confusing and scary for everybody.

As the CDC and government regulations change, the rules can be complicated for families to follow. The messaging was confusing with each county, each state, Williams said. Wear a mask, dont wear a mask. Its all over the place.

Williams said she is being cautious and wears her mask when she enters public buildings. If there is a Delta variant, wed rather error on the side of safety than not, she said. Well just follow the guidelines.

Respect of others decisions are important to Williams as well. I cant tell others what to do, she said. I wouldnt want them to be disrespectful to me.

Sherrie Dhermy of Dalton City doesn't want to wear a mask again, but she will if necessary.

I dont like it or want to go back to it but I will wear it if told we have to, she said.

Bob Fey of Decatur had the same reaction.

I will do this if it means reversing the trend again, he said. I care about others as well.

Kari Calhoun, owner of Petals Gift Shop in the Hickory Point Mall, shut down her store during the spring and summer of 2020. But the store was able to survive filling curbside orders while following the safety precautions, including wearing masks. So that we could stay open, the store owner said.

Calhoun doesnt want to return to that phase. But if we do, well do the same thing again, she said.

Staff writers Donnette Beckett and Valerie Wells contributed to this report.
POTOSI, Mo.  At home, Matty Minson was surrounded by woods on the outskirts of this small town. He loved to hunt and fish. During the week, for about 20 years, he made the 65-mile drive north to work construction around St. Louis.

He was proud of building sewer and commercial-grade water systems. Passing by a Chesterfield outlet mall and other places with friends and family, hed point out his handiwork.

Last fall, COVID-19 ground his life to a halt. First, it was a cough. The initial test was negative, but he kept feeling poorly. He eventually went to Washington County Memorial Hospital and was admitted for a few days. From there, he was sent north, to Missouri Baptist Medical Center, near the infrastructure projects he helped build.

Minson fought COVID-19 in earnest for about two months. He was on a ventilator from Thanksgiving Day until he died Jan. 6. He was 42. His death shook Potosi, population 2,662. He was hearty, hardworking and relatively young.

As soon as she could, his daughter, Kayelee Bodimer, got vaccinated.

I definitely recognize its everybodys choice, she said. Frankly, for my family and I, if it could prevent one person from going through what we had to experience, it wasnt a second thought for us.  If you could do one little thing to prevent it, why not?

As the coronavirus has picked up pace in recent weeks, she is among only 23% of Washington County residents to be fully vaccinated, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. Thats among the lowest county vaccination rates in Missouri, where just 41% of the population is fully vaccinated.

Public health experts say if the United States is going to beat the virus, vaccination rates will need to improve in places like Washington County. Overcoming vaccination hesitancy here is going to be difficult, based on interviews with residents and officials. Reasons ran the gamut.

Despite top officials, including conservative Republicans Gov. Mike Parson, U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt and U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, now urging constituents to get vaccinated, distrust in government is widespread. The message has changed too many times. Too many lies, people say, too many unknowns.

Many residents point out that the COVID-19 vaccines are relatively new and have yet to be fully approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. They say the vaccine isnt a guaranteed protection. The odds of dying from COVID-19 are very low. And those that do die had preexisting conditions.

Many dont take the virus seriously, reporting shows. Many already had it. And, they say, despite mainstream media beating the death drum of worst-case scenarios ad nauseam, they survive, sometimes hardly knowing they have it.

There have been 53 COVID-19 deaths in Washington County since the start of the pandemic, according to state data. A refrigerated trailer and stacks of body bags havent been needed, as some authorities cautioned early on, said Doug Short, a county commissioner.

I dont think COVID scares people anymore, said Short, 53, taking a break from hauling hay.

Both he and his father had COVID-19. With the help of prescribed steroids and antibiotics, Short said he still worked on the farm every day. He had only mild congestion at night.

I encourage people to get vaccinated, especially elderly people, Short said.

He said his 83-year-old father was vaccinated at the Washington County Health Department Wednesday. Short planned to ride out any antibodies still in his system and more testing of the vaccine.

I probably should get the shot, he said. My gut tells me to hold off a little bit longer, and thats what I am going to do.

Living proof

For some, faith is about the only undeniable truth. Nobody has statistics on all the people God has saved, but Jack Fambrough says he accounts for one.

I am living proof, the Pentecostal preacher said of surviving COVID-19.

He and his wife havent been vaccinated. Their 19-year-old daughter, who survived five open heart surgeries in St. Louis, is soon headed to James River College, a Christian school near Springfield, Missouri.

She has to make her own decision because shes of age, said Fambrough, 65, who worked a long time at Joyce Meyer Ministries.

On Wednesday afternoon, he sweated through his shirt in an asphalt parking lot in Potosi, the county seat, as he led a team of people giving out free meals. It was part of a federal program helping families during the pandemic. Traffic was steady. They ran out of gallons of milk and two weeks worth of breakfasts and lunches for 384 children in an hour and a half.

A lot of hurting people out here, said Fambrough.

While public officials yearn for herd immunity, when most of the population is vaccinated and immune to the new coronavirus and its variants, Fambrough and others are skeptical of loving thy neighbor that way.

Just because the politicians and the news says one thing, theres so many lies that have been carried out, he said. Its to the point you dont know who you can believe and who you can trust.

Asked about leaders like Parson, Blunt and Hawley encouraging vaccinations, he said: How many pandemics have they been through? None. They can give a recommendation, they cant give me proof.

His proof was in Proverbs, Chapter 3:

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart 

Dead or alive

Compared to the food giveaway, traffic at the Washington County Health Department is slow. These days, about 50 to 60 COVID-19 vaccines are being administered there a week.

I, myself, believe in the vaccine 100%, said Shawnee Douglas, the director. I also have respect for people in the community who choose not to take the vaccine. The great thing that makes us America is that we have a choice. If only this issue hadnt become so politicized, we wouldnt be where we are now.

Douglas, 54, who grew up in the community, spoke from her office. Red, white and blue lights draped from the ceiling. Other decorations left from the Fourth of July holiday were mixed in with mementos of her Southern Baptist faith.

I am a Republican, she said. They dropped the ball. I dont think they were ahead of it like they should have been.

Douglas said some people have even been scared off because they think the government is trying to implant chips to track them. The health department has sought help from area doctors to refer the vaccine, but there is still a wide variety of people who resist it. She said one doctor is among those who champion the liberty of choice.

It comes down to our human nature, Douglas said. People just dont want to be told what to do.

She said they are promoting the vaccine through social and local media and at public events. On Wednesday, the large sign in front of the health department didnt mention the vaccine was free and available, Monday through Friday at 520 Purcell Drive. Another sign out front by the road advertised a farmers market thats meeting every Wednesday in a nearby pavilion.

Mark Stevens, 46, was over there, selling sweetcorn, watermelons, green beans and tomatoes out of the bed of his pickup. He wouldnt walk across the parking lot to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Youd have to drag me dead or alive, said Stevens, whos 6 feet 2, weighs 340 pounds and throws around a lot of other numbers hes gleaned from Newsmax, a conservative cable network and website. Stevens said he watches less of Fox News since it started leaning too far left.

Why trust your life in the hands of an administration that lies about everything, he said as one of many reasons why hes not getting vaccinated.

Exhibit A, he said, was the presidential election results, followed by lots of hypocrisy. (President Biden) supports abortion. ... Your body, your choice. But he wants to make us get the vaccine?

Debbie Boyer, one of his customers, said she got vaccinated after her sister-in-law died from COVID-19. Now, shes having second thoughts. Shes upset with the priorities of the federal government championing vaccination while ignoring other hot-button issues.

They are so afraid of COVID, yet the border is open, she said. Are they vaccinating those people? No. They are letting them go anywhere they want. Its not that I am this dead set Trumper. Its that this is so blatantly in your face.

Weve got half of America that agrees with us, Stevens said.

How do they know?

Some people dont believe COVID-19 exists even though their relatives have been diagnosed with it, said Donna Valle, 46, who manages a drive-in movie theater in Old Mines.

I think (President Donald) Trump brainwashed them all, she said with a smile.

Including her mother, who just spent five days in Washington County Memorial Hospital, the 25-bed facility in Potosi. Valle, who has an autoimmune disorder, has been vaccinated. Her mother wont be.

She thinks now that shes had COVID that shes built up an immunity and cant get it again because shes convinced she had the delta variant, Valle said. You cant change her mind. I dont know what it would take. I have tried to talk to her.

COVID-19 also recently hit Tiffany Bartons family. Her parents and 20-year-old son had it. When she, too, came down with the coronavirus, it was the first time shed been sick in four years.

I didnt get it that bad, said Barton, 40, a cook at a restaurant in Caledonia, who also substitute teaches for children with special needs. I am a mom who runs the house and has a job.

Her 43-year-old husband, Jimmy, a disabled trucker, wasnt as lucky. Last weekend, she took him to Mercy Hospital in Festus. He was treated for COVID-19 and released.

Jimmy didnt maintain good oxygen levels, though. At one point Wednesday evening, Tiffany and Jimmy were the only two people waiting in the emergency room at Washington County Memorial Hospital. After Jimmy went in to be treated, Tiffany visited outside about their situation.

She said theres not enough good data about vaccines, too many media scare tactics and a big government agenda thats been unreliable.

If the CDC is constantly changing their guidelines, then how do they know what to give for it? she said.

No, she wont be getting the vaccine. Nor will her husband.

Hes made that very clear, she said.

Jimmy ended up admitted to the local hospital. By Friday, hed been transferred to St. Louis.

Jesse Bogan  314-340-8255 @jessebogan on Twitter jbogan@post-dispatch.com

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CHICAGO  Morton Salt, the 173-year-old Chicago company recently purchased by a California investment firm, laid off 120 employees at its downtown headquarters this week, slashing its office staff by 40%.

The downsizing decision follows Morton Salts $3.2 billion sale in April to Stone Canyon Industries, a global industrial holding company that has quickly established itself through acquisitions as the largest salt producer in the world.

We can confirm that Morton Salt made the difficult decision to reduce its corporate workforce by approximately 120 employees in our Chicago offices, Morton Salt said in a statement Friday. This was not a decision we took lightly, but after a comprehensive evaluation of our companys long-term financial outlook and our ability to become more competitive in the salt industry, this reduction was necessary to help meet our business goals.

Morton Salts headquarters at 444 W. Lake Street has about 300 employees. The laid off employees, whose roles were primarily administrative, were notified over the past few days, the company said. Their last day with Morton Salt will be 60 days after notification.

The impacted employees will receive severance or separation benefits, continued medical coverage and outplacement services to help them find new jobs, the company said.

Founded in 1848, Morton Salt has long been an iconic Chicago brand, whose slogan, When it rains, it pours, has been part of the advertising lexicon for more than a century. In 2014, the equally venerable Morton Salt Girl was awarded a permanent place on the Advertising Week Walk of Fame in New York City.

Morton Salt, which makes salt for culinary, water softening, road de-icing and other uses, has had several owners in the new millennium. Philadelphia-based Rohm and Haas bought Morton International in 1999 for $4.9 billion. Ten years later, the company was sold to K+S AG, a German mineral products company, for $1.675 billion, creating what was then the worlds largest salt producer.

In 2015, Morton Salt closed its longtime production facility by the Kennedy Expressway on North Elston Avenue. Morton Salt sold the property for $15 million in 2017.

In October, Stone Canyon Industries announced it had struck a deal to buy K+S Americas salt business, including Morton Salt, for $3.2 billion. But the proposed acquisition came under scrutiny by the Justice Department over antitrust concerns that it would substantially lessen competition in the sale of several types of evaporated salt, including round-can table salt, pharmaceutical-grade salt and bulk evaporated salt.

Stone Canyon, which previously acquired Kansas-based salt producer Kissner for $2 billion in 2020, agreed to divest of its US Salt subsidiary, including a New York salt refinery, to win Justice Department approval in April for the Morton Salt acquisition.

Morton Salt generated approximately $1 billion in revenue in 2020, the Justice Department said.

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CARBONDALE  A pending railroad merger could impact train traffic and Amtrak service in Southern Illinois and elsewhere in the state served by the City of New Orleans, Illini and Saluki lines leading some to oppose it. But one industry expert said its still too early to tell what, if any, changes will take place.

Canadian National owns much of the railroads in the region including the north-south line from Chicago to New Orleans through communities including Centralia, Du Quoin and Carbondale.

On May 21, the rail company entered into an agreement to combine with the Kansas City Southern railway.

Some predict the proposed merger  if approved by federal regulators  will increase freight traffic through Southern Illinois and make passenger service to the area more unreliable. Others say the argument is part of a public relations battle and it is too soon to know the effect.

Carbondale Mayor John Mike Henry recently called for a thorough review on how a CN-KCS deal would impact the already poor performance of Amtrak service in the region, in a letter dated July 20 and submitted to the Surface Transportation Board, the federal regulatory body reviewing the proposal.

His letter also said that the city feared the merger would mean more traffic, more congestion and exacerbate an already frustrating situation.

We just really cant afford a downgrade in service from Amtrak. Thats the reason I wanted to get involved, Henry told The Southern this week.

The timing of the possible acquisition also coincides with Carbondale's plans for a new $17.3 million transit hub in the downtown area. Mostly funded by federal and state dollars, the station will replace the current Amtrak station and ultimately become a central location for numerous regional transit services, along with Amtrak, Greyhound, and the Saluki Express.

Railroads and rivalries

At the forefront of the purchase is a century-old feud between Canadas largest railroad companies, the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific.

Both railroads have made pitches to buy the Kansas City Southern Railway in recent months.

First, the CP offered $29 billion to buy the railroad. Then, a few weeks later, rival Canadian National made a $33.6 billion competing bid for the railroad, which was approved by KCS stock holders.

This purchase still requires approval by the Surface Transportation Board, however. STBs ongoing review of what is called a voting trust includes time for input from the public and other entities including Amtrak.

In the meantime, both Canadian railroads are working to portray themselves as the ideal suitor for the Kansas City Southern.

Canadian National, commonly known as CN, is North Americas fourth highest-earning railroad with nearly 20,000 route miles. Primarily serving southern Canada, the railroad branches southward to New Orleans, including the former Illinois Central Gulf Railroad, running north and south through Illinois.

Its longtime rival, the Canadian Pacific, has its rail system running through much of Canada as well as the upper Midwest including lines through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and tracks from Chicago across northern Illinois, through Iowa and Missouri to Kansas City.

Freight Waves, a resource for the global freight industry, reports CP is North Americas No. 6 railroad company.

The continents seventh-largest railway by revenue, according to Food and Power, an industry policy analysis firm, is Kansas City Southern. Its holdings include the very desirable cross-border route into Mexico. Analysis of rail maps shows that purchase of the KCS by either Canadian entity, would give the buying railroad lines spanning the North American continent into Mexico.

Concerns

Any rail merger must go through a lengthy approval process by the STB.

More than 2,000 letters expressing opposition or support were filed with the board during the initial public comment period that is now closed.

Opposition to the merger has come from a number of fronts. Canadian Pacific has called the pending CN-KCS merger anti-competitive. A CP-produced fact sheet alleges if the merger is approved, freight traffic on many Canadian National tracks, including those that run through Southern Illinois, will grow.

Amtrak, the countrys passenger rail service, which runs on tracks owned by railroads, also is against the CN purchase of the Kansas City Southern railroad.

In a filing with the Surface Transportation Board, Amtrak specifically mentions concerns with plans the Canadian National has to divest itself of a Baton Rouge to New Orleans line following the merger.

Passenger rail performance

Amtraks filing with the STB makes no mention of the former Illinois Central Gulf lines or its service on them. However, when asked about the impact the merger may have on passenger service in Illinois, a spokesman for Amtrak referred the newspaper to the Host Railroad Report Card, a grading system for the on-time performances of its trains on freight lines.

By law, freight trains are supposed to yield to passenger trains, but this law is not enforced and, in most cases, the opposite is true; passenger service routinely waits on sidings until freight trains clear the tracks, according to the grading system documents.

The grades reflect how frequently host railroads prioritize their own trains over Amtrak. For service to Southern Illinois on its City of New Orleans, Saluki and Illini routes, on the 2020 Report Card, Amtrak has assigned Canadian National a four-year average grade of D+, documents show.

The grade is based upon whether 80% or more of Amtrak passengers are able to arrive at their destinations within 15 minutes of the scheduled time. For the Illini and Saluki routes Amtrak specifically assigned Canadian National a failing grade of 72%.

Opponents of the Canadian NationalKansas City Southern merger hint that a post-merger CN would increase train traffic through Southern Illinois and put more pressure on already congested lines in the Chicago area, according to a Fact Sheet published by rival Canadian Pacific.

Canadian Pacific President and CEO Keith Creel told the Chicago Tribune in June that his rail line would not increase the number of trains on the north-south line because it would go westward from Chicago through rural Iowa to reach the southern parts of the nation.

Amtraks opposition to the deal has been bolstered by an executive order signed July 9 by President Joe Biden. With it, the president urged the Surface Transportation Board to consider freight railroads treatment of passenger trains.

Growing opposition

With the possibility in mind that a merger could mean more freight traffic and passenger service delays, Carbondales mayor is worried about the potential impact.

Every time Ive ridden Amtrak in the last five or six years, the passenger trains have had to yield to the freight trains and, of course, some of these freight trains are very, very long so it causes Amtrak service to be off its schedule, Henry said. I would really like to see Amtrak service be much more reliable.

A 2019 Amtrak Inspector General report called out the passenger carriers poor performance on the Saluki and Illini lines. The report showed only 6% of northbound Illini trains arrived on time between September 2017 and 2018.

Henry added that the burden for Amtrak delays does not lie solely with Canadian National.

In all fairness to them, they need some infrastructure improvements and help. I know they are looking for some federal money to do that, he said.

In Henrys letter to the STB, he wrote that following complaints by Amtrak over the last decade, the officers of the railroad said the greatest issue by far affecting the performance of that service are a lack of sufficient infrastructure to avoid traffic congestion and the perpetuation of unrealistic schedules.

Henry said he has not spoken to representatives of the CN in regard to the merger, but said the railroad and city have a decent relationship.

Congressional leaders are voicing concerns as well.

Peter DeFazio, D-Oregon, chair of the House Transportation Committee, specifically mentioned Canadian Nationals downstate Illinois railways in a letter to the TSB this week in opposition to the CN-KCS merger.

He said the merger is not in the public interest.

On a website promoting the merger, connectedcontinent.com, Canadian National promotes the merger as a way to greater competition and efficiencies.

In a prepared statement for The Southern, Canadian National said, The CN-Kansas City Southern combination will create the premier railway for the 21st century by expanding North American trade, powering economic prosperity, providing numerous new service options for customers, while delivering many compelling benefits for employees, communities and ports.

Spokespersons for both Amtrak and Canadian Pacific provided background for this report, but declined to be interviewed. Canadian National provided a written statement, but also did not make a representative available for comment.

Too early to tell

Jim Blaze, a nationally recognized railway economist who is watching the battle for KCS closely, said those expressing support or opposition to either proposed merger are, in essence, putting the caboose before the engine.

In an exclusive interview with The Southern, Blaze said the STB has not greenlighted any railroad mergers in 30 years and has generally said any merger needs to enhance competition and serve the public interest.

Blaze worked as a long-range freight planner with the Illinois Department of Transportation for seven years. He said it is too early to gauge either railroads plans post-merger and he is shocked by both companys efforts to win over public opinion.

Ive never seen quite so much media hype and assertions of competitive benefits since maybe the fight to split up Conrail in 1996, Blaze said. Even that pales compared to what we are seeing here. Both roads have gone out and gotten shippers, customers and communities to sign up, saying they support one or the other.

Blaze explained that as part of the Surface Transportation Boards consideration of a merger proposal, applicants must file extensive documentation and projections, reporting everything from financial records and projections to planned routes and railroad capacities. Neither the Canadian National nor Canadian Pacific has submitted these application materials  called evidence  yet.

I want to emphasize all thats been filed so far is the intention of an application, he explained. Neither has filed an application with all of the details of how this is going to work. I think this is a lot of hype with very little technical ammunition on the strengths and weaknesses of the plans.

Blaze said even if the Canadian National is permitted to purchase the Kansas City Southern and if it does lead to increased freight traffic in Chicago, it may not all immediately travel south.

There are different routes they could use to divert traffic, Blaze said. Any increase is not necessarily going to flow through Carbondale and Southern Illinois. We wont know what their intentions are until they file their routing.

Nobody has filed their evidence yet, so everyone is making arguments hypothetically but we dont know the actual numbers yet, Blaze said.

In its statement to The Southern, CN said the company will include plans for its routes in future filings with the STB.

Throughout the combination process, we will work closely with Amtrak, communities and other stakeholders and will fully document the impacts of our combination in our application to the STB. We look forward to a decision on our voting trust so we can further engage with stakeholders and move forward in the process, the statement read.

Blaze said the Surface Transportation Board is likely to consider the matter in the next several months. Until then, and before the evidential filings, the public relations battle is likely to continue.

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+26 Signs of the Times: Area church signs Send us your photos of creative sayings on church signs. Submit a high-resolution photo at HeraldCourier.com, and we will consider it for publ

BRISTOL, Tenn.  Signs tell us when to stop and when to go. Signs tell us how fast we can drive, where we can and cannot park. Signs tell us where we can eat, sleep, walk, bike, run, and by all means, where we cannot step on the grass.

Helpful, all.

But signs often carry rays of hope, pleas of positivity, communications meant to burrow deep into our being and help people throughout their days. Churches oftentimes convey those missives from signs posted along roadsides and church entrances.

Signs can be very important, said William E. Houck, senior pastor of NorthStar Baptist Church in Bristol, Virginia. They can be used to tell a story.

For instance, First Baptist Church in Bristol, Virginia, typically employs scripture on its sign. Posted on a rather large and prominent sign along State Street, its current message indeed features a verse from the Bible: Telling The Truth To Power, which references 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13.

Those are the titles of my sermons every week, said Kris Aaron, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Bristol, Virginia. Theres something different every week.
Ballad hospitals are again filling with COVID-19 patients. They were treating 46 COVID inpatients on Wednesday and that number grew to 73 Friday, which dramatically outpaces case modeling unveiled Wednesday.

During the briefing, Chief Physician Executive Dr. Clay Runnels thanked the Ballad team members whove been vaccinated.

Our medical staff, on the acute care side in particular, has an extremely high rate of vaccination. They have led in vaccinations, and I think that speaks volumes to people within the health care community that the people with the best access and the best understanding of the research thats out there has a very high rate. I think thats going to be critical as we move into this next phase of the pandemic; as we look at resources to take care of patients that our physician medical staff has chosen to get vaccinated at a high rate.

Ballad Health CEO Alan Levine said management is trying to balance the rights of its workers with the responsibility of taking care of the regions patients  both those who do and dont have COVID-19.
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Smith said that CCAHT serves both adult and youth survivors of human trafficking in East Tennessee, along with offering a variety of trainings about how to spot it.

If you dont know what youre looking for, you wont be able to catch whats going on, she said. Its not really a snatch-and-grab type of thing that the media makes it out to be. Its more of a grooming process.

By grooming, Smith meant the process by which a trafficker ensnares a victim. According to the Polaris Project, a nonprofit that combats sex and labor trafficking in North America, it typically starts with a trafficker spotting and honing in on a person who seems vulnerable for some reason: experiencing poverty, for example, or having a parent who struggles with drug or alcohol abuse, or belonging to a historically marginalized group of people.

The trafficker cultivates that persons trust and makes them feel safe, then starts isolating, exploiting and exercising intense control over them.

Things to look out for, especially in youth trafficking, [are] a very controlling adult, risky behaviors [in young people] like running away, being unsafe online.

She said that tattoos can also be a clue: Traffickers sometimes brand victims with them to broadcast who they belong to.
For two presidential elections in a row, millennials and Gen Zers had to choose contenders who were old enough to be their grandparents. Young people were looking for ... whats the term? Oh yes, new blood.

Sanders, its true, is beloved by many young progressives. They felt like a leading Democratic candidate was finally speaking about the issues that matter to them, including student debt, the Green New Deal and higher education. But in 2020, the nod went to Biden, and young people were told, Hey, at least hes not Trump.

The DNC Convention didnt help. Former Ohio Gov. John Kasich might have swayed moderate Republicans to come to the Democratic side, but he didnt excite young people. Why not invite Rep. Sharice Davids, the first Democrat elected to represent a Kansas congressional district in a decade? She was then a mere 40 years old.

Dont tell me that my president and his staff cant respond to everyone and that my want is just one thing on a billion lists of things to do. Asking to implement and lead an Office of Young Americans is not asking too much. Young people are willing to do the work.

And how about creating positions that enhance youth voice and youth power?
The one lie we know about  the dangerous canard that somehow last years presidential election was fraudulent. All the Republicans who have enabled some piece of this lie, such as by voting to set aside the actual election results or staging next weeks ridiculous election integrity rally in Lynchburg, have set the country on a path toward a dark and terrible place that will make the events of Jan. 6 look like childs play. They will bear the opprobrium of history if we ever get there. Fortunately, theres still time to turn away from that lie, by calling out and isolating the self-serving Donald Trump and his conspiracy-theory acolytes, something far too Republicans have had the courage to do.

The other lie is perhaps even more dangerous, because its killing people right now, and runs the risk of killing even more people in the short term. That lie is the assertion that the nations vaccine divide is between liberals and conservatives, because urban areas and rural ones. There is some truth to this, which helps make it believable, but the reality is the vaccination hesitancy is only in some rural areas, not all. This is a critical difference. If there are any vaccine-hesitant people who think their reluctance to get vaccinated somehow is part of their rural identity, the statistics prove them wrong, because there are lots of rural areas across the country where vaccination rates are just as high, if not higher, than urban areas.
Our trends are accelerating at an alarmingly fast rate, Cohen said, adding that this is a pandemic now of the unvaccinated.

North Carolina is not unique.

The surge is happening across the country, which prompted the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reverse course this week by recommending vaccinated people in most counties wear masks in public indoor settings.

The latest CDC data has all but 14 of North Carolinas 100 counties showing substantial or high levels of transmission because at least 50 new cases per 100,000 people emerged over the past seven days. This means nearly all of the roughly 5 million fully vaccinated North Carolinians should continue wearing masks when they are indoors and out in the public.

Top North Carolina Republicans worry the abrupt shift in recommendations from state and federal health officials will prompt fewer residents to come in for a vaccine because they'll still need to wear masks indoors.
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Herat [Afghanistan], July 31 (ANI): The Afghan forces have regained control over the Guzara district from the Taliban in the western province in Herat, the country's Defence Ministry said.

During the recapture, the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) killed and wounded over 100 Talib terrorists. Also, a large number of their weapons and ammunition were destroyed.

"ANDSF and Public Uprising Forces with support from Afghan Air Force (AAF) recaptured the Guzara district of Herat province, from Taliban terrorists, control today. Over 100 Talib terrorists were killed and wounded as result. Additionally, a large number of their weapons and Amos were destroyed," the ministry tweeted late on Friday.

Violence has escalated in Afghanistan in recent weeks as the Taliban have intensified their offensive against civilians, Afghan defence and security forces.

This comes in wake of foreign troops drawdown from the war-torn country.

Over the last few weeks, they captured several districts in Afghanistan including Takhar, the country's northeastern province.

The Taliban seized over 193 district centres and 19 border districts, according to the Afghan foreign ministry.

The Taliban have also taken control of 10 border crossing points across the country in Takhar, Kunduz, Badakhshan, Herat and Farah provinces leading to the complete shutdown of cross border movements and trade in these areas.

The ministry further disclosed that since April 14, nearly 4,000 ANDSF personnel had been killed, over 7,000 injured and about 1,600 captured by the Taliban. As many as 2,000 civilians, including women and children, were killed in the violence, while 2,200 were injured. (ANI)
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New Delhi [India], July 31 (ANI): With the deadline of US troop's withdrawal barely a month away and the increasing grip of the Taliban over Afghanistan, experts anticipate the "redeployment" of Pakistani terrorist groups like Lashkar- e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) that have historically targeted India.

Writing for Asialyst, regional expert Olivier Guillard said that the redeployment would seriously undermine the aspirations of the Kashmiri population for peace and the desire of the Indian government to work for the sustainable development of the region.

This security concern comes amid the second anniversary of the revocation of article 370. Around two years are about to pass since the historic decision took place and everyday life today has witnessed a return to normalcy.

"It should be noted in this regard that Jammu and Kashmir organized two local elections, in the fall of 2019 and the end of 2020, without these electoral political meetings being hampered by a crippling level of violence or minimal popular participation," the writer added.

He further noted that initiatives taken by the Central government were not limited to the administrative and electoral fields alone. "The launch and implementation of various infrastructure projects accompanied the will of the central power to influence more favorably the very sensitive link between Srinagar and New Delhi."

Guillard also pointed out that since August 2019, the level of violence has decreased significantly in the Kashmir Valley. "Although efforts are being made on several fronts for the benefit of the sought-after political stability and economic development in J-K, there remain a number of challenges that the Indian government will need to address in the coming years to achieve the target with success."

Given the current geopolitical situation in the region, especially with respect to Afghanistan, the writer suggests that New Delhi will need to arm itself with patience and resilience to meet the aspirations of the Kashmiri population, but also vigilance and firmness in its ties with the authorities of neighbouring Pakistan.

Story continues

Recently, the Afghan government said that more than 10,000 terrorists, backed by Pakistani institutions, have entered Afghanistan. A spokesperson for President Ashraf Ghani said in a video message sent to media that thousands of terrorists enter Afghanistan from Pakistan to carry out the country's proxy war.

"We have accurate intelligence reports that more than 10,000 Pakistani have entered Afghanistan from Pakistan while another 15,000 are encouraged to come. This shows that a regular institution is training and financing Taliban," the message said.

In the past few weeks, Afghanistan has witnessed a surge in violence as the Taliban has intensified their offensive against civilians and Afghan security forces. Experts believe that a civil war-like is possible in Afghanistan which is likely to have repercussions for the regional security paradigm. (ANI)
Dhaka, Jul 31 (PTI) Thousands of Bangladeshi garment workers on Saturday rushed back to capital Dhaka after the government said that export-oriented factories could reopen despite a 'strict' nationwide shutdown during a deadly coronavirus wave.

According to the directorate of health services (DGHS) updates on Saturday, the number of people who died due to COVID-19 reached 20,685 and nearly 12,49,484 have been infected.

Factories, offices, public transport and shops have been closed in Bangladesh from July 23 to August 5 as daily coronavirus infections and deaths hit record levels.

The government said factories could reopen from Sunday despite a 'strict' nationwide shutdown. Garment factory owners have repeatedly told the government that Bangladesh's main export-earning sector could witness 'catastrophic' consequences if orders for foreign brands were not complied with on time.

The government earlier did not respond to the factory owners' call saying no factories would be open until the shutdown was lifted. However, the government overnight changed the decision, prompting tens of thousands of workers to head back to work.

The public transport systems, including trains and bus services, remained shut forcing commuting workers to board rickshaws, goods-laden trucks, auto-rickshaws and vans and ferries, paying two to three times higher fares.

Many people just opted to walk over a hundred miles amid monsoon rains while most of them went back to their villages to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha.

Most of the industrial sites are located in Dhaka and its outskirts. Bangladesh's over 4,500 garment factories employ more than four million people and supply top brands in Europe and North America.

But junior minister for public administration Farhad Hossain said workers currently outside Dhaka were not obligated to join work before the end of the ongoing shutdown and 'they do not have to be anxious about losing their jobs.

Story continues

We have talked to the factory owners and they said only the workers who are currently in Dhaka will have to return to work (and) since there will be no public transports, workers outside Dhaka must stay where they are right now'.

Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in a statement on late Friday also endorsed the minister's comments saying no action would be taken against any workers staying outside Dhaka if they failed to return to walk until the complete withdrawal of the ongoing restrictions.

It also asked the factory owners to operate their plants with workers available around their industrial sites but several manufacturers feared they were few in number to run the production lines.

Bangladesh so far was the world's second-largest garment exporter after China but according to WTO's World Trade Statistical Review 2021 released on Friday, Vietnam overtook Bangladesh in the global apparel market.

Bangladesh now stands in the third position, with China holding the top position.

BGMEA said up to USD 3 billion worth of export orders were at risk if factories had stayed closed. PTI AR AMS AKJ AMS
CHARLESTON  The Coles County Health Department reported 24 additional cases of COVID-19 on Friday.

The health department recorded 3 new cases on Thursday and 21 new cases Friday.

The county has seen a total of 6,057 cases since the pandemic began. Of those, 5,887 people have recovered, 69 are recovering, and 101 have died.

The latest report follows the announcement of a steady upward trend of positive cases and the first reported case of the delta variant in Coles County.

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The health department is encouraging people to wear masks, social distance, wash hands, and to get vaccinated.

If you are experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms you need to stay at home and get tested, officials said in a statement.

Statewide, the Illinois Department of Public Health said last week it would adopt the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendations in response to a widespread rise of positive cases.

The plan recommends that both unvaccinated and fully-vaccinated individuals wear masks in indoor areas in "areas of substantial or high transmission."

IDPH reported 1,772 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus on Friday, including 18 additional deaths caused by the virus.

As of Friday night, 1,452 people in Illinois were hospitalized with the virus. Of those, 353 were in the ICU; 149 were on ventilators.

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NEOGA  The Neoga High School Class of 1981 celebrated its 40th Anniversary Class Reunion at the home of Dave and Bev Awalt on July 17.

The evening began with a potluck dinner followed by a game called, Nail it. The class visited and caught up by a campfire later on.

Richard Keck traveled the farthest (970 miles) from Colorado to be with his childhood friends. Jim Zimmer won an award by having the most grandkids (5). Tim Hoene had the most gray hair and Julie Williamson had the most hair total.

The classmates will not wait five years to see each other again, but will celebrate their 60th birthdays in a couple of years.

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Due to this uncertainty, PM USA has delayed further expansion of IQOS and Marlboro HeatSticks, the company said.

Neither BAT nor Reynolds American Inc. could be reached for immediate comment on the commissions ruling and PM USAs business decision.

Philip Morris International issued a statement that it "welcomes the commissions decision to review the initial determination of the Administrative Law Judge."

"We are in the middle of a long and multi-step legal process before the ITC, and we are confident in the strength of our arguments.

"In the meantime, we will continue to rely on our exclusive U.S. distributor, Altria, to take all necessary steps to ensure that IQOS  the only electronic nicotine product authorized by the FDA as appropriate for the promotion of public health relative to continued cigarette smoking  is as successful in the US as it has been globally."

BATs heat-not-burn traditional cigarette brand glo had a 38% year-over-year increase in revenue during the first half of 2021.

The IQOS products debuted in test markets in Atlanta in October 2019 and Richmond, Va., in November 2019.
Wu is a Canadian citizen, according to the police statement.

The official paper of the Communist Party, the People's Daily, weighed in on the case, saying in a short opinion post online that "Having a foreign nationality is not a protective talisman, and no matter how big the name is, there is no immunity.

The teenager publicized her accusations on social media and later in an interview with the internet portal NetEase. A day after that interview appeared, at least 10 brands including Porsche and Louis Vuitton broke off endorsement and other deals with Wu.

According to the interview, she thought she was meeting Wu for a career opportunity. Instead, his staff who was present forced her to drink. As someone who did not go to bars, she said her tolerance was low and she was drunk after two drinks. The next day, she woke up in Wu's bed. That morning, he was kind to her and promised to take care of her, she said.

The teenager said that was the beginning of what she had thought was their relationship. This was the case until March, when he stopped returning her messages.

At first, she said she felt sorry for herself. But after she learned that there were other women who had been treated similarly, she said she felt there were others who were worse-off.
DeSantis and the GOP fueled a fierce political culture war over the use of masks and vaccines. He politicized the virus, repeatedly chose economic buoyancy over peoples health, and drew partisan lines in the sand, as if the deadly infectious coronavirus droplets checked party affiliation.

The Republican-Democrat divide became fertile ground for misinformation and conspiracy theories to flourish and has led to vaccine hesitancy even among otherwise intelligent people.

Its so confusing out there that people who arent mainstream-media-savvy cant tell the truth from preposterous lies.

Elected officials have a responsibility to model good behavior, but DeSantis wouldnt even discuss his own vaccination. It wasnt until April, after much media prodding, that his spokeswoman confirmed he had gotten a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

What is he doing about the new crisis?

Nothing other than constantly congratulating himself on handling a pandemic he has bungled at practically every step. In fact, he has been hiding the Department of Health data again at a time when the public needs it to make smart decisions.

Its heart-wrenching to see the suffering again.
The facility changed hands repeatedly during the past three decades and was, at various points, owned by a succession of the country's largest baked-goods conglomerates. Seven years have passed since the last batch of fresh bread left the plant.

Ben Murphy, a partner in Koskovich & Murphy, said the 74-year-old building was in need of some TLC when he and business partner Paul Koskovich acquired it. They stripped out everything, from the stained ceilings to the "miles and miles" of pipes to the red clay tile flooring, keeping only the bare structure. Most of the bakery equipment was already gone.

"The bones were really good with that building, it just -- it kind of was let go," Murphy said. "So we went in there and obviously demo-ed pretty much everything. Everything from the roof, to re-doing the brickwork, tuckpointing, to painting, new parking lots, landscaping. Completely doing a new facelift on the whole facade and interior."

The exterior was painted gray, and the original Art Deco "Old Home Bread" signage removed from the outside. Murphy said they kept the vintage metal letters, which at one time were lit with neon, and they're planning on using them on the inside as a decorative element.
National

AP

Business travel slow to recover

RICK BOWMER, ASSOCIATED PRESS Travelers walk through the Salt Lake City International Airport in Salt Lake City on March 17. Of the 2 million people clogging airport security lines and gate areas again each day, one crowd is still largely missing: business travelers.

Of the 2 million people clogging airport security lines and gate areas again each day, one crowd is still largely missing: business travelers.

Their absence is noteworthy because they are a key source of revenue and profit, underpinning a record-breaking stretch of financial gain for U.S. airlines that ended with the coronavirus.

Business travelers tend to pay higher fares, and that is especially true on international flights, which are also still deeply depressed by the pandemic and travel restrictions around the globe. Because their fares subsidize other passengers, their absence is leading to higher leisure fares on many routes, experts say.

Business travelers also spend money on hotels, meals and other things. The U.S. Travel Association estimates that domestic and international business travelers spent more than $300 billion here in 2019. The group forecasts that dwindled to about $95 billion last year and won't fully recover to 2019 levels until 2024.

During calls with Wall Street analysts last week, U.S. airlines said business travel has picked up in recent weeks but is still down more than half from this time in 2019.

Airlines have been hoping for a major boost in business travel in September, as schools and more offices reopen. Now, however, that optimism is being tempered by the rise in COVID-19 cases around the country fueled the delta variant.

"We are encouraged by the trends that we see out there, but we really are planning that a material amount of business travel won't come back until after the October period," Vasu Raja, American Airlines' chief revenue officer, said last week.

Airline executives are counting on people like Vazar Lukovic, who owns a digital marketing agency and a production company near London. Lukovic says he is willing to put up with higher prices on some of his flights to places like Moscow and Belgrade, plus the cost of mandatory COVID-19 tests.

"You know, Zoom meetings, they can only go so far," Lukovic said. "When you meet in person  whether it's that energy or what they say about the feeling or the vibe  it's just so much more personal."

Unable to travel last year, many companies relied instead on video platforms, including Zoom. Opinions vary about how quickly corporate travel will recover, and whether some of it will be permanently replaced by videoconferencing.

Delta Air Lines says business travel was 20% of normal in the first quarter, 40% in the second, and will hit 60% in September. The airline isn't predicting whether business travel will ever return to pre-pandemic levels, but if it does, it won't happen quickly. A Delta survey of its corporate customers finds that only 57% plan to be back to full travel by the end of 2023.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian says business travel will change.

"I do think that maybe 10% to 20% of the previous business travel will be lost, but I think you're going to find new forms of travel," Bastian said in an interview. "There will be new reasons why people travel."

Bastian says some things, like overnight trips to business meetings in Europe, will be dropped because they are an inefficient use of time. But he says there will be new demand to network by meeting people after being introduced on Zoom.

Aside from their own surveys, which airlines are often unwilling to disclose, there are few precise numbers about business travel. The industry trade group Airlines for America estimates that before the pandemic about 30% of trips were taken for business reasons, and that those travelers accounted for between 40% and 50% of airline revenue.

Some experts thinks business trips might be fewer and more carefully selected.

"Things have changed," says Brendan Drewniany, public-relations director for Black Tomato, a luxury-travel company. "There is less an expectation to have a volume of back-to-back meetings, and in general the trips themselves have been longer and not as rushed, which is actually a plus."

In a survey conducted this month for the Global Business Travel Association, 50% of the 618 companies polled said they already allow nonessential business travel within their own country, with many others expecting to do so in the next three months. However, only 14% were traveling internationally with modest interest in soon resuming cross-border trips, which are more complicated because of travel restrictions, including quarantine requirements in many countries.

A separate survey by Bank of America suggests that business travel will recover more slowly than some would want but gives airlines and hotels hope for the long term. Nearly half of U.S. corporate travelers surveyed expect their next business trip won't happen until at least next year, but 56% expect to eventually travel more than they did before the pandemic, compared with 31% who expect to travel less, according to the bank.

Denise Daniel, who manages travel for Domo Inc., says U.S. sales people are on the road while the business-research firm is doing little to no travel in Europe, Australia and Japan because of virus-related restrictions. The 800-employee company has tightened its process for approving travel because of liability concerns, although it is not requiring vaccination before travel.

Daniel believes that the pandemic will lead to different kinds of travel, but not necessarily less: fewer conferences, more chances for far-flung employees to get together on projects.

"We realized how much we value in-person meetings  that collaborative dynamic when people are with each other  but we don't want people to travel for things that could or should be handled virtually," Daniel says. "We have learned how to take care of nonessential meetings in probably a better way for the environment and a better way for the budget."
Lincoln will soon be getting its first Wahlburgers restaurant.

Hy-Vee confirmed that part of a $250,000 building permit it filed last week for the store at 5020 N. 27th St. is to convert its Market Grille Express restaurant to an in-store Wahlburgers at Hy-Vee location.

Wahlburgers is a fast-casual burger restaurant and bar that's owned by actors Mark and Donnie Wahlberg and their brother Paul, who's a chef.

The company announced a partnership in 2017 with Hy-Vee to develop more than two dozen franchised Wahlburgers locations.

The Lincoln location will be the second one in Nebraska. The first one opened last summer at the Hy-Vee in Kearney.

Hy-Vee spokeswoman Christina Gayman said she did not have an opening date for the Lincoln Wahlburgers because work has not yet started on it.

The 20th Wahlburgers at Hy-Vee opened in December in Columbia, Missouri. There, Hy-Vee breakfast favorites remain available during morning hours in the converted Market Grille space.
Imagine two ends of a spectrum -- human cleverness at one end and natures wisdom at the other, explains Jackson. The Industrial Mind, over the past one hundred years, has increasingly relied on human cleverness as the culmination of our ten-thousand-year history of growing food  tied to the notion that nature is to be subdued or ignored.

And it worked until it didnt.

Today this cleverness has also delivered future-altering consequences like soil erosion, climate change, and hypoxic zones in both inland and coastal waters. To surmount these growing problems will require extraordinary political will, both to conserve topsoil and stop climate change and develop renewable energy technology.

There is hope, however, Jackson suggests. I am not proposing that we quit being clever; instead, cleverness should be subordinated to nature. And, despite industrial ags strong effort to slow or halt much of it, that subordination is happening. Slowly, at least.

For example, renewable energy--solar, wind, and water power--now delivers 18 percent of Americas electricity. That will more than double by 2050. In 2020, U.S. organic food sales totaled $62 billion, a record 6% of all U.S. food sales. So change is coming.
One flight attendants quoted in the survey said: "I've been yelled at, cursed at and threatened countless times in the last year and the most that has come out if has been a temporary suspension of travel for the passenger. We need real consequences if flight attendants are ever going to feel safe at work again." The report did not identify the airline where that flight attendant works.

Soon after the pandemic struck in the spring of 2020, most airlines adopted policies that require passengers to wear masks. The U.S. Department of Transportation imposed a federal mask mandate that took effect Feb. 1 of this year. Violators face a fine of $250 for the first offense and as much as $1,500 for repeat offenses. In addition, the FAA can also impose criminal prosecution and civil penalties for unruly behavior.

The rising number of ugly scenes on flights prompted several FAA staff to record a public service announcement this summer, urging passengers to behave on planes. But since the FAA did not have funding for a PSA, several FAA staff videotaped their own children to give the message.

Among those children in the video was Benjamin, the 9-year-old son of Kristina Harris, an FAA communications strategist Tucson. "Fighting is not good when you are on a plane," the boy said in the video.
"When (Sgt. Michael Hipps) stopped by, he just asked what we wanted to happen," Waln recalled. "I said, 'Right now, I want to get out of here with my life.'"

Waln has filed a complaint with the state Labor Department over six weeks' salary and more than $1,000 in tips that he said Koester failed to pay him.

Customers of the winery, too, have reported hearing yelling as they approached the business in recent weeks, including one that invokes similar phrasing as Waln reported.

One online reviewer described "an unending list of threats," shouted by a woman who was out of sight. Another recalled a "very loud, rude and demeaning lady" who had shouted that "she had friends that would come take who she was yelling at out for free."

Not long after Waln departed, sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the winery with increasing frequency, including four times in the days and hours leading up to the shooting. Deputies responded to a call at the winery two hours before Koester allegedly fired the gun, according to dispatch records.

Friend, who told the Journal Star that Koester hasn't paid him for any of the work he did, no longer works at WindCrest but says he's stranded on the property and living in the residence with no money to gas up his truck and nowhere to go.
That's not only a disservice to the students, he said, but to the scientific community.

"Some brains may be in this room that can solve some major problems in different areas of science," he said.

Chuck Gardner, who directed the weeklong camp, agreed that the students have incredible capabilities.

"These are some of the most complex bots we've seen at a camp like this," he said of the students' creations.

While this is the first year the program has been hosted in Nebraska, Gardner said he has worked in camps like this for years in Virginia.

"Every time it amazes me," he said. "The abilities these kids have to overcome the obstacles that we present."

Aiden Garza, a 17-year-old from Chadron who attended this week's camp, said it was meaningful to him to have the opportunity to build the bot and learn so many skills. He also enjoyed the chance to go rock climbing and bowling at University of Nebraska-Lincoln facilities.

Garza said he hopes to take some of the skills he learned this week and use them in the computer science field. Gardner thinks that's a real possibility for the students who attended the camp.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has no plans to offer $100 incentives to Iowans to get the coronavirus vaccine after President Joe Biden pleaded with states and local governments to use federal funds to entice people to stop the rapid spread of a virus variant, an aide said Friday.

While many states and some Iowa counties have offered incentives for citizens to get a COVID-19 vaccination, Iowa's governor continues to call for citizens to get vaccinated while repeating that ultimately it's their choice.

Iowa had 49.5% of the population fully immunized as of Thursday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That ranks 21st in the nation.

Vaccination rates have fallen rapidly in Iowa since the spring, from a seven-day average of over 17,000 people becoming fully vaccinated in May to 1,402 in recent days.

Reynolds spokesman Pat Garrett said Friday the governor has no plans to comply with Biden's offer Thursday for states to spend $100 in federal funds for each newly vaccinated person.

In an email, Iowa Department of Public Health Sarah Ekstrand said the state's strategy is unchanged from its current education and communications efforts.
With U.S. health officials recommending that children mask up in school this fall, parents and policy makers across the nation have been plunged anew into the debate.
Fischer explained the purchase of the buses does not necessarily mean that Police and Fire Department positions will be cut.

City Administrator Paul Vornholt noted that for the next four years, the city has American Rescue Plan Act funds to help balance the budget.

Additionally, the first years payment for the buses has already been budgeted, so any problems relating to loss of shared revenue would not occur for at least five years.

A rock and a hard place

The city also does not have a lot of great choices.

As Fischer noted, some of the buses in the current system are old and costly.

We leave our aging infrastructure as it is, and we have excessive fuel costs and excessive maintenance on some buses that are past their useful life, she said.

Alderman John Tate II, president of the City Council, stressed the aging buses were also a public safety issue.

He said the city does not want buses that break down, could have a piece fly off, could crash and hit a person or another vehicle, etc.

Alderman Jason Meekma called the decision a slam dunk.
KENOSHA  The criminal case against the 19-year-old who allegedly made the straw purchase that provided Kyle Rittenhouse his gun has been put on hold until after the Rittenhouse trial.

Dominick Black, who now lives in Racine according to court records, is charged with two counts of intentionally giving a dangerous weapon to a person under 18 causing death.

According to court documents, Rittenhouse allegedly gave cash to Black  who was dating Rittenhouses sister  to purchase an AR-15 style rifle for Rittenhouse from a Wisconsin hardware store because Rittenhouse was underage.

Court documents allege Rittenhouse retrieved the gun from Blacks stepfathers house in Kenosha on Aug. 25, 2020, and that Rittenhouse and Black went together, armed, to protests in downtown Kenosha that followed the Jacob Blake shooting. Later that night, Rittenhouse shot three men, killing two, in what he and his supporters say was an act of self defense. Rittenhouse is charged with homicide.

At a brief hearing Thursday, the prosecution and Blacks defense attorney made a mutual request to adjourn the Black case until after the Rittenhouse trial. The court granted that request and set the case for a status hearing on Nov. 22.
For those not yet vaccinated, state contractor AMI Expeditionary Healthcare is operating a clinic at the county fair to provide free vaccinations on site. On the third day of the fair, AMI officials said Friday not one fairgoer had taken up the offer.

Latisha OConnor, regional lead for AMI, said she was disappointed to see so many people walk by, knowing that many of them are unvaccinated.

We thought if we went to them, they would do it, OConnor said of the vaccines. Not quite the case.

Some county fair vendors are putting on their face masks while they dish up creampuffs, corn dogs and other fair favorites.

Jean Squire, a corn dog vendor from Burlington, said she thought it made sense to take extra precautions against spreading COVID-19 by wearing a mask while interacting with hungry fairgoers.

Is it convenient? No, she said. Its just what I choose to do.

Another vendor, Alana Riley of the county Human Services Department, wore a mask while distributing information about her agencys services inside the fairs Expo Building. Riley said she wears a mask because she has chosen not to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Shannon Coey, who started the page, said he has been a Caledonia resident for 32 years and lives on 3 Mile Road near the airport property. Many years ago, he said, he walked his dog on the proposed property, before there was a fence there.

You look at the fact that if the City of Racine didnt want this building in that location, what would make them think in any state of mind that Caledonia would want it? Coey said. Moving it out of the city doesnt seem like a very good idea. This is a quiet, residential area, it always has been. Why, in their right mind, would they want to put it here? Why do they need that much land?

He said hed rather have the facility placed in the area where the juvenile detention youths come from, or perhaps closer to Interstate 94 to help with transportation for those coming from other counties.

The best spot is where they originally were going to put it at, Coey said.

Someone should ask them to explain how a Walmart was going to blight the community but a youth prison is just dandy! a Facebook user posted in the Caledonia Residents Against Youth Prison group, referring to vocal opposition in the early 2000s to a proposed Walmart in the village. So many things Caledonia said no to, why would they say yes to this?
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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ELM CREEK  Brynen Stauffer sits in the bed of his 1966 Ford 7.3 Power Stroke pickup with a large mound of sweet corn at his feet.

A customer from Oklahoma pulls into the Tractor Supply parking lot next to Stauffers shiny teal pickup and requests six dozen ears of corn. As Stauffer bags the corn, the customers explains that she brings home sweet corn every year to share with family and friends. Stauffer charges $6 for 13 ears of corn.

Everybody is $6 so I thought Id be unique and make it a bakers dozen, Stauffer explained.

Stauffer, 17, has been growing sweet corn since he was a little kid, but he decided to turn the endeavor into a business this year. The Elm Creek junior rents 18 acres of farmland from his grandpa, and he planted 5 acres of sweet corn this year.

I planted my field to soybeans last year. I didnt make very much money so I thought Id try something new. Ive just always done sweet corn, he explained.

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Stauffer hired a friend, T.J. Labs, to help him care for and sell the sweet corn. Hes also hired other friends to help pick the corn each morning.
If youve been meaning to shop at a local farmers market, but are unsure where to find one and dont know when the market is scheduled, theres good news. The University of Nebraskas Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources this week announced the launch of an interactive map at gotogrow.org. Spanish speakers can find their version of the map at vamosapoyar.org  We will support.

The map allows Nebraskans to find details on farmers markets in communities across the state.

A grant from a USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program helped with the development of the farmers market map. Other collaborators were Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska and the Center for Rural Affairs. Both of those organizations are committed to economic development in rural Nebraska, so their support for farmers markets is a no-brainer.

The IANR outlined the reasons that Nebraskans should make farmers market shopping part of their food-buying routine. Among the reasons is that farmers markets shorten the distance between food in the field and food on the plate. Thats because there are no elongated supply chains with weak links that can fail.
As an intern for the SBDC, this opportunity provides real-world marketing experience where I can play my part in improving the community one business at a time, Kovatch says.

Apply for support from the UWL Digital Marketing Lab at https://www.uwlax.edu/sbdc/calendar-of-events/

The UW-L Digital Marketing Lab also supports those participating in the new regional initiative, Win the Web: Website Training to Help You Grow Your Business. This initiative offers free, in-person and virtual training sessions starting in September 2021.

Sessions will cover a variety of topics including, Websites 101: Five Things You Need to Know About Building a Website, Creating Effective Content for Your Website, Social Media Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Planning an Online Store, Enhancing Your Business Website, ADA Compliance for Websites and Cybersecurity. Interactive workshops will be held to help those seeking to build or enhance a WIX, SquareSpace or WordPress website.

The Win the Web training series is provided by the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission, in collaboration with the UW-L SBDC. Funding for the training is provided by the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Mallory Blount, a spokesperson for Kemp, said the Fulton board has chronically shown poor management and incompetence.

This review process will hopefully provide greater transparency, ensure local accountability and restore voter confidence, Blount said.

Both Raffensperger and Kemp have taken withering criticism from Trump, who says Georgias 16 electoral votes were stolen from him. Both face 2022 GOP primary challenges from candidates echoing those criticisms, with Trump endorsing Raffensperger challenger and U.S. Rep. Jody Hice.

There could be procedural hiccups. The senators letter seeks review of a board employee, Fulton County Elections Director Richard Barron, while the House letter seeks a review of the county board. The Fulton board is considered the election superintendent by law.

Jones, Albers and others said the Senate letter is sufficient to start the process. Mashburn declined to comment. Sara Tindal Ghazal, the only Democratic appointee to the state board, says she has questions.

Were not in charge of hiring and firing county staff, she said.
Huebsch testified in court earlier this month that Signal made it easier to carry on group chats with Android and iPhones and to keep from filling up his phones memory. He said he used the app to talk with friends about sports, health and family but not commission business.

Walsh argued that opponents havent shown any evidence that Huebsch discussed matters before the commission.

Here theres a lot of smoke and mirrors about how my client has communicated with this person or that person, he said. Nobodys pointed to a single communication about the PSC.

What would be enough? Frost asked. Unless they have proof, they shouldnt have discovery?  How would they ever prove it if its encrypted messages?

Stephen Hurley, an attorney for DALC and WWF, said the PSC did not produce Huebschs phone records in response to an open records request.

Theres a degree of trust that is lacking at this juncture, Hurley said.
While it is always sad to lose clergy in the Catholic Church, particularly when there are shortages of priests, I find Msgr. Jeffrey Burrill's resignation courageous and a testament to his faith. While his actions only hurt himself, and were not in themselves divisive or hurtful to the congregation, they did violate his vows.
Heeding advice from one of her professors in seminary, the Rev. Claire George-Drumheller wanted to make sure all the pieces fell into place when answering the call to lead a new congregation.

Or, as she puts it, when all the yeses line up.

She visited First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster city in May as a candidate for the associate pastor position, and met the search committee and church staff and then explored the city of Lancaster.

And all the yeses lined up for George-Drumheller.

I really liked the search committee, I really liked the things I was hearing about the church, and then we really loved the city of Lancaster, too, George-Drumheller says.

The feeling was mutual. After a rigorous selection process that featured over 25 applicants, associate pastor nominating committee chair Kristen Jenkins said that George-Drumheller just rose to the top.

The process to replace former associate pastor Dan Snyder  who was installed as the churchs lead pastor in May  started in January, and the seven-member associate pastor nominating committee unanimously voted in George-Drumheller in June. The church vote was also unanimous.

She has the knowledge and ability to theologically look at things, as well as relate to them on a personal level, Jenkins says.

A Presbyterian upbringing

A South Carolina native, George-Drumheller, 35, will start at First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster on Aug. 14, and will be installed at the church in October.

Born, baptized and raised in the Presbyterian Church, there was no question that going into ministry was something George-Drumheller wanted to do.

She earned her bachelors in English and religion at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, and then earned her Master of Divinity from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, where she met her husband, Matt.

I was raised in the Presbyterian Church, and always felt welcomed and loved at the church, and kind of knew from a very young age that this was what I was going to do with my life, George-Drumheller says.

Matt is currently a pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Albemarle, North Carolina. Her sister, Anna, and brother-in-law, Blake, are both Presbyterian clergy in Atlanta. Claire George-Drumheller is a campus minister at Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina, and serves as one of the pastors at Davidson College Presbyterian Church.

George-Drumheller has spent her career sharpening her knowledge and skills in worship. Her language is fresh, vivid and deeply faithful, Snyder said in an email.

As FPC extends its reach through new channels for worship, her gifts will draw many to know God in fresh ways, Snyder said. I think it is time for congregations to hear from voices like Rev. George-Drumheller and FPC is delighted to introduce voice in these times.

At First Presbyterian Church, George-Drumheller will work in tandem with Snyder to lead the churchs congregation. They will work together crafting worship, leading teams and equipping people to serve.

FPC found a real gem who we believe is truly up for the task ahead, Snyder said.

And that gem, according to Erin Cox-Holmes, executive presbyter at the Presbytery of Donegal, just sparkled. Cox-Holmes said in an email that when the Presbytery looks for a pastor, they look for what sparkles in the potential match between pastor and congregation.

She is an amazing preacher, a compassionate listener, a passionate leader, a competent administrator, and has promised to teach people all about grits, Cox-Holmes said. She is blessed with the charisma  spiritual gifts  of grace, wisdom, courage, humor and humility.

Appreciation for creativity

With the COVID-19 pandemic waning, George-Drumheller was attracted to the fact that the congregation is willing to try new things and to be creative and innovative when it comes to worship and fellowship. While there are still many uncertainties about what the church will look like after the pandemic, First Presbyterian Church will continue to include offering a diversity of worship experiences for their congregation.

It was apparent really early on that they werent just itching to get back to normal that when the pandemic ended  but recognize that they have learned and grown, and then moved by Gods spirit throughout the pandemic, and to lean into that growth coming out of the pandemic as well, George-Drumheller says.

Overall, George-Drumhellers goal in Lancaster is to tell the good news of Gods love and grace, whether that is through faithful, traditional and creative worship services where congregants will hear the Scripture and Gods love, and then go out into the world and live as disciples.

Well be taking on a lot of worship responsibility and building a lot of relationships, and partnering with this congregation in the work that God is already doing in the Lancaster area, George-Drumheller says.

In a historically male-dominated profession, George-Drumheller noted the constant challenges female pastors face. During a candidate sermon she preached for the congregation on June 20, her feet did not touch the ground when she sat at the bench.

Those chairs are quite literally made for men, and women literally do not fill them, she says. I am really grateful to have a colleague like Dan who recognized that my feet didnt touch the ground, and said, Were going to fix that. 

Historically, it wasnt until 1956 that the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. ordained its first woman as a minister of the word and sacrament, Margaret Towner. Nine years later in 1965, the Presbyterian Church in the U.S. ordained Rachel Henderlite as its first female pastor.

However, in other denominations and churches, the profession is one that women are excluded from, and growing up in the Bible Belt in South Carolina, George-Drumheller acknowledges that being a female pastor can be an uphill battle at times.

There are a lot of women who point to Gods love and Jesus Christ throughout Scripture, and a long line in history of women and whose shoes Im following, she says. Im grateful to have colleagues like Dan who recognize that women have challenges that men do not have, and are willing to be allies to women in ministry.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP)  Malaysia's embattled prime minister postponed a critical parliamentary session set for Monday, citing COVID-19 infections and allowing him to avoid a no-confidence vote amid growing calls for him to resign.

A circular sent to lawmakers Saturday said the session will be held at a later date, after the Health Ministry deemed Parliament a high-risk venue. Eleven cases were detected Thursday among staff and others.

Malaysia's political crisis deepened when the king rebuked the government for misleading Parliament on the status of ordinances it issued during the coronavirus state of emergency. The opposition, which has filed a motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, slammed the postponement as an excuse for him to stay in office.

Many parties feel it's not because of COVID-19. This political crisis must be resolved immediately. This constitutional crisis must be addressed, tweeted Ahmad Maslan, a lawmaker in the biggest party in Muhyiddin's alliance that has backed calls for the premier to quit.

There was no immediate comment from Muhyiddin's office. This was not the first time Muhyiddin has suspended Parliament due to the virus. Parliament has been shut down for several months just after he took office in March 2020, and since January this year, after the king approved his plan for an emergency to tackle the pandemic.

The state of emergency allowed him to rule by ordinance without legislative approval until Aug. 1, at a time when his razor-thin majority in Parliament is in jeopardy.

Public anger against Muhyiddin has built up as cases jumped eightfold since January. New daily infections breached 10,000 on July 13 for the first time and have stayed there since, despite a virus emergency in January and a lockdown since June 1. Total deaths have risen to nearly 9,000. Nearly 20% of the population has been fully vaccinated.

Hundreds of black-clad Malaysian youth earlier Saturday rallied in central Kuala Lumpur to demand Muhyiddin's resignation and early resumption of regular Parliament sessions. Some carried mock corpses wrapped in white cloth to depict the growing virus death toll.

Parliament reopened Monday for the first time this year after Muhyiddin caved to pressure from the king, but the five-day special sitting was only to brief lawmakers on the pandemic and debates were banned.

King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Abdullah said on Thursday he did not give his consent to annul emergency ordinances but told the government to debate them in Parliament  which may lead to a vote that could test Muhyiddins majority. Muhyiddin said that the king has to act on the Cabinets advice and insisted his administration didnt violate the constitution.
A Commonwealth Court judge this week largely denied a motion from Pennsylvania House Speaker Bryan Cutler to bar evidence of racial discrimination in the landmark school funding case involving the School District of Lancaster.

Petitioners, which include Lancaster and five other Pennsylvania school districts, parents, the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools, and the Pennsylvania chapter of the NAACP, can present race-related evidence, Judge Renee Cohn Jubelirer declared.

That evidence may include race specific data from the state Department of Education showing the disproportionate impact the states education funding system has on children of color, evidence that Black and Hispanic students are heavily concentrated in high-poverty schools and, therefore, lack equitable access to educational opportunity.

The judge sided with Cutler, a Republican from Peach Bottom, on his request to bar petitioners from presenting certain race-related background information, such as discriminatory practices related to school segregation, housing policies, incarceration rates and employment.

Lancaster Superintendent Damaris Rau said the court was right to consider racial disparities as part of the petitioners larger argument that the states funding system fails to equitably serve all Pennsylvania students.

We know that Pennsylvania has some of the biggest achievement gaps between racial groups, even when controlling for poverty, in the nation, she said. If our school system is not serving all students, it is not living up to the promise of the (Pennsylvania) constitution.

The judge cited the makeup of Lancasters student body as one of the reasons why race-related evidence should be allowed.

Obviously, evidence of the impact of the alleged inadequate and inequitable system of funding public education on The School District of Lancasters students necessarily implicates evidence of spending and achievement gaps involving minorities, Cohn Jubelirer wrote in her opinion, stating the vast majority of Lancaster students belong to racial minorities.

Cutler argued in his motion that presenting race-related evidence is not relevant to the case because petitioners base their argument on the wealth of school districts, not race. If they had made a race-based plea, Cutler said in his motion, it would have completely changed the tenor of this case. He also said presenting such evidence could delay the case, lead to unfair prejudice and confusion of the issues.

He objected to petitioners using evidence, including Pennsylvania Department of Education data, to argue that the states education funding system was unconstitutional due to disparate spending or achievement between races.

Cutler, through his spokesperson, declined to comment because he will not comment on pending litigation.

Other respondents in the case are the Pennsylvania Department of Education; Pennsylvania Senate President Pro-Tempore Jake Corman, who also joined in Cutlers motion; Gov. Tom Wolf; and state Secretary of Education Noe Ortega.

Claudia De Palma, a staff attorney with the Public Interest Law Center who argued the case on behalf of the petitioners, said although this case is not a discrimination case, the data is plainly relevant to determining whether or not our school funding system meets the needs of all children in Pennsylvania, as our state constitution requires.

The case, which could significantly alter the way Pennsylvania public schools are funded, goes to trial in Commonwealth Court in Harrisburg beginning Sept. 9.
East Hempfield police

DUI

EAST HEMPFIELD TWP.: Vladimir Ugrenyuk, 51, of Mountville, was charged with DUI and various traffic violations following a stop in the 200 block of Centerville Road on July 26, police said.

FIREARMS VIOLATION

EAST HEMPFIELD TWP.: Mark Dykes, 23, of Harrisburg, was charged with illegal possession of a firearm after police were called about a backpack left in a cart at CVS, 630 Centerville Road, on July 24, police said.

RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT

EAST HEMPFIELD TWP.: Joseph Lane, 29, of Rochester, New York, was charged with four counts of reckless endangerment, fleeing police and traffic violations after he sped off when police tried to stop him around 10:30 a.m. July 25 on Centerville Road near South Tree Drive and then crashed on eastbound Route 30 at the Rohrerstown Road overpass, police said.

Ephrata Township police

THEFT

EPHRATA TWP.: Brittney M. Morales, 27, of Schoeneck, was charged with retail theft after she stole more than $1,900 worth of items by ringing up part of what was in her cart by using the self checkout lanes of Weis Market, 333 N. Reading Road, at least 19 times between May and July 27, police said.

Manheim Township police

THEFT

MANHEIM TWP.: Tammy Lynn Bell, 32, who is homeless, was charged with retail theft after she stole $1,200 cash from registers while working at Turkey Hill, 1500 Manheim Pike, between January and July 27, police said. She was also charged with possessing drug paraphernalia after police found a crack pipe on her, police said.

HARASSMENT

MANHEIM TWP.: Hector Arce-Torres, 33, was charged with harassment after hitting a person with a sneaker at his home in the 1000 block of Lititz Avenue on July 24, police said.

DUI

LANCASTER TWP.: Annie E. Diaz-Perez, 23, of Lancaster, was charged after a traffic stop for an expired registration around 2 a.m. July 25 on Wabank Road at Lefever Avenue, police said. Her blood alcohol content was measured at 0.091%, police said.

New Holland police

ASSAULT

NEW HOLLAND: Dalten Procyson, 23, of Gap, was charged with two counts of simple assault, and one count each of disorderly conduct and harassment after punching two random people as he was leaving Shooters Crossing bar, 88 Diller Ave., on July 22, police said. Procyson punched them after an argument with someone else and he threw chairs about the bar, police said.
A woman working for a flooring contractor at a Lancaster Township homeowner smashed windows at the jobsite, backed her car into a garage door and began disrobing, according to police, who said she was on drugs at the time.

Ashley L. Beward, 38, of Thompsontown, was charged with four counts of driving under the influence  for the various drugs found in her system, including amphetamine and THC  along with one count each of indecent exposure and criminal mischief, according to charging documents dated Thursday.

Manheim Township police were called to a disturbance at a home in the 1200 block of Wheatland Avenue shortly before 10 a.m. June 5. They arrived to find Beward wearing only a tank top, slurring and not making sense, according to charging documents.

A witness told police Beward had been working on flooring in a carriage house on the property and, when she returned from break, began disrobing and punching windows. She also went after the witness to attack him, according to the document.

Beward then got into her Pontiac Grand Prix and backed it into the carriage house garage, damaging it, according to the document. The car was in reverse and against the garage door when police arrived. Beward is accused of causing about $1,680 damage.

A number listed for Beward in charging documents did not accept a call Friday and online court documents do not list an attorney for her. She was not being held at Lancaster County Prison, but bail information was not available. A preliminary hearing has not been scheduled.
Audit: California prison program illegally spent $1.3M

A California prison program that employs inmates illegally spent $1.3 million on goods and salaries, including $82,000 in artificial turf that has gone unused, as part of a pattern of gross misconduct, state auditors said Tuesday.

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They recommended disciplinary action against California Prison Industry Authority employees who authorized the spending and also executives they said repeatedly circumvented state civil service laws to favor relatives and friends for jobs and promotions.

The repeated violations of state laws governing spending and hiring constitute gross misconduct, auditors said. The executives neglected their duties as stewards of CalPIA funds, failed to act in the best interest of CalPIA, and harmed prospective job applicants.

The semi-independent authority employs state prison inmates, with the goal of teaching good work habits and occupational skills. It oversees inmates who produce more than 1,400 goods and services including things like office furniture, clothing, food and printed products, much of which is sold to state agencies.

It is supposed to be financially self-sufficient from sales of the products, and to operate as much as possible like private industry.

PIA is under new leadership since the problems 2 1/2 years ago, authority spokeswoman Michele Kane said in a statement, adding that it has since taken steps to increase accountability and oversight.

Authority executives made at least 10 bad faith job appointments from 2016 through 2019, the auditors found. They urged the state to take steps like voiding the appointments, reclassifying the jobs and requiring employees to return their compensation.

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They included a classmate of a staff manager in 2018 who was improperly hired as a special consultant, at least two children of executives, and an employee who is both the son-in-law of an executive and the spouse of another authority employee.

In perhaps the most egregious case, another employee was the son of one authority executive and the brother of another employee, and was hired after officials manipulated the process to put aside his poor test score. Officials then promoted him despite a lack of qualifications, and auditors suggested the state could require him to return more than $266,000 that they said was unlawfully earned.

It suggested a different employee, an executives son-in-law, should have to return $169,000 in wages. The authority said it has asked the states human resources department to review those recommendations.

The wasteful spending on the turf and other purchases that benefited other state agencies were unlawful because they didnt advance the authoritys mission, auditors found. The authority bought the turf in 2018 but prison officials hadnt installed as of March 2021 because it would cost another $100,000 to do so and would require using metal stakes that inmates could turn into weapons.

Aside from buying the artificial turf, the authority improperly spent $433,000 for a camera system around a prison, $350,000 on equipment and other purchases for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and more than $213,000 for prison warden training, auditors found.

It also unlawfully gave nearly $163,000 worth of inmate-made furniture to other state agencies. Other improper gifts of public funds to other agencies included $66,000 for digital cameras and $7,000 for a bronzed state seal, auditors said.

An unnamed executive refused to answer our questions, invoking the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination, auditors said.

However, the authoritys response said current employees were not responsible for the purchases, so there would be no disciplinary action. Kane would not say if the executive had left the authority.

Some employees said they carried out executives direction on the hiring and gifts because they feared possible retaliation, auditors said.

The authority said it had asked state corrections officials to investigate the improper hiring and recommend appropriate disciplinary action.

Prison-based programs that rely on inmate labor have come under increased criticism recently from those who say the state is benefiting from cheap inmate labor. A proposed constitutional amendment awaiting action by state lawmakers would remove an exemption for people who are being punished for crimes.
World pledges $4B in push to repair COVIDs education damage

International governments and companies have pledged more than $4 billion to educate 175 million children around the world and prevent a generations chances being blighted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The commitments came Thursday at a conference in London hosted by Britain, Kenya and funding organization the Global Partnership for Education.

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Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who chairs the partnership, said the donations put it on track to meet its goal of raising $5 billion over the next five years,

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who addressed the conference alongside Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, has made girls education a flagship project of his Conservative government, and is pushing to get 40 million more girls in school around the world by 2026.

He told conference delegates that education was the silver bullet . that can solve virtually every problem that afflicts humanity.

Britain has pledged 430 million pounds ($600 million) to the Global Partnership for Education. But Johnson is facing criticism for slashing the U.K.s international development budget from 0.7% of national income to 0.5%, cutting around 4 billion pounds ($5.6 billion) from projects that help the worlds most vulnerable.

The government says the cut is temporary and is necessary because of the economic blow caused by the pandemic.
A project in Kenya is using biogas technology to attack two major pollution problems with one device: a machine that changes waste such as invasive water hyacinth into cleaner cooking fuel.

Biogas International, a Kenyan energy technology company, is partnering with drug maker AstraZeneca and the Institute for Sustainability Leadership at the University of Cambridge.

The project has so far provided 50 of the Flexi Biogas devices to homes in the city of Kisumu in western Kenya. The device is called a digester because it breaks down plant waste to produce gas. The digesters will permit families to stop using wood or charcoal, both of which produce dangerous smoke. People will also be able to cook foods faster using the gas.

Tony Otieno used the gas from a digester to cook tea for his 70-year-old grandmother Margaret. He said,

"The gas has no smoke, does not smell, and it is much faster than the jiko."

Some of the families received a gas stove as part of the project, to replace their jiko - a stove that uses charcoal. Many of the digesters were also given out for free. The company paid the cost.

The machines process plant waste such as ground-up water hyacinth. That plant has covered large parts of Lake Victoria, a freshwater lake between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

The weed-like plant harms living things in the lake including fish. The plants also help bacteria and mosquitoes increase, causing health risks to local communities.

Faster cooking

The Flexi Biogas devices use 2-3 kilograms of water hyacinth scraped from the lake to produce gas. After the plant waste produces gas, it can be put on other plants as food. The owner of the device can sell extra gas or plant waste.

The fuel powers a stove that can make a meal of corn and beans in around four hours.

Dominic Wanjihia Kahumbu is head of Biogas International. He said,

"Water hyacinth is a blessing in disguise."

He added that the elderly people are being harmed by their cooking fuel. Instead, he believes they should all have the cleaner biogas.

But at a cost of $650, most families in the city do not have enough money to buy the device, he said. The World Bank put the Gross Domestic Product per person in Kenya at just over $1,800 in 2020.

Although the technology can be on a small or large scale, he said, each system cost a lot to make. As a result, it is unlikely the company will make a profit for at least another five years. He said the company needs new investment.

Larger versions

Two larger versions of the equipment are still in the testing phase. They would produce clean fuel on an larger scale for restaurants, chicken farms and fish drying facilities in the area. An example of a large system is in place at the Ngong Market and is shown on the companys Facebook page.

Im Jill Robbins.

This story was reported by Fred Ouko and Nazanine Moshiri. Jill Robbins adapted it for Learning English. Susan Shand was the editor.

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Words in This Story

biogas  n. a kind of fuel gas, especially methane, produced by the fermentation of organic matter

mosquito  n. a small flying insect that bites the skin of people and animals and sucks their blood

blessing  n. something that helps you or brings happiness

in disguise  expression. made to look like something else or presented as another thing

Gross Domestic Product  n. the total monetary or market value of all the finished goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific time period.

What do you think of this effort to use weeds? How do people in your country use unwanted plants? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.
A Canadian scientist might have found the earliest evidence of animal life on Earth.

Geologist Elizabeth Turner presented her findings in the science publication Nature in late July.

Turner made her discovery in the rocks of Canadas Northwest Territories. She has been doing research there since the 1980s. The area where she works has high mountains and can only be reached by helicopter. But an estimated 890 million years ago, the area was under the sea.

There, Turner said she found the remains of sponges preserved as minerals in rock. The rock contains structures that look like modern sponges that live in the worlds oceans.

Joachim Reitner is an expert on sponges at Germanys University of Gottingen. Reitner was not involved in the research. But he agreed the findings must be a kind of sponge.

Dating of rock levels suggests that the rocks containing the structures are about 890 million years old. That would make them about 350 million years older than the oldest sponge fossils found during earlier studies.

Paco Cardenas is an expert on sponges at Swedens Uppsala University and was not involved in the research. He said the date of the sponge is the most shocking thing about it. Discovering sponge fossils from close to 900 million years ago will improve our understanding of early animal life, he said.

Many scientists believe the first animal groups included sponges or sponge-like creatures without muscles or nerves. But they had other qualities of simple animals, including cells for different purposes and sperm for reproduction.

However, there is very little scientific agreement about things that happened one billion years ago. So other researchers will continue to examine and debate Turners findings.

I think shes got a pretty strong case. I think this is very worthy of publishing. It puts the evidence out there for other people to consider, said David Bottjer. He is a paleobiologist at University of Southern California and was not involved in the research.

Scientists believe life on Earth appeared 3.7 billion years ago. The earliest animals appeared much later but exactly when is still debated.

The oldest undisputed fossil sponges date to around 540 million years ago, a time called the Cambrian period.

Some scientists using a method called the molecular clock say evidence suggests sponges appeared around a billion years ago. The molecular clock method dates changes in living things based on the idea that genetic change takes place at a regular rate over long periods of time.

But no supporting physical evidence for the first appearance of sponges had been found.

This would be the first time that a sponge fossil has been found from before the Cambrian, and not only before, but way before  thats whats most exciting, said Cardenas. He added that the research seems to confirm the molecular clock estimates.

Little fossil evidence exists before the Cambrian period, when animals first developed hard bones, exoskeletons and shells. Those structures are more likely to be preserved.

The time period of 890 million years ago is important. If the organism is confirmed as a sponge, the discovery would prove that the first animals developed before oxygen reached a level scientists thought was needed for animal life. But recent research suggests that some sponges can survive with little oxygen.

Everything on Earth has an ancestor, said Roger Summons. He is an MIT geobiologist who also was not involved in the research. He said it has always been predicted that the first proof of animal life would be small and mysterious.

Im Alice Bryant.



The Associated Press reported this story. Alice Bryant adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor.

_________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

sponge n. a kind of sea animal that lives in colonies and forms hard structures in the water

geologist n. a scientists who studies the rocks to learn about the history of the Earth and its life

fossil n. the remains of ancient plants or animals that have become preserved as minerals in rocks

muscle n. body tissue that produces movement

paleobiologist n. a scientist who studies ancient life

exciting adj. causing a feeling of interest and energy

exoskeleton  n. a rigid covering on the outside of the body in some invertebrate animals


American lawmaker Angus King is a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee. He received some advice this year by security staff on how to keep his cellphone safe from hackers.

Step One: Turn off phone.

Step Two: Turn it back on.

That is it. At a time of widespread digital insecurity, it turns out that the oldest and simplest computer fix can stop hackers from stealing information.

Restarting phones will not stop the army of digital criminals or spy-for-hire companies. But it can make even the most complex hackers work harder to keep entry and steal data from a phone.

Neal Ziring is the technical director of the National Security Agencys (or NSA) digital security division. He said the advice is to make it more costly for hackers to steal data.

The NSA recommends restarting a cellphone every week to prevent hacking. The recommendation was part of a guide for mobile digital security that the agency put out last year.

Cellphones are always close by, rarely turned off, and hold huge amounts of personal data. Cellphones have become top targets for hackers looking to steal messages, contacts, and pictures. Cellphones also can be used to find out where users are physically. Hackers can even turn on a phones camera and microphone.

It is not known exactly how many peoples phones are hacked each year. But a recent investigation by a group of worldwide media agencies found that over 1,000 reporters, human rights activists, and politicians were believed to be possible targets of an Israeli hacker-for-hire company. This has caused political disorder in France, India, Hungary, and elsewhere.

Top hackers are now gaining entry to personal devices without any user action, instead of through a method like the common open this link trick.

Normally, once hackers gain entry to a device or network, they look for ways to stay in the system. They do this by placing harmful programing into a computers root file system. But Ziring said that is becoming more difficult, as phone manufacturers like Apple and Google have stronger security systems to block such actions.

This has led hackers to use a sort of hacking called in-memory payloads, which are harder to find in the phone. Such hacks cannot survive a restart. But because many people restart their phones so rarely, the hackers can get all the information needed.

A large market currently exists for hacking tools that can break into phones. Some companies like Zerodium and Crowdfence publicly offer millions of dollars for hacks that do not need user interaction.

Hacker-for-hire companies that sell hacking services to governments and law agencies have increased in recent years. The most well known is the Israel-based NSO Group. Their hacking programming has reportedly been used around the world to break into the phones of activists, reporters, and religious leaders

Facebook has brought NSO Group to court for possibly targeting about 1,400 users on its messaging service WhatsApp with hacking programing.

NSO Group said it only sells its programing to vetted government agencies for use against terrorists and major criminals. The company did not answer a request for comment from Associated Press reporters.

Documents gained by Vice News found NSOs U.S.-based company advertised a powerful phone hacking tool to law enforcement agencies. The tool could even survive a factory reset  when all user data from a phone is removed.

The NSAs guide for mobile digital security notes that restarting a phone only works sometimes. The agencys guide for personal devices has a simple piece of advice to make sure hackers cannot record you from your phone: do not carry it with you.

Im Gregory Stachel.

Alan Suderman reported this story for The Associated Press. Gregory Stachel adapted it for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor.

______________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

hack  v. to secretly get access to the files on a computer or network in order to get information or cause damage

hire  v. to use or get the services of (someone) to do a particular job

vet  v. to check (something) carefully to make sure it is acceptable

interaction  n. to act together: to come together and have an effect on each other

mobile  n. able to be moved
Lewiston, ID (83501)

Today

Mainly sunny to start, then a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 103F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 70F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.
The U.S. on Monday finally reached President Joe Bidens goal of getting at least one COVID-19 shot into 70 percent of American adults  a month late and amid a fierce surge by the delta variant that is swamping hospitals and leading to new mask rules and mandatory vaccinations around the country.
State and local law enforcement officials arrested four documented gang members during a two-day proactive gang sweep that also included gathering intelligence on local crime trends, according to Santa Maria Police on Friday.

The operation included officers from the Santa Maria Police Department's Special Enforcement Team and Detective Bureau, along with the Santa Barbara County Probation Department and California State Parole who went to 20 known gang members' residences across the city to conduct searches and field interviews.

Officers also seized items of evidentiary value, according to the Santa Maria Police Department.

Santa Maria Police did not immediately provide the names of those arrested during the operation. Of the four, two were arrested on suspicion of firearm-related charges, according to the SMPD.

The operation was conducted in response to rise in violent crime and looked into gang trends, members and recent crime, although the SMPD did not immediately provide statistics.

+2 Santa Maria business owners frustrated as burglaries increase An estimated 150 burglaries have occurred in Santa Maria in 2021. Santa Maria had 174 burglaries in 2019, a dip from 270 in 2018, according to FBI Uniform Crime Reports statistics.

Violent crime increased in California by 0.8% from 2019 to 2020, increasing from 433.5 incidents to 437 per capita (per 100,000 people) from one year to the next, according to statistics released by the California Department of Justice on July 1.

Additionally, Department of Justice statistics show homicides increased 31% in 2020, from 4.2 in 2019 to 5.5 per capita in 2020.
The owner of a Central Coast cannabis dispensary on July 28 agreed to plead guilty to federal charges after he reportedly evaded taxes and bribed a former San Luis Obispo County supervisor with more than $30,000 in exchange for favorable votes affecting his business.

Helios "Bobby" Dayspring, 35, agreed to plead guilty to one count of bribery and one count of filing a false tax return for failing to report millions of dollars in income to the Internal Revenue Service, according to an agreement filed July 28 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

Dayspring now faces up to 13 years in federal prison.

The agreement came on the same day in which federal prosecutors filed the charges against Helios, who owns Natural Healing Center, which has several locations on the Central Coast including in Grover Beach, Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. Dayspring in April 2020 purchased the Old Town Market in Orcutt and intended to locate a dispensary at the location, although his Santa Barbara County application never made the final cut.

He is scheduled to make his first appearance in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on Aug. 25, when he is also expected to enter his plea, according to U.S. Attorney spokesman Thom Mrozek.

Legal challenge puts Orcutt cannabis store ranked applicants list on hold A petition for a writ of mandate filed last month by the applicant for a controversial retail cannabis store in Old Town Orcutt prevented Sant

The charges originate from fall of 2016 to November 2019, when Dayspring allegedly began paying bribes totaling approximately $32,000 in the form of cash and money orders to Adam Hill, the late San Luis Obispo County 3rd District supervisor, for votes and influence affecting his business, which sold cannabis products to the public and included farms that grew cannabis in San Luis Obispo County.

In exchange, the supervisor voted on matters affecting Daysprings farms, including voting multiple times in favor of legislation that permitted Daysprings farms to operate before he had obtained final permitting approvals, court documents show.

During a March 29, 2019, supervisors' meeting, Hill allegedly texted Dayspring on his efforts to prevent other supervisors from voting against outdoor cannabis cultivation.

"[I] had to keep these f---ers from going beyond and it is exhausting," Hill texted Dayspring, referring to his colleagues, according to the plea agreement. "Where's the industry [financial] support for my reelection?"

Hill died Aug. 6, 2020. His death was widely reported as a suicide in October 2020.

In another instance, Dayspring and a business associate attempted to bribe a former mayor of Grover Beach with $100,000 in exchange for two dispensary permits in the city during a dinner meeting in September 2017, but the mayor did not take the bribe, according to the plea agreement.

In addition, Dayspring also allegedly admitted that he underreported $3.4 million in personal income on his federal tax returns between 2014 and 2018, which he also agreed to pay in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.

The FBI and IRS investigated the case, which is part of an ongoing public corruption investigation in San Luis Obispo County, according to Mrozek.

Any member of the public who has information related to the case or any other public corruption matter in San Luis Obispo County is encouraged to send information to the FBIs email tip line at pctips-losangeles@fbi.gov or to contact the FBIs Los Angeles Field Office at 310-477-6565.
Santa Maria City Councilwoman Gloria Soto will continue her work in the local nonprofit sector as the new executive director of Latinx youth empowerment organization Future Leaders of America

After first being introduced to Future Leaders at the age of 14, Soto has served as an organization volunteer, annual youth leadership conference director and board member. She will begin her role this month after 10 years spent working with Planned Parenthood Central Coast.

In addition to supporting Future Leaders' mission of promoting youth resiliency, Soto is eager to continue expanding the organization's focus on educational equity across the region.

"My goal as executive director is to amplify the work of the organization across the Central Coast," she said. "I'm really excited to get to join such an impressive team at FLA, and am looking forward to working with youth, families and stakeholders."

Following the departure announcement of Future Leaders' current executive director, Eder Gaona-Macedo, the board of directors began its search for a new person to step into the role, and determined that Soto fit the bill.

The board of directors is thrilled to have Ms. Soto lead FLA into its next chapter, said Future Leaders of America Board Chair Teresa Alvarez. After an extensive interview process, it was clear that her experience in the nonprofit sector and her roots in our community make her the ideal candidate. We look forward to working alongside Ms. Soto to continue supporting our local Latinx youth.

Future Leaders of America serves high school youth in the areas of Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Oxnard and Port Hueneme. The organization's 2021 Youth Leadership Conference is taking place from now through Friday.
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Commissioners proposing employee raises

Brewer Cassels SANCHES

Editors note: This is the one in an occasional series about the state of Angelina County.

The Angelina County Commissioners Court has proposed a budget that includes $2,080 cost-of-living adjustment raises for staff and elected officials.

The proposed budget was made public Friday and the public is being offered the opportunity to review it over the next month prior to the courts vote.

Though the adjustments are across the board, alterations were made on a case-by-case basis for certain positions. Among the exceptions are positions the court determined: are paid better than their equal counterparts; received raises in 2021; or that needed to be paid more to bring them up to their equal counterparts.

These adjustments come after a long wait for most county employees. The last cost-of-living adjustment was made in 2016, and several departments still have employees paid far less than other local agencies, other counties and even other county departments.

For example, the women working in the county treasurers office take home less pay than other positions of similar stature. This is an issue Treasurer Jill Brewer brought before court in one of the countys first budget workshops.

The treasurers office is charged with accounting for all county revenue and processing the receipts from every county department. Essentially, the department acts as the countys bank and is a liaison between the county and the banks it works with. Brewer also invests county money.

It is complicated, she said. We have the local government code, all those things that (county auditor Janice Cordray) has to make sure that we get done and do it properly, so its a complicated process.

And the process has grown more complicated in the last few years, requiring one of Brewers staff to do additional work despite not earning more money. Another employee, in the county auditors office, tasked with a similar job and handling the same changes was taken from a part-time position to a full-time one to handle the increased workload, Brewer said.

To ensure her employees were given raises, she asked commissioners to allow her to take $5,000 typically used to contract other people to do scanning for the office and allocate it instead to her employees who could do the work anyway.

There isnt much room for growth in the treasurers office; there are only three positions, Brewer said. Both women could make a lot more money working for a bank, she said. But the benefits or hours may not be as good.

After all their years of experience, they know all the shortcuts, Brewer said. Im going to tell you, I cant put a dollar amount on what they would be worth. But if either one of them has to leave unexpectedly, I would have to hire one and a half people to replace what they do.

And Brewer doesnt believe she could pay someone enough to convince them to take on this job.

Both women have worked for the county an excess of 10 years each, Brewer said. The chief deputys take-home pay was $32,787 and the deputys take-home pay was $28,322 for 2021.

Both women have only seen a 14.66% increase in their pay over the last 11 years, according to data compiled using salary schedules produced by Angelina County. In comparison:

 Elected officials on average saw an average of a 16% pay increase in that same time;

 Sheriffs office deputies, who many county residents have wanted to see raises for, saw a 23.18% increase on average in that time; and

 The Social Security Administration paid out 17% more in that time, according to a report produced by the administration.

You know, thats just the way it is, Brewer said. The county  local government  notoriously underpays their people. Youll find that across the board, across the state.

Angelina County is one of countless small communities in the South that values low taxes. It has the third lowest tax rate in the region and ranked 71 out of Texas 254 counties for the lowest taxes, according to data compiled by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

The comptrollers data did not have information on 12 counties in 2020, so the countys ranking may be even lower than it was originally listed.

County salary schedules break down pay information for each position in multiple categories. Salaries do not reflect taxes and benefits provided by the county, simply the take-home pay each employee receives.

County employees took home an average of 14.89% more in 2021 than they did in 2011.

But the cost of living has grown beyond that. The average cost of a house rose 98% between 2011 and 2019, according to City Data, a national data collection and analyzing website.

But underpaid positions litter more county departments than just the treasurers office  even some of the countys highest paid staff still make less than people in similar positions in other counties.

The jail, sheriffs office and district attorneys office all have one issue in common  theyve had exceptional turnover in the last few years.

The district attorneys office has some of the highest paid county staff on its payroll, but there were 18 new hires and 15 terminations in 2020 and four new hires and terminations by June 16, 2021.

The sheriffs office saw 13 new hires and 12 terminations in 2019; nine new hires and 17 terminations in 2020; and two new hires and terminations by June 16, 2021.

The jail saw 15 new hires and 13 terminations in 2019; 10 new hires and 11 terminations in 2020; and 12 new hires and seven terminations by June 16, 2021.

Terminations do not necessarily mean a person was fired, just that the persons employment was terminated for some reason. It could mean the person quit, retired or was fired, Cordray said when answering the public records request for this story.

Some of this, District Attorney Janet Cassels said, comes with the territory of new leadership but should also be blamed on the work compared to the pay.

Turnover is likely expected anytime there is an office in transition, she said. When you add to that the fact that this department has been struggling for a while and a real push is being made to play catch up, there are certainly easier places to work than here.

Low pay and challenging work make it hard to attract and retain competent personnel. Many departments and much of law enforcement are sharing similar issues.

The first assistant district attorneys pay increased by only 1.98% in 11 years.

Sheriff Greg Sanches attributes the turnover at the sheriffs office and jail primarily to pay. Other agencies around the county, region and state pay better than Angelina County does, he said.

Its an issue hes attempted to tackle for nine years, he said.

Every year (at) the budget talks, Ive been telling (the commissioners court), if we dont keep trying to raise these salaries, this days going to catch up with us  what were going through right now, Sanches said. And now here we are.
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In June 2020, the city completed the first element of the project when it opened the new underground, city-owned Wilson Street Garage, at 20 E. Wilson St. This replaced the citys first publicly owned garage, Government East, built in 1958, which has now been demolished.

At street level on the same block as the garage, Freewheel Bike Center is open. Dedicated to transportation justice, the center offers free mechanical classes, tune-ups and bike giveaways.

Stone House Development is close to residents moving in to their apartment project above the garage.

The demolition of the old parking garage paves the way for future development.

Beitler Real Estate  Are they in or out?

Beitler is in but wants to hand off part of the project.

Beitler is looking to transfer development rights for the hotel to Mortenson Development, which is headquartered in Minneapolis.
The announcement came after the Wisconsin Department of Health Services recorded 1,058 new cases of COVID-19 across the state Friday, the highest since Feb. 10, when the state health department recorded 1,184 new cases of the virus; and after Dane County was elevated from moderate to substantial risk for transmission by the CDC.

Required return

Employees were required to return to the office at the Verona headquarters at least part-time starting July 19 despite complaints from some workers about the companys attempted back-to-work mandate last August.

The companys current back-to-work plan requires workers to return to the office at least three days a week, Kristen Dresen, a member of Epics administration team, told the Wisconsin State Journal earlier this month.

Starting Aug. 1, employees will need to be in the office at least four days a week, and starting Sept. 1, theyll need to come nine days of every two weeks. The plan will be reevaluated after October, Dresen said.

Prior to the mandated return, about 4,000 of Epics 9,400 Verona-based employees were voluntarily working in the office on any given weekday, Dresen said.
Two beers from Madisons Young Blood and Karben4 are a British Isles zig to the prevailing zag.

Theres something cool happening in beer, and its not another IPA.

Im generally an IPA fan, but even Ive become worn out by the release of one after another of them. Most of them are at least a little distinctive, many of them are good, some of them are great, but taken as a whole, theres a lot of sameness.

Brewers  even those with several IPAs on their taproom menus  see this, too. And some of tapping into that style fatigue with  you know, something else.

A spate of something else has landed in Madison bottle shops this summer with two distinctive throwbacks.

Both of these beers trace their origins to the pubs of England, as rich a drinking tradition, if not brewing tradition, as any in the world. There, proper pints of easy ales flow  from a naturally carbonated, hand-pulled, nearly room temperature cask, if youre lucky.

Were not so lucky here, but hey, you dont see a mild ale and an ordinary bitter very often, so fans of traditional styles can count our lucky stars for that.
If you work with your renter to get the assistance, you are very likely to be made whole, Ballering told a group of more than 80 landlords and representatives from apartment and tenant resource groups at a meeting Wednesday. If you evict your renter without waiting, you wont get anything.

Roughly $11 million of the $15 million in federal funds set aside for rental assistance in Madison and Dane County has been doled out so far, but an additional $28 million is on the way, according to the Tenant Resource Center, which has been in charge of distributing the funds locally.

Statewide, nearly $46 million had been given to 12,520 households as of Thursday, according to the state Department of Administration. That leaves $276 million that still needs to be distributed, plus an additional $250 million that will become available soon. The state money is available everywhere except six areas of the state that are running their own programs, including Madison, Milwaukee, Dane County and Milwaukee County.

Theres no good estimate for how many households continue to need help paying rent.

In January the city, based on information from UW-Madison urban planning professor Kurt Paulsen, estimated that more than $40 million in rent was overdue in the county.
As a woman in tech, how have you seen your field change?

Holmes: People like myself have reinvested, and so I have not just worked in the industry, but Ive reinvested. Ive volunteered, Ive served, Ive talked. Ive reinvested what Ive contributed into my own industry into other people who potentially could come not just behind me, but also to open up an avenue of visibility  that technology is not just a male only or male-dominated field, but its also open and available to people of color.

What ways are you reinvesting to attract a more diverse range of people into the tech field?

Holmes: Locally, what I do is through service. Rotary is a big aspect of that. Annually there are 25 seniors from Madison-area high schools who are awarded four-year scholarships from our organization.

Im doing that in Rotary, and then service aspects in the city. Im the chair of the Madison digital technology committee, so reinvesting  through infrastructure for our city. For us it was to ensure that households had digital access. Right now its morphing into the broadband effort.

You attended school in Louisiana but decided to come back to Wisconsin to start your business. Why?

Holmes: I didnt know that I was going to come back to Wisconsin. I grew up in Wisconsin, I leave and go 1,000 miles away, and then after I graduated, I could have actually gone anywhere. But what I did is I came back and I wanted to reinvest that experience in a place, or in a region, that didnt have a lot of visibility on historically Black universities, what aspects they bring, that theyre just as important as universities like the Big Ten.

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Local officials also continue to urge those eligible to get the vaccine.

Everybody is worried about if public health departments are going to put in additional restrictions, said Kristine Hillmer, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Restaurants Association. Are we going to have to backtrack with restrictions or capacity limits? Restaurants havent recovered from the first round that was roughly 16 months and theyre scared to death that theres going to be more coming their way.

Hillmer reminded customers to be patient as they frequent their favorite bar or restaurant as many establishments face new challenges related to the high price of supplies, limited hours of operation and a labor shortage, which has driven up wages as businesses try to rebuild their workforce.

Just because theyre busy doesnt necessarily mean that theyre out of the woods because of the huge losses sustained, in particular in Dane County where they were the most locked-down out of any place in the state, Hillmer said, in reference to COVID-19 restrictions put in place for much of 2020 and the early months of this year to minimize transmission of the coronavirus. Its going to be at least until 2024 before they recover, if they can make it.

Lawsuit cuts off funds for some
I try not to push my values on anybody else; that is not my job as an educator, Alam said.

Creating an environment where it is a safe space to have discussions and disagreements I think actually makes for a more fun environment, Alam added. I do think that controversial topics like critical race theory, as long as they are taught in conjunction with other theories that may be conflicting with that particular theory, I dont see anything wrong with that, Alam said.

Several task force members thanked Alam for his presentation but others challenged him and asked him how he would react if a student told him they felt like they identified as an artichoke one day.

I mean it to be funny, because its ludicrous, task force member Laura Van Voorhees told Alam during the meeting. But that seems to me what is going on out there in academia is total ludicrousness.

Throughout the afternoon, the tension and rhetoric escalated.

Trevor Loudon, a self-published author and self-described expert on Marxism spoke to the committee at length. He claimed Black Lives Matter was a front for a pro-Chinese Communist group and claimed that the Chinese government is influencing education at every level in the United States.
Lack of access to effective behavioral healthcare has an impact on the corrections system, the judicial system, hospitals, schools, and communities, leading to challenges such as a growing prison population, overdose deaths, and a very high suicide rate just to name a few, the strategic plan states in its executive summary.

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The plan includes a list of recommendations the council developed, as well as a three-year timeline by which these will be completed. The first two recommendations are scheduled to be completed by the end of this year.

One of the recommendations calls for the development of a workforce plan to help increase the number of licensed or certified behavioral health professionals throughout the state. The other recommendation calls for improvements to the process through which the courts can order a person with a mental illness into treatment.

Dave Jeppesen, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare director  who also spoke at the event  said the council developed the plan and its recommendations by examining the states entire behavioral health system.
As participants in the decisions made in Congress, Idahoans contact me with valuable input about the issues our country faces. I post information about various issues of importance on my website, http://crapo.senate.gov. One of the issues Idahoans have contacted me about recently is the proposal to revise the standing rules of the U.S. Senate to remove the Senate filibuster, which requires 60 votes to end debate and proceed to a vote. The following is my response:

The Senate is commonly referred to as the worlds most deliberative body and varies greatly from the structure and procedures that favor the majority in the House of Representatives. The Senate, as outlined in the Constitution, is to serve as a check and balance to the House by limiting hurried decision-making to ensure careful consideration of a given proposal. With this in mind, any proposal to revise Senate rules and procedures must preserve the unique nature and intent of this legislative body.

Removing the ability to filibuster legislation would minimize the Senate minoritys power to force further debate or compromise. Thus, the efforts would reduce incentive for the Senate to forge broad agreements and would likely increase divisiveness rather than efficiency. We should be cautious not to promote changes to tip the balance further for one side.
Please dont start wildfires! The Forest Service and land managers are begging you. Humans are the No. 1 cause of wildfires. Check your RV and trailer for dragging chains, dont set off fireworks, dont shoot exploding targets, and dont build campfires when theyre not allowed. If you do build a campfire, make sure its never unattended, and when you put it out, put it out cold, so that you can touch it with your bare hands.

Please mind your dog. Keep your dog on a leash. Pick up your dogs poop. Please keep your pets out of Quinns Pond and the Esther Simplot Park ponds. Recent tests showed elevated levels of E. coli at the ponds. In the past, dogs have been found to be the culprit, and the city had to ban them from the water. So before it comes to that, do the right thing.

Behave in the backcountry. Dont leave toilet paper in the wilderness. Dont set your toilet paper on fire (see No. 4). Dont feed wild animals. Dont take selfies with wild animals. And clean up after yourself. An Idaho woman recently was fined $5,800 for leaving a messy campsite at Grand Teton National Park, and her garbage attracted a grizzly bear.
A move in Congress to require young women to register for the draft as young men are required to do has riled conservatives like Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo. The issue is, for the moment at least, a theoretical one. America hasnt drafted anyone in half a century, relying entirely on a volunteer military since 1973.

But men ages 18 to 25 still are required by federal law to register for the draft  so that if military conscription is ever reimplemented, the government will know where to find them. That somewhat chilling dynamic, once controversial, has long ago fallen under the publics outrage radar. The latest controversy over potential female draft registration has the potential to reignite debate over the entire concept of draft registration. And it should.

The pending Senate National Defense Authorization Act would require women to register for the draft as men do. It was recently approved by the Senate Armed Services Committee. Five Republicans on the committee opposed it.

I voted against forcing women to enter the draft, and heres why, Hawley tweeted, as if he was about to offer some cogent explanation of why men should face the possibility of a draft but women shouldnt. Then, alas, he didnt.
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We saw new people starting habits. That included drinking alcohol more, and earlier in the day, than before: That five oclock time comes earlier and earlier. Next thing you know, youre drinking at noon.

When the structure of going to work and school is removed, theyre left to their own devices. If they dont have good coping skills, this is what happened across the state.

Byrd said 20 men, mostly from Pittsylvania, Henry and Patrick counties and the cities of Martinsville and Stuart, live at the Hope Center for a year during their time of recovery.

Weve definitely seen changes during the pandemic, he said. Were very dependent upon counseling. When COVID started, our certified counselors had to do all of their counseling over Zoom, and the residents missed seeing them in person.

It also was difficult for the residents in recovery not to be able to see their families or go to church, he said.

Byrd said people in general should do whatever we could do to get past this pandemic, not only for the safety of people who may battle the coronavirus but also the mental health that goes along with it, suicide  people need connection. The opposite of addiction is not sobriety. The opposite of addiction is connection.
Henry County will embark on a project of renaming 10 bridges in honor of the 10 law enforcement officers who lived in Henry County and died in the line of duty.

Everywhere you go you see it, and I think its time Henry County do it, Reed Creek District Supervisor Tommy T.J. Slaughter said at Tuesdays meeting of the board.

Slaughter, a retired Martinsville Police officer, said the idea began when another police officer asked him if one of the bridges in Henry County could be named for Paul Grubb, a Henry County officer who died after being shot by a suspect near the Virginia-North Carolina line.

Slaughter said he was personal friends with Grubb, and they had attended training sessions together. But after a while members of another family of a slain officer who lived in Henry County approached him with the idea of naming a bridge for their loved one, too.

I dont know how you could do one without doing them all, Iriswood District Supervisor David Martin said.

Henry County Administrator Tim Hall suggested his office would work with Lisa Hughes, VDOT resident engineer, and present a resolution for the board to consider at a future meeting.
Its website lists its goal as challenging injustices for people of color in Henry County, to calling attention to systematic racism, and to seeking closure for the Martinsville 7, including an exhibit to memorialize the memory of the Martinsville 7.

It had declared Feb. 1-5 as Martinsville 7 Week, which included urging Gov. Ralph Northam to pardon the Martinsville 7 posthumously for unfair trials & executions.

Thats the same goal the local Martinsville Seven Initiative has, Holland said. Each of the two groups was working toward the same goal before realizing the other existed.

Now were coexisting and working together to work to the common end: Her group, pardon for the sake of justice, and our focus is to go beyond that, of course. We want recognition in the museums, something from the state proclaiming that the whole situation was kind of a grave injustice.

The resolution

The citys resolution asking the governor to commute the sentences reads in part, Virginia has executed more than 1300 people since its establishment in 1607; and

In the twentieth century, 296 of the 377 defendants executed by the state of Virginia were Black and all 45 men executed for rape were Black.
Cawthorn picked up the gun on Feb. 22, according to documents from the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority that were posted by the group.

David Wheeler, the president of FireMadison.com, said his group received a tip about the incident and filed public information requests to obtain the audio, which was posted on their website along with other documents about the incident. The News & Observer and Charlotte Observer have also obtained the documents and audio.

If you and I did that, wed be detained. Wed be questioned. The gun would be secured. A report would be written. We certainly wouldnt make our flight, Wheeler said in a phone interview Friday.

Cawthorn was allowed to board the flight, according to the audio and his spokesman.

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This year, there have been eight incidents at the Asheville Regional Airport of passengers going through security with a firearm or weapon and none have faced criminal charges, Tina Kinsey, a spokesperson for the airport, told The News & Observer Friday. Kinsey said passengers are allowed to leave the firearm in their car if there is a secure place or with the public safety officers, just as Cawthorn was allowed.

I want to emphasize that this is standard procedure here for the airport, she told the N&O.
Crompton is a sitting Commonwealth Court judge and did not have to promise not to run again to get appointed to fill a vacancy early last year. A well-known figure and veteran of many partisan fights in the state Capitol, Crompton has touted his involvement with legislation and state litigation over many years as relevant experience.

The breadth of my knowledge both from a technical law perspective as well as a litigation perspective is difficult to capture in words, Crompton told the bar association, calling himself the last train car on the Senate tracks. When the problem, be it legislative or legal, was particularly dire or difficult, I was generally consulted for help or advice.

He says he's happy to have turned the page from the roil of the Legislature to a judge's more sedate life.

This is what I asked to do. I think I had a good awareness of what it was, Crompton said in an interview. Theres plenty of other capable people who can run campaigns and do political and campaign work or even policy work.
Malaysians took part in a rare anti-government rally over in Kuala Lumpur over Covid-related restrictions.

China and Australia ramped up COVID-19 curbs Saturday as Delta variant cases surged and tens of thousands rallied in France against restrictions designed to stop the pandemic.

The Delta variant, which was first identified in India, is forcing governments to reimpose tough measures, while other nations are reconsidering plans to open their economies.

The variant has spread to 132 countries and territories. The pandemic has killed more than four million people and shows no sign of slowing.

"Delta is a warning: it's a warning that the virus is evolving but it is also a call to action that we need to move now before more dangerous variants emerge," the World Health Organization's emergencies director Michael Ryan told journalists.

China's outbreak now spans 14 provinces, the most widespread in several months, challenging the country's early success in tackling the disease after it was first detected in the city of Wuhan in late 2019.

China has put more than one million people under lockdown and reinstituted mass testing campaigns.

"The main strain circulating at present is the Delta variant... which poses an even greater challenge to virus prevention and control work," Mi Feng, spokesman for the National Health Commission (NHC), said.

China's worst surge of coronavirus infections in months has spread to 14 provinces.

In Australia, where only about 14 percent of the population has been vaccinated, the third-largest city of Brisbane and other parts of Queensland entered a snap lockdown Saturday after six new cases were detected.

"The only way to beat the Delta strain is to move quickly, to be fast and to be strong," said Queensland's Deputy Premier Steven Miles, announcing three days of strict stay-at-home orders for millions.

'Crippling the economy'

The stop-start imposition of restrictions is taking its toll on weary populations.

"This government is... crippling the economy and also destroying our country's democracy," Karmun Loh, taking part in a protest in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, told AFP.

France meanwhile, has endured months of curfews and lockdowns only to enter a new era of "health passes" in July. Entry to cafes, restaurants and cultural venues are to be restricted to the vaccinated or those who can show they have been vaccinated or have a negative test.

Tens of thousands protested across France for a third straight weekend.

More than 200,000 people protested across France Saturday for a third straight week, with angry confrontations.

Police in Paris used tear gas and water cannon and made several arrests.

"Macron resign", demonstrators shouted in the southern city of Marseille, referring to President Emmanuel Macron.

"I am neither a guinea pig nor a QR code," one protester wrote on a placard.

The French authorities meanwhile have reimposed restrictions in some of its overseas territories, where cases are surging, most recently in Martinique, La Reunion and French Polynesia.

Bangladesh eased curbs however despite a Delta surge, prompting hundreds of thousands of garment workers to rush back to major cities after the government said export factories could reopen from Sunday.

"Police stopped us at many checkpoints and the ferry was packed," said factory worker Mohammad Masum, 25, who left his village before dawn and walked more than 30 kilometres to get to the ferry port.

Garment workers rushed back to major cities across Bangladesh as the authorities lifted restrictions.

Africa deaths rising

In Africa, official figures put the daily death toll at 1,000 a day on average over the last seven days: 17 percent up on the previous week and the highest recorded since the pandemic began.

Here, as elsewhere, the official numbers are underestimates, as the World Health Organization has pointed out.

Rwanda however ordered the lifting of a lockdown on the capital Kigali and eight other districts even though COVID cases are still on the rise with the new measures running from August 1-15.

And Niger, one of the world's poorest countries, took delivery of 302,400 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine donated by the United States.

'The war has changed'

Millions of Americans could meanwhile find themselves homeless starting Sunday as a nationwide ban on evictions expires.

President Joe Biden this week urged Congress to extend the 11-month-old moratorium, after a recent Supreme Court ruling meant the White House could not do so.

Tunisia has one of the worst death rates in Africa.

But Republicans balked at Democratic efforts to extend the eviction ban through mid October, and the House of Representatives adjourned for its summer vacation.

The latest analysis from the US Centers for Disease Control found that fully immunised people with so-called breakthrough infections of the Delta variant can spread the disease as easily as unvaccinated people.

While the jabs remain effective against severe disease and death, the US government agency said in an internal document leaked Friday that "the war has changed" as a result of Delta.

Explore further China outbreak spreads as WHO sounds alarm on Delta

 2021 AFP
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

China raced Saturday to contain its worst coronavirus outbreak in months, as health officials blamed the highly infectious Delta variant for a surge in infections spanning 14 provinces.

China reported 328 symptomatic infections in Julyalmost equal to the total number of local cases from February to June.

"The main strain circulating at present is the Delta variant... which poses an even greater challenge to virus prevention and control work," Mi Feng, spokesman for the National Health Commission (NHC), said at a press briefing.

The outbreak is geographically the largest to hit China in several months, challenging the country's early success in snuffing out the pandemic within its borders after COVID-19 seeped out of Wuhan.

But that record has been thrown into jeopardy after the fast-spreading Delta variant broke out at Nanjing airport in eastern Jiangsu province earlier this month.

More than 260 infections nationwide have been linked to the cluster in Nanjing, where nine cabin cleaners at an international airport tested positive on July 20.

Hundreds of thousands have already been locked down in Jiangsu province, while Nanjing has tested all 9.2 million residents twice.

The contagiousness of the Delta variant combined with the peak tourist season and high passenger circulation at the airport has led to the rapid spread of this outbreak, NHC official He Qinghua told reporters at a briefing.

Later on Saturday, Jiangsu authorities suspended all flights in and out of Yangzhou, a city of 4.5 million where 10 new cases were reported the same day. Inter-city public transport services were also suspended, and surrounding highway exits closed.

Fresh cases reported Saturday in two more regionsFujian province and the sprawling megacity of Chongqingincluded one patient who visited the tourist city of Xi'an, Shaanxi province, and an international cargo crew member who recently travelled from abroad, authorities said.

Officials in one Chongqing district ordered emergency mass testing late Friday for people who had visited venues linked to confirmed cases.

After one asymptomatic case was discovered in Zhengzhouthe epicentre of recent deadly floods in central Henan provincecity officials on Saturday ordered mass testing of all 10 million residents. The head of the city health commission was also sacked.

The tourist city of Zhangjiajie in Hunan province, where the landscape inspired the "Avatar" blockbuster, locked down all 1.5 million residents and shut all tourist attractions Friday, according to an official notice.

Health officials said the virus was likely brought there via the Nanjing cluster, according to preliminary investigations.

Tourists urged not to travel

Officials are now scrambling to track people nationwide who recently travelled from Nanjing or Zhangjiajie, and have urged tourists not to travel to areas where cases have been found.

After reports that some people sickened in the latest cluster were vaccinated, health officials said this was "normal" and stressed the importance of vaccination alongside strict measures.

"The COVID vaccine's protection against the Delta variant may have somewhat declined, but the current vaccine still has a good preventative and protective effect against the Delta variant," said Feng Zijian, virologist at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

More than 1.6 billion vaccine doses have so far been administered nationwide as of Friday, the NHC said. It does not provide figures on how many people have been fully vaccinated.

Health officials have said they are aiming for 80 percent of the population to be fully vaccinated by year-end.

Explore further Two more parts of China report COVID outbreaks

 2021 AFP
China's worst surge of coronavirus infections in months spread to two more areas.

Mushrooming outbreaks of the highly contagious Delta variant prompted China and Australia to impose stricter COVID-19 restrictions on Saturday as the WHO urged the world to quickly contain the mutation before it turns into something deadlier and draws out the pandemic.

China's most serious surge of coronavirus infections in months spread to two more areas SaturdayFujian province and the sprawling megacity of Chongqing.

More than 200 cases have been linked to a Delta cluster in Nanjing city where nine cleaners at an international airport tested positive, with the outbreak spanning Beijing, Chongqing and five provinces as of Saturday.

The nation where the disease first emerged has rushed to prevent the highly transmissible strain from taking root by putting more than one million people under lockdown and reinstituting mass testing campaigns.

Worldwide, coronavirus infections are once again on the upswing, with the World Health Organization announcing an 80 percent average increase over the past four weeks in five of the health agency's six regions, a jump largely fuelled by the Delta variant.

First detected in India, it has now reached 132 countries and territories.

"Delta is a warning: it's a warning that the virus is evolving but it is also a call to action that we need to move now before more dangerous variants emerge," the WHO's emergencies director Michael Ryan told a press conference.

Worldwide, coronavirus infections are once again on the upswing.

He stressed that the "game plan" still works, namely physical distancing, wearing masks, hand hygiene and vaccination.

But both high- and low-income countries are struggling to gain the upper hand against Delta, with the vastly unequal sprint for shots leaving plenty of room for variants to wreak havoc and further evolve.

In Australia, where only about 14 percent of the population is jabbed, the third-largest city of Brisbane and other parts of Queensland state were to enter a snap COVID-19 lockdown Saturday as a cluster of the Delta variant bubbled into six new cases.

"The only way to beat the Delta strain is to move quickly, to be fast and to be strong," Queensland's Deputy Premier Steven Miles said while informing millions they will be under three days of strict stay-at-home orders.

The vastly unequal sprint for shots has left plenty of territory for variants to wreak havoc and further evolve.

'The war has changed'

The race for vaccines to triumph over variants appeared to suffer a blow as the US Centers for Disease Control released an analysis that found fully immunised people with so-called breakthrough infections of the Delta variant can spread the disease as easily as unvaccinated people.

While the jabs remain effective against severe disease and death, the US government agency said in a leaked internal CDC document "the war has changed" as a result of Delta.

An analysis of a superspreading event in the northeastern state of Massachusetts found three-quarters of the people sickened were vaccinated, according to a report the CDC published Friday.

The outbreak related to July 4 festivities, with the latest number of people infected swelling to 900, according to local reports. The findings were used to justify a return to masks for vaccinated people in high-risk areas.

"As a vaccinated person, if you have one of these breakthrough infections, you may have mild symptoms, you may have no symptoms, but based on what we're seeing here you could be contagious to other people," Celine Gounder, an infectious diseases physician and professor at New York University, told AFP.

First detected in India, the Delta variant has now reached 132 countries and territories .

According to the leaked CDC document, a review of findings from other countries showed that while the original SARS-CoV-2 was as contagious as the common cold, each person with Delta infects on average eight others, making it as transmissible as chickenpox but still less than measles.

Reports from Canada, Scotland and Singapore suggest Delta infections may also be more severe, resulting in more hospitalisations.

Asked if Americans should expect new recommendations from health authorities or new restrictive measures, US President Joe Biden responded, "in all probability," before leaving the White House by helicopter for the weekend.

He did not specify what steps could be taken.

 2021 AFP
Signage stands at the ready (foreground) in case COVID-19 testing at Barnett Park reaches capacity, as cars wait in line in Orlando, Fla., Thursday, July 29, 2021. The line stretched through the park for more than a mile out to West Colonial Drive near the Central Florida Fairgrounds. Orange County is under a state of emergency as coronavirus infections skyrocket in Central Florida. The Barnett Park site is testing 1,000 people a day and has closed early in recent days due capacity limits. Credit: Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP

Florida's coronavirus cases jumped 50% this week, the state Health Department reported Friday, continuing a six-week surge that has seen it responsible for 1 in 5 new infections nationally, becoming the outbreak's epicenter.

The release came shortly after Gov. Ron DeSantis barred school districts from requiring students to wear masks when classes resume next month.

More than 110,000 new coronavirus cases were reported statewide over the past week, up from 73,000 last week and 11 times the 10,000 reported the week of June 11, six weeks ago. Case numbers are now back to where they in January, just before vaccinations became widely available.

The Florida Hospital Association also said Friday that statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations are nearing last year's peak. More than 9,300 patients are hospitalized, up from 1,845 a month ago and nearing the record 10,179 set on July 23, 2020. On a per capita basis, Florida now has more people hospitalized than any other state.

The state reported 409 deaths this week, bringing the total to more than 39,000 since its first in March 2020. The state's peak happened in mid-August 2020, when 1,266 people died over a seven-day period. Deaths usually follow increases in hospitalizations by a few weeks.

Cars line up at Miami Dade College North campus' COVID-19 testing site, Thursday, July 29, 2021, in Miami. Hospital admissions of coronavirus patients continue to soar in Florida with at least two areas in the state surpassing previous peaks reached during last summer's surge. Credit: AP Photo/Marta Lavandier

DeSantis has blamed the surge on a seasonal increasemore Floridians are indoors because of the hot weather with air conditioning circulating the virus. About 60% of Floridians 12 and older are vaccinated, ranking it about midway among the states.

DeSantis said his executive order barring mask mandates at schools will improve students' experience and make it easier for them to focus on learning.

"I have (three) young kids. My wife and I are not going to do the mask with the kids. We never have; we won't. I want to see my kids smiling. I want them having fun," DeSantis said at a news conference in southwest Florida a few hours before he signed the executive order. DeSantis is seeking reelection next year and has been positioning himself nationally for a possible 2024 presidential bid.

DeSantis also contended there is no evidence masks prevent outbreaks at schools, which is at odds with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines recommending "universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status."

Cars wait in line for COVID-19 testing at Barnett Park, in Orlando, Fla., Thursday, July 29, 2021. The line stretched through the park for more than a mile to the entrance to the Central Florida Fairgrounds. Orange County is under a state of emergency as coronavirus infections skyrocket in Central Florida. The Barnett Park site is testing 1,000 people a day and has closed early in recent days due to reaching capacity. Credit: Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP

His critics say his unwillingness to mandate mask wearing endangers the health of students and staff.

"We know that masks are a simple and effective way to help prevent virus spread, and from a medical perspective it makes absolutely zero sense to discourage their use," said Dr. Bernard Ashby, head of Florida's progressive Committee to Protect Health Care. "DeSantis' power grab will put the health of kids and teachers alike at risk."

DeSantis' decision came after the Broward County school board voted to require masks and other districts and colleges across the state were considering it.

"We will have to change our policy," Broward board member Debbi Hixon told the South Florida SunSentinel. "I am not looking to defy the governor. I believe it is an irresponsible decision but if it is the law, I will agree to follow it."

A cyclist passes cars at a standstill along West Colonial Drive in Orlando, Fla., Thursday, July 29, 2021, as residents wait in line for COVID-19 testing at Barnett Park. The line stretched through the park for more than a mile to the entrance to the Central Florida Fairgrounds. Orange County is under a state of emergency as coronavirus infections skyrocket in Central Florida. The Barnett Park site is testing 1,000 people a day and has closed early in recent days due to reaching capacity. Credit: Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP

The Florida Education Association, the state's teachers union, said DeSantis should leave the decision to local officials rather than impose a statewide edicta position he once held. When the pandemic began in March 2020, DeSantis said local officials should control the response, that the business closures and mask mandates imposed in Miami, Tampa and other big cities wouldn't work in small, rural counties.

"Gov. DeSantis continues to think that Tallahassee knows best what all Floridians need," union President Andrew Spar said in a statement. "We reject that kind of thinking. Instead, we ask Gov. DeSantis to allow all Florida's citizens to have a voice by empowering the elected leaders of cities, counties and school districts to make health and safety decisions locally."

Meanwhile, Publix, the state's largest supermarket chain, announced Friday that employees will again be required to wear masks and several hospitals said they are postponing elective surgeries and limiting visitors.

At Tampa General Hospital, the 90-plus patients hospitalized with COVID already exceeds the previous high of 86, said Dr. Seetha Lakshmi, medical director of its Global Emerging Diseases Institute. She said the hospital, like many, can't hire enough staff and it is leaving those working exhausted.

A cyclist passes cars at a standstill along West Colonial Drive in Orlando, Fla., Thursday, July 29, 2021, as residents wait in line for COVID-19 testing at Barnett Park. The line stretched through the park for more than a mile to the entrance to the Central Florida Fairgrounds. Orange County is under a state of emergency as coronavirus infections skyrocket in Central Florida. The Barnett Park site is testing 1,000 people a day and has closed early in recent days due to reaching capacity. Credit: Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP

"It feels like we are getting hit by a train, the pace is so fast and uncontrolled," Laskshmi said. "I just don't have any words anymore. This is awful, just awful and it is going to be awful."

She said last year, her patients' median age was in the 70s. Now, it is just over 50, with the younger patients getting sicker than in the past.

She pointed to a patient in his early 30s whose lungs "sound like Velcro" being pulled apart. A father of young children, he will likely have permanent damage and might need a transplant eventually, she said.

She said 83% of Tampa General's COVID patients are unvaccinated while the others have immune-deficiency issues that prevented the vaccine from working.

Explore further Florida COVID-19 hospitalizations jump significantly again

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Access to clinical-trial data helps doctors make informed prescribing decisions and promotes good science, but a new study co-authored by Yale researchers reveals that few pharmaceutical companies are fully transparent about the data behind the products they develop. The study also shows that large companies are far more transparent than smaller ones.

The study, published in The BMJ Open (British Medical Journal), assessed the data-sharing practices of 42 pharmaceutical companies for clinical trials of 40 novel drugs and 22 biologicsproducts, such as vaccines, derived from living organismsapproved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2016 and 2017. The evaluation was performed using the Good Pharma Scorecard, a tool developed by researchers at Yale, Stanford, and Bioethics International which consists of transparency measures and a ranking system.

Overall, only seven of the 42 companies, 17%, entirely met the tool's standards for transparency and sharing data. Smaller companies are particularly opaque, according to the study.

"The non-large pharmaceutical companies are dragging down the sector, often failing to meet federal reporting requirements, much less voluntary standards," said Jennifer Miller, assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine, founder of Bioethics Internationala nonprofit advocate for patient-centered medical innovationand co-author of the study.

"The lack of transparency is a problem because access to robust clinical-trial data supports patient care and good science," she added. "Full transparency allows scientists to learn from previous work and prevents people from being exposed to unnecessary experiments."

Since the late 1990s, Congress and federal agencies have increased requirements for pharmaceutical companies to register and report results from clinical trials. Yet, some companies don't fully comply with the rules and industry guidelines vary.

In a 2019 study using the transparency scorecard, 25% of companies fully met the standards, which include registering clinical trials, sharing data and study protocol publicly, and annually reporting requests for data. After companies received a 30-day window to improve their scores, the proportion of those meeting the standard rose to 33%.

This earlier analysis was limited to large companies and novel drugs. For the latest study, the researchers expanded their assessment to include biologics and companies that fall outside the 20 largest globally by market capitalization.

While 17% of companies achieved perfect scores, the assessment also found that 58% of the companies had publicly available results for all patient trials, 42% fully complied with federal reporting laws, and 26% fully met the scorecard's data-sharing measure. They also found that 26% of the products evaluated had publicly available results for all clinical trials supporting their FDA approval, and 67% had public results for patient trials within six months after their FDA approval.

Non-large companies were less responsive than large companies when offered the 30-day window to fix errors and improve data-sharing practices, the researchers said. Four companies used the opportunity to improve their data-sharing procedures, raising the median data-sharing score for all companies from 60% to 69%.

"It's not surprising that non-large companies lag behind large as they may have fewer resources and smaller staffs with less compliance experience," Miller said. "Our findings suggest that large companies may benefit from reviewing the transparency procedures of smaller companies before partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions so they don't inherit any deficiencies."

The researchers did notice improvements among large companies between the 2019 study and the latest evaluation. For example, the median data-sharing score for large companies increased from 80% for drugs approved in 2015 to 100% for products approved in 2017.

Other study authors are Sydney Axson, Deborah Lincow, and Cary Gross of Yale; Michelle M. Mellow of Stanford University School of Medicine; and Catherine Yang of the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. This work was funded by Arnold Ventures, a U.S. philanthropy dedicated to addressing key national issues, including health care. Authors' competing interests are detailed in The BMJ.

Explore further Yale-developed scorecard promotes better clinical trial data sharing

More information: Clinical trial transparency and data sharing among biopharmaceutical companies and the role of company size, location and product type: a cross-sectional descriptive analysis, BMJ Open (2021). bmjopen.bmj.com/content/11/7/e053248 Journal information: BMJ Open , British Medical Journal (BMJ) Clinical trial transparency and data sharing among biopharmaceutical companies and the role of company size, location and product type: a cross-sectional descriptive analysis,(2021). DOI: 10.5061/dryad.r2280gbdb
In this May 7, 2020 file photo, a pregnant woman waits in a food pantry line at St. Mary's Church in Waltham, Mass., for people in need of groceries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Two obstetricians' groupsThe American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, are now recommending COVID-19 shots for all pregnant women, citing concerns over rising cases and low vaccination rates. Credit: AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File

Two leading obstetricians' groups on Friday recommended COVID-19 shots for all pregnant women, citing concerns over rising cases and low vaccination rates.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine said vaccinations in tens of thousands of pregnant women over the past several months have shown the shots are safe and effective during pregnancy.

COVID-19 during pregnancy increases risks for severe complications and can also increase chances for preterm birth. U.S. government data show only about 16% of pregnant women have received one or more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The two groups had previously said pregnant people shouldn't be excluded from vaccination but stopped short of endorsing the shots.

The president of the OB-GYN group, Dr. Martin Tucker, said in a statement that doctors should enthusiastically recommend the shots to their patients.

Dr. Emily Miller, obstetrics chief at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, said she hopes the new recommendation "will help pregnant people feel more confident in their decision to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible."

Miller is a member of the maternal-fetal medicine group's COVID-19 task force.

In this Wednesday, June 9, 2021 file photo, A nurse gives a shot of the Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19 to a pregnant woman in Montevideo, Uruguay. Two obstetricians' groups are now recommending COVID-19 shots for all pregnant women, citing concerns over rising cases and low vaccination rates. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine said vaccinations in tens of thousands of pregnant women have shown the shots are safe and effective. Credit: AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico, File

Pregnant women weren't included in studies that led to emergency authorization of the vaccines. Experts including the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have not discouraged vaccination during pregnancy and have said available safety information is reassuring.

Explore further New data reassuring for COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Walmart announced Friday it is again requiring some American employees to wear face masks, while Disney mandated non-union US employees get vaccinated.

The moves come as US officials redouble efforts to encourage more vaccinations in response to the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19.

The world's largest retailer, Walmart said it will again require employees to wear face masks at stores in areas of the United States with high rates of COVID-19 transmission.

The chain, which has become something of a bellwether for safety protocols in the United States during the pandemic, said it would also post signs at stores to "strongly encourage" customers to wear masks or face coverings, the company said on its website.

The company cited revised guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which on Tuesday said vaccinated Americans in high-risk parts of the United States should resume wearing masks indoors, as infections caused by the Delta variant rise.

Walmart workers in areas of high transmission "are required to wear a mask or face covering while working indoors, regardless of vaccination status," the company said.

The policy will be set by region, following CDC analysis on transmission rates, the company added. The guidance will be updated each Monday when the CDC releases new data.

Walmart's July 2020 face mask requirement made such rules mainstream among retailers and throughout corporate America at a time when the virus was spreading quickly and there was little political consensus around masks.

The CDC in May lifted mask guidance for people who were fully vaccinated, and Walmart dropped the requirement for customers the following day. Many other companies soon followed.

Walmart's announcement comes as large businesses make similar moves as worries have risen over the Delta variant.

Later Friday, Disney announced its new vaccination requirement for non-union employees, adding it was in talks over extending the policy to union employees as well.

COVID-19 vaccinations provide "the best protection against severe infection, we are requiring that all salaried and non-union hourly employees in the US working at any of our sites be fully vaccinated," Disney said.

Disney announced earlier this week it was again requiring face masks in indoor spaces at its US theme parks.

More companies have also begun to require employees be vaccinated. On Wednesday, Google and Facebook said workers returning to offices will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Twitter has also shifted policies, closing its New York and San Francisco offices and pausing additional reopenings, a spokesperson said.

Explore further Apple to require masks in half of its US stores starting Thursday following CDC mask guidelines

 2021 AFP
In this Wednesday, July 28, 2021 file photo, a health worker administers a dose of Janssen COVID-19 vaccine by Johnson & Johnson in the Medina neighborhood in Dakar, Senegal. Thousands of new coronavirus cases have been reported in West Africa in recent weeks amid low vaccination rates and the spread of the delta variant. Officials say cases have risen sharply in Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria and elsewhere. Credit: AP Photo/Leo Correa, File

A resurgence of coronavirus cases in West Africa is hitting the region hard, inundating cemeteries where funeral numbers are rising and hospitals where beds are becoming scarce.

Those visible shifts are also pushing a reluctant population to seek out the vaccines in larger numbers at a time when shipments of doses are arriving from multiple sources after nearly grinding to a halt in recent months.

Thousands of new COVID-19 cases have been reported in the region in the past few weeks amid low vaccination rates and the spread of the delta variant, with some countries seeing their highest numbers since the pandemic began.

Residents who were previously wary of getting shots as conspiracy theories spread online are now lining up by the thousands from Liberia to Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal.

"At the beginning, there were people who gave false information, but when people noticed an increase of contaminations and deaths, people understood that only vaccination can save them," said Bamba Fall, mayor of the Medina municipality in Senegal's capital, Dakar.

Shortages and delays have caused Africa's 54 countries to fall far behind wealthier nations in their COVID-19 vaccine rollouts. Some 82 million doses have arrived on the continent to date, though that is just 10% of the number needed to vaccinate 30% of its population by the end of 2021, said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization regional director for Africa.

In this Wednesday, July 28, 2021 file photo, a health worker administers a dose of Janssen COVID-19 vaccine by Johnson & Johnson in the Medina neighborhood in Dakar, Senegal. Thousands of new coronavirus cases have been reported in West Africa in recent weeks amid low vaccination rates and the spread of the delta variant. Officials say cases have risen sharply in Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria and elsewhere. Credit: AP Photo/Leo Correa, File

But more shipments are finally rolling in, steering the continent of 1.3 billion people into an "encouraging phase after a bleak June," Moeti said. "There's light at the end of the tunnel on vaccine deliveries to Africa, but it must not be snuffed out again."

Nigeria, Africa's most populous country with more than 210 million people, next month will receive more than 29 million Johnson & Johnson vaccines purchased by the government through the African Union. It's also expecting 4 million doses of Moderna and almost 700,000 AstraZeneca vaccines through the COVAX program and from donations by the United States and the United Kingdom, according to Health Minister Osagie Ehanire.

Nigeria's virus cumulative case count recently topped 172,200, an increase of more than 4,500 cases since July 10. Its seven-day rolling average of daily new cases more than doubled over the past two weeks, from 0.06 new cases per 100,000 people on July 15 to 0.17 new cases per 100,000 people on July 29, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Isolation centers that were closed after a previous surge are being reopened in anticipation of a large number of patients, said Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, director-general of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control.

Meanwhile, confirmed cases in Senegal, which had been ahead in the fight against the virus, leapt from only 380 on July 10 to 1,700 on July 18, the highest number since the pandemic began, according to the Ministry of Health.

In this Wednesday, July 28, 2021 file photo, people wait to be vaccinated J at Leopold Sedar Senghor stadium in Dakar, Senegal. Thousands of new coronavirus cases have been reported in West Africa in recent weeks amid low vaccination rates and the spread of the delta variant. Credit: AP Photo/Leo Correa, File

Dakar's main cemetery also is seeing large numbers of funerals, many that were likely due to COVID-19 but weren't recorded as such.

"I came for an uncle's funeral. He died at home. Out of modesty, he did not take the tests, but everything suggests that he died of COVID-19, because he had symptoms of the disease," said Saliou Ndoye. "This situation is worrying. There are a lot of deaths."

Senegal is employing more community-focused campaigns as residents see people close to themincluding those young and healthysuccumbing to the disease.

"Senegalese don't know where to turn," resident Khalifa Abbacar Diop said. "We are afraid."

The country received nearly 300,000 Johnson & Johnson doses and more than 330,000 of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine in the past week. Tens of thousands of residents are waiting for a second dose of AstraZeneca, but it is out of stock and new deliveries are not expected until August.

In this Wednesday, July 28, 2021 file photo, people wait to be vaccinated at Leopold Sedar Senghor stadium in Dakar, Senegal. Thousands of new coronavirus cases have been reported in West Africa in recent weeks amid low vaccination rates and the spread of the delta variant. Credit: AP Photo/Leo Correa, File

An increase in hospitalizations and deaths is leading many residents across West Africa to get inoculated.

"Initially, I was hesitant to take the vaccine because I saw many conspiracy theories and also the anti-vaccine media campaign appeared stronger," Harris Fomba Tarnue, principal of the Booker Washington Institute, Liberia's oldest technical high school, told The Associated Press.

"But when I reflected a lot on taking vaccines in the '60s and '70s, and the (beneficial) impact vaccines now have on global health, I concluded it's a must for me and my family to take," Tarnue said.

Liberia received 96,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine through the COVAX initiative, but the first consignment of about 27,000 had only a month lifespan and expired as people were reluctant to get the shots, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Francis Kateh said.

The country received more than 300,000 Johnson & Johnson doses on Sunday, about two weeks after it ran out of AstraZeneca with at least 86,000 people awaiting a second dose.

In this Wednesday, July 28, 2021 file photo, people wait to be vaccinated J at Leopold Sedar Senghor stadium in Dakar, Senegal. Thousands of new coronavirus cases have been reported in West Africa in recent weeks amid low vaccination rates and the spread of the delta variant. Credit: AP Photo/Leo Correa, File

Since its vaccine drive started in March, only 9,579 people in the nation of nearly 5 million have been fully vaccinated, according to the health minister.

In Ghana, President Nana Akufo-Addo raised the alarm Sunday as new confirmed infections tripled, stretching hospitals and ICU wards to their limit.

Ghana "cannot afford to allow the recklessness of a few to endanger the lives of the majority of persons in the country," he said, announcing masks are now mandatory in public places.

Ghana is committed to vaccinating 20 million people, representing its entire adult population, by the end of this year, he said.

He pledged $25 million to start an institute that would allow Ghana to produce vaccines, and not be dependent upon foreign manufacturers. South Africa is currently the only country in sub-Saharan Africa that has the capacity to manufacture the doses.

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
One could say it started offshore: In March 1970, Hawaii became the first state to decriminalize abortion, though the law applied only to state residents. Later that year, New York, then led by a Republican governor, Nelson Rockefeller, and a Republican-dominated legislature, went further, allowing women from any state to receive abortion care.

In 1972, some 200,000 women had legal abortions in New York, and 3 of 5 were from out of state. That alarmed many Southerners, who feared that the procedure was being used  and abused  by unmarried women.

Many of the Baptists in Texas might have thought if a married woman experienced problems with a pregnancy she should have the option of a safe, legal abortion, said Williams. They were not envisioning there would be 200,000. This was clearly not a limited procedure in a small number of instances.

Q: Was it just abortion that worried evangelicals?

Aversion to womens rights was not limited to reproductive issues: Disaffected by the sexual revolution and the feminist movement, Christian conservative leaders campaigned against the Equal Rights Amendment. They also battled to protect the tax-exempt status of racially segregated private schools and pushed to ban gay teachers from public schools and restore classroom prayer.
Rebecca and Kirk Treece have announced they are the new owners of Minuteman Press in Missoula, which is located at 2100 South Ave. W. They bought the long-running independent printing business Advertiser Montana Printing, which has a 40-year history in Missoula, and are now operating as a Minuteman Press franchise.

It is a real honor to become part of Missoulas thriving business community," Rebecca Treece said in an email. "The Palmers (former owners) had a 40-year long relationship with this community and their loyal customers have welcomed us and trusted us with their service, which has given us a great start here in Missoula.

A Missoula company won the 2020 Exporter of the Year award from the Montana District Export Council and the Montana Department of Commerce.

Diversified Plastics manufactures components used in the agriculture, mining, water treatment, lumber, food processing and other industries. The company grew its workforce by 20% from 2017 to 2020 and its exports now nearly outpace domestic sales. Export growth primarily has been to markets in Australia, Canada, South Africa, Denmark and India.
The case is being handled as a river accident, she added. Since authorities are focusing on water, Mastrovito is hoping to have as many people as possible looking on the shore and surrounding land as well.

Experienced hikers, people who know the terrain and area are so helpful, she said. And people who arent can always help coordinate groups by phone and put out flyers.

Melissa Jurasovich, a friend of Barsottis, has been out on the river a handful of times in the past week. Shes been looking along the water and also keeping an eye out for any disrupted shoreline where Barsotti or her dog may have tried to climb out of the river.

I would want everyone possible to look for my loved one, she said. I just want answers.

The vast area of the Clark Fork, combined with the unpredictability of the current, makes searching hard  thats why its necessary to have as many people out looking, Jurasovich said.

Mastrovito and other family members of Barsotti's plan to stay in Missoula awhile longer.

From a mothers perspective, my hope is I find her, Mastrovito said. She was a fighter, and she loved life.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)  The Oklahoma Republican Party faced fierce criticism Friday for a Facebook post likening COVID-19 vaccine mandates to the persecution of Jewish people in Nazi Germany.

The post on the partys official Facebook page urged people to call the lieutenant governor and ask him to call a special session to prohibit employers from requiring their employees to get vaccinated. It featured a picture of a yellow Star of David with the word unvaccinated on it and said: Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it."

Roberta Clark, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City, called the post highly inappropriate and urged party officials to apologize.

To compare the actions taken by Nazi Germany to a public health discussion is ill-informed and inappropriate," Clark said. An apology is really appropriate, and it shows leadership and sensitivity to the harmful impact this has made."

John Bennett, the party's new chairman, didn't immediately respond to a phone message left at the party's headquarters.

The party's vice chairman, Shane Jemison, said Friday he wasn't certain who created the post, but called it beyond abhorrent."
The only income we had was my fiances at the time, Pearson said. So, I just started buying my own materials. Im really involved in a few different community organizations ... and I met the (Burke County) Democratic Party while I was at a festival. They told me they were looking for some minority entrepreneurs to rent out some of the spaces in the Marcus E. Key Building.

I told them that I had started buying my own nail supplies and was doing a few nails from home. So, I ended up renting the space from them and Im going into my second month of being a business-owner in downtown Morganton.

A quick scroll through Pearsons business Facebook page shows her ability to use fingernails as a canvas for almost any shape, style, color or design. She said she wants her nails to stand out from the crowd and draws upon a couple prominent people for inspiration.

When I first started doing nails around here, it was hard because (many of) the women here would only get basic sets with only one color and maybe a glitter fingernail, Pearson said. Whereas I would be on Instagram following the Kylie Jenners and the Cardi Bs, and I love nail art. I was trying to incorporate it here when I first started doing nails, and nobody was really biting the bait.

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I will fight to the death for our teachers, students and staff who do not want to have the vaccine, Craven said. They do not have to have it. When it becomes FDA-approved, thats a different story. ... Until this is approved and we know more about it, I feel children are at risk to be vaccinated.

Wilkinson acknowledged the difficulties associated with making a decision, but leaned toward the optional mask route because he was concerned that a mask mandate could lead to students and teachers leaving BCPS to go to other systems where masks werent required.

There is no really great answer to this question, Wilkinson said. Any way you turn, someone could get hurt. I think everybody in here would agree with that.

Sohovich did not add anything to the statements made by her counterparts during discussion.

Danny Scalise, the director of the Burke County Health Department, was on-hand to field questions from the board and noted that his office recommended Option 3 in line with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Gov. Cooper.
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July 26, 2021 by Eric Holdeman

Category: Climate Change , Emergency Management , Guest Author



You cannot attribute every disaster that is weather related to a single cause like climate change. The connections are tenuous, and yet what we are seeing today, around the world, are more frequent, more severe, weather-related disasters.

Here in the United States we've had record heat in the West and storms and flooding in the East. Now, we are on the cusp of what may turn out to be a record fire season due to extreme drought and record heat temperatures.

I remember back at the turn of the century when the National Weather Services office in Seattle started a new program to monitor heat waves in this region. At the time I was the King County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Director, and I thought this new emphasis unusual: When do we get that type of heat? How could it ever be considered a hazard for this region?

It turns out that the weather people knew more than me! Our summers and overall temperatures are getting a bit warmer, and with it our fire seasons have also increased in size, complexity, and cost.

The June 2021 heat wave we experienced brought record hot temperatures to the west and east side of the mountains, but though it was pretty bad, one of the key elements is that it only lasted 3-4 days on the west side of the mountains.

Collectively, we need to start thinking now about heatwaves that last much longer, even for weeks of duration. There is a terrific book, Heat Wave: A Social Autopsy of Disaster in Chicago by Eric Klinenberg, detailing a heat event that happened in the city in 1995.

The book gives you a great picture into what public authorities were dealing with during this disaster. I quote from an Amazon review of the book extensively below:

On Thursday, July 13, 1995, Chicagoans awoke to a blistering day in which the temperature would reach 106 degrees. The heat index, which measures how the temperature actually feels on the body, would hit 126 degrees by the time the day was over. Meteorologists had been warning residents about a two-day heat wave, but these temperatures did not end that soon. When the heat wave broke a week later, city streets had buckled; the records for electrical use were shattered; and power grids had failed, leaving residents without electricity for up to two days. And by July 20, over seven hundred people had perished-more than twice the number that died in the Chicago Fire of 1871, twenty times the number of those struck by Hurricane Andrew in 1992in the great Chicago heat wave, one of the deadliest in American history.

Heat waves in the United States kill more people during a typical year than all other natural disasters combined. Until now, no one could explain either the overwhelming number or the heartbreaking manner of the deaths resulting from the 1995 Chicago heat wave. Meteorologists and medical scientists have been unable to account for the scale of the trauma and political officials have puzzled over the sources of the city's vulnerability. In Heat Wave, Eric Klinenberg takes us inside the anatomy of the metropolis to conduct what he calls a "social autopsy," examining the social, political, and institutional organs of the city that made this urban disaster so much worse than it ought to have been.

Starting with the question of why so many people died at home alone, Klinenberg investigates why some neighborhoods experienced greater mortality than others, how the city government responded to the crisis, and how journalists, scientists, and public officials reported on and explained these events.

Through a combination of years of fieldwork, extensive interviews, and archival research, Klinenberg uncovered how a number of surprising and unsettling forms of social breakdown  including the literal and social isolation of seniors, the institutional abandonment of poor neighborhoods, and the retrenchment of public assistance programs  all contributed to the high fatality rates. The human catastrophe, he argues, cannot simply be blamed on the failures of any particular individuals or organizations. For when hundreds of people die behind locked doors and sealed windows, out of contact with friends, family, community groups, and public agencies, everyone is implicated in their demise.

Since 1995 Russia and France have also experienced prolonged heat waves like what Chicago experienced in the mid-90s.

A friend of mine recently pointed out to me that individuals, friends, and families bear the burden of looking in after their loved ones during such extreme events to check whether they do or dont have air conditioning or other extenuating circumstances that make a person more vulnerable to the heat.

Having said that, it is government that is looked to as providing a safety net for vulnerable individuals and communities. As I always say, forewarned is forearmed. We should not be thinking that the most recent heat wave will be our last nor the longest  for today, and for years to come.

Now is the time to think through what it will take to mobilize all of our public resources to counter the possibility of a mass casualty event as people die in their homes of heat-related illnesses. It took Chicago too long to mobilize the door-to-door resources that were thrown at the problem too little, too late. Now is the time to plan!

MRSC is a private nonprofit organization serving local governments in Washington State. Eligible government agencies in Washington State may use our free, one-on-one Ask MRSC service to get answers to legal, policy, or financial questions.
Shelby residents and inmates at the nearby private prison were without water pressure Friday as contractors got to work on tapping new wells.

The pressure loss left Crossroads Correctional Center, the private prison operated by CoreCivic on the hill above town, without drinkable water and unable to flush the toilets in their cells. One inmate who spoke with the Montana State News Bureau on Friday described toilets overflowing with waste and tensions rising between inmates and staff.

Ryan Gustin, a spokesperson for CoreCivic, confirmed the water shortage in an email Friday.

"Similar to other businesses and residences in the area, Crossroads Correctional Center (CCC) is experiencing a water shortage due to low levels of water at the nearby reservoir. While work is being performed to bring water back into the reservoir, facility staff at CCC are currently providing bottled water to those entrusted to our care and plans are underway to bring in portable toilets. We strive to address these types of issues as quickly as possible and hope to have the water system back operational as soon as possible."
Last week, White House officials reported that vaccination rates were on the rise in some states where COVID-19 cases were soaring, as more Republican leaders implored their constituents to lay lingering doubts aside and get the shots to protect themselves. That includes Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, who has pleaded with unvaccinated residents, saying they are the ones "letting us down."

"This self-inflicted setback encourages skepticism and vaccine hesitancy at a time when the goal is to prevent serious illnesses and deaths from COVID-19 through vaccination," Parson tweeted. "This decision only promotes fear & further division among our citizens."

The announcement "will unfortunately only diminish confidence in the vaccine and create more challenges for public health officials  people who have worked tirelessly to increase vaccination rates," echoed Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, who has banned mask and vaccine mandates in his state.

In his Wednesday speech, DeSantis took particular aim at the CDC's call for kids to wear masks in the classroom.

"It's not healthy for these students to be sitting there all day, 6-year-old kids in kindergarten covered in masks," he said  though there is no evidence that wearing masks is harmful to children older than toddler age.
Brian Ferguson, a spokesman for the state Office of Emergency Services, said officials learned that it is better to align the states efforts with existing health care facilities than to set up makeshift, stand-alone hospitals.

The state budgeted $74.5 million for the fiscal year that started this month to cover late-arriving bills or if there is another surge that requires the state to ramp up again.



BOSTON  Tenants who are months behind on rent face the end to a federal eviction moratorium Saturday.

Housing advocates fear the end of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention moratorium could result in millions of people being evicted in the coming weeks, forcing some to become homeless just as the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus is rapidly spreading. The Biden administration announced Thursday it will allow a nationwide ban to expire. It argued that its hands are tied after the Supreme Court signaled the moratorium could only be extended until the end of the month without congressional action.
A waitress wearing a protective mask, amid the coronavirus disease outbreak, waits for customers outside a restaurant in Tokyo, Japan on July 29, 2021.
This family also anticipates service to the larger community in volunteer efforts. When mom and dad prepare dinner for people whose mother has just had surgery, the kids deliver the meal. They are trained in survival CPR, too, in case they are called on to render aid. We are members of not only this family but of our town. Our world.

One thing were learning again from the past year, as I witnessed in my June 17 column, is the crushing weight of the pressure to achieve felt by many of our youth. We play vital roles in their lives when they see  both by what we do and who we are  that being a contributing member of our community makes a difference every day.

Children from the tightest financial straits can become rich in attributes that contribute to all of us and provide most generously to their own lives. When the star of Heights comes into some money, how does he use it? He plans ahead with help to ensure that the boy who has even less than he can become a citizen so the younger one can go to college.

My guess is that he learned such plentiful compassion from Abuela Claudia, matriarch of the barrio. This is how one inherits true privilege.

Audrey Ward wrote the column Regarding Children for six years as the founder and executive director of HomePeace and subsequently, The Childrens Council, in a rural county of Northern California; during this time she was also a United Methodist pastor. She again offers it as a retired mother of two daughters and a son; four granddaughters and two grandsons, all of whom she considers her true educators.
The city of Napa will soon begin a months-long process of redrawing City Council voting districts a year and several months after creating those districts. And this time, Napa residents will have more opportunities to give input.

State law requires all municipalities with district-based elections to redraw the districts to be in line with the most recent Census  which means the redistricting process is designed to happen once a decade. The citys old district maps, despite being created in 2020, were drawn based on the 2010 Census because 2020 Census data weren't available.

Heading into August 2021, those Census numbers still arent available. But, according to city clerk Tiffany Carranza, the city expects the 2020 Census data will be available, in a usable form, around late September. And the city is heading into an extensive public engagement process  with plans for five community workshops and five public hearings.

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Community feedback is required by state law in the process of redistricting because local residents are asked to identify what they consider their communities of interest, a broad term that refers to people with shared social or economic interests who live in a defined area, according to Carranza.
Ken Perkins, president of the retail research firm Retail Metrics, said that Walmart's move could serve as a green light" to other companies to require vaccines, given its massive following and its location.

It's based in the middle of the country," Perkins said. They speak to the lower-, middle-income shoppers and workers."

Walmarts dramatically shifting policy reflects the growing worry about the rising infection rates.

We continue to watch with deep concern the developments of the pandemic and the spread of variants, especially the delta variant," wrote Donna Morris, Walmart's chief people officer, in the memo circulated to employees that was shared by the company. We know vaccinations are our solution to drive change. We are urging you to get vaccinated and want to see many more of you vaccinated.

In a separate memo sent to employees who work at the company headquarters, Doug McMillon, president and CEO of Walmart Inc., wrote, The virus is not over, and the delta variant has led to an increase in infection rates across much of the U.S."

The retailer has seen a positive response" to the first financial incentive and is anticipating the sweetened perk will drive a similar response from workers, Pope said.
To Beth Carson, Bruce Crain, and all our neighbors across Napa complaining about Chick-fil-a being denied the ability to open a store in Napa, why does this matter to you?

Why would you protect a big business with no vested interest in you other than to take your money while decimating the local economy with extremely low-paying jobs and serving poor quality food scientifically engineered to keep you coming back for more despite knowing better?

We have at least two top-notch places to get locally grown, locally owned, and locally made fried chicken sandwiches that are far better than Chick-fil-a could ever make. I know, I grew up on fried chicken in Mississippi.

I also saw how those same fast-food restaurants destroyed our vibrant local food culture and forced the vast majority of people I grew up with into minimum wage jobs that few have been able to escape.

I can understand the frustration at a decision you dont agree with, but Ill never understand the propensity for protecting a faceless organization that, at the end of the day, doesnt have anyones best interest in mind other than increasing consumption, no matter your politics.

We, your neighbors, deserve better, and so do you. Always shop, eat, drink, and think local first.
Hetq.am: Turkey has banned Armenia-registered planes from entering its airspace, without any substantiation

Karabakh emergency situations service: Remains of 3 Armenian servicemen found in Varanda

Armenia premier introduces newly appointed defense minister to MOD staff and army's top officers

Karabakh MP: You leave Stepanakert and go crazy when you see Azerbaijani flags everywhere

Armenia President appoints judge of first instance court of Lori Province

Head of Armenia's Aravus: Azerbaijanis intensively carrying out engineering works at 13 posts bordering village

Armenia Parliament Speaker: Authorities have no intention to restrict activities of journalists in any way

Armenia opposition MP: It will very hard to retrieve the strategic points occupied by Azerbaijan Armed Forces

Armenia MP: Azerbaijan's actions are also targeted against CSTO and Russian peacekeeping mission in Karabakh

Karabakh President: We have decided to build a new, large hydro power plant in Getavan village of Martakert region

Digest: Pashinyan appointed Armenian PM, Armenia confirms over 200,000 COVID-19 cases

Armenia parliament to try to elect the remaining two deputy parliamentary speakers tomorrow

Armenia PM holds phone talks with France President, Macron attaches importance to demarcation and delimitation

Armenia President congratulates Artur Davtyan who scored bronze medal at Summer Olympic Games

Nikol Pashinyan dismisses Deputy Chief of Staff of PM's Office

Armenia Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Ministry's General Secretary sacked

Armenia parliament respects memory of victims of Yazidi massacres in northern Iraq in 2014 with moment of silence

Armenia President holds phone talks with Bulgarian counterpart

Georgia PM congratulates Nikol Pashinyan on being appointed Armenia PM

Armenia MOD: Iran Ambassador visits Gegharkunik Province

US begins largest naval drills since Cold War

Chief of Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff meets with Russia Embassy's new military attache

Appeal of Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh to international community and PACE

NATO and EU blame Iran for attack on merchant ship in Arabian Sea

Armenia President congratulates new parliamentary speaker

Saudi Arabia changes rules of entry into country

Exchange rates in Armenia

Armenia President confers diplomatic rank of ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary upon Lilit Makunts

Yerevan Council of Elders member is in critical condition, on ventilator

IMF to allocate $ 650 billion to restore global economy

New York Times editor bans employees from investigating COVID-19 origin

Rotation of Armenian peacekeepers takes place in Kosovo

Armenia parliament considering election of the other two deputy parliamentary speakers (LIVE)

Armenia president appoints 6 ministers

Armen Sarkissian has phone talks with Nikol Pashinyan

Ruben Rubinyan elected as one of 3 Armenian parliament vice-speakers

Forest fires start in vicinity of Jerusalem

Mher Grigoryan appointed as Deputy PM of Armenia

Armenian journalists holding petition in parliament with the demand to lift restrictions on them

Pashinyan proposes to appoint another Deputy PM and 6 ministers

Azerbaijan cannot invade Armenia when it pleases

Anti-record in Georgia: 4,827 new COVID-19 cases reported per day

237 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Armenia per day

Armenia opens case on damaging army vehicle amid Azerbaijani shelling

Azerbaijani Parliament to convene for emergency meeting

Oil prices are going down

Newspaper: Armenian authorities deployed troops near parliament building

Armenia's Journalists Union condemns actions of National Security Service against journalist Nairi Hokhikyan

US orders 24 Russian diplomats to leave country by Sep. 3

Armenia ruling party MP on his future activities in parliament

Armenia justice minister recalled from leave

Officials from 73 countries to attend inauguration of Iran's President-elect

France Ambassador to relatives of Armenian POWs: Captives shouldn't be used to exert pressure on Armenia

Aurora Prize Laureate Kyaw Hla Aung passes away

Bus transporting tourists overturns in Turkey, leaving 3 dead

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani army opens fire at Yeraskh and Kut villages with firearms of various calibers

Relatives of Armenian POWs from Armenia's Shirak Province submit documents to France Ambassador

'Armenia' bloc MP: We will apply to Constitutional Court to demand restoration of deputies' parliamentary immunity

Armenia PM congratulates Alen Simonyan on being elected parliamentary speaker

Russia's Putin congratulates Nikol Pashinyan

Armenia MP Hakob Simidyan appointed Advisor to PM

Armenia Armed Forces Combat Readiness Department chief dismissed

Digest: Armenia MPs discuss parliament speaker's candidacy, Armenian soldier found dead in Artsakh

His Holiness Karekin II sends congratulatory message to Nikol Pashinyan

Armenia's ruling Civil Contract faction elects Alen Simonyan parliamentary speaker in the absence of opposition blocs

Lilit Makunts appointed Armenia's Ambassador to the United States of America

Armenia Gegharkunik Province ex-governor appointed territorial administration and infrastructure minister

Armenian ruling party MP: Security comes first, and Armenia will always be a sovereign state

Opposition MP: Even if there is pause in the current situation, it can't help ensure long-term peace for Armenia

Dollar and euro continue to go up in Armenia

Karabakh: Remains of another 4 Armenian servicemen found in and removed from Varanda

Armenia's new parliament convenes special session today

Kazakhstan President congratulates Armenia's Pashinyan

Second secret ballot for election of Speaker of 8th convocation of Armenia National Assembly being held

Karabakh President congratulates Nikol Pashinyan on being appointed Armenia's premier

Argentina President congratulates Armenia PM

Relatives of Armenian POWs gather near parliament building, demand inclusion of captives' issue in agenda

Armenia Gegharkunik Province governor sacked

Armenia President signs decisions on appointing Deputy Prime Minister and 3 ministers

Armenia Investigative Committee: Soldier who left military unit dies from explosion of illegally kept grenade

Armenia Prosecutor General receives Russia Ambassador, Armenian POWs' issue discussed

Opposition 'Armenia' bloc MP: Government has forgotten about motion that ex-PM had filed for Nikol Pashinyan

Coronavirus in Armenia: 2 new deaths

Armenia first deputy minister of labor and social affairs sacked

Armenian PM recommends that President appoint Suren Papikyan Deputy PM and Arshak Karapetyan defense minister

Armenia PM dismisses first deputy defense minister Arshak Karapetyan

Nikol Pashinyan appointed Prime Minister of Armenia

Body of 22-year-old soldier found in Artsakh

President: For preserving statehood in Armenia, it is necessary to overcome the existing split

Young Liberals of Australian Capital Territory recognizes Armenian, Greek, Assyrian Genocides

Azerbaijan refutes information about opening of air corridor over Armenia

Armenia's new parliament discusses candidates running for speaker

Azerbaijani authorities sentence 2 captured Armenians to 20 years in prison

Deputies of newly elected Armenian parliament take oath

Safoian-founded SADA named Google Cloud Partner of the Year for third year in a row

Oil is getting cheaper

Newly elected parliament session kicks off in Armenia

Hackers paralyze vaccination record in Italy

California: 4 people die in a helicopter crash

YouTube suspends Sky News Australia channel amid COVID-19 disinformation
I record the fact that these authorities are incapable of serving Armenias interests. This is what Spokesperson of the Republican Party of Armenia Eduard Sharmazanov wrote on his Facebook page.

Armenia is only losing after the capitulation.

I strongly believe that there is no power in Armenia in the classic sense. If there was a power, the war would have ended much sooner, the issue of captives would have been solved, the statement of January 11 wouldnt have been drawn up, the authorities wouldnt have let the Azerbaijanis invade Sev Lake, they would have defended our state and national interests, would have talked about achieving dignified peace during the election campaign instead of waving a hammer here and there.

We Armenians have lost our sovereignty. I regret to say that the current so-called government is incapable of solving the national issues and, in essence, isnt doing anything.

Armenia is only losing after November 9, 2020, and it will continue to lose so long as the main symbol of defeat is sitting in the chair.

I record the fact that these authorities are incapable of serving Armenias interests.

I have stated several times that there cant be demarcation and delimitation of borders by accepting as a basis the maps of the Soviet Union since modern-day Azerbaijan is not the legal successor of Soviet Azerbaijan. It is the legal successor of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan of 1918-20 that wasn't even recognized by the League of Nations.

The regime that signed the capitulation act has forgotten about this. How can there be talks about demarcation and delimitation when there is not a word about the status of Artsakh? Dont tell me the people cast their votes for these authorities.

The people also cast their votes for Hitler and Mussolini, but they led their respective countries to perdition, he wrote.
Irans nuclear program is advancing effectively and will become factual in the near future, and a big war remains the only option to undermine this. This is what political scientist Stepan Danielyan wrote on his Facebook page, touching upon regional developments.

Who will wage a war against Iran? It seems that the answer to this question is clear  Turkey and Azerbaijan. The meaning of the Turkey-Azerbaijan military alliance, as well as the ongoing purchase of weapons and military exercises should be viewed in this context as well.

Its clear that the London-Ankara-Baku-Tel Aviv axis is acting against Iran. The local Azerbaijanis and Arabs of Khuzistan will act against Iran, and in its turn, Iran will try to mobilize the Kurds of Turkey, like it did during the war against Iraq.

Who will be Irans allies? Iran has issues with Pakistan. Taking into consideration Irans relations with China, its not very likely that China and Russia will directly support Iran, but perhaps indirectly.

What is the route through which Turkey will supply troops and weapons to Azerbaijan? The importance of the road of Meghri for Azerbaijan should be viewed in this context as well.

Its clear that this scenario will very likely become a reality, but its hard to predict when. However, it seems that the issue of Irans nuclear program is accelerating the development of events.

What is Armenia going to do? This is a question that the government needs to answer. The governments duty is to draw up action programs for different scenarios and lead an appropriate policy. Armenias objective is to stay as far away from that war as possible, he wrote.
Acting Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) of Armenia Gagik Jhangiryan today toured the courts of general jurisdiction in the countrys provinces, as reported the SJC.

The aim of the visits was to become familiar with the problems of the regional courts employees and building conditions on the spot and introduce the newly appointed chairmen of courts.

During one of the meetings, Jhangiryan also introduced newly appointed Head of the Bailiffs Service Suren Baghdasaryan.

During the meetings, Jhangiryan talked about the future actions with respect to the construction and repair of courts and the transition of employees of courts from Civil Service to Judicial Service, the ensuring of social guarantees, etc.
The U.S. Navy assists an Israeli oil tanker attacked off the coast of Oman. The vessel was most likely hit by a drone strike, the Associated Press reported, citing a statement from the Navy.

Japanese-owned Liberian-flagged vessel The Mercer Street is currently escorting USS Ronald Reagan, US Central Command said in a statement.

US Navy explosives specialists are on board to make sure there is no danger to the crew and are ready to help investigate the attack, said Central Command, which oversees US military operations in the Middle East and Central Asia.

American and European sources familiar with intelligence reports said Iran was their prime suspect in the incident.
Jul. 30Eight Aiken County locals, and members of the fastest-growing white gang in the country, were charged July 23 in Operation Kibosh involving the Ghostface Gangsters. Six out of the eight were arrested, and two are still wanted.

The investigation

On Friday, July 23, Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced the arrests of several members of an organized street gang known as the Ghostface Gangsters Criminal Street Gang.

The investigation into the Ghostface Gangsters began in January 2018 and is still ongoing.

The gang's criminal activity extends throughout Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee, according to a report from the Richmond County Sheriff's Office.

The gang also has deep ties in the Georgia Department of Corrections, said Roundtree.

"The Ghostface Gangsters are considered the fastest growing white gang in the country with approximately 5,000 members," according to the report.

Police said the Ghostface Gangsters are primarily comprised of white supremacists and gangster disciple affiliates.

Over the course of the three-year investigation, the Richmond County Sheriff's Gang Intelligence Unit identified 77 members involved in the Ghostface Gangster criminal street gang and charged all involved, according to the report.

Aiken County gangsters arrested

Six out of the eight gangsters with criminal records in Aiken County have been arrested and charged by the Richmond County Sheriff's Office.

Benjamin Dominic Womack, 44, was charged with a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, trafficking a person for sexual servitude and theft by receiving stolen property  government property.

On July 13, 2019, Womack was arrested on W. Five Notch Road in North Augusta during a traffic stop and charged with possession of methamphetamine.

Officers determined that a bag containing methamphetamine was thrown out of the vehicle before the stop, according to an incident report obtained from the Aiken County Sheriff's Office.

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Kyla Urena Deangelo, 34, was charged with a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and possession of oxycodone with intent to distribute.

On Aug. 18, 2018, Deangelo was arrested on Towhee Avenue in North Augusta and charged with possession of methamphetamine.

Officers responded to Deangelo's residence in reference to a stolen phone. When they arrived, they "observed a fresh needle injection mark ... consistent with the use of narcotics," according to the report.

After searching the bathroom, police located narcotics, a spoon and a syringe.

Less than three months later, on Nov. 9, 2018, Deangelo was arrested on Bunting Road in North Augusta for possession of methamphetamine.

Officers conducted a traffic stop and located a bag in the back cargo area of the vehicle that contained drug paraphernalia "in a case that had the name Kyla painted on the front of it," according to an incident report obtained from the North Augusta Department of Public Safety.

Jessie Clarence Goodwin III, 42, was charged with a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, aggravated assault and possession of methamphetamine.

On Jan. 19, 2014, Goodwin was arrested on Augustus Road in Aiken and charged with weapon law violations.

Officers initiated a traffic stop and realized Goodwin had warrants out of Columbia County, Georgia, according to an incident report obtained from the Aiken Department of Public Safety.

When searching the vehicle, police located a stolen semi-automatic handgun, drug paraphernalia, marijuana and methamphetamine.

Brian Thomas Myers, 35, was charged with a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

On July 29, 2017, Myers was arrested on Atomic Road in North Augusta and charged with breach of trust.

The victim told officers that Myers stole a Yeti cup and a paint gun, according to the report.

Jodie Lee Riley, 36, was charged with a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

On Aug. 22, 2012, Riley was placed on hold on Knox Avenue in North Augusta "for possession with intent to distribute ice (meth)," according to an incident report obtained from the North Augusta Department of Public Safety.

On the date of the incident, officers responded to a shoplifting in progress at a grocery store.

Police located the getaway car and initiated a traffic stop. They located a handgun, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Nicholas Andrew Noftsier, 41, was charged with a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

On July 22, 2021, North Augusta Department of Public Safety officers assisted the U.S. Marshals with a warrant service on Durst Drive in North Augusta.

The warrant service was related to the Operation Kibosh investigation.

Police observed "a quantity of methamphetamine on (Noftsier)" when they arrived, according to an incident report obtained from the North Augusta Department of Public Safety.

Aiken County gangsters still wanted

Two out of the eight gang members with criminal records in Aiken County are still wanted by law enforcement.

Jonas Mitchell Fulmer, 36, is charged with a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, kidnapping with bodily injury and aggravated assault.

On Feb. 24, 2019, Fulmer was arrested on Knox Avenue in North Augusta and charged with shoplifting and possession of methamphetamine.

On the date of the incident, officers were dispatched to a grocery store in reference to a shoplifting.

The victim stated they saw Fulmer steal several electronic items.

Police located Fulmer and found methamphetamine on his person, according to an incident report obtained from the North Augusta Department of Public Safety.

On Aug. 19, 2019, Fulmer was arrested again and charged with shoplifting at a grocery store on Edgefield Road in North Augusta, according to an incident report obtained from the North Augusta Department of Public Safety.

Priscilla Janette Hickox, 29, is charged with a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, possession of methamphetamine, possession of MDMA and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

On Sept. 20, 2017, Hickox was arrested on Jefferson Davis Highway near Midland Drive in Graniteville.

Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, when the vehicle attempted to get away, according to an incident report obtained from the Aiken County Sheriff's Office.

Hickox was charged with possessing a stolen vehicle and driving under suspension, according to the report.
(Reuters) -Amazon.com Inc-backed electric vehicle start-up Rivian Automotive is in talks with ministers about building a factory in the UK that could include a big state support package, Sky News reported on Saturday.

The company, which is also backed by Ford Motor Co, has been in negotiations with the British government for weeks about the construction of a plant near Bristol, the report https://bit.ly/3zT7Ron added.

The talks are not yet at an advanced stage but any investment decision would likely be worth well over 1 billion pounds ($1.39 billion), the report said, citing sources.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) declined to comment on "individual investments".

In an emailed statement to Reuters, BEIS said: "While we are working to attract inward investment into the UK to accelerate the growth of new industries, we cannot comment on speculation about individual investments."

Rivian, seen as a potential rival to Tesla Inc, said this month it expects to begin first deliveries of its R1T pick-up truck in September and its R1S SUV in the autumn.

($1 = 0.7191 pounds)

(Reporting by Aishwarya Nair in Bengaluru; additional reporting by William Schomberg and Vishal Vivek; editing by Jason Neely)
Associated Press

A Black man who said a group of white men assaulted him and threatened to get a noose at a southern Indiana lake is facing criminal charges more than a year after the confrontation that earlier led to charges against two of the alleged attackers. Vauhxx Booker, a local civil rights activist and member of the Monroe County Human Rights Commission, was charged with misdemeanor trespass and felony battery for his involvement in last years Fourth of July incident at Lake Monroe, according to court documents filed Friday by a special prosecutor in the case. Booker condemned the decision, calling it an outrageous act of punitive retaliation and prosecutorial vindictiveness.
TRENTON, N.J.  New Jersey has spent more than two decades  and many billions of dollars  building a high-quality, free universal pre-K system to serve all needy kids in the state. Its won widespread acclaim. And President Joe Bidens administration wants to make it a model for the nation.

But the program has an accountability problem.

In Trenton, the states capital and one of its poorest cities, private pre-K providers have long complained of political favoritism" and a state Department of Education unwilling  or unable  to step in.

Now, some of these providers  community groups that are funded by the state and contracted by the school district  say it's time for the state to confront the structural issues they claim are degrading the preschool experience for needy children throughout New Jersey as Gov. Phil Murphy seeks reelection.

Documents obtained through records requests show a head custodian at the Laura Spelman Preschool Academy in Trenton who was a former deputy mayor and one-time congressional candidate went from earning $53,000 to more than $113,000 in a four-year period from 2016 to 2020  overseeing the cleaning of eight classrooms in a school run by his wife.

In an April letter to the state Department of Education, one provider, Alma Garcia, cited documents she obtained that were reviewed by POLITICO showing instances of directors being paid above their experience levels, teachers being underpaid and one director earning $144,600 for working "0.78 time."

Another director  a position akin to head of the school  is allegedly being paid a salary that calls for a graduate degree, despite only earning a bachelors degree, according to Garcias letter.

According to community pre-K providers POLITICO spoke to across the state, the situation in Trenton is not an anomaly, but rather evidence of a much larger accountability crisis within New Jerseys nationally recognized preschool system.

School districts, providers said, are controlling the purse strings and when tensions arise, can use their power to approve arbitrary or politically motivated salary increases, withhold contracts and reduce budgets without explanation.

Story continues

Kimberly Stout-Figueroa, executive director of Kids Ink, another Trenton pre-school program, wrote in a separate letter to the DOE that in 2018, the city school district inexplicably reduced her programs budget and altered its expenditure reports. In the letter, she said that in 2019, the district withheld more than $55,000 and recouped nearly $85,000 in salaries paid to substitute teachers claiming "they were not a board-approved expense."

As a result, Stout-Figueroa wrote in her Oct. 7, 2019, letter, Kids Ink was unable to pay rent and was forced to close two classrooms, meaning there are now fewer spots for the preschool students of our county.

After receiving no response to her letter, Stout-Figueroa used the state's Open Public Records Act to track her emails within the Education Department. According to her OPRA documents, which POLITICO reviewed, officials at DOE received the letter and forwarded it to colleagues. Stout-Figueroa said no one responded.

Providers in Trenton said teachers at state-funded private community groups  which mainly serve low-income children and children of color  are often underpaid compared with their district counterparts, program directors arent always properly credentialed, the district can be uncooperative and the state is nowhere to be found.

If it is not being implemented as designed, then we are just pretending we have this excellent program, but in reality, I know we dont, Garcia, executive director at the Puerto Rican Community Center, another private preschool provider in Trenton, said in an interview. It looks like everywhere we turn, its kind of like a cover-up and pretending that this is not happening.

After years of suspecting all pre-K providers were not being treated equally by the Trenton school district, Garcia and education lawyer Denise Lanchantin Dwyer filed requests for thousands of employment documents, staffing reports, budget spreadsheets and contracts for all of the private pre-K providers working in Trenton dating back to 2017.

What they found, Garcia said, was evidence of large sums of taxpayer money being misspent on administrator salaries while preschool teachers and aides went underpaid. This ultimately deprives some of the state's most vulnerable children of the preschool education they are entitled to receive by law, Garcia said.

Officials from the Trenton school district did not respond to several phone calls and a detailed email request for comment.

Garcia said she has been sounding the alarm for years but that her calls, emails and letters warning state officials about abuses and improprieties within the system have been ignored.

This has been a wake-up call, Garcia said of her experience as a pre-K provider. I was very naive. I had no idea this is how government worked. I had no idea the Department of Education would not be interested, that senators would not be interested, that the governor would not be interested.

Garcia said that as Murphy runs for reelection, relying heavily on his track record of expanding access to pre-K statewide, its time for the state to acknowledge the holes in the system.

This is a crisis and they need to pay attention, she said.

A spokesperson for Murphy did not respond to several requests for comment.

The Department of Education denied several requests by POLITICO to speak with officials in its Early Childhood Division.

Shaheed Morris, a department spokesperson, said in an email that the DOE "reviews every concern it receives, including those that are anonymous." If necessary, Morris said, the DOE works with providers and districts to "address the situation."

"For matters that arise to a level of dispute," Morris referred to a clause in the contract that districts and providers sign that says, The District and Provider shall attempt to resolve any dispute that may arise under this Agreement. If the dispute cannot be resolved locally, an appeal may be made to the Commissioner" of education.

A unique system

The pre-K system in New Jersey was built up over a generation. No other state has a program like it.

One branch of the system is the so-called Abbott preschool program, created in 1998. Its the realization of a vision put forth by the state Supreme Court through its landmark Abbott v. Burke school funding case that requires all 3- and 4-year-olds in New Jerseys 31 poorest school districts to receive a high-quality, full-day, full-year preschool education at no cost to parents.

Whats different about New Jerseys preschool system  what has members of the Biden administration meeting with the states education advocates and preschool experts  is something called mixed delivery. Under the system, private providers already working in the community are funded by the state but receive their money through contracts with local school districts.

These providers are held to the same standards as the districts  small class sizes, credentialed teachers and aides and curricula linked to K-12 academic standards.

Many school districts in New Jersey offer their own pre-K programs that are state-funded. But in Trenton and some of the other Abbott districts, preschool is handled exclusively by both private providers that receive state money funding and federally funded Head Start programs.

Murphy, a progressive Democrat, has made expanding access to pre-K a cornerstone of his policy agenda.

The state budget Murphy signed in June includes an additional $50 million for pre-K, including $26 million for new programs, upping the $781 million New Jersey spent in 2019-2020 to serve 55,413 kids. In total, Murphy has spent more than $3.3 billion on preschool funding during his four years in office according to state treasury figures.

According to data from the National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University, New Jersey and Oregon were the only states to expand access to preschool in 2020-21, despite the pandemic.

The need for private providers

Working with private providers is crucial to a strong preschool system, said Cynthia Rice, a senior policy analyst with the nonprofit group Advocates for Children of New Jersey. Rice has studied and advised previous administrations about implementing the Abbott preschool program to get the most out of its promise.

Even the courts have recognized that when handing down their order, our public schools have not been known for their early childhood expertise, Rice said in an interview.

Thats where the private providers come in.

Rice said that by living, working and and serving in their communities, providers bring the experience and trust necessary to care for and educate young children while districts focus on developing their own programs.

Private providers also offer more than just education  many operate as child care centers, offer social support, health care, family support, food stamps or counseling. In some places, YMCAs run preschools in addition to their other services.

Ideally, Rice said, school districts would recognize what providers bring to the table and work with them to share knowledge, expand their preschool offerings and benefit the community.

But in reality, since the Abbott decision, districts and providers have been wary of each other since the Abbott decision.

Its like a marriage. You have good times and bad times but the best ones work collaboratively on behalf of the kids, Rice said.

For many providers, districts and education advocates  including Garcia  the system as imagined is admirable. But Garcia and others on the ground say its being undermined by a gutted Department of Education. The department lacks the staffing necessary to keep school districts from inflating salaries, fighting with providers and retaliating against those who speak out, they say.

When things go south and tensions flare between the parties, its the providers who are left vulnerable.

Lorraine Cooke, executive director of the Egenolf Early Childhood Center in Elizabeth, said providers across the state often share stories among themselves of districts that have lashed out at them, taking away classroom space, failing to settle contracts in a timely manner and general conflicts over funding.

When there is tension between a district and a provider and I have turned to DOE, the response has generally been the provider needs to work it out with the district, Cooke said. It feels like providers are out on their own.

If this was Princeton  

Not every provider has struggled to work with their districts.

Joselyn Estevez-Vargas of HOPES, a nonprofit that runs Headstart pre-K programs in Hoboken, Plainfield and Somerset, said shes had few issues dealing with districts.

But even when relationships between providers and district officials are successful, DOEs absence has been noticeable, district superintendents say.

Its a bear to get anything done, Trisha Camp, superintendent of the Rahway Public Schools, said of working with DOE staffers in Trenton. We get in, we get established, and things are chugging along. Then, all of a sudden, theyre not there any more.

Camp said Rahway, which is not an Abbott district, has had success dealing with providers. She said she recently participated in a Zoom call with U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona to demonstrate why her program was working so well.

Garcia said the fight to get DOEs attention has been a lonely and isolating one. Providers are fearful of speaking out, she said, because they are "terrified" of being retaliated against by their districts or ignored by the state.

She said the fact that shes advocating for majority low-income children of color factors in.

If this was Princeton, would they have the same attitude? Garcia said, referring to one of the state's wealthier areas.

How to fix it

Garcia, Rice and Cooke said it wouldnt be a heavy lift to fix the problems with New Jerseys preschool system, but it will require recognizing that things are not in perfect working order.

Providers say they want more funding, more hands-on support from the state and more accountability measures to give them a seat at the table in the system into which they contribute so heavily. Theyve called for representative advisory boards or councils where they can bring their complaints directly to the state.

Garcia said, she just wants to know someone at DOE is listening.

As a woman of color, my experience as a whole in just life, there is no change unless tension is created, Garcia said. The more we are silent and the more we conform, the less things are going to change.
Hundreds of victims of a former Canadian fertility doctor, who allegedly used the wrong sperm and sometimes his own while artificially inseminating patients, will be awarded $10.7 million in a tentative agreement reached this week, according to reports.

The class-action lawsuit was brought in 2016 by Dan and Davina Dixon and later joined by more than 200 others who found through DNA tests that their childs biological father was not who they thought, according to the Ottawa Citizen.

Dr. Norman Barwin, 82, was allegedly found to be the father of at least 17 children conceived at his office, including the Dixons daughter Rebecca.

Barwin has denied the charges and admitted no wrongdoing in the settlement, according to the Washington Post.

He said he decided to settle because of the time and money spent on the lawsuit, the newspaper reported.

The settlement has yet to be approved by a judge.

The Dixons sued Barwin after they allegedly discovered that their daughter, conceived in 1990 while Davina Dixon was under Barwin's care, was actually Barwin's child, according to the Post.

BABY GIRL BORN WITH TWIN INSIDE STOMACH IN EXTREME MEDICAL RARITY: REPORT

Davina Dixon told CBC Radio in 2016 there were multiple "clues" about Rebeccas paternity, including that she had celiac disease, which is often hereditary and she had brown eyes while both of her parents were blue.

"When I first found out, I felt disassociated from my body and my face," Rebecca told the CBC in 2016. "When Id look in the mirror, I felt like suddenly it wasnt my face. Features about myself that Id always liked, or just thought of as my own seemed like they might belong to someone else, and I didnt know who that was."

Rebecca called the settlement Wednesday an "imperfect solution. I think it is challenging that money is the only thing that is offered and not a direct admission of responsibility from Barwin."

"I am not sure we will ever achieve closure," she said, according to the Citizen. "It is something that will be with us for the rest of our lives. But the legal side wrapping up will allow people to come to a bit more peace with the situation."

Story continues

Lyon Palmer, the father of Kat Palmer  who is also allegedly Barwins biological daughter  said Barwin told him "that he used his own sperm to test out a sperm counter," according to the CBC. "That made no sense."

The case is the first of its kind, according to the Citizen.

Peter Cronyn, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said Wednesday that no amount of money could fix the "profound disruption of their sense of family and identity" caused by Barwins alleged actions, but "because of the fact that they are receiving some compensation it is our hope that will help them get some closure and move forward," the Citizen reported.

The settlement would also set up a genetic database to help the victims identify their biological fathers, CBS News reported.
Ramon Abbas AKA Hushpuppi documented his trips to expensive restaurants and private jets. Instagram/Hushpuppi

A Nigerian influencer has pleaded guilty to charges of money laundering.

Ramon Abbas AKA Hushpuppi built a 2.5m following with his pictures of private jets and luxury cars.

He scammed victims out of more than $24m in total, according to court documents.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

A Nigerian influencer known for documenting his lavish lifestyle has pleaded guilty to charges of money laundering.

Hushpuppi, whose real name is Ramon Abbas, accepted the charges in a US court on April 20, according to documents filed in California.

The documents state that Abbas scammed people out of more than $24m in total.

The 37-year-old was arrested in Dubai, where he lived, in June 2020 after being tracked down by the FBI, as Insider's Mia Jancowicz reported.

Abbas' 2.5m follower strong Instagram account was a key part in him being found, and it features pictures of luxury cars, private jets, and designer clothing. He hasn't posted anything since June 2020.

In one of Hushpuppi's schemes, he attempted to steal $1.1m from a business person who wanted to finance a new school in Qatar.

The influencer has been charged alongside two other people based in the US, and a further three believed to be in Africa, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to engage in money laundering, and aggravated identity theft.

"The defendants allegedly faked the financing of a Qatari school by playing the roles of bank officials and creating a bogus website in a scheme that also bribed a foreign official to keep the elaborate pretense going after the victim was tipped off," said Acting United States Attorney Tracy L. Wilkison.

She added that Abbas played "a significant role in the scheme" and "funded his luxurious lifestyle by laundering illicit proceeds generated by con artists who use increasingly sophisticated means."

Hushpuppi was described by Kristi K. Johnson, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office, as "among the most high-profile money launderers in the world," and his guilty plea is "a crucial blow to this international network."

Abbas did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Read the original article on Insider
Chinese government officials are announcing plans to continue a crackdown on cryptocurrency trading and speculation.

What happened: In a statement released on Saturday, the Peoples Bank of China says it will maintain high pressure on virtual currency trading hype. Noting that the central bank has been severely cracking down on illegal activities of virtual currency this year and will continue supervising financial platforms operating in the country.

Decrypt reports that the statement comes a day after bank officials set priorities for the second half of the year.

Why its important: The statement from the Peoples Bank of China comes after officials introduced restrictions on Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) mining earlier this year, causing Bitcoins hashrate to drop by 76%. Many Chinese miners have relocated to other countries.

China has banned financial institutions from cryptocurrency transactions since 2017. The move has prevented cryptocurrency exchanges from operating in the country.

Whats next: As China continues to escalate restrictions on cryptocurrencies, the countrys central bank has been working on developing its own digital currency. A recent report indicates digital yuan has been used in 70.75 million transactions, reaching a total value of 34.5 billion yuan ($5 billion) by the end of June.

See more from Benzinga

 2021 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Chinese Canadian pop star Kris Wu was detained Saturday night on rape allegations, the Washington Post reports.

The big picture: The detainment marks a rare move to investigate a case involving sexual assault in China, where few assault allegations pan out, according to the Post.

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Beijing has started to crack down on wealthy members of the private sector this year, according to the Post.

Driving the news: Earlier this month, a young woman, Du Meizhu, accused Wu of luring her and other teenagers for sex. More than two dozen other young women have since made other allegations against Wu.

More than a dozen brands have suspended or canceled contracts with Wu over the allegations, including Louis Vuitton, Porsche, Lancome and others.

Wu has denied the allegations, according to the Post.

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When it comes to living expenses, the truth is that most Americans subsist on a very thin margin, even if their earnings are solid. A recent survey from PYMTS revealed that 125 million American adults, including 53% of those who earn between $50,000 and $100,000, are living paycheck to paycheck. The numbers are even worse for millennials, 70% of whom are just scraping by.

Find Out: How To Set a Realistic Budget You Can Live With

Learn More: 50 Ways To Live the Big Life on a Small Budget

The good news is that if you take a closer look at how you live, you'll likely find many areas where you can trim expenses and give yourself an extra buffer.

See what expenses you could cut from your budget, how you can save thousands of dollars in the process and how you can better invest the money instead.

Last updated: July 22, 2021

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1. Credit Card Interest

Monthly Savings: $31.92

Annual Savings: $383

Every month that you don't pay your full credit card balance you'll be charged interest. Thats essentially money youre throwing away. The average American has a monthly credit card balance of $4,235, according to the most recent data from the Federal Reserve. With an average annual percentage rate of 16.30% interest, many Americans can save big on fees by getting rid of their credit card debt.

Let's assume you've built up the average amount of credit card debt and want to pay it off over the course of a year. By the end of that year, you'll have paid $383 in interest, according to Credit Karma's interest calculator.

See: I Use These 3 Foolproof Strategies To Avoid Credit Card Debt

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2. Life Insurance

Monthly Savings: $20

Annual Savings: $240

Life insurance is an essential benefit for many because it provides protection for spouses and heirs in case the primary breadwinner dies unexpectedly. This can be especially important if the family has a mortgage or other debts to pay off. About the least you can expect to pay is around $20 a month for a $500,000, 10-year term policy, according to Progressive.

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But if you have no dependents, you likely don't need life insurance and might consider cancelling your policy. Another option is to look for a job with employer-paid life insurance.

Explore: Top Perks to Look for When Searching for a New Job

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3. Brokerage Commissions and Fees

Monthly Savings: $154.17

Annual Savings: $1,850 ($600 commission on stock trades plus $1,250 for a $25,000 investment in a load vs. no-load fund)

A few traditional, full-service brokerage firms still charge potentially hundreds of dollars per trade, depending on the size and type of investment. At Edward Jones, for example, commissions start at 2.5% of the principal amount invested or a minimum of $50. Investing $2,000 every month means spending at least $50 on fees. Mutual funds can cost even more, with commission of up to 5% when you buy.

Many well-known, reliable discount brokers like Fidelity still have brick-and-mortar branches but offer $0 commission trades on stocks and no-load mutual funds.

Also, don't overlook annual expense ratios when buying investments like exchange-traded funds. According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority's fund screener, expense ratios for S&P 500 index funds range from 0% to 2.58%.

See: The Most Fascinating Things You Never Knew You Could Invest In



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4. Bank Fees

Monthly Savings: $14.50 ($12 checking plus one out-of-network $2.50 ATM fee)

Annual Savings: $174

Some banks charge $12 or more per month to maintain a checking or savings account unless you meet certain criteria, such as a minimum daily balance. But many online banks offer these accounts for free. If you prefer not to bank online, check out your local credit union, which might offer free accounts and free ATM access.

Read: How To Avoid Common Bank Fees and Charges

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5. Premium Gas

Monthly Savings: $28

Annual Savings: $336

Unless your car specifically requires premium gasoline, you don't need to buy it. According to AAA, the price difference between premium and regular gasoline averages 62 cents per gallon. With the average American vehicle getting roughly 24.9 miles per gallon and the average American driving 13,476 miles per year, sticking with regular gas can result in some real savings.

Find: Dont Get Suckered Into Paying For These 20 Useless Things at Car Dealerships

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6. High-End Coffee

Monthly Savings: $25.50

Annual Savings: $306

Face it: Some people need their morning coffee to function normally. But even if that applies to you, coffee doesn't have to cost a fortune. You don't even have to cut coffee out of your life completely -- just reconsider if the price you're paying now is worth it. For example, a tall (small) brewed coffee at Starbucks is $1.85, but you can go to the McDonald's down the block and get a small cup for just $1. Assuming you buy a cup every day, that switch will save you $25.50 a month. You might even end up preferring the taste of McDonald's coffee, making it a win-win.

Keep Reading: 35 Surprising Cities With Low Costs of Living

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7. Bottled Water

Monthly Savings: $4.52

Annual Savings: $54.24

Annual consumption of bottled water in the U.S. reached 45.2 gallons per capita in 2020, which is a lot more expensive than drinking regular tap water. At an average cost of $1.20 per gallon of bottled water versus Baltimore's $0.003 per gallon for municipal tap water, for example, you're paying 400 times more for the bottled variety. Prices for different bottle sizes can be even higher.

Shop Smarter: 40 Supermarket Buys That Are a Waste of Money

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8. Cable TV

Monthly Savings: $130

Annual Savings: $1,560

Cable television has grown from a minor utility into an expensive mishmash of multilevel packages with premium channels and content. Premium cable TV packages can cost up to $130 a month. Cutting the cord will save you money, especially if you use an antenna to pick up broadcast signals for free rather than signing up for a lot of streaming services to replace cable.

Related: Is It Worth Subscribing to Disney+ and Other Streaming Services Now?

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9. Streaming Services

Monthly Savings: $95.97

Annual Savings: $1151.64

See, streaming costs do add up. Services like Netflix and Hulu might seem like a dream come true because they're much cheaper than cable TV packages, but they still cost something.

Netflix Premium charges $17.99 per month, Hulu with Live TV costs $64.99 per month and Amazon Prime Video is included in the $12.99 per month fee for a Prime membership. If you bundle everything together, you end up paying a lot every year for these seemingly inexpensive services. Can you imagine cutting the cord completely? You'd certainly save a lot.

Watch for Less: Cut the Cable Cord in 2021 With 3 Completely Free TV Apps

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10. Phone Games

Monthly Savings: $6.40

Annual Savings: $76.80

Many smartphone users fall into the trap of playing online or app-based games that entice them with in-game purchases. In fact, the average iPhone user spent over $76.80 per device on games in 2020, according to a Sensor Tower report. The $6.40 monthly cost might not seem like much, but it adds up over time -- especially if you play on more than one device.

Check Out: 25 Best Places to Live for Millennials

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11. Newspaper Subscriptions

Monthly Savings: $22

Annual Savings: $264

Nowadays, you can get news from any number of sources  often for free. Newspapers offer in-home delivery, but with newspaper subscriptions costing roughly $10 per month for a local paper to $40 per month for a national one like The New York Times, those fees add up. Switching to digital editions can save you money. A digital-only New York Times subscription, for example, is just $17.99 a month.

Good to Know: Where Do Americans Get Their Money Advice? Top News Columns

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12. Out-of-Town Weddings

Annual Savings: $955 (one out-of-town wedding per year)

Attending an out-of-town wedding is no small endeavor. You must arrange travel, perhaps buy yourself a new outfit or two, purchase a wedding gift and find accommodations. Before you know it, youve blown a lot of money to see two people get hitched -- $1,140 per guest attending an out of town wedding, on average.

Compare that to the $185 an average guest spends to attend a wedding in their own hometown. Declining just one out-of-town wedding invite per year can save you enough for a long weekend getaway of your own.

Learn More: Wedding Etiquette: How Much To Give (and Spend)

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13. Magazines

Monthly Savings: $4.99

Annual Savings: $59.92

Theres nothing like the feel and smell of a glossy magazine in your hands. But buying them at the supermarket check out can cost a bundle. Consider subscribing instead. Forbes, for example, costs $9.99 per issue on the newsstand, but subscribing gets you eight issues per year, delivered to your home, for $20.

See: The Best Places to Retire If You Cant Save $1 Million

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14. Satellite Radio

Monthly Savings: $16.99

Annual Savings: $203.88

Satellite radio lets you listen to more than 155 channels in your car and over twice that online. The industry is known for promotional pricing, but the regular cost of a satellite radio subscription can be hefty  $16.99 per month for the Sirius XM Car + Streaming subscription, for example. With other low-cost or free options like Spotify and Pandora available, you can save cash and still access the music you want.

Learn: How to Save Money on All Your Monthly Expenses and Bills

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15. Warehouse Club Memberships

Annual Savings: $60

Shopping at warehouse clubs is popular for budget-conscious families. But if you don't have the storage space or the inclination to buy in bulk on a regular basis, your membership could wind up costing more than it's worth. A Costco membership costs $60 a year, and a Sam's Club membership is $45. Shop during sales at other grocery stores and save on the membership fees.

Think About It: How Much Does a Costco Membership Really Save You?

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16. Gym Memberships

Monthly Savings: $58

Annual Savings: $696

The average gym membership costs $58 per month, but 67% of people with gym memberships never use them. If you're among that percentage  and even if you're not  dropping your gym membership can add up to big savings.

Stop Now: 50 Ways You're Throwing Money Away

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17. Cigarettes

Weekly Savings : $50.54 (one pack per day)

Monthly Savings: $216.60

Annual Savings: $2,635.30

Smoking rates continue to decline in the U.S., with only 14% of American adults smoking, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you still light up regularly, here's another reason to quit: You'll save an average of $7.22 per pack.

Explore: 10 Ways That Your Health Impacts Your Financial Life

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18. Manicures and Pedicures

Monthly Savings: $35

Annual Savings: $420

While its fun to treat your fingers and toes to a little upgrade every now and then, those services can add up. The average manicure is about $15 a pop, while the average pedicure runs around $20. Doing your nails at home can save you quite a lot of money over the course of a year, even if you only get one mani/pedi a month.

Find Out: How to Set a Realistic Budget You Can Live With

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19. Haircuts

Monthly Savings: $8.83

Annual Savings: $106

The national average cost of a haircut is $53, according to a survey by You Probably Need a Haircut. Let's say you get your hair cut once every six weeks, for about eight haircuts a year. If you can stand a little shag, let your hair grow longer, get a haircut every two months and watch your bank account get bigger.

Check Out: 20 Ways to Save Money Fast

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20. Lunch Out

Monthly Savings: $200 (for 20 lunches out)

Annual Savings: $2,400

Lunch costs range from a few dollars at a fast-food restaurant to $20 at a nice sit-down place. Let's assume you're spending $10 total (including tax and tip) on lunch each day. For that much money, you could probably buy the supplies to make a humble lunch for the whole week. If you saved the money you used to spend on eating out for lunch, you could afford a vacation by the end of that year.

See: Cities That Spend the Most  and Least  on Groceries

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21. Takeout Food

Monthly Savings: $280

Annual Savings: $3,640

When you order takeout food instead of making it yourself, your wallet can take a big hit. The average millennial spends $70 a week on takeout, as GOBankingRates reported earlier this year. By making food at home rather than ordering in, you could save a significant chunk of change that could be spent on other necessities.

Keep Reading: See How Much Americans Spent on Takeout Amid the Pandemic

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22. Ride-Sharing Services

Monthly Savings: $39.58

Annual Savings: $475

The two most popular ride-sharing services, Uber and Lyft, have seen significantly higher sales so far this year as the pandemic eases and more Americans venture out. But before you update your apps, consider how much you'll spend if you go back to your old ride-share habits. The average Lyft ride cost $27 in June and the average Uber rider paid $20, according to Bloomberg Second Measure. Riders who use both services spend an average of $475 per year -- a chunk of which you likely can save by walking or taking public transportation.

Explore: Best Cities to Retire on a Budget of $1,500 a Month

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23. Dry Cleaning

Monthly Savings: $15

Annual Savings: $180

Dry cleaning services typically charge by the item, so prices vary depending upon which items are brought in for cleaning. Many people reserve this service for hard-to-wash things like suits, slacks and dresses. The cost to dry clean a suit once a month typically runs around $20, while dresses can run around $15. Figuring a monthly spend of $15, if you can handle the work yourself, you could save almost $200 dollar a year.

Find: 50 Ways to Live the Big Life on a Small Budget

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24. Online Shopping Shipping

Monthly Savings: $10

Annual Savings: $120

Due to the pandemic, online sales increased 32.4% from 2019 to 2020, according to Digital Commerce 360. Although many online retailers offer free shipping, some stores charge a fee for orders under an order threshold of $50 to $150. At Bloomingdale's, for example, shipping is free with purchases greater than $150. A purchase total between $50 and $75 incurs a $10 shipping fee. Those fees can really add up, even if you only shop once a month.

If you eliminated the prior 24 things from your budget completely, you'd stand to save almost $18,000 every year. Granted, that's probably impractical, but this exercise does show that the little things add up. Do a spending audit, and then prioritize your expenses.

More From GOBankingRates

Daria Uhlig contributed to the reporting for this article.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Cutting Out These 24 Expenses Will Save You Over $15,000 a Year
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It was just after Christmas with eviction from the White House imminent and the clown crew led by Rudy getting nowhere in its campaign to overturn the election when Donald Trump personally phoned the apolitical Justice Department to pressure the Acting Attorney General Jeff Rosen for help.

According to documents that the Justice Department has now turned over to Congress, and that were made public for the first time on Friday, Trump called to discuss his phony voter fraud claims, as if the very political William Barr hadnt conceded, on his way out the door, that despite looking, hed found none.

When reminded of that by Rosen, and of the fact Justice couldnt change an election anyway, Trump said not to worry. All he needed was just one word from him: Just say that the election was corrupt + leave the rest to me.

Trump: Jan. 6 Cops Who Spoke to Congress Are Pussies

So many had already left so much to Trump and the country has paid so dearly for it. We dont have the notes yet but imagine earlier calls to DOJ, then staffed by Trump appointees keeping his tax returns secret, despite a legitimate request from the House Ways and Means committee and a law that says the returns shall be provided.

The wheels of Justice grind, but slowly and in the next 72 hours, Congress should have what Trump managed to cover up since he came down the golden escalator in 2016.

Thankfully, Rosen, the last of Trumps AGs and one with a spine missing in his predecessors, immediately and repeatedly denied the presidents request. Trump pressed on. With all his recounts, audits and court cases, he said, Rosen was missing the forest of legality for the truth on Twitter:

You guys may not be following the internet the way I do, he warned, adding that officials who say the election isnt corrupt are corrupt. Oh, puppet.

Seen through the Trump looking glass, the call was just another obvious step in his effort not to go down in history as a loser, the final act being the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol he inspired. Way before a vote was cast, Trump planted its seeds by pre-accusing the other side of rigging the election, saying that would be the only way he wouldnt win. Then he declared victory based on incomplete election night returns. Anything that changed that had to be bamboo ballots floating in a river somewhere. He blamed partisan Democratic officials for not finding fraud, despite Republican governors and election officials affirming state returns again and again.He launched 60 court challenges, lost them all, and ignored the rulings.

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Add the failed call to Justice and whats a poor president to do to keep sleeping in the Lincoln Bedroom but unleash a mob on the Capitol?

The newly released notes of the call, taken by Rosens deputy, are a roadmap to Trumps twisted thinking. The president cited allies who would help him once he got Justice to sign on to his racket, including Rep. Jim Jordan who is so slavishly beholden to Trump that he voted to keep Congress from certifying the election even after the Jan 6 violence.

Jordan wasnt alone. A majority of House Republicans and their leadership stood by the Big Lie. The initial shock and revulsion of Kevin McCarthy and Mitch McConnell quickly softened into acceptance. McCarthy blew up the Jan. 6 committee, pulling all his appointees when Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she wouldnt seat Jordan, conceding that his partys official position is to defend Trumps conduct at all costs and not to investigate anything at all.

In case the acting AG didnt understand the stakes back in December, Trump used his people tell me tack. Thousands of people called, complaining to him about the election, the inaction of DOJ, and how none of them trust the FBI. Other people say how great Jeff Clark is, as in the acting chief of the civil division who supported all things Trump. People wanted Trump to replace DOJ leadership with him. A week after the call, Rosen and his deputy would have to defend their jobs against Clark in a meeting in the Oval Office.

Of course, no 2020 Trump call would have been complete without a demand or plea to figure out what to do with Hunter Biden, on the grounds that people will criticize the D.O.J. if hes not investigated for real.

The Founding Fathers knew that the more perfect union they hoped for would be led by imperfect men. They may not have pictured someone as imperfect as Trump. But they did count on people like Colonel Alexander Vindman and James Mattis and now Jeff Rosen to stop such men while theres still, just barely, time.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has once again overhauled its mask guidance this week, asking all Americans to go back to wearing face masks in indoor public spaces and in crowded outdoor areas, regardless of vaccination status.

The agency's new mask recommendations come as the viral Delta strain of COVID-19 continues to spread, leading to an uptick in new coronavirus cases across the United States. And since vaccines are still being observed in trials for children under 12, CDC officials also updated guidelines asking all students in grades K-12 to mask up while in school this fall.



The Delta variant is more contagious than other forms of SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind the spread of COVID-19. People infected with this strain may carry up to 1,000 times more viral airborne particles in their airways than those infected with earlier versions, according to emerging data. While vaccines prevent most to all of the deadly symptoms associated with COVID-19 illnesses, CDC officials did also recently acknowledge that vaccinated people can indeed spread the disease to others around them.

"The best recommendation would be, regardless of vaccination status, to continue wearing a mask to protect your loved ones and yourself against COVID as an added layer of protection," explains Vivek Cherian, M.D., an internal medicine physician affiliated with the University of Maryland Medical System.

But if you're still wearing the same face masks you rushed to purchase (or even sew yourself) back in the early months of the pandemic, it's important to know these masks are likely less protective than other options available now.

What's the best mask to protect against the Delta variant?



Cloth masks made in the first half of 2020 weren't designed as stringently as they are now, and it wasn't until late 2020 and early 2021 that CDC officials began making more stringent mask recommendations to Americans (like in January, when officials asked Americans to consider double-masking). While cloth masks certainly are better than no mask at all when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19, the fit and construction of medical-grade surgical face masks are usually more comprehensive  and currently, they're readily available for consumers.

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Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Director Lexie Sachs says that surgical masks are usually made by PPE manufacturers who adhere to strict quality standards that have been in place since long before the pandemic began. "We know they're typically safer in terms of filtration and fit," Sachs adds, as opposed to cloth masks made by fashion retailers who don't usually deal with medical standards in construction. "They're often more breathable as well."

Most crucially, you can rest assured that the medical-grade surgical mask you're wearing is tested to meet standards set forth by ASTM International, an industry group in charge of establishing safety minimums for many products, including face masks. "You'll know whether or not it's been tested to meet standards  in this case, ASTM Level 3 and more  rather than blindly guessing with most cloth options," Sachs adds.

There are also N95 and KN95 masks, otherwise known as respirators, which are known to be more protective than surgical masks. Why? Because they're carefully engineered to prevent large and small airborne particles from specifically penetrating the masks' front. Mayo Clinic officials clarify that while surgical masks can indeed offer filtration on par with or superior to cloth masks, they are primarily designed to prevent fluids and sprays from landing on the wearer in a clinical setting  not particles or aerosols.

While N95 and KN95 masks were largely unavailable at the start of the pandemic  and officials at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) still maintain that PPE supply levels are low in crucial categories like respirators  there are more respirator masks available now than there were at the beginning of the outbreak.



In fact, Scott Gottlieb, a former FDA commissioner, recently advised Americans to consider wearing N95 or KN95 masks, sourced from China, to best protect themselves from COVID-19 exposure in public. "If you're going to consider wearing a mask, the quality of the mask does matter," Gottlieb told CBS reporters. "So if you can get your hands on a KN95 mask, or an N95 mask, that's going to afford you a lot more protection."

"There's no question that [respirators] offer the best protection as they fit more securely and also offer high filtration abilities if you are able to secure those masks," explains Dr. Cherian. "However, cloth masks are still an effective option [if you can't find a respirator]."



Photo credit: Emilija Manevska - Getty Images

What's the best mask for my child to wear?

Because N95s are classified as a respirator, you'll need to fit them tightly across your nose and mouth to ensure proper filtration and effectiveness. Product manufacturers usually include directions for mask wearers to ensure they're using an N95 or KN95 correctly, but depending on which respirator you choose, it may be harder to fit the mask properly, explains Charles C. J. Bailey, M.D., an infectious diseases specialist at Providence Mission Hospital in California.

Because of their encompassing fit, Dr. Bailey and other experts caution against children using N95s or KN95s. Respirators can be much harder to breathe in than medical masks or cloth masks, which is especially challenging for kids in active settings or during physical activity. Surgical masks are better suited for children, especially those with respiratory issues or who are particularly active, over ill-fitting N95 or KN95 masks.

Dr. Bailey adds that keeping a perfectly fitted N95 or KN95 on a child would be an impractical challenge, and wearing an ill-fitting respirator won't offer any extra protection over other mask choices (this is also true for adults!). Remember: CDC officials still recommend that any child under the age of two refrain from all masks at this time, including those children with pre-existing respiratory conditions that make masks potentially harmful.



How can I shop for the best mask moving forward?

If you're still using the same cloth masks you purchased in 2020, it may be time to consider swapping them out for a respirator or surgical mask  or, at the very least, a newer cloth-based mask, Sachs says. "The shelf life of a cloth-based mask is typically based on the number of washes, and the brands that conform to ASTM standards should be telling customers this information," she adds.

New ASTM International standards  referred to as ASTM F3502, which will be displayed by manufacturers that engineered and tested their products to meet these quality benchmarks  were drawn up to give designers and lifestyle brands more direction in creating safer non-PPE cloth face masks. These standards ensure the mask will properly fit over your nose and mouth, can filter airborne particles effectively, and are reasonably breathable for consumers. Safety Product Inc.'s AerFit Mask is an example of a cloth mask that has been previously tested and manufactured  you'll see clear language indicating its adherence to ASTM standards.

Manufacturers are slowly adapting the way they make their masks so they can meet the standards set forth by the ASTM; if a favorite mask of yours doesn't yet display any ASTM F3502 classification, it may be that the masks aren't made sufficiently protective to qualify, Sachs explains.

It's also always best to buy new face masks rather than try to repair a torn or stretched face mask. And if anything is clear, it's that the investment in properly constructed face masks will pay off in the end  it looks like these current CDC guidelines will be in place until all children become eligible for vaccines, and possibly until an overwhelming majority of Americans choose to sign up for a vaccine.

As more information about the coronavirus pandemic develops, some of the information in this story may have changed since it was last updated. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, please visit online resources provided by the CDC, WHO, and your local public health department.

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The Biden administration sued Texas on Friday in a bid to halt Governor Greg Abbott's plan to have state law enforcement stop and re-route vehicles suspected of transporting migrants released from federal immigration custody.

The lawsuit, filed in the federal district court in El Paso, is the latest escalation in the legal and political battle between the Biden administration and Texas' Republican governor over the country's immigration and border policies.

Earlier in the week, Abbott directed Texas authorities to stop vehicles "upon reasonable suspicion" that they could be transporting migrants who were detained and subsequently released by Border Patrol, citing a risk of coronavirus transmission.

Unaccompanied children encountered at the U.S.-Mexico border are typically transported to government-overseen shelters, while families are released into border communities with notices to appear in immigration court if they are not expelled from the country under current pandemic-related restrictions.

Abbott ordered state officials to take confiscated vehicles to their points of origin or official border crossings.

Less than 24 hours after Abbott issued his executive order, Attorney General Merrick Garland said the directive was unconstitutional, arguing that it would impair the federal government's ability to process migrants and jeopardize their safety.

Garland vowed to pursue legal action unless Abbott rescinded his order.

But Abbott refused to back down, saying in a letter earlier Friday that Garland's demand conflicted with his responsibility to "protect the health and safety of Texans." The standoff, Abbott argued, represented a brewing "constitutional crisis."

Abbott asserted that the Biden administration could avoid said crisis by detaining migrants in federal facilities or swiftly deporting them from U.S. soil.

In its lawsuit, the Biden administration said Abbott's edict "threatens to significantly disrupt federal immigration operations in Texas at a critical time when the United States is facing a once-in-a-century pandemic as well as a significant influx of noncitizens."

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The Justice Department said the Texas order could lead to dangerous overcrowding among unaccompanied children and families held in Border Patrol facilities, which are not supposed to hold migrants for more than 72 hours.

Abbott's directive exempted vehicles operated by federal, state or local law enforcement, but the Biden administration said it would still affect government personnel and contractors who are not classified as law enforcement officials.

Nonprofits and private buses that transport migrant families allowed to seek asylum in the U.S. would also be affected, advocates and the federal government said.

Transfers of unaccompanied children to shelters and housing sites overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services could also be impeded, forcing these minors to remain in ill-suited Border Patrol holding facilities, Justice Department lawyers argued.

The release of unaccompanied children to family members in the U.S. would also be impacted, the federal government said, as contractors oversee the minors' transportation.

Similarly, the Justice Department lawyers said Abbott's plan would delay the processing of migrant families with children, most of whom are being allowed to seek U.S. refuge.

The Biden administration has been relying on non-governmental groups like Catholic Charities to shelter families released from federal care and to test them for the coronavirus. The groups have also been isolating families who test positive for the virus in border-area hotels.

"The massive federal immigration operations in Texas depend heavily on the ability of the federal government and its contractors, grantees, and partners to transport noncitizens, whether in federal custody or following release, which is now directly prohibited by the executive order," Justice Department lawyers wrote.

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The mourners gathered in a circle, comforting one another and clutching onto the purple star-shaped balloons. A brief prayer was spoken and memories were shared.

They were there for a vigil Thursday evening to remember and honor the three lives stripped from one family suddenly and violently earlier this month in Kansas City: Shirley Muhammad, Tyla Ransom and Jaelin Ransom.

Friends and family members listen to Quiana Martin speaks about the life of her mother, Shirley Muhammad during the vigil to celebrate her life and the lives of Jaelin Ransom and Tyla Ransom, Thursday, July 29, 2021 at Stanford Brown Park in Kansas City. Friends and family gathered to let go of balloons and celebrate their loved ones lives.

Being with family, thats really what strengthened us during this time, Quiana Martin, whose mother, brother and sister were killed, told The Star ahead of the vigil Thursday night. The family getting together and helping us out through this rough time is really empowering right now.

Around 50 people gathered for the celebration of their lives Thursday evening in Sanford Brown Plaza, a few short blocks from where the three were found stabbed to death on July 15 in their home in the 3200 block of Woodland Avenue. Rahman Muhammad, 38, the eldest son of the family, has been charged with three counts of second-degree murder in the killings.

In the days before she was killed, Shirley Muhammad had expressed concern about his mental state and a previously diagnosed psychological condition, according to court records.

Quiana Martin speaks about the life of her mother, Shirley Muhammad during the vigil to celebrate her life and the lives of Jaelin Ransom and Tyla Ransom, Thursday, July 29, 2021 at Stanford Brown Park in Kansas City. Friends and family gathered to let go of balloons and celebrate their loved ones lives.

Police were sent to the family home on July 15 after the three had not been heard from over the course of two days. Martin, who lives in Texas, was unable to reach her family by phone and asked her niece to check the house. And she was on the phone with her niece when police arrived and declared the area a crime scene, Martin said.

Family is still trying to come to grips with the deaths, Martin said. And they are still shocked and searching for answers about what happened.

Until this goes to trial, and whatever comes out of that, we wont necessarily know what happened, Martin said.

So at this time, we just dont know.

Friends and family members listen to Quiana Martin speaks about the life of her mother, Shirley Muhammad during the vigil to celebrate her life and the lives of Jaelin Ransom and Tyla Ransom, Thursday, July 29, 2021 at Stanford Brown Park in Kansas City. Friends and family gathered to let go of balloons and celebrate their loved ones lives.

It is not the first time Martin and her siblings have experienced the tragedy of losing a family member violently. The three year anniversary of her other sisters killing is coming up. Now, as she prepares to attend three funeral services this Saturday, she and her family are relying on the support of one another to endure.

The Stars Bill Lukitsch contributed to this report.
Three U.S. agencies have extended federal foreclosure-related eviction moratoria in an effort to protect renters after the House failed to pass legislation that would extend the ban.

Driving the news: House Democratic leaders did not secure enough votes to pass the legislation on Friday, adjourning the chamber for a six-week recess the day before the ban is set to expire. As many as 15 million people could face evictions, per estimates from the Aspen Institute.

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State of play: Democrats were split on how far ahead the ban should be extended, with progressive members accusing more moderate colleagues of prioritizing vacation over evictees.

Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.), who has been evicted three times in the past, sent a letter to her colleagues on Friday begging for more empathy.

"I know firsthand the trauma and devastation that comes with the violence of being evicted, and we have a responsibility to do everything we can to prevent this trauma from being inflicted on our neighbors and communities," Bush wrote.

On Friday evening, Bush said she would be spending the night outside the U.S. Capitol building in an attempt to get her House colleagues to reconsider their departure.

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Some lawmakers also criticized the Biden administration for waiting until the last minute to request action.

President Biden caught them by surprise on Thursday when he urged Congress to extend the ban, according to the Hill.

He said his administration would no longer have the authority to unilaterally make the extension after the Supreme Court ruled that it can't be extended beyond July 31 without congressional approval.

"That left House Democratic leaders scrambling to round up enough votes in their own caucus, given the widespread opposition from Republicans to extending the moratorium again," the Hill writes.

Worth noting: Even if House Democrats managed to pass the bill, Senate Republicans would've likely killed it.

What they're saying: "Really, we only learned about this yesterday. Not really enough time to socialize it within our caucus to build ... the consensus necessary," Pelosi told reporters on Friday. "We've had beautiful conversations with our members ... when it comes, though, to the technicalities of legislation, we just need more time."

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"There were obviously some concerns about landlords getting payments, as well as the renters," said Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.

What's happening now: After the House adjourned, the White House attempted to mitigate the situation.

The Agriculture Department, Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Affairs and the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced extensions on their own moratoria.

The agencies urged owners and operators of rental housing to access Emergency Rental Assistance resources to avoid evicting a tenant for failure to pay rent.

"Helping our fellow Americans, including our Veterans, keep their homes will go a long way in making sure that they have one less thing to worry about as they rebuild their lives coming out of this crisis and try to keep their loved ones safe," the agencies said in a statement.

Editor's story: This story has been updated to note Bush will be spending the night outside the U.S. Capitol.

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, seen here at a July press conference, signed an order prohibiting schools from requiring masks. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed an order prohibiting schools in the state from mandating masks.

Florida schools that implement a mask mandate run the risk of losing state funding.

The move came days after the CDC recommended that students and staff mask up when they return to classes.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, signed an executive order Friday that prohibits schools in the state from requiring students to wear face masks when they return to classrooms in the fall.

The executive order, released Friday, is "effective immediately" and directs the Florida Departments of Health and Education to release emergency rules that stipulate that decisions over whether students will be masked in classrooms will be left up to parents rather than school officials.

According to the order, schools that do not comply with the directives from the Education and Health Departments run the risk of losing funding from the state.

"We think that's the most fair way to do it," DeSantis said Friday at an event at an Italian restaurant in Cape Coral, the Tallahassee Democrat reported.

"The federal government has no right to tell parents that in order for their kids to attend school in person, they must be forced to wear a mask all day, every day," DeSantis said in a press release announcing the order.

"Many Florida schoolchildren have suffered under forced masking policies, and it is prudent to protect the ability of parents to make decisions regarding the wearing of masks by their children," he added.

DeSantis' order Friday comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week recommended that students and staff at K-12 schools wear masks in the classroom regardless of their vaccination status, as Insider previously reported.

Read more: Internal CDC document warns 'the war has changed' with the more infectious Delta variant

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The American Academy of Pediatrics also this month recommended that students and staff - regardless of vaccinations - mask up in schools this fall.

The CDC guidance came amid a broader shift at the agency, which this week recommended that fully vaccinated individuals mask up indoors in areas of the US with high levels of COVID-19 transmission. The CDC in May said that fully vaccinated individuals could ditch their masks in most settings.

The changes, the CDC said, were due to the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant of the disease, which is at least partially responsible for the ongoing surge of cases in the US.

"Information on the Delta variant from several states and other countries indicates that, on rare occasions, some vaccinated people infected with the Delta variant after vaccination may be contagious and spread the virus to others," CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said Tuesday. "This new science is worrisome and unfortunately warrants an update to our recommendations."

The US on Friday reported more than 122,000 new cases of the disease, according to data analyzed by The New York Times - the highest single-day increase in more than five months. The state of Florida this week neared its worst COVID-19 week of all time, reporting more than 110,000 new infections over the past seven days, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Guardian

A newly released memo shows that Trump told the acting attorney general: Just say the election was corrupt [and] leave the rest to me and the [Republican] congressmen Make no mistake: this was an attempted coup. Photograph: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters Weve become so inured to Donald Trumps proto-fascism that we barely blink an eye when we learn that he tried to manipulate the 2020 election. Yet the most recent revelation should frighten every American to their core. On Friday, the House over
Reuters

Former U.S. President Donald Trump will challenge a recent U.S. Justice Department order that his tax returns should be turned over to a House of Representatives committee, one of his personal lawyers signaled on Monday. "There is no evidence of any wrongdoing here and I object to the release of the returns not only on behalf of my client but on behalf of all future holders of the Office of the President of the United States," said Trump lawyer Ronald Fischetti in a statement. "This politicization and harassment of Mr. Trump is uncalled for and outrageous," Fischetti said, adding that he had "never seen anything like this" in his career as a lawyer.
nito100 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

The Delta variant is spreading across the U.S., prompting several companies to change their return to office policies. And this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance, recommending that fully vaccinated people wear a mask in public indoor settings, especially in areas of substantial or high transmission.

Review: How To Protect Yourself When You Return To Your Office

Find Out: When These Big Companies Are Planning To Return To the Office



Now, an increasing number of employers are mandating vaccines in order to return to work.

And yes, these companies are allowed to do so: according to recent updated guidance by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Federal EEO laws do not prevent an employer from requiring all employees physically entering the workplace to be vaccinated for COVID-19, so long as employers comply with the reasonable accommodation provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

With that in mind, lets take a look at some of the companies taking advantage of requiring a positive vaccination status in order to return.

Related: Remote Workers Who Switched States Might Face Complicated 2021 Tax Returns



Last updated: July 31, 2021

mentatdgt / Shutterstock.com

Google

Google CEO Sundar Pichai sent a memo to employees earlier this week, sharing two updated company policies.

First, anyone coming to work on Google campuses will need to be vaccinated. The policy is being rolled out in the U.S. in the coming weeks and will expand to other regions in the coming months, according to the memo. Secondly, the company said it was extending its global voluntary work-from-home policy through October 18.

More: Goldman Sachs Asks Employees to Inform Firm of Vaccination Status



We are excited that weve started to re-open our campuses and encourage Googlers who feel safe coming to sites that have already opened to continue doing so. At the same time, we recognize that many Googlers are seeing spikes in their communities caused by the Delta variant and are concerned about returning to the office. This extension will allow us time to ramp back into work while providing flexibility for those who need it.

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Pichai added that Google will continue watching the data carefully and let employees know at least 30 days in advance before transitioning into a full return to office plan.

Read: Googles Advertising Revenue Surges 69%  What Does That Mean For Your Privacy?

I hope these steps will give everyone greater peace of mind as offices reopen. Seeing Googlers together in the offices these past few weeks filled me with optimism, and Im looking forward to brighter days ahead, he said in the memo.

JasonDoiy / iStock.com

Facebook

The Silicon Valley giant told employees Wednesday that they must get vaccinated before coming back to the office, CNN reports.

As our offices reopen, we will be requiring anyone coming to work at any of our U.S. campuses to be vaccinated," Lori Goler, Facebook's VP of people said in a statement to CNN. "We will have a process for those who cannot be vaccinated for medical or other reasons and will be evaluating our approach in other regions as the situation evolves," she added.

Facebook Stock: Is It a Good Buy Right Now?

alexfan32 / Shutterstock.com

Lyft

As of August 2, all employees working in Lyft's offices are required to be vaccinated, CNN Reports, citing an email Lyft CEO Logan Green sent to employees.

The email also noted that, in addition, the majority of the company's U.S. employees would now return to the office on February 2, 2022, a six-month extension from the their original return-to-office date.

Compare: The Average Uber and Lyft Prices Then vs. Now  Is the Cost Still Worth It?



Shutterstock.com

Netflix

Netflix has become the first major Hollywood studio to implement a blanket policy mandating vaccinations for the casts of all of its U.S. productions, as well as those who come into contact with them on set.

Last week, the new return-to-work protocols agreed upon by the Hollywood unions and major studios gave producers the option to implement mandatory vaccination policies for casts and crew in Zone A (which consists of the actors and those who come in close proximity to them) on a production-by-production basis, according to Deadline.

Net Worth: Michael Douglas, Gillian Anderson and 12 More Rich Netflix Show Actors and Actresses



Grandbrothers / iStock.com

Union Square Hospitality Group

Danny Meyer, founder and CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group -- which includes Shake Shack -- told CNBC that the group will require indoor diners and drinkers at its restaurants to show theyve been vaccinated against COVID-19. The mandate also applies to current employees and new hires.

Consider: 9 Fast-Food Stocks To Invest In Now

The groups website has a statement that reads: To keep our community safe, from September 7, 2021 forward we are requiring all guests to show proof they are fully vaccinated. Our teams are required to be fully vaccinated as well. Please bring along either your physical COVID-19 vaccine card, your New York State Excelsior Pass, your relevant state-provided vaccine pass, or a photo of your vaccination card to share upon arrival. Thank you for your understanding as we work to provide the most comfortable and safe experience for both our guests and our teams. We look forward to seeing you soon!

This is the most logical thing Ive ever seen, Meyer said. Im not a scientist, but I know how to read data and what I see is that this is a crisis of people who have not been vaccinated, and I feel strong responsibility, on our part as business leaders, to take care of our team and our guests, and thats what were doing, he told CNBC.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Google, Netflix and More To Require Vaccines for Workers  Is Your Company on This Growing List?
The Senate confirmed Ur Jaddou as director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on Friday.

Why it matters: The agency has not had a Senate-confirmed leader in over two years despite the critical role it plays in the immigration system, per BuzzFeed. Jaddou will be the first woman and first person of Arab and Mexican descent to step into the position.

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USCIS is involved in providing work permits, screening asylum seekers and issuing green cards and naturalization, among other things.

Jaddou, the daughter of Mexican and Iraqi immigrants, joins the agency after the Trump administration shifted USCIS' focus to restricting entry to the United States. She previously worked under the Obama administration as a lead attorney at USCIS.

Jaddou has been the director of DHS Watch, a watchdog group focused on transparency and accountability in immigration, since 2018.

What they're saying: "It is my honor to congratulate Ur Mendoza Jaddou on her confirmation," Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement.

"Ur has two decades of experience in immigration law, policy, and administration. I look forward to working closely with her to rebuild and restore trust in our immigration system."

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CAIRO (Reuters) - Jordan will temporarily close the Jaber border crossing with Syria for the movement of goods and passengers "as a result of developments in the security situation on the Syrian side", state news agency Petra said on Saturday, citing an Interior Ministry official.

The official added that the crossing will be reopened "if the appropriate conditions are in place".

(Reporting by Nayera Abdallah and Omar Fahmy; Editing by Giles Elgood)
Mortgage lenders "wouldn't touch" her flat under the current situation, says Emma Lee

The government's latest attempts to unlock parts of the property market paralysed by the cladding crisis have stalled, according to campaign groups.

An agreement between the High Street's biggest banks and the Ministry of Housing was supposed to pave the way for mortgages to be offered again on more than 800,000 flats in low and medium rise buildings that have been left unsellable after the Grenfell Tragedy in 2017.

Last month, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said buildings under 18 metres in height would no longer need an EWS1 fire safety form and should be presumed safe by lenders.

But the BBC has learnt that banks are unlikely to change their policies until the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), which advises property valuers, updates its specialist guidance.

Alex Dickin said many people remain stuck in a financially perilous situation.

However, in turn RICS has said it can't alter its position on the issue until the government changes its official fire safety advice; that could take until November according to those familiar with the process.

Alex Dickin, from campaign group Ipswich Cladiators, warns that many people remain stuck in a financially perilous situation.

"The government announcement has once again made no difference to the millions of leaseholders trapped in unsellable and mortgageable homes. We've yet to see any significant move from lenders," Mr Dickin, who's 28, told the BBC.

This is a problem of the government's own making. Previously, EWS1 survey forms were only required on the tallest tower blocks. Ministers inadvertently expanded the scope of the cladding crisis in January 2020 when they said residential blocks of any height should be checked for fire risks.

Mortgage lenders then began demanding fire surveys - known as EWS1 forms - from a much wider range of sellers.

Latest government moves won't make a difference, says Emma Lee.

Emma Lee's home, in south London, is one of an estimated 3.2 million flats that has been left unsellable as a result.

The mother of two bought 50% of her one bed flat under shared ownership in 2008. Her block has four floors. A survey revealed problems with timber cladding and missing fire breaks; Ms Lee fears she will be left with a massive bill for work that may not be necessary.

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"The genie is out of the bottle. What the government is now saying won't make any difference. No one wants to buy these flats with these problems, a lender won't touch us at the moment," said Ms Lee.

Research by a group of independent experts, commissioned by the government, concluded last month that there was no systematic fire risk in buildings below 18 metres.

The expert panel said that in most mid and low-rise blocks expensive repair work was unnecessary; instead the fire risk could be managed by installing alarm systems or sprinklers.

That brings little comfort to Ms Lee, who said 'extensive remediation works' are still planned for her block with residents facing 'devastating bills on the way and a real possibility of homelessness.'

She believes she has become a victim of the zero-risk approach from lenders.

For Jelena and Igor Solovjova the problem isn't the cladding on their building in Ipswich, but the insulation and plywood beneath it. When the couple tried to sell their property it was valued at nothing because it didn't have an ESW1 form.

Jelena and Igor Solovjova have lost trust in the government

Fixing the faults could run into tens of thousands of pounds. Mr Solovjova, 45, has multiple sclerosis and can only work part time. While his wife, Jelena, who is 35, is working three jobs to cover the increasing costs.

"This is stressful for us," she said. "We are disappointed with the current situation. Our trust in government has been shaken, we are confused as to why the government compounds things by not achieving anything and doesn't appear to understand the crisis, our emotions are mixed."

The housing secretary told parliament last month that major lenders had agreed to swiftly change their rules; the Solovjovas are now hoping their building, which is under 18 metres, will now be reassessed.

But while banks, including HSBC, Barclays and Lloyds Banking Group, have welcomed the announcement from the Mr Jenrick, the BBC understands it will not change their policies in the short term.

UK Finance, which represents the banking industry, said until RICS guidance and the government's official advice is updated "lenders will continue to be guided by surveyors' expert opinions when a EWS1 form is required for medium and low-rise blocks of flats".

That's left leaseholders like Georgie Hulme, who lives on the third floor of a low-rise block in south Manchester, feeling angry and trapped. Inspections of her building after the Grenfell Tower tragedy revealed problems including dangerous cladding.

Georgie Hulme says it's a "horrendous situation"

Ms Hulme doubts a change to fire safety guidance will make any difference to her and thousands of others who have already been dragged into this crisis.

"All these issues have now been flagged up, how can they all now just be ignored and buildings under 18 metres be deemed as safe?" she said.

"If you wanted to sell, who would buy any of these flats? I can't see a huge demand. It is impossible to know between the government, manufacturers, developers, managing agents, who can be trusted in this horrendous situation?"

Ms Hulme, 42, who has disabilities and can't work, now fears bankruptcy. Her building is not eligible for any government funding to make it safe.

"For someone like myself who's disabled and on benefits, even if this means that technically I could borrow on the value of my property, the reality is not the case, as nobody would lend to someone in my situation," she told the BBC.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government said in a statement: "We are committed to correcting the present market failure and supporting leaseholders to sell their properties should they wish to do so."

"The view from the independent experts is that there is no evidence of a systemic risk of fire in blocks of flats, but excessive industry caution is leaving many leaseholders in lower risk buildings unable to sell, or facing bills for work which is often not necessary.

"This must stop and, in line with the expert advice, we've set out that EWS1 forms should not be requested for buildings below 18 metres."
(PA)

Less than 0.1 per cent of vaccinated Americans have contracted the coronavirus, according to date from the US Centres for Disease Control.

In a stunning confirmation that the existing coronavirus vaccines are an effective preventative to the virus, Axios reported CDC data showing that 99 per cent of vaccinated Americans have not been infected with the coronavirus.

"Breakthrough cases" - situations in which a vaccinated person becomes infected - occurred in 0.77 per cent of Americans who have been vaccinated. Only .004 per cent of vaccinated Americans have been hospitalised due to the virus, and .001 per cent have died.

The numbers put into perspective recent reporting that has focused on breakthrough cases. As more Americans take the vaccine, the number of breakthrough cases will necessarily rise. This is a matter of statistics, not an indication that the vaccine is becoming less effective.

"Vaccination is the most important strategy to prevent severe illness and death," the CDC said in a statement.

The CDC recently updated its mask guidance, recommending that fully vaccinated Americans continue to wear masks indoors to help prevent the spread of the Delta variant.

However, CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky noted that while vaccinated people can potentially spread the virus, the vast majority of transmission is between unvaccinated individuals.

That information has resulted in some criticism of the updated guidance, leaving some vaccinated Americans feeling as though they have to bear the brunt of virus mitigation efforts despite contributing little to actually spreading the virus.

The current Delta variant spike in cases is almost entirely among the unvaccinated population. While the Biden administration continues to push for more Americans to take the shot, the CDC and the White House have stated that there are no plans to enact a federal vaccine mandate.

Currently only half of the US adult population has been vaccinated. Children under 11 cannot take the vaccine. A small percentage of those who have not taken the vaccine have medical reasons - like severe allergies - keeping them from receiving the shot.

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In the wake of the updated guidance, the Bide administration announced that all federal employees would need to either get vaccinated or submit to weekly coronavirus tests to prevent further spread of the Delta variant.

New York City and California have also enacted similar mandates for government employees, and a number of private companies have done the same.

Some lawmakers have pushed back on the CDC's updated mask guidance, arguing that the focus should be on getting the unvaccinated vaccinated.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, told CNN that the masks were an effective mitigation tactic in lieu of vaccines, but argued that the shots should be the primary focus for the government now.

Ron DeSantis, the Republican governor of Florida, passed an executive order prohibiting schools from forcing students to wear masks. He also used his executive powers to end local mandates and emergency orders that placed coronavirus restrictions on businesses.

Mr DeSantis has urged his residents to take the vaccine, but despite his pleas his state has become the new epicentre of the US coronavirus pandemic. Floridians account for 1 in 5 of all new coronavirus cases nationwide.
Hundreds of black-clad Malaysians staged an anti-government protest Saturday in defiance of a ban on public gatherings under coronavirus curbs, piling pressure on the embattled prime minister to resign.

The mostly young protesters, wearing masks and keeping a distance from one another, waved banners reading "failed government" as well as black flags.

It was the first sizeable demonstration in Malaysia for some time, as many had been reluctant to take to the streets due to virus curbs and for fear of getting infected.

But anger is growing at the government's handling of a virus outbreak -- which is escalating despite a lockdown -- and Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's attempts to keep his crisis-riven administration in power.

"We fight because while the people are suffering, this government is busy playing politics," Karmun Loh, taking part in the protest in downtown Kuala Lumpur, told AFP.

"This government is... crippling the economy and also destroying our country's democracy."

Muhyiddin "is a terrible prime minister", added demonstrator Shaq Koyok.

"He needs to step down."

There was a heavy police presence and officers blocked attempts by protesters to enter a central square before the rally peacefully dispersed.

Organisers said about 1,000 demonstrators took part but police put the number at around 400.

Police told local media that the protesters will be called in for questioning as they had violated the ban on gatherings.

- Parliament cancelled -

Muhyiddin took power at the head of a scandal-plagued coalition last year without an election following the demise of a reformist administration headed by Mahathir Mohamad.

But his government is on the verge of collapse after allies withdrew support.

He came under renewed pressure to step down this week after parliament convened following a months-long suspension as part of a virus state of emergency.

His government was accused of dodging a vote that would have tested its majority -- infuriating rival MPs and drawing a rare rebuke from the country's revered king.

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Muhyiddin faced fresh criticism when officials announced Monday's parliament session, the final day of the five-day sitting, had been postponed after several virus cases were detected in the legislature.

"The spread of Covid-19 cannot and should not be used as an excuse to adjourn... the parliament sitting," the "Pact of Hope" opposition coalition said in a statement.

Sunday is the final day of the six-month state of emergency but the nationwide lockdown will remain in place.

Malaysia's outbreak is being driven by the Delta variant, and health officials logged a new daily record of 17,786 cases Saturday.

Authorities have reported over 1.1 million virus cases and more than 9,000 deaths.

pl-sr/axn
After sparking backlash for jokes he seemingly made about Simone Biles, Michael Che returned to Instagram, to promote a live show on Saturday night taking place in New York City.

The 38-year-old comedian and "Saturday Night Live" star and co-head writer came under fire after posts were shared to his Instagram account, one of which read, "man, I want to make fun of simone biles."

That was followed by another post that said, "I got like 3 mins of simone biles jokes in my head. im going to the cellar tonight to say them into a microphone. as the dorky kids say, im choosing violence," in a reference to the Comedy Cellar, a comedy club in New York City.

Related: "man, I want to make fun of simone biles," one of the since-deleted posts said. The Weekend Update host later said he was hacked.

Che did not make an appearance at the club this week. However, according to his new post on Saturday, he does plan on making an appearance at The Stand, another live-comedy venue in New York City. Che is scheduled to appear at The Stand for an 11:59 p.m. show, according to the venue's website.

"tonight @thestandnyc link in bio," he wrote in the caption paired with screenshot of the venue's website. "and guys, no wise apples, ok? if youre a trouble maker or a jokester, dont come!"

Michael Che's Instagram (@chethinks / Instagram)

After a few minutes, tickets for the event appeared to be sold out.

Earlier this week, additional jokes were re-shared on Che's Instagram account, including one that referred to Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics doctor who was accused of sexually assaulting hundreds of girls and women, including Biles.

Later, Che claimed that his account was hacked, saying, "maaannnn, i got hacked today. cant believe they got me. yall know i only do jokes about whites and cops. s'all good now, i changed my password and everything .. anyway yall hear about dababy tho.. ? Thats crazy .. iight. see yall at church. imma get there early."

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But after that claim, he seemed to continue to double down on the whole saga, at one point sharing an Instagram story post with the caption, "I'm a goddamn martyr."

Instagram posts on Che's account have since been deleted but story posts were visible on Saturday.

Managers and publicists for Che did not respond to NBC News' requests for comment on Friday.

NBCUniversal is the parent company of NBC, "SNL" and TODAY.
I know a thing or 2 about being the grand dame, rap star Nicki Minaj says

Nicki Minaj stunned fans on Friday when she hinted that she may be hosting the next Real Housewives of Potomac reunion.

Minaj took to her Instagram account and posted a trailer for the hit Bravo reality show, which is set to a remix of her 2010 hit Moment 4 Life. The hip-hop star wrote in the caption, Ill be hosting the reunion. lmk what yall want me to ask chile.

RHOP star Karen Huger commented, All right now, alongside a fire emoji.

Nicki Minaj (Getty Images)

yes maam, Minaj responded, per the Comments by Bravo Instagram account. I know a thing or 2 about being the Grand Dame.

Check out Nickis post below.

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Minaj said she is ready to get into some thangzzzzz.

One user commented under the post, We want to know if Mia and Wendy are ever going to lay whatever differences they have to the side chile.

Another said, If you host this reunion it would be the litest reunion in Bravo history.

A third added, Chile you would ask some after dark questions, I can already see it ! Itll be another Queen radio after dark and Ill be right there tuned it too lol.

Season 6 of The Real Housewives of Potomac returned to Bravo with a supersized 75-minute premiere episode on July 11.

As previously reported by theGrio, after a breakout season 5, the women of Potomac are back for another year of laughs, shade and plenty of drama. Last year, RHOP had its most intense season yet, with a feud between housewives Candiace Dillard Bassett and Monique Samuels taking center stage.

While Samuels did not return for this season, the rest of the fabulous women of Potomac did, including newbie Mia Thornton.

Per Bravos website, the new housewife is a perfect fit for the franchise.

Her official description reads: Mia Thornton joins the ladies of The Real Housewives of Potomac this season. She is a woman who marches to the beat of her own drum as an entrepreneur, franchise owner, and regional developer. Mia is a graduate of Southeastern Institute, where she received her degree in Neuromuscular Massage Therapy.

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In May, Minaj buried the hatchet in her months-long feud with Wendy Williams, and it came after the daytime talk show host crowned the rapper an icon and a legend.

She still has to compete with those young girls because they are people in the making, but Nicki to me is definitely an icon and definitely a legend, Williams said to show guest Michael Yo. Shes done things they havent even touched  even if they have hit music.

Nicki Minaj and Wendy Williams (Photo: Getty Images)

She added, Nicki is different from the rest.

When video footage of Williams giving Nicki her props made its way to the MC on social media, she returned the love in an Instagram comment: You are an icon & legend as well @wendyshow, Nicki wrote.

Prior to their public make-up session, Williams took aim at Nicki when she made comments about the attempted rape conviction of Minajs husband Kenneth Petty.

You should have never married him because youve ruined everything about what your brand couldve been again, Williams previously said. Youre never going to stand a chance when youre with a man who pulls a knife at rape point.

Petty was arrested in March 2020 on federal charges that he failed to register in Californias Megans Law database as a sex offender.

This story contains additional reporting from theGrios Jared Alexander and Gerren Keith Gaynor.

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The post Nicki Minaj hints she may be hosting RHOP reunion: We finna get into some thangzzzzz appeared first on TheGrio.
Perus new president Pedro Castillo, 51, deserves credit for vowing to focus his government on improving the lives of the countrys poverty-stricken indigenous population. But his first steps in office raise fears that he will scare away investors, generate capital flight and  after a short-lived populist fiesta  create more poverty.

Castillo, a leftist former elementary school teacher who had never before held public office, assumed the presidency on July 28 after winning the runoff elections with a razor-thin 0.3 percent of the vote. He controls only 37 seats in the 130-member Congress.

Some hoped that Castillos minority in Congress would force him to pursue a more-moderate path than that advocated by his Marxist Peru Libre party. But that hasnt happened.

Instead of appointing a moderate prime minister who could have helped build bridges with the opposition, Castillo has picked one of Perus most radical leftist politicians for that job.

The new prime minister, Guido Bellido, is under investigation for paying homage to a Shining Path terrorist group member in a 2017 Facebook posting. Bellido also defended the Cuban dictatorship after the brutal repression of thousands of peaceful demonstrators on the island on July 11, claiming in a July 19 television interview hat Cuba is a democratic country.

Perus daily La Republica, which has generally been kind to Castillo, criticized Bellidos appointment in an editorial with the headline, No, Mr. President.

Likewise, Castillo appointed Hector Bejar, 85, a former guerrilla leader and senior Peru Libre party official, as his foreign minister.

But whats most troubling about Castillos first moves in office is his focus on convening an assembly to draft a new constitution. Thats exactly what late Venezuelan authoritarian leader Hugo Chavez did immediately after taking office in 1999, and what Chavezs followers did in Bolivia, Ecuador and Nicaragua to grab absolute powers and seek to re-elect themselves indefinitely.

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Castillos call for a Constitutional Assembly was the centerpiece of his inauguration speech. That doesnt bode well for Peru, for several reasons.

First, it reinforces fears that Castillo  despite his earlier claims that I am not a Chavista, nor a Communist  is following the Chavez playbook. The possibility that Castillo will change the constitution to allow stringent state controls over the private sector will freeze investments. Perus economy has already shrunk by 11 percent last year.

Second, Castillos suggestion that he could convene a referendum to pick an assembly and change the constitution without congressional approval would be unconstitutional. Under Article 206 of Perus constitution, Any constitutional reform must be approved by Congress.

Close aides to Castillo say that his plan will massively increase social subsidies, get at least 2.5 million signatures calling for a referendum on whether to change the constitution and bypass Congress. But most Peruvian legal scholars agree that would amount to a break of constitutional rule.

He cant do that, Enrique Alvarez, former president of Perus Constitutional Tribunal, told me. The constitutions Article 206 is categorical: any constitutional reform has to be approved by Congress.

Alvarez and other constitutional lawyers speculate that Castillo may be trying to provoke a constitutional crisis, in order to dissolve Congress and do what he wants.

Under the constitution, a president can dissolve Congress if legislators twice deny him the right to appoint key cabinet members.

But then, Congress can also declare Castillo unfit for office and fire him. In a country that has had five presidents during the past five years, no one can rule out that Castillo could be ousted by Congress.

Third, and perhaps most important, the timing of Castillos grand plan to change the constitution couldnt be worse.

Peru has the worlds highest COVID-19 mortality rate per capita, according to Johns Hopkins Universitys coronavirus tracker. About 200,000 Peruvians have died of COVID-19, in a country of only 32 million people.

Does it make sense for Perus new president to start a power clash that will distract the government from the urgent task of fighting the pandemic? Of course not.

If there is one country in the world that should be focusing all of its energies on fighting this virus, its Peru.

Castillo has started out on the wrong foot, confronting most political parties and allowing himself to be controlled by his partys Jurassic left. Unless Congress forces him to build bridges with other parties, Peru will be heading downhill faster than many thought.

Dont miss the Oppenheimer Presenta TV show on Sundays at 8 pm E.T. on CNN en Espanol. Twitter: @oppenheimera
In a new letter to President Joe Biden and CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, progressive members of Congress are calling for the CDC to "leverage every authority available to extend the eviction moratorium" after the House failed to take action Friday to extend the eviction ban set to expire Saturday at midnight.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., along with Reps. Cori Bush, D-Mo., Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., and Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., signed on to the letter, seen first by ABC News, urging the administration, which has said its hands are tied by a June Supreme Court ruling, to act.

MORE: With eviction moratorium expiring Saturday, Biden calls on Congress to act

"In the midst of the ongoing pandemic and the growing surges of the Delta variant across the nation, the impending eviction crisis is a matter of public health and safety and demands an urgent government response. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must leverage every authority available to extend the eviction moratorium before it is too late," the letter said.

PHOTO: Reps. Ayanna Pressley, Ilhan Omar, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez attend a news conference at the U.S. Capitol, July 15, 2019. (Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images, FILE)

In June, the Supreme Court voted 5-4 to allow the eviction ban to continue through the end of July but signaled in its ruling that it would block any further extensions unless there was "clear and specific congressional authorization."

In a statement Thursday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden would have supported the CDC extending the ban, but "the Supreme Court has made clear that this option is no longer available," and called on Congress to take action.

That led to criticism by some progressive members of Congress that the call to action for addressing a known problem came too late, just as Congress was about to recess.

House Democrats launched a last-minute effort to pass legislation that would keep the protections in place but failed to pass it before gaveling out of session for recess Friday evening.

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In their letter Saturday, the lawmakers said they will continue to work legislatively to address the expiring moratorium, as well as to get billions in previously approved funding out to help renters and landlords -- a process that has gotten off to a slow start.

"In the meantime, we are continuing to work diligently to push for legislative action and ensure that states and localities in our districts are disbursing the billions in critical emergency rental assistance to renters and property owners that Congress passed most recently as part of the American Rescue Plan," the lawmakers write.

PHOTO: Representative Cori Bush speaks to reporters about the upcoming expiration of the pandemic-related federal moratorium on residential evictions from the steps of the U.S. Capitol , July 31, 2021. (Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters)

"Extending the eviction moratorium is a matter of life and death for the communities we represent. The eviction moratorium expires tonight at midnight. We implore you to act with the urgency this moment demands," they add.

Bush, who previously struggled with homelessness, took her protest to Capitol Hill Friday night, sleeping on the steps of the Capitol after Congress failed to act.

"This is personal for me. I lived in a car! I lived out of a car with two babies and my partner. I know what that's like. And I will not sit by and allow it to happen to other people because it happened to me. I won't," Bush told ABC News in an interview Saturday.

PHOTO: Milwaukee County Sheriff's Deputy Brian Green stands by as Rafael Hernandez, manager and truck driver with Eagle Movers and Storage Co., removes a shelf unit from an apartment during an eviction in Milwaukee, July 18, 2021. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA Today Network, FILE)

"I will show up and I will speak up, not only me -- Congresswoman Ayanna Presley was out here with us last night. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was out here with us last night. We are making sure that people know this is not OK and we won't sit by," she added.

MORE: House fails to extend eviction moratorium ahead of 6-week recess

Sen. Elizabeth Warren took to the Senate Floor Saturday to urge action as well, and later joined Bush outside the Capitol.

"Look, I agree that the eviction moratorium is not a long-term solution. But let me be very clear, it is the right, short-term action is how we keep families safely in their homes while states deliver emergency aid," Warren said.

Progressive members of Congress pen letter urging Biden, CDC chief to act on expiring eviction ban originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
In today's fast-paced news environment, it can be hard to keep up. For your weekend reading, we've started in-case-you-missed-it compilations of some of the week's top USA TODAY Opinion pieces. As always, thanks for reading, and for your feedback.

 USA TODAY Opinion editors

By Chuck Schumer and Natalia Abrams

"Over the course of the crisis, the pause on student loan payments has become one of the most effective steps the government has taken to help the American people. It provided approximately $72 billion in relief for borrowers and their families. A recent survey conducted by Student Debt Crisis and Savi found that 75% of student loan borrowers feel that the pause on payments has been critical to their financial well-being."

By Kurt Bardella

"Since Jan. 6, some Republicans in Congress have rewritten history. Georgia Rep. Andrew Clyde compared the events of that day to a normal tourist visit. Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar called participants in the attack peaceful patriots. Former President Donald Trump, the leader of the Republican Party, in an audio interview for a new book by Carol Leonnig and Phillip Rucker, I Alone Can Fix It, called them loving.

By Connie Schultz

"It is easy to see why the many Trump sycophants in Congress want nothing to do with this reckoning. There is no defending what happened, but there is also no speaking out for anyone still eager to appease this treasonous former president. All of Donald Trumps power resides in Republicans fear of him."

The Delta Variant

By Suzette Hackney

"While we can accept a tweaked ankle or hamstring injury, we refuse to acknowledge how difficult it can be to focus mentally and emotionally and still compete at the highest level. And often these athletes rely upon their families and friends to keep them grounded. But the stands are empty this year. They can't look into the audience for support. They can't see a parent's proud face sending a message that everything will be OK."

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By Soledad O'Brien

"Jeff Bezos, you are an astronaut now! How does it feel?!" gushed Stephanie Rule on MSNBC, literally gesturing and bouncing on her heels. Hes an astronaut? Military pilot Alan Shepard had trained for months before becoming the first real American astronaut to reach space. This group, who rode on the "New Shepard, had studied for 14 hours before leaping on board as passengers."

By Jacqui Berlinn

"Some would say that my son needs to have the will to get well, that he needs to choose to take the steps to sobriety. They have no idea just how difficult that is. For many people with drug addictions, it takes only a few hours of sobriety before they get dope sick  a severe, sometimes fatal condition of opiate withdrawal. During that two-hour window, he would have to navigate getting to a program with an open bed. He cant call because his phone has been stolen. He has no car, nor funds to get to the clinic  if he even knew or remembered where one might be."

By Dr. Ezekiel J. Emanuel, Matthew Guido and Amaya Diana

"The private sector needs to fill the void. Private employers are in a better position to institute mandates and have precedent to do so. Most health care facilities, many universities and some employers already require vaccines for the flu; measles, mumps, and rubella; HPV and/or meningococcal disease. As workers transition back to in-person activity this summer and fall, employers have a responsibility to keep them all safe."

By Alison Young

"Magnify this level of difficulty many fold for what it is going to take to find the source of the virus that causes COVID-19, especially given the lack of cooperation by China  the country at the epicenter of the pandemics first cases. Last week, the Chinese government said it is refusing to participate in a second phase of a World Health Organization investigation because the investigation would have included scrutiny of any potential role played by laboratory research in Wuhan, in addition to potential wildlife or animal market sources."

Politicians

By The Editorial Board

"In a tight labor market, most large businesses are now saying they'll allow at least part of their workforce to stay at home. Companies like the real estate marketplace Zillow are already well positioned to take advantage of this trend. Zillow announced last year that 90% of its employees could work from home at least part of the week. Applications in the first quarter of 2021 jumped by 50%."

By Dr. Andrew Wong

"Sadly, once nearly eradicated childhood diseases are on the rise as more people claim religious exemptions to decline vaccinations for their children. Yet practically no major religion prohibits vaccination, and some consider it an obligation because of the potential to save lives, as the COVID-19 vaccines clearly do."

You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter. To respond to a column, submit a comment to letters@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Student loans, Simone Biles, Bezos, addiction, vaccines: Top columns
MAJDAN, Serbia (AP)  At first sight, this tiny village in Serbia seems sleepy and almost abandoned, like many others across the Balkan country.

But a closer look reveals a parallel reality lived by its temporary migrant residents, who are struggling to cross from Serbia over heavily guarded borders with neighboring European Union states Romania and Hungary.

Majdan has been one of the hubs along Serbia's border with EU neighbors where migrants remain stranded, often for months, while making dozens of thwarted attempts to cross the border and move on toward Western Europe. It encapsulates their problem: they can't go forward and they can't go back.

Authorities deny it, but the migrants tell stories of being repeatedly pushed back at the border in what is an illegal anti-migrant strategy.

Here, empty or abandoned houses serve as temporary homes to people who fled their own homes in the Middle East, Africa or Asia with the aim of starting a new life somewhere else. At the moment, Majdan is hosting about 200 migrants  just slightly fewer than the village's own registered population.

Border closed, border with Romania (is) big problem, said 24-year old Palestinian Marsel Abohosein, speaking in English. He added that in the past month he has tried 20 or 30 times to cross and was pushed back every time. Police catch me and (send) back to Serbia.

Groups of migrants walking in scorching heat through corn or sunflower fields toward the border with Romania are a common sight in Majdan.

The migrants' persistence reflects both their determination and their hardship in their quest for a better future.

Because Hungary's border with Serbia is strongly fenced to prevent crossings, migrants in Majdan go toward Romania first and then Hungary from there. Thousands of others stuck in Serbia also aim for Croatia in the west, or go to Bosnia first and then Croatia, an EU member with a reputation for police brutality against migrants that authorities have denied.

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Despite numerous allegations of abuse, nations along the migrant routes into Europe have rejected pushback and violence claims, which are very hard to verify independently.

Aadam Ahmed from Somalia said that police in Romania and Hungary have pushed him back to Serbia nine times in the past month. He shares a village house in Majdan with his fellow Somalis and with Syrians, including an 8-year-old boy.

I have no house in Somalia, I am a poor man. ... I want to go to Europe, he said. I come (to) this house and I wash my clothes, I cook my food, but another time I will go. Try again.

Human rights activists have repeatedly warned that pushbacks are a violation of both international and EU norms, which ban forcible returns of people to other countries without looking into their individual circumstances or allowing them to apply for asylum.

A report released in July by several organizations listed the Majdan area as one of the flashpoints that involved one or more forms of ill-treatment and violation of human rights, including physical abuse, abusive and degrading treatment and denied access to asylum procedures,

The report included incidents in April-June 2021, involving 3,403 persons in various countries and alleged also that parents are being separated from their children by different border authorities and pushed back.

The report was the work of a partnership between the Danish Refugee Council and six civil society organizations.

The numbers alone are outrageous, but behind the statistics are real children, women and men, said DRC's Secretary General Charlotte Slente. And often, these people have had not one, but multiple such experiences, at the same or different borders.

In Majdan, most migrants were reluctant to speak to The Associated Press, apparently fearing retribution or that talking to journalists could harm their efforts. Unable to cross on their own, migrants often seek help from people smugglers to guide them over the borders.

A man from Somalia, who said his name is Abdifitah Ahmed, said he left his country a year ago and has been in Serbia for the past five months. In what migrants have dubbed a game," he has tried to cross the border 14 times and failed.

(I will try) Romania to Hungary another time for good luck, he said. Police Romania catch (me) ... back to Serbia.

Meanwhile, a fellow migrant was preparing scrambled eggs in an old pot on an improvised fire in the yard. Washed clothes and sneakers could be seen drying in the sun, while a rear view mirror from a car was hanging on one of the walls, now serving as a small wall mirror.

At the other end of the village, in another house, migrants were using an old sofa to sit outside during the day. Inside, makeshift beds and personal belongings could be seen lined by the walls. An old ceiling in one of the rooms has started to crumble.

Ahmed said it was still all worth it, compared with the life he had left behind.

Somali life no good, he said. Europe life is good.
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Savvy home chefs know that when it comes to cooking, a Dutch oven is the real kitchen MVP. This versatile secret weapon that can act as a roasting pan, soup pot and bread baker all in one! But buying one of these heavy-duty pieces of cookware is normally a big investmentthat is, until now. Sur la Table has put the Staub 5-quart tall cocottea deeper, taller version of the best Dutch oven weve ever testedon sale in a selection of stunning colors as low as $199.96.

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We loved Staub's classic model for the evenness of its cooking and its generous saute areait even beat out cult-favorite Le Creuset ($369.95) due to its easier-to-store shapeand this deeper oven has all those same features. Though we havent yet tested it, our cooking team assured us that the higher sides wont change the perfect performance. In fact, it serves to make this pot extra versatile when it comes to cooking taller cuts of meat or layered casseroles.

Staub's deeper version of its classic cocotte is perfect for stews, soups and souffles.

In general, Dutch ovens are a dream for both meals and sides alike, whether youre roasting short ribs, cooking a hearty stew for the family or baking bread. Along with being easy to clean, this one will sear, saute and fry, and the tight-fitting, self-basting lid keeps things moist while they cook. No matter which color you choose, youll be getting heavy-duty, enameled cast-iron that Staub says will remain resistant to rust, chipping and cracking, too. These pieces are oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and dishwasher-safe for easy clean-up.

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This incredible deal is for a limited time only, however, so head to Sur La Table and score this versatile piece (and enjoy free shipping, too)!

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This article originally appeared on Reviewed: Staub: Get a Staub Dutch oven for less than $200
IRS documents were obtained by American Crossroads. Andrew Harnik/AP Photo

About 560,000 incarcerated people received $783.5 million in stimulus payments, Fox News reported.

The payments followed debates in congress and courtrooms over payments to incarcerated people.

In October, a federal judge ruled that excluding such individuals was "arbitrary and capricious."

See more stories on Insider's business page.

People incarcerated in US prisons received $783.5 million in stimulus payments, Fox News reported.

About 560,000 people imprisoned for the entire 2020 tax year received payments under the American Rescue Plan, according to IRS documents obtained by conservative group American Crossroads, Fox reported.

The data release followed a series of debates in congress and courtrooms over whether incarcerated people should qualify for payments.

In a June 2020 report, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration said economic-impact payments had been sent to dead people and people in prisons.

By May 2020, incarcerated people had received 84,861 payments totalling $100 million, the IG report said. Dead people received 1.2 million payments totalling $1.6 billion. The IG report said it notified the IRS at the time.

"In response, IRS management noted that payments to these populations of individuals were allowed because the CARES Act does not prohibit them from receiving a payment," the IG said in its report.

The IRS later clarified that dead people and those in prison should not have been included in economic-impact payments, the IG said.

In August 2020, two people incarcerated in California prisons filed a federal class-action lawsuit against then-Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin over the ban on payments.

Colin Scholl and Lisa Strawn, who were both incarcerated, argued in their complaint that the "IRS has no legal basis for withholding, retracting, or asking others to intercept stimulus payments to incarcerated persons."

US District Court judge Phyllis J. Hamilton in October ruled incarcerated people could receive payments. She wrote that excluding anyone from stimulus payments solely based on whether they were incarcerated was "arbitrary and capricious."

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In March, the court said in a filing that it continued to receive "a large volume" of filings from people in prison seeking to join the closed lawsuit.

The American Rescue Plan was passed in March. Sen. Tom Cotton said "every single Democrat" voted for payments to "violent criminals," in a statement to Fox News published on Friday

He added: "Sending cash to murderers and rapists in prison has nothing to do with solving the pandemic or improving the economy. Now, the same people who sent hundreds of millions of dollars as gifts to these inmates want to spend trillions more in an even bigger and more partisan bill."

Read the original article on Business Insider
BOSTON (AP)  Tenants saddled with months of back rent are facing the end of the federal eviction moratorium Saturday, a move that could lead to millions being forced from their homes just as the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus is rapidly spreading.

The Biden administration announced Thursday it would allow the nationwide ban to expire, saying it wanted to extend it due to rising infections but its hands were tied after the U.S. Supreme Court signaled in June that it wouldn't be extended beyond the end of July without congressional action.

House lawmakers on Friday attempted, but failed, to pass a bill to extend the moratorium even for a few months. Some Democratic lawmakers had wanted it extended until the end of the year.

August is going to be a rough month because a lot of people will be displaced from their homes, said Jeffrey Hearne, director of litigation Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. It will be at numbers we havent seen before. There are a lot of people who are protected by the ... moratorium.

The moratorium, put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in September to try to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, is credited with keeping 2 million people in their homes over the past year as the pandemic battered the economy, according to the Princeton Universitys Eviction Lab. Eviction moratoriums will remain in place in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Illinois, California and Washington, D.C., until they expire later this year.

Elsewhere, the end of the federal moratorium means evictions could begin Monday, leading to a years' worth of evictions over several weeks and ushering in the worst housing crisis since the Great Recession.

Roxanne Schaefer, already suffering from myriad health issues, including respiratory problems and a bone disorder, is one of the millions fearing homelessness.

In a rundown, sparsely furnished Rhode Island apartment she shares with her girlfriend, brother, a dog and a kitten, the 38-year-old is $3,000 behind on her $995 monthly rent after her girlfriend lost her dishwasher job during the pandemic. Boxes filled with their possessions were behind a couch in the apartment, which Schaeffer says is infested with mice and cockroaches, and even has squirrels in her bedroom.

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The landlord, who first tried to evict her in January, has refused to take federal rental assistance, so the only thing preventing him from changing the locks and evicting her is the CDC moratorium. Her $800 monthly disability check won't pay for a new apartment. She only has $1,000 in savings.

I got anxiety. Im nervous. I cant sleep, said Schaefer, of West Warwick, Rhode Island, over fears of being thrown out on the street. If he does, you know, I lose everything, and Ill have nothing. Ill be homeless.

More than 15 million people live in households that owe as much as $20 billion to their landlords, according to the Aspen Institute. As of July 5, roughly 3.6 million people in the U.S. said they faced eviction in the next two months, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus Household Pulse Survey.

Parts of the South and other regions with weaker tenant protections will likely see the largest spikes, and communities of color, where vaccination rates are sometimes lower, will be hit hardest. But advocates say this crisis is likely to have a wider impact than pre-pandemic evictions, reaching suburban and rural areas and working families who lost their jobs and never before experienced an eviction.

I know personally many of the people evicted are people who worked before, who never had issues, said Kristen Randall, a constable in Pima County, Arizona, who will be responsible for carrying out evictions starting Monday.

These are people who already tried to find new housing, a new apartment or move in with families, she said. I know quite a few of them plan on staying in their cars or are looking at trying to make reservations at local shelters. But because of the pandemic, our shelter space has been more limited."

We are going to see a higher proportion of people go to the streets than we normally see. That is unfortunate.

The crisis will only get worse in September when the first foreclosure proceedings are expected to begin. An estimated 1.75 million homeowners  roughly 3.5% of all homes  are in some sort of forbearance plan with their banks, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. By comparison, about 10 million homeowners lost their homes to foreclosure after the housing bubble burst in 2008.

The Biden administration had hoped that historic amounts of rental assistance allocated by Congress in December and March would help avert an eviction crisis.

But so far, only about $3 billion of the first tranche of $25 billion had been distributed through June by states and localities. Another $21.5 billion will go to the states. The speed of disbursement picked up in June, but some states like New York have distributed almost nothing. Several others have only approved a few million dollars.

"We are on the brink of catastrophic levels of housing displacement across the country that will only increase the immediate threat to public health, said Emily Benfer, a law professor at Wake Forest University and the chair of the American Bar Associations Task Force on Eviction, Housing Stability and Equity.

Some places will see a spike in people being evicted in the coming days, while other jurisdictions will see an increase in court filings that will lead to evictions over several months.

Its almost unfathomable. We are on the precipice of a nationwide eviction crisis that is entirely preventable with more time to distribute rental assistance," Benfer said.

The eviction moratorium is the only thing standing between millions of tenants and eviction while rental assistance applications are pending. When that essential public health tool ends on Saturday, just as the delta variant surges, the situation will become dire.

Many beleaguered tenants will be forced out into a red-hot housing market where prices are rising and vacancy rates have plummeted.

They will be stuck with eviction records and back rent that will make it almost impossible to find new apartments, leaving many to shack up with families, turn to already strained homeless shelters or find unsafe dwellings in low-income neighborhoods that lack good schools, good jobs and access to transportation. Many will also be debt-ridden.

Evictions will also prove costly to the communities they reside in. Studies have shown evicted families face a laundry list of health problems, from higher infant mortality rates to high blood pressure to suicide. And taxpayers often foot the bill, from providing social services, health care and homeless services. One study by the National Low Income Housing Coalition and Innovation for Justice Program at the University of Arizona found costs could reach $129 billion from pandemic-related evictions.

In Rhode Island, Schaefer has struggled to grasp why her landlord wouldn't take federal rental assistance. Landlords, many of whom have successfully challenged the moratorium in court, argue the economy is improving and coronavirus cases are down in most places. Those who don't take rental assistance refuse for a variety of reasons, including a desire to get the tenant out.

Its not that I wanna live here for free," Schaefer said. I know wherever you go and live, you gotta pay. But Im just asking to be reasonable."

Why cant you take the rent relief? You know, they pay," she added. In the paperwork it says theyre gonna pay, like, two months in advance. At least by then, two months, I can save up quite a bit of money and get to put a down payment on somewhere else to move, and youll have your money that we owe you and will be moving out.

___

Associated Press reporter Rodrique Ngowi in West Warwick, Rhode Island, contributed to this report.
By Mert Ozkan

MANAVGAT, Turkey (Reuters) -Days after a raging wildfire in southern Turkey drove his family from the home they lived in for four decades, Mehmet Demir returned on Saturday to discover a burnt-out building, charred belongings and ashes.

Bedsprings, a ladder, metal chairs and some kitchenware were the only things left identifiable after some of the worst fires in years tore through the region, with several still burning four days after they erupted on Wednesday.

Demir's home, near the coastal Mediterranean town of Manavgat and not far from the popular tourist resort Antalya, was hit by one of the some 100 fires that officials say broke out this week across southern and western Turkey. Sweltering heat and strong winds fanned the flames.

"The blaze spread through the highlands and raged suddenly," Demir told Reuters as he looked around the wreckage of his home, built in 1982. "We had to flee to the centre of Manavgat. Then we came back to find the house like this."

"This was our (only) saving for the past 39-40 years. We are now left with the clothes we are wearing, me and my wife. There is nothing to do. This is when words fail."

The death toll from the fires rose to six on Saturday, as two firefighters died during efforts to control the fire in Manavgat, officials said. Thousands of people were evacuated from their homes.

Smoke from the fires in Antalya and Mersin extended to the island of Cyprus, around 150 km (100 miles) away, satellite imagery showed.

A new blaze erupted on Saturday in the popular holiday resort of Bodrum on the Aegean coast and some residential areas and hotels were evacuated, according to broadcasters.

Video footage showed plumes of smoke rising from mountains above Bodrum and a helicopter discharging water as firefighters tried to control the blaze before it reaches residential areas.

Wildfires are common in southern Turkey in the summer but authorities say the latest blazes have covered a much bigger area.

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HEATWAVES IN THE REGION

Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said a total of 101 fires had broken out in the past four days, of which 91 were under control.

Fires continued in southern coastal provinces of Antalya, Mersin and the western coastal province of Mugla including the one in Bodrum and central province of Usak, Pakdemirli said.

Turkish meteorological authorities said forecasts pointed to heatwaves along the Aegean and Mediterranean coastal regions. Temperatures are forecast to reach 43 Celsius to 47 Celsius (109.4 - 116.6 Fahrenheit) in Antalya next week.

President Tayyip Erdogan said during a visit to Manavgat on Saturday all damaged houses would be rebuilt and losses compensated, adding that Azerbaijan, Russia, Ukraine and Iran have sent firefighting planes and support teams to the affected areas.

In neighbouring Greece https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/greece-issues-wildfires-warning-over-dangerous-heatwave-2021-07-30, authorities warned the public against unnecessary work and travel on Friday as temperatures hit 40 C (104 F) in Athens and the ancient Acropolis, its most visited monument, was briefly forced to close.

On the Italian island of Sicily, firemen said on Saturday they were battling for a second straight day wildfires that reached the town of Catania https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/firemen-fighting-wildfires-sicilian-town-catania-2021-07-31, forcing people to leave their homes and the local airport to temporarily shut down.

(Writing by Ezgi ErkoyunAdditional reporting by Yesim Dikmen in IstanbulEditing by Dominic Evans, Clelia Oziel and Frances Kerry)
DUBAI (Reuters) -The U.S. Navy is assisting an Israeli-managed petroleum products tanker attacked off Oman with two crew members killed, the U.S. military said on Saturday, adding the ship was most likely hit by a drone strike.

Mercer Street, a Liberian-flagged, Japanese-owned vessel that was attacked on Thursday, is being escorted by the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, U.S. Central Command said in a statement.

"U.S. Navy explosives experts are aboard to ensure there is no additional danger to the crew, and are prepared to support an investigation into the attack," said Central Command, which oversees American military operations in the Middle East and Central Asia.

"Initial indications clearly point to a UAV-style (drone) attack," it added.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid blamed Iran on Friday for the attack, which killed a Briton and a Romanian, and said it deserved a harsh response. There was no immediate official reaction from Iran to the accusation that it was responsible.

Lapid spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the incident on Saturday evening, he said on Twitter.

"We are working together against Iranian terrorism, which poses a threat to all of us, by formulating a real and effective international response," Lapid said.

Lapid added on Twitter: Iran "repeatedly errs in understanding our commitment to protecting ourselves and our interests."

U.S. and European sources familiar with intelligence reporting said on Friday that Iran was their leading suspect for the incident.

Al Alam TV, the Iranian government's Arabic-language television network, cited unnamed sources as saying the attack on the ship came in response to a suspected, unspecified Israeli attack on Dabaa airport in Syria.

The vessel is managed by Israeli-owned Zodiac Maritime. The company said on Friday the vessel was sailing under the control of its crew and own power to a safe location with a U.S. naval escort.

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Iran and Israel have traded accusations of attacking each other's vessels in recent months.

Tensions have risen in the Gulf region since the United States reimposed sanctions on Iran in 2018 after then-President Donald Trump withdrew Washington from Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with major powers.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which provides maritime security information, said the vessel was about 152 nautical miles (280 km) northeast of the Omani port of Duqm when it was attacked.

According to Refinitiv ship tracking, the medium-size tanker was headed for Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

(Reporting by Maher ChmaytelliAdditional reporting by Rami Ayyub in Tel AvivEditing by Frances Kerry and Cynthia Osterman)
The US slapped fresh sanctions Friday on Cuban police for suppressing anti-government demonstrations this month, with President Joe Biden warning additional punitive measures were in store if the communist-ruled nation does not undertake sweeping reforms.

Thousands of Cubans took to the streets earlier in July, shouting "Freedom," "Down with the dictatorship" and "We're hungry" in the biggest protests since the revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power in 1959.

Hundreds of people were arrested and many face charges of contempt, public disorder, vandalism and propagation of the coronavirus pandemic for marching without face masks.

"There will be more unless there is some drastic change in Cuba, which I don't anticipate," Biden told reporters before hosting a group of Cuban-American leaders at the White House.

Earlier in the day the US Treasury named National Revolutionary Police Director Oscar Callejas Valcarce and Deputy Director Eddy Sierra Arias to its sanctions blacklist, which freezes any property they might have in the United States and bars US transactions with them.

"The Treasury Department will continue to designate and call out by name those who facilitate the Cuban regime's involvement in serious human rights abuse," said Andrea Gacki, director of the Treasury's main sanctions unit, the Office of Foreign Assets Control.

"Today's action serves to further hold accountable those responsible for suppressing the Cuban people's calls for freedom and respect for human rights," Gacki said.

Cuba strenuously rejected the inclusion of the NRP and its directors on "spurious lists" by the United States, tweeted Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez.

"These arbitrary measures add to disinformation and aggression to justify the inhumane blockade against Cuba," he wrote, referring to Washington's embargo against Havana that has been in place since 1962.

Story continues

- Shoulder to shoulder -

The Treasury said the NRP was the main unit of the Interior Ministry deployed to stifle the demonstrations and was responsible for beating a number of peaceful protesters.

On July 24 a government official said about 60 Cubans had been prosecuted for participating in the demonstrations.

Biden on Friday stood shoulder to shoulder with Cuban American leaders at a White House meeting.

"We hear your voices. We hear the cries of freedom coming from the island," the president said.

Biden has come under fire from Republicans who criticize what they say is his weak stance against Havana.

"Biden's lack of leadership is a disgrace and undermines the cause of freedom in Cuba and around the world," the Republican National Committee said in a statement.

The White House issued a forceful defense of the president, saying Biden has been watching developments on the island closely.

"He's made clear that Cuba is led by a failed and repressive regime, and that communism is a universally failed ideology," White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said.

On Thursday, the European Union called on Cuba to release people arrested "arbitrarily" during the protests.

"We are very concerned about the repression of these protests, as well as for the arrest of protesters and journalists," the 27-nation bloc said in a statement.

pmh-aue-mlm/sw/jm
Some job seekers are taking their time...

"There were endless amounts of roles. I could be extremely picky."

Ashley Taylor, who works in software sales.

Taylor left her last job in January and within two days had an offer to join another startup. She waited six months and ended up getting an even higher offer from the same company.

Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free

While others are struggling...

"I havent even been able to get the jobs that I dont want. And that's with five years of college."

Gaeble King, an attendant at a county park in Washington who's looking to advance in his field and work as an environmental geologist.

Parks have gained popularity during the pandemic, and there's an abundance of open roles, but "they want to hire people that they don't necessarily have to train," says King. And getting that training himself would require going back to school and accruing more debt.

And employers are getting desperate...

"We have people that will flat out tell you they don't want a job. They say their unemployment has not run out, and they dont want to go back to work until that does run out."

Kim Whitworth, who runs an Express Employment staffing agency that connects workers to employers in Decatur, Alabama.

Whitworth's agency has around 170 open jobs in manufacturing, warehousing, IT and other industries. In normal times, a firm her size has about 30 roles to fill, she says.

The average pay for the open roles in $15 an hour, and they come with benefits. "But yesterday we sent out 600 texts for positions, and we got four responses," she noted.

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DES MOINES  Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has no plans to offer $100 incentives to Iowans to get the coronavirus vaccine after President Joe Biden pleaded with states and local governments to use federal funds to entice people to stop the rapid spread of a virus variant, an aide said Friday.

While many states and some Iowa counties have offered incentives for citizens to get a COVID-19 vaccination, Iowas governor continues to call for citizens to get vaccinated while repeating that ultimately its their choice.

Iowa had 49.5% of the population fully immunized as of Thursday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That ranks 21st in the nation.

Vaccination rates have fallen rapidly in Iowa since the spring, from a seven-day average of over 17,000 people becoming fully vaccinated in May to 1,402 in recent days.

Reynolds spokesman Pat Garrett said Friday the governor has no plans to comply with Bidens offer Thursday for states to spend $100 in federal funds for each newly vaccinated person.

In an email, Iowa Department of Public Health Sarah Ekstrand said the states strategy is unchanged from its current education and communications efforts.
Dr. Tamara Hlavaty, who practiced medicine in North Platte died on July 26 at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colorado, following a stroke.

Beginning in late 1996, she worked 17 years for Radiology Services and practiced at Great Plains Health in North Platte, where she helped establish the first minimally invasive breast biopsy procedures, according to her obituary.

Great Plains Health issued a statement of condolences from colleagues who worked with Hlavaty at the hospital.

The Great Plains Health board, administration and medical community are deeply saddened to learn about the untimely death of Dr. Tammy Hlavaty, said Mel McNea, chief executive officer. Tammy was compassionate and kind, but most of all an amazing advocate for patients. She will be missed by many throughout our region.

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In the male-dominated field of radiology, Tammy advocated for women and focused much of her work on the early detection of breast cancer.
The Lincoln County commissioners will discuss and vote on the resignation of County Treasurer Shelli Franzen at Mondays meeting.

Franzen submitted her resignation letter Friday after her arrest Thursday in connection with an investigation of financial transactions in her office.

No charges have been filed yet, and she was released from jail Friday after posting bail.

In other action, the board will:

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 Conduct a public hearing on an application by Pals Brewing Company for a Class C catering license and will consider action after the hearing.

 Discuss and consider a special designated liquor application submitted by Pals Brewing Company for a craft beer festival Sept. 18.

 Discuss and consider an addendum to the lease agreement for office space in the Craft State Office Building with the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services.

 Consider directing the county treasurer to issue tax sale certificates to Lincoln County on parcels that are two years delinquent on real estate taxes or special assessments.
From start to finish, it lasted around 90 seconds.

Goodro pointed to a part of the video where Love appeared to go down on the ground but get back up again 1 second later, she said.

"Not enough time for some savage, brutal beating of haymakers," she said.

And she pointed to the fact that Winston admitted to firing four shots, telling the jury he kept firing until Montgomery stopped hitting Love.

Goodro said it showed premeditation.

"It's not just one to attempt to get him off. It's decisions," she said.

Colton told jurors the state wanted them to believe that Winston had murder on his mind and Montgomery was his intended target.

"A man with a gun and a plan finds his target and starts shooting. But Marcus Winston didn't do that," she said.

She said Winston tried to talk it out with Montgomery, then tried to retreat after he punched him. But Montgomery kept coming.

"He had to protect himself, and he had to protect Nate," Colton said.

After eight days of testimony, the jury of six men and six women began deliberating at around noon Friday.
During regular school hours, volunteers, visitors and families are welcome in schools as long as they either wear a face covering at all times or provide proof that they are fully vaccinated.

At events outside of the school day, vaccination status is based on self-identification. Volunteers, visitors and families who are not fully vaccinated are required to wear face coverings.

Patrons are encouraged to complete a short survey after viewing the current draft of the 2021-22 Return to School Plan. The survey is open now through Friday. View the plan and complete the survey at nppsd.org/o/npps/page/covid-19-resources.

The district will continue to review and update the plan throughout the school year to adjust to the changing risk of COVID-19 spread in the community and the schools. This work will be ongoing as new research emerges and more guidance is provided to the school district from the West Central District Health Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Nebraska Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Education.

The release said any changes will be communicated ahead of time through the NPPS website, email and social media.
Part of the process for McCutcheon was to introduce her daughter to the rich history of the area.

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Ive taken her out here to Buffalo Bills Ranch and the (Lincoln County Historical) Museum, McCutcheon said. Yesterday we found out they were doing the procession. We wanted to check it out and I wanted Zoe to see what North Platte has to offer.

Donham said she learned a lot about railroad history at the museum.

I also learned a lot about Buffalo Bill from the museum and partly from my mom, Donham said. Shes really into the history of Buffalo Bill and she told me she used to bike over to the (Buffalo Bill) house and go in there when she was a kid and just look around.

McCutcheon said she felt it was important to remember what has been done by soldiers for America.

We went out to Fort McPherson (National Cemetery) yesterday and saw my dads grave and as I was telling my daughter, McCutcheon said, I said its so important to (remember) the people who served our country and not to forget that. This procession is part of that and I think its pretty special.

North Platte Police Chief Dan Hudson, a Marine veteran, said the event is special.
He said he knows Jordan from working closely with his father, Mark, a North Platte-based brand inspector for the Nebraska Brand Committee.

When the auctioneer issued the $1,000 challenge, Wasserburger leaned toward his companions.

I said (to them), You want to partner on it? he said. They said, Yeah, and the whole place clapped.

The humorous scenario was set up by the Lincoln County Agricultural Societys prefair decision to retain an alternative to the traditional end-of-fair animal auction.

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Due to COVID-19, Buoy said, the 2020 fair had 4-H exhibitors sell their animals privately  without a typical auction  after finishing their last contest. All the sold animals were off the fairgrounds by Sunday, Buoy said.

To let local residents pitch in more support, the youth exhibitors were bid upon Monday after describing themselves and what theyd use their extra money for.

After seeing how things went in 2020, they kind of liked that, so they kept it, Buoy said.

He got base price  approximately $1,725  after the July 24 4-H cattle show for the steer he had raised all year, said his mother, Julie.
Washington, PA (15301)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 80F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Considerable clouds this evening. Some decrease in clouds late. Low near 60F. Winds light and variable.
The UK Defence Ministry is confirming an overnight attack on an Israeli-managed tanker in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Oman. Though few details have been given, or whether the incident could have been related to piracy - which is not uncommon in those waters - suspicions are on Iran given the recent history of tit-for-tat vessel attacks in Mideast waters.



London-based Zodiac Maritime, owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer, has issued a statement saying two crew members died as a result of the attack, including one Romanian and one British crew member, aboard what's been identified as the "Mercer Street" petroleum products tanker.

Liberian-flagged, Japanese-owned, Israeli company managed "Mercer Street" tanker, via MarineTraffic.

Zodiac Maritime initially described the late Thursday incident as a "suspected piracy incident". The statement indicated "At the time of the incident the vessel was in the northern Indian Ocean, traveling from Dar es Salaam to Fujairah with no cargo onboard." Zodiac manages the operations of the Japanese-owned vessel.

However in announcing an investigation underway, the British militarys Maritime Trade Operations contradicted this early piracy assessment, pointing to a sabotage attack likely by foreign state-backed operatives:

Britain's maritime authorities said earlier in the day that the attack occurred 175 miles off the Port of Duqm on Thursday, adding that the incident was not related to piracy.

According to tracking details in The Associated Press based on UK military statements, "The attack Thursday night targeted Liberian-flagged oil tanker Mercer Street just northeast of the Omani island of Masirah. The location is over 300 kilometers (185 miles) southeast of Omans capital, Muscat." One unconfirmed report from a maritime security risk management firm is pointing to a possible drone attack.

This would be a significant escalation here, if true--@GlobalDryad reports the attack on the Israeli-operated Mercer Street resulted in two casualties & says the method of attack was "possibly UAV." https://t.co/cfwjRChbdw  Jason Brodsky (@JasonMBrodsky) July 30, 2021



The AP was also quick to acknowledge suspicions of Iranian covert action, despite the initial suggestion of a piracy incident: "Other Israel-linked ships have been targeted in recent months as well amid a shadow war between the two nations, with Israeli officials blaming the Islamic Republic for the assaults. Israel meanwhile has been suspected in a series of major attacks targeting Irans nuclear program," the report said.



"This is the second time this month a ship tied to Ofer apparently has been targeted. In early July, the Liberian-flagged container ship CSAV Tyndall, once tied to Zodiac Maritime, suffered an unexplained explosion on board while in the northern India Sea, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration," the report underscores. It will be interesting to see if the US Navys 5th Fleet, which patrols the region, will respond to the area of the incident.



Past incidents have tended to not result in casualties, thus this latest serious incident if confirmed to have had Iranian involvement would mark a huge escalation, possibly even derailing the stalled Vienna nuclear talks, also at a sensitive moment for domestic politics in the Islamic Republic, given hardline president-elect Ibrahim Raisi is due to enter office August 3rd.

By Zerohedge.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
The overwhelming majority of Russias population lives in the western regions near the border with Europe and the Black Sea. Cultural and economic ties with Mediterranean countries have been crucial for Moscow to exert influence and regain superpower status. The stagnation of Russias economic development is a serious impediment to its ambition. However, Moscow has skillfully exploited the few resources and advantages it has to maintain its position with several influential countries.

Doing more with less

Russia has been isolated from the West since it invaded Crimea, which has led to economic and diplomatic sanctions. Despite souring relations with the West, Moscow has managed to reverse some of the geopolitical losses by extending its influence in the Mediterranean. Support for Assads Syria created a permanent foothold for the Russian army in the region, while economic and diplomatic relations with other littoral states are being pursued.

The tools at Moscows disposal are focused on two industries where it still has an edge: energy and the defense sector. These resources have been skillfully applied with three influential Mediterranean States: Algeria, Egypt, and Turkey. Except for their majority Sunni Muslim societies, these countries are very different from a political point of view. Moscow, however, has been able to cultivate ties that serve its interests and extend its influence in the region.

Russias energy sector is especially important for maintaining economic relations. With the worlds largest natural gas reserves and significant oil exporters, Moscow remains an important factor in the global economy. Furthermore, significant technical and scientific capabilities in the defense and energy sectors are major assets in negotiations as there is something to offer to potential customers.

Currying favor

Russian energy exports to Turkey are substantial due to the latters negligible domestic production. In addition, Gazprom, a state-controlled company, has been very assertive in constructing new pipelines to Turkey. Despite the imports of natural gas from Azerbaijan and Iran, Gazproms position is unparalleled due to its sizeable capacity compared to competitors.

In the case of Egypt, with substantial natural gas reserves of itself, Russian companies have been able to gain a foothold. State-controlled Rosneft owns up to 35 percent of the giant Zohr gas field and Cairo's nuclear ambition has provided another opportunity. State-controlled Rosatom is constructing the Arab countrys first nuclear power plant. The $30 billion facility is built with a $25 billion loan from Russia and will provide 4,800 MW of electricity starting from 2030. In Turkey, Rosatom is engaged in a similar project where the countrys first nuclear power plant is being constructed at Akuyyu.

Furthermore, Russia has become an alternative arms dealer for these countries. The drive towards modernization and significant investments in the Russian defense industry has produced high-quality products that can compete with western peers. In the case of Algeria, Moscows market share was already significant during Soviet times. Russia has also provided Turkey and Egypt with advanced weapons, a NATO ally and a major recipient of Western arms under Mubarak respectively. In some cases, such as Turkeys acquisition of the S-400 air defense system, the additional effect of Ankara falling out with Western partners was a perk.

Russias limitations

Although Moscow has had some success in exerting influence in the Mediterranean, its potential is limited in the long term. In most cases, Russian state-controlled energy and defense companies have been able to exploit weaknesses such as Western concerns of Egypts human rights record and Turkeys increasingly belligerent foreign policy.

Furthermore, Russia has been outflanked by the U.S., EU, and China in other cases. Moscow is not able to offer the same range and quality of alternative elements of statecraft such as development aid and diplomacy.

First, bilateral trade between Russia and most Mediterranean countries is relatively low. Second, investments from Russia in most littoral states are negligible. Third, Moscow does not provide the same level of development assistance as do the West or China.

In most cases, Russia is the second or third choice as relations with economic and political powerhouses in the West and Asia have more to offer. With the energy transition, the probability that oil and gas sales will diminish in the near future is becoming a reality which threatens Russia's economic future. Therefore, Moscows influence in the Mediterranean remains uncertain in the long run.

By Vanand Meliksetian for Oilprice.com

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Govt-and-politics

topical

125 Nebraska groups apply for nearly $335 million to help fund pandemic-delayed projects

LILY SMITH, THE WORLD-HERALD The Omaha Public Schools Foundation requested $1.5 million to help bring Burke Stadium into compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and building codes. Requests for grants for shovel-ready projects came from across the state and vary from $6,000 to the maximum of $15 million. BRENDAN SULLIVAN, WORLD-HERALD The nonprofit that operates the Henry Doorly Zoo asked for $10 million to help add an Alaska exhibit featuring endangered sea otters. CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD Joslyn Art Museum wants $15 million to help fund an expansion.

Well over 100 organizations in Nebraska are seeking state help to fund construction projects that were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The projects range from stadium improvements at Burke High School to an expansion of Joslyn Art Museum to a new sea otter exhibit at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.

For now, its unclear how many will receive funding.

By the July 15 end of the application period, 125 organizations had requested a total of nearly $335 million through the recently enacted Shovel-Ready Capital Recovery & Investment Act.

Nonprofits related to the arts, culture or the humanities, as well as nonprofits that operate sports complexes, are eligible for the grants under the legislation approved by the Nebraska Legislature.

To qualify, the organization has to be a 5013 with a capital project that was delayed due to COVID and provide a positive economic impact in the state of Nebraska, according to the program website.

Awards are limited based on a projects estimated overall costs, within four tiers: A project that costs under $5 million can receive up to $1.5 million, for example, while a project that costs $50 million or more can get up to $15 million.

A nonprofit has to raise at least as much as its grant from private sources.

Organizations applied across the state, from Omahas Benson area to Cozad to Gering. Requests vary widely: at the low end, Yorkshire Playhouse in York asked for $6,000 to help update its sound and lighting equipment; on the high end were multiple requests for the maximum $15 million award.

Joslyn Art Museum, for instance, wants $15 million to help fund an expansion. The museum broke ground on the project Tuesday.

Among other applications out of Omaha, the nonprofit that operates the Henry Doorly Zoo asked for $10 million to help add an Alaska exhibit featuring endangered sea otters. The Omaha Childrens Museum requested $183,500 to rebuild and replace aging exhibits, and Lauritzen Gardens requested $2 million for a childrens garden and a horticulture complex.

The Omaha Public Schools Foundation requested $1.5 million to help bring Burke Stadium into compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and building codes.

Nebraska lawmakers advance bill to boost shovel-ready arts, museum, sports projects A bill that received first-round approval would set aside $25 million of state dollars to help nonprofits complete capital construction projects that were interrupted by COVID.

Next, the state Department of Economic Development will review the applications to see if the projects qualify under the laws criteria, according to Tom Saltzman, a state business incentives consultant who is serving as a point of contact for the program.

The department will not award any grants until the total amount of available funding is known, according to Saltzman. That could be a while, with funding for any more than a handful of requests apparently hinging on federal money.

An earlier version of the law that created the program, LB 566, included $25 million in state money and $75 million in federal coronavirus relief funding.

In the final version, state funding was trimmed to $15 million. About $60,000 per year of that amount is earmarked for an employee. The law leaves federal funding open-ended, saying that the Legislature intends to use funds from the latest coronavirus relief package.

Grant pool for nonprofit projects trimmed to $15 million A prior version of the bill would have set aside $25 million in state dollars for grants to groups involved with the arts, culture and humanities and nonprofits operating sports complexes.

Under the law, applicants will be considered and granted money in the order they applied. If they all were to qualify, just the first nine projects on the list would tap the states entire $15 million allocation, and then some.

Nebraska was allocated a little over $1 billion in federal relief funds in the American Rescue Plan Act, split into two equal payments. The state has so far received one payment of $520 million, Governors Office spokesman Taylor Gage wrote in an email.

The U.S. Treasury Department has discretion on whether to split the funds into two payments and on the timing of the payments, according to a Treasury official. But it has very little discretion in the amount of money that it will send.

The Treasury has issued initial guidance on how the money can be spent, and Tom Bergquist, director of the states Legislative Fiscal Office, anticipates more will be coming.

Its very fluid, Bergquist said. Questions remain about how the money can be used, with the looming possibility that any misallocated funds could result in the state paying back the feds out of its own pocket.

At this point, State Sen. John Stinner of Gering, who chairs the Appropriations Committee, said officials havent seen any guidance that would indicate the money cant be used for shovel-ready projects.

The Governors Office plans to propose a budget recommendation for the initial $520 million.

Lawmakers who spoke with The World-Herald anticipate the allocation process will be similar to what happens with the state budget. During the 2022 legislative session, the Appropriations Committee will hold hearings on the governors proposal and then make a recommendation to the full Legislature.

Hearings also will be held about the use of the federal money before the next session, Stinner said, as part of an interim study.

Wins and losses in Nebraska's 2021 legislative session Here's a look at some of the wins and losses during the 2021 session of the Nebraska Legislature.

Shovel-ready projects are one eligible use of the funds as long as they meet the Treasurys definition, Gage said. The program, though, will compete against all of the other eligible use categories including: supporting public health response, negative economic impacts, replacing revenue loss, premium pay for essential workers and water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure.

I would say its highly unlikely to fund the whole thing, Stinner said, referring to the full $335 million in requests.

Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha, who introduced the bill, thinks the Legislature should try to fund every request that qualifies.

His argument: The federal one-time funds should be used on one-time spending such as capital projects. And nonprofits are an economically sensible investment  they sometimes fail, but they dont typically move out of state, he said, and have a positive impact and employ tens of thousands of residents.

McDonnell said he will be having discussions with the Department of Economic Development; its director, Tony Goins; and Gov. Pete Ricketts office. He said its possible the bill will be adjusted.

Under the current law, nonprofits that get the grants have to secure the private funds by the end of this year and start construction on the projects by June 30, 2022.

All eligible applicants will be encouraged to have their match secured in the event funds are made available for an award, Saltzman said.
Cooler weather is in the forecast for Omaha starting Sunday.

After a week of heat, with heat indexes dangerously hot at times, scattered storms brought a cooldown to the Omaha area Friday night.

Some severe thunderstorms and a radar-indicated tornado Saturday morning didnt produce major damage but did drench several counties in eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa.

Parts of Dodge County and Pottawattamie County saw the heaviest rainfall, with about 3 inches, according to Katie Gross, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Valley. She said Omaha received 1.63 inches, Tekamah received 2.09 inches and Blair received 1.35 inches.

It was a decent heavy rainfall for us, Gross said.

Precipitation chances diminished throughout the day Saturday, and the next several days have a minimal chance of rain, Gross said. The upcoming week is forecast to be cooler, with highs reaching the mid-80s through Thursday.

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It seems to become clearer by the day that China is seeking rough nuclear parity with the United States, said Yeaw, research director for nuclear programs at the institute, which operates with StratComs sponsorship and funding. These silos could house up to several hundred warheads in fairly short order.

He said neither the U.S. nor Russia has ever actually used the shell-game model. He also believes that Chinas development of other weapons  such as superfast hypersonics  and a possible boost in its ability to produce plutonium point toward a broader effort.

They have very advanced theater nuclear forces, Yeaw said. The U.S. is entering a period when we are going to have to deter two nuclear-armed powers.

Whether the Chinese ever put missiles in the silos, analysts agree that StratCom planners must plan as if they will.

If I pull a gun on you, it doesnt matter if its loaded or not, Lewis said. You have to assume that it is.

Kristensen produces an annual report on the size and type of weapons in the arsenals of all the nuclear powers. He said China currently has about 100 ICBMs with about 150 warheads, mostly on road-mobile vehicles. Only about 20 are in fixed silos.
He also said he suspected that had he disclosed the cancer before the election, he would be accused of using it to his advantage.

Youre damned if you do or damned if you dont," he said. In the culture of today, there would be those people saying youd try to get the sympathy vote."

The congressman first revealed some details of his cancer diagnosis in an interview with the Nevada Independent published Friday.

Fred Lokken, a political science professor at the Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno, said theres no standard about if or when to disclose such procedures and it's up to voters to decide if it matters.

Different voters have different values systems. I think most voters would probably prefer knowing, he said.

Loyola Law School Professor Jessica A. Levinson, whose work includes a focus on politics and ethics, said it's a gray area and unlike a House member's financial interests, there is not an expectation that medical information be disclosed.

It strikes me that medical information is very different in that were not wondering if hes going to vote for or against a tax bill because of his medical diagnosis whereas we might have that concern when it comes to financial conflicts," she said.
That includes all teachers, staff, students and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status. Some local experts had already begun issuing similar recommendations, with case rates rising and the delta variant of the virus taking hold.

Ricketts rebuked the CDC on Tuesday, saying the guidance flies in the face of the public health goals that should guide the agencys decision-making and that it would add to public distrust of the CDC.

The State of Nebraska will not be adopting their mask guidance, Ricketts said in the statement. He also reiterated his expectation that schools and universities will reopen this fall without mask or vaccine requirements.

Asked whether the governor was concerned that by encouraging business owners, schools and others to not follow CDC guidance that he could expose them to lawsuits, a spokesperson said Friday that Ricketts statement pertained to the State of Nebraska.

Earlier this week, Taylor Gage, the governors spokesman, did not respond to questions regarding whether theres something the governor can do to prevent schools, universities or local governments from having mask requirements and whether there would be consequences if they put requirements in place.
TIRANA, Albania (AP)  Albania is repatriating five Albanian women and 14 children from Syria's troubled Al Hol camp who were related to Albanians who joined Islamist extremist groups fighting in Syria and Iraq, the country's prime minister said Saturday.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Interior Minister Bledi Cuci were in Beirut meeting with Lebanese Gen. Abass Ibrahim, who has played a key role in the repatriating efforts, together with intelligence services from other countries.

The good news is the 14 children and five women (have been taken out) from the hell camp, said Rama. I am here to take the children and women and turn them back to our homeland tomorrow.

Rama said that Albania's Interior Ministry and other intelligence institutions are closely cooperating with Lebanese authorities and countries on the repatriation. He did not specify if the women's husbands were alive or dead or if any of the women will face terrorism charges upon their return.

Up to the last Albanian, we shall do our utmost to turn them back to their homeland, he said.

This is the third effort repatriating Albanians from the fighting territories in Syria. In October last year, five Albanians were repatriated and an Albanian child was repatriated a year earlier.
At the schools, the children were taught the basics, including trade skills for boys and domestic skills for girls. The use of tribal language, religion and customs were severely punished, and every other kind of abuse imaginable was common. I do not want to dwell on the abuses because it is hard to even think about thousands of helpless Native children far from home with no parental support being indoctrinated into the dominant culture by a system based on punishment.

The legacy of these boarding school lives on today. Children often never visited home during their entire time at the boarding schools. When they did come home, they returned to poverty, discrimination and lack of opportunity. These children did not belong anywhere. They did not speak their traditional language and had trouble meshing back into their tribal culture. They were not accepted by the dominant culture either. The result was often hopelessness and alcoholism, which lead to generations of broken homes and troubled lives.
Bird Rescue in the 1971 Tanker Spill

by Susan McCarthy

January 2014



On January 18 1971 the Oregon Standard and the Arizona Standard, tankers belonging, naturally, to Standard Oil, collided just outside the Golden Gate. The Oregon Standard was leaving the Bay with 106,000 barrels of bunker fuel oil for British Columbia. The Arizona Standard was bringing 115,000 barrels of crude to a refinery.

Foggy night, both ships going a bit too fast. Neither crew was sure where the center of the channel was, so neither ship followed correct practice of staying to the starboard side. Neither ship used its radar right. Bang. Locked together, they drifted into the Bay, the Oregon Standard gushing oil.

Borne on tides, oil contaminated beaches 40 miles south and 20 miles north of the Gate. Some drifted into the bay, hitting Angel Island, Alcatraz, Berkeley, Sausalito, and Tiburon.

Cleanup efforts in some places involved putting up booms. Oil-skimming boats were deployed. When oil hit beaches like Ocean Beach, people spread straw to soak it up, and then trucked the straw away.

There were oily birds on those beaches. When a water bird is oiled, even in just a spot, it makes a breach in the waterproof plumage. Water seeps in and soaks to the skin. The bird gets chilled, as you would be if I poured a few pitchers of ice water down the collar of your down jacket. The feathers get waterlogged, the bird gets heavy, and starts sinking. Desperate birds - species that may never set foot on land in their whole lives - head for shore to keep from drowning.

No government agencies and no private organizations seemed to feel it was their task to do anything about the stranding oiled seabirds. No one knew what to do. People wanted to help. They called state, county, and city agencies and humane societies. In many cases the advice they got was not to touch wild birds - dangerous, dirty, diseased.

Later it was claimed that state Fish and Game had had a plan - mostly "remove birds... from public view and... destroy those birds which... had no chance of survival." They would wash the rest with Polycomplex A-11, a dispersant which had been used in the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill. When they could get some. Public action beat them to the punch.

Twenty-six bird species were affected. About half the oiled birds picked up were Western Grebes, birds with long skinny necks, needle bills, and appropriately wild red eyes. A quarter were scoters, three species of gnarled black coastal ducks.

That was a golden era in local FM, before today's "Contemptible Monolith Radio." KSAN DJs began taking calls from outraged, grief-stricken people. People spontaneously organized rescue operations. They set up around 30 bird cleaning centers. KSAN became a communications center. "More birds are washing up on Ocean Beach..." "Ron in Pacifica says they have about 30 birds, they need towels, boxes...." "Does anyone have plywood and carpentry skills to make pens?"

One of the bird stations on the west side was Poor Richard's, variously referred to as Poor Richard's Sick Bird Place, Poor Richard's Ballroom, the People's Bird Hospital, and the Family Dog, the large 1884 landmark building at Great Highway and Balboa Street.

Another was at the San Francisco Zoo.

Personal account

I lived on the Peninsula. My mother kept KSAN on all day. Too young to drive, I persuaded my mother to drive me to San Francisco to help. At the Zoo gate on Sloat Boulevard, they sent me to the Lion House. I had been to the zoo, to the Lion House, but hadn't known there was an enormous basement below. There were tubs of water on tables, boxes of birds on the floor, and harried people. One volunteer compared scenes at a bird cleaning center to a Crimean War field hospital. (Minus guns, plus lions.)

It stank of lions and birds. The lions knew something unorthodox was happening below. They roared.

Someone asked if I knew how to handle birds, and I said yes. True. I had reared a duck. They gave two of us a scoter, and told us to rub it with cornmeal, to soak up the oil. The idea was to rub it in the direction of the feathers, not against.

Hours went by, bird after bird, and I was holding a loon, a bird I had heard of but never seen. I had read of them uttering unearthly cries on northern lakes. The bird I held looked around wildly and uttered soft calls, almost whimpers. It sounded anguished. What does a loon think when it finds itself half covered with clinging black oil, being mauled by apes in a cavern echoing with roars? I'm sure "I have to get out of here!" is a big part of it.

My mother took me to the Zoo several times to wash birds (What did she find to do in San Francisco in 1971? Oh, something.) and then the Zoo transferred its oiled birds to a bigger center in a Richmond paper warehouse that belonged to U.C. Berkeley. All surviving birds from the 30 centers were taken there. Later, the dwindling number of survivors were moved to a temporary facility on Tubbs Island, on Nature Conservancy.

In the end, I heard, 200-300 birds were released from that spill, out of around 8,000 captured. Most were the sturdy surly sea ducks - scoters and scaups. Only a few grebes. No loons made it.

Yesterday's papers

Recently I looked at 1971 newspapers, to check my memories. So huge! Page after page after society page. Herb Caen was going strong. The environmental movement was fairly new. People were obsessed with hippies. Hippies bad dirty lazy, or hippies cosmic loving tuned-in. The opposites of hippies were said to be "hardhats." And a theme threaded through the coverage in the Chronicle and the Examiner was that hardhats and hippies were working together to save the birds - incredible!

The "countless volunteers" were not exclusively hippies and hardhats (these hardhats being mostly Standard Oil employees).1 Some schools in Marin and Pacifica closed so kids - and teachers - could go to the beaches to gather birds or clean up oil. Others were "unquestionably cutting classes." There were "middle-aged women," "Navy men," "office girls," young suburban couples, welfare recipients, fraternity men, and "long haired types from nearby communes."

Governor Reagan praised the volunteers. The lieutenant governor visited volunteers cleaning beaches and washing birds at Poor Richard's. Presidential candidate Edmund Muskie visited the Zoo and was photographed holding a grebe.

People were inspired by the way everyone came together. A bartender who dropped everything to wash birds near the St. Francis Yacht Club praised the Army for using a helicopter to drop hay bales on oil slicks. "I was speeding in here with an oily bird, and an MP escorted me all the way," he said. "It's really beautiful the way people react." Police cars radioed locations where birds were stranded. A woman who called herself "a hardhat's wife" said, "After working with those longhairs, up to their necks in water and goo for 20 hours, we've gained nothing but respect for them." Caen praised "Little Old Ladies cooking soup for the hippies" at Poor Richard's.

Two days after the spill, a society page reporter lauded five prominent women for making sandwiches for clean-up workers, but demanded to know where the rest of the ecology-minded "top-drawer socialites" were. By the next day, he'd found them at the Zoo: "Society's slick chicks are the overnight saviours of our oily birds--along with everyone else." He called it "our finest hour."

On the Tuesday after the spill, 250 "kids" and hardhats were spreading hay at Bakers Beach. Seventy-five actual kids from Bolinas school were picking up birds. Surfers and skin divers in wetsuits swam out to collect oiled birds still floating.

Donations poured in. The Granny Goose plant sent cornmeal. Weyerhauser gave cardboard boxes. A pharmacy donated a 55-gallon drum of mineral oil. An insurance company raised cash. An answering service set up 24-hour phone lines. Sailors from the USS Neptune "liberated" medical supplies. Children's Hospital donated tetanus shots for "kids bitten by frightened birds." A laboratory sent eyedrops. Shakey's donated pizza. "The chicks brought pots of rice," a male hippie effused.

One hippie-struck reporter described listeners as being "plugged into the great electronic network, the local FM rock stations, these towncriers for the new young gypsies... which flashed the plight of the tarred birds and oiled beaches while the older society was still drawing up plans." The papers ran daily information on where to go, what to bring. KSAN printed leaflets on how to clean birds.

"Interested persons should bring mineral oil or baby oil, sawdust or corn meal, rags, heating lamps and washtubs," Friends of the Earth said. Newspapers told how to handle an oiled bird - put a sock over its head, keep it warm, soak it in light mineral oil or cooking oil "to keep the heavy mineral oil from solidifying." Watch out: "Birds may be hysterical."

The directions for cleaning sound disturbingly like directions for cooking. "[G]ently scrub the feathers and body with light oil and cover the bird with corn meal... If possible, scrub the bird in a tub of oil. Rinse... in warm water, rub dry, and repeat the oil-cornmeal-rinse routine until the goo is gone." I cringe at the memory of doing that.

Two days after the spill, Standard Oil called the state Department of Human Resources to hire 200 people to help with clean-up. But there were so many volunteers that the people who came to work were told they weren't needed - and had to pay their own way home.

Oakland Assemblywoman March Fong (later, as March Fong Eu, California Secretary of State for 32 years) was so insistent that Standard Oil pay for every bit of damage that she wrested from them the strange promise to "buy and import" replacement birds. Presumably she thought you could buy loons and grebes the way you can buy farm-reared ducks and quail.

Ignorance is widespread in the newspaper stories. At Poor Richard's they told Caen their mascot was Fat Albert, a 40-pound "Canadian spotted loon" rescued at Ocean Beach. They said Fat Albert put up a "wing-flapping squawk" when they tried to move him to the Zoo, so they let him stay.

Canadian spotted loon? No such bird. Of the three species of loons he might have been, Arctic Loon is the most likely, and the biggest, and if he weighed 18 pounds he'd have been a very large specimen. (A few days later Fat Albert did go to the Zoo, where he died.)

A news story described a grebe at Pillar Point Harbor "so soaked with oil that it could hardly walk," and quoted a heartbroken observer: "It would take about two steps and then flop in the sand." But even a clean spotless healthy grebe can hardly walk. Their shape, which has evolved beautifully for diving and swimming under water, is nearly useless for walking. Two steps is pretty good.

Outcome

Not many oiled birds survived. Some died from effects of oil and many more died from the effects of captivity. In those days, no one knew how anything about how to keep seabirds healthy in captivity. They died of fungal pneumonia, systemic infections from foot sores, and from the effects of fatal lesions over their keel bones.

A group of dedicated people who wanted to figure out better ways to clean oiled birds and to keep them alive until they could be freed formed an organization called the International Bird Rescue and Research Center (IBRRC). IBRRC is now called IBR or just Bird Rescue and is based in Fairfield and in San Pedro.

In 1976 there was a huge oil spill in the Delaware River when the tanker Olympic Games gashed her hull on a dock, and Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, the east coast version of IBRRC was formed.

These two organizations are the main practitioners of oiled wildlife response. They have developed techniques for washing birds, for treating the injuries of oil toxicity, and best practices for avoiding the injuries of captivity. They organized the wildlife response to Deepwater Horizon, and have responded to oil spills around the world.

Many people think washing oiled birds is a pointless, conscience-salving gesture. African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus) are a counterexample. IBRRC helped respond to two major South African tanker spills (1994 and 2000) that fouled the penguins' nesting grounds. These birds are now endangered for various reasons, but they'd be in worse shape if not for bird-washing do-gooders. A 2009 analysis concluded that the population was 19% higher than it would have been without spill response efforts.

Some recent books on San Francisco's recent history make no mention of the 1971 spill. They miss the story of a significant international organization and a movement which had part of its beginnings in the western neighborhoods.

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Streetwise: Giving Thanks in 2017

by Frank Dunnigan

November 2017

As we gather in the month of November to give thanks, this columns usual remembrances of jellied vs. whole cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes with-or-without lumps, and the merits/horrors of mincemeat pie will be put aside temporarily. Instead, it is time to reflect on how thankful all of us should be for those individuals who have occupied special places in our lives, but who have now left us.

Among my own classmates from St. Cecilia School, St. Ignatius, and University of San Francisco, several have passed on this past year. Out of hundreds of former co-workers, at least one familiar name appears among the Chronicles obituaries every week or so. Many of my long-time Parkside and Sunset District neighbors have also departed San Francisco for the very last time recently. With the loss of each one, I am reminded of the many shared moments that we enjoyed together as our paths crossed in this life.

One of those people in particularwhose passing on Fathers Day this past June left a considerable void in the lives of many of usis Paul Rosenberg.

Born to a Richmond District couple in 1945, just a week after VE Day, Paul was a true San Franciscan with deep roots. His parents were also San Francisco nativesand one set of his grandparents held their wedding ceremony at the old Temple Beth Israel on Geary near Fillmore Street well over 100 years ago. Paul spent his entire life in the Richmond District, eventually returning to the home that he once shared with his parents as his family expanded to include his beloved wife Sherrie and their son Coleman. Three generations of his family all attended the same neighborhood elementary school, and over the years, three generations of Rosenbergs have been active members of various San Francisco labor unions.

A precocious only child, Paul graduated from Lafayette School, Presidio Junior High, and Lowell High Schoolwith many of his cousins as fellow Lowell alums. At this point, he would likely interrupt me to chime in with three-and-a-half years of old Lowell at Hayes and Masonic, and final semester at new Lowell on Eucalyptus (which he deliberately pronounced YOU-CAL-IH-PEE-TUS) Drivefrom the fall of 1962 until mid-year graduation on January 29th of 1963. Paul was a faithful attendee at the annual meal hosted by that first graduating class from new Lowell on the exact date of their graduation. The group also met on several other occasions each year.

From an early age, Paul took an interest in state and local politics, often memorizing the names of candidates and ballot propositions from the daily newspaper. He also studied the winners and the runners-up, along with dates and offices held by previously elected officials, as well as the outcomes of hundreds of old propositions and ballot measures. Most of this encyclopedic knowledge was contained in his vast mental storehouse, but he admitted to having extensive paper and photo files, too.

Continuing in his own words, I went back East to collegeCal-Berkeley. It came as no surprise to anyone who knew him that his 1967 Bachelors Degree was in bio-statisticsa rare and difficult field in which he achieved great success while many of the rest of us ended up pursuing far less arduous courses of study as Liberal Arts majors.

Following college graduation, Paul began his career as a statistician with University of California-Berkeley. He then moved to a new position in the health industry for nearly a decade before joining the City & County of San Francisco Human Services Agency in 1976. There, he worked for the next 33 years at a series of increasingly responsible assignments managing computer systems that controlled the income and daily well-being of tens of thousands of local residents. At his retirement ceremony nearly a decade ago, lavish praise was made for his technical talents, along with his fairness and just treatment of co-workers and members of the public who depended upon his departments work.

Paul was nearly 40 years old when he and Sherrie Katz were married in 1984. When friends questioned him about why he waited so long, his answer was simple: Its an important life step, and you have only one chance to get it right. To everyone who saw the couple together, it was clear that both of them made excellent choices in selecting one another. Sherrie recently pointed out an amazing piece of trivia, When Paul traveled to my familys home in Michigan for our engagement party in 1984, it was literally his very first visit to a place outside the Pacific Time Zone. He hated to travel, saying that he did not need to go anywhere else because he was completely happy living in San Francisco.

Five years later, their son Coleman was born just one week prior to the Loma Prieta earthquake, thus rounding out the family. Paul and Sherrie were two only children who had an only childand the three of them formed a warm and loving family unit.

Just like his late father, Paul was an avid local tour guide for visiting family and friendswith a detailed knowledge of all things San Francisco. My own introduction to Paul came 10 years ago at a WNP evening get-together at the Cliff House. When I approached him for some background on a man named Sullivan who once served on the Board of Supervisors. Pauls quick response convinced me that he was the master of this subject: Which one: J. Joseph, James J., John J., or John T?

He was certainly the only person in the world who could name every single member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors since 1850, along with the years that they served, and he could tell stories about many of them. In fact, when a city-run website was established several years ago, Paul was astounded to find that it included a grossly inaccurate listing of previous Board members, and that some Supervisors of recent vintage, including Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, had not been included at all. He quickly provided City Hall with a corrected listing of all previous Supervisors and their terms in office, going back more than 160 years.

Even after taking this extraordinarily generous step, Paul shook his head in silent disbelief when a City Hall employee stated publicly that the Boards 6-to-5 female majority that was seated in January 2017 was a first for San Francisco. He quickly reminded the Clerk of the Board that women had held an identical majority more than 35 years earlierfrom 1981-85: Ella Hill Hutch (succeeded by Willie B. Kennedy), Wendy Nelder, Louise Renne, Carol Ruth Silver, Nancy Walker, and Doris Ward. Paul then noted that there was an even larger 7-to-4 female majority serving from 1993-97: Roberta Achtenberg (succeeded by Susan Leal), Angela Alioto, Sue Bierman, Annemarie Conroy (succeeded by Mabel Teng), Barbara Kaufman, Willie B. Kennedy (succeeded by Leslie Katz), and Carole Migden.

Pauls favorite Supervisor was almost certainly the late James B. McSheehy (1874-1944) who served on the Board from 1918-1942. Among McSheehys numerous mangled quotations, Paul (and also the late Herb Caen) loved to cite these classics:

 This building has all the earmarks of an eyesore.

 The handwriting on the wall is just as clear as a bell.

 You cant straddle the fence and still keep your ear to the ground.

 This comes with a few cents of being a vast and fabulous sum.

 Let us take the bull by the tail and look the matter squarely in the face.

 This is crouched in language which is perfectly oblivious.

Several years ago, when members of a lunch group were lamenting the 1963 closure and subsequent demolition of Market Streets Fox Theatre, Paul announced, You can place the blame on those mean old grown-ups who were living and voting in San Francisco back then, and he then related the story behind Proposition I (eye) on the November 1961 ballot. That measure called for the City & County of San Francisco to buy the Fox and to operate it as a performing arts center. Paul explained that passage required only a simple majority of the votes cast50% plus one votein order to save the classic theater. Astoundingly, given the public lamentations both then and now about the loss of this architectural treasure, the measure was rejected with nearly a 60% NO vote. Sadly, the steel ball and bulldozers were on the scene just 18 months later.

Among Pauls many hobbies, he was deeply devoted to all things related to MUNI, which was his preferred mode of daily transportation. As an historian, he could look at a vintage photo of rolling stock and immediately name the model, route number, and street location of the image. He was also often able to identify the year, based on the political ads displayed on the side of the vehicle, and someone once joked that given a few minutes, he could probably name the operator as well. In 1977, Paul was among a small group of rail fans and history enthusiasts who helped found the non-profit Market Street Railway, serving as president and remaining active in its operations for decades, often wearing the groups distinctive logo in the lapel of his coat.

These and other historical interests led to Pauls involvement as a founding member of the San Francisco History Association in 1982. That group began after several memorabilia collectors met at the first San Francisco Fair at the Moscone Center. While exhibiting their collections, these individuals began discussing their shared interest in local history. They decided to form a group, the San Francisco History Collectors Association, to exchange stories and information about historical artifactsand as the group grew, the word Collectors was dropped from the name. Paul was a regular attendee and also a speaker at many of the groups monthly meetings, and in 2013, he received the organizations prestigious Dr. Albert Shumate Memorial Award. In October of 2017, that group announced the formation of the Paul Rosenberg Legacy Fund.

Paul was naturally drawn to Western Neighborhoods Project soon after its founding in 1999. He was an early member of the groups Board of Directors and continued to serve on its Advisory Board. Over the years, he researched and wrote about topics ranging from a mysterious Richmond District bombing in 1927 to the so-called fake rocks on Point Lobos Avenue opposite the Cliff House, to paved-over, forgotten streetcar tracks at 22nd Avenue and Balboa. In addition, he was an invaluable resource and fact-checker extraordinaire for many of the rest of us involved in WNP. He was a popular guest on the groups podcast, participated in a number of History Minute videos, assisted as a regular commentator on walking tours, provided much-needed staffing at public events, and was a dedicated volunteer who helped identify thousands of vintage images on the OpenSFHistory site for the enjoyment of others.

In 2008, Paul and his long-time friend Noah Griffin (the two were only a few months apart in age and grew up near one another on 40th and 41st Avenues in the Richmond District) teamed up as co-Masters of Ceremony at an early Richmond History Day event. The gathering, which supported local libraries, also served to remind residents of the long and varied history of an important San Francisco neighborhood.

Everything Paul was interested in, he was interested in passionately. He was a true Renaissance man, active in many circles, a generous benefactor of numerous causes, and great friend to many. In Yiddish, he might be called a menschwhich translates to a person of honor and integrity.

We are fortunate to have passed this way together with himsomething for which we can all be grateful as we sit down around the Thanksgiving table with family and friends this November.

Not surprisingly, Pauls life accomplishments are far too numerous to be contained in a single column, so tune in next month for the conclusion, "Remembering a Life Well-Lived."

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The Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Herbert Krapa, has embarked on his first working visit to assess the work of exporting firms across the country.



The visit is intended to strengthen the relationship between the government of Ghana and industry stakeholders to boost foreign direct investment in Ghanas export sector.



Addressing journalists during a tour of Golden Exotics Limited (GEL) at Asutuare in the Shai Osudoku District of the Greater Accra Region, Mr. Krapa expressed satisfaction with the companys efforts to produce high-quality bananas in Ghana in strict conformity to European Union (EU) standards.



He said the Trade Ministry has commenced the rolling out of a series of programs and interventions to increase the volume of non-traditional exports from 2.5 billion USD to 25 billion USD by 2030 through the National Export Development Strategy (NEDS) which is being spearheaded by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA).



Mr. Krapa added that engaging investors in the field also offers the government of Ghana the opportunity to get updated with information about recent developments at some of the countrys key industrial centres for non-traditional export products.



Employing over 3,000 Ghanaians and located on a surface area of over 8,600 hectares, GEL, which is Fair Trade certified, produces 50,000 tonnes of bananas and 10,000 tonnes of pineapples annually, making it the largest exporter of bananas and pineapples in Ghana.



The companys plantation in Ghana also hosts one of the largest organic banana farms in the world, exporting mainly to EU countries and some African countries including Mali and Burkina Faso.



Vice President of GEL, Olivier Chassang, said the company is confident in its products produced in Ghana after almost two decades of operations in the country.



He also expressed confidence in the commitment of the government of Ghana to ensure political and economic stability to create an enabling environment that will attract more investments to create employment and boost the nations economy.





















Source: Lord Kweku Sekyi









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The Special Adviser to the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, has called on governments of the western world that make up the G20, to make the African Union (AU) one of its members, just like it did to the European Union (EU), a bold statement many had thought should have come from an African President.



The controversial request which has come to many as a surprise considering that Prof. Sach himself is a westerner, when granted, will see the G20 become G21.



The move, according to the SDGs advocate, will bring a representation of a population of about 1.4billion to the table which will help change discussions at the international forum.



The G20 should become G21 by inviting systematically, the Chairperson of the African Union and the African Union to be the 21st country. The European Union is a member of the G20. As the EU, if you add the AU as the 21st country, you add 1.4billion people to represent them and that is crucial. That will change decisively, the discussions because 1.4billion people are not at the table for finance right now and they need to be so. I love G20, just add one seat  thus 1.4billion people with the AU represented, he noted with the gathering applauding him for such a bold statement for inclusion.



Jeffrey Sachs was contributing to a discussion on Accelerating the critical transitions required at the UN Food Systems Pre-Summit which was held in Rome, Italy from July 26  28, 2021. The pre-summit was to set the stage for the culmination of the global event in September 2021 by bringing together diverse actors from around the world to leverage the power of food systems to deliver progress on all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).



The aim of the UN Food Systems Summit is to maximize the co-benefits of a food systems approach across the entire 2030 Agenda and meeting the challenges of climate change.



Explaining the rationale behind his request, Prof. Sachs, who is also the Director, Center for Sustainable Development, Columbia University, said the world has not seen much of the development it so desires because of the neglect of poor countries.



Rich countries are always pursuing their interest and living the poor countries behind, a situation he noted, must change with a different system which has to be based on principles of human dignity in the universal declaration; principles of sovereignty and principles of economic rights.



Commenting further, Prof. Sachs underscored the need for an order of magnitude change of development finance, stressing the need to increase lending and borrowing capacity of poor countries at zero percent coupon rate just like the rich countries have.



We need an order of magnitude change of development finance. The rich countries just borrowed us$17trillion for COVID; the poor countries nothing. Because the rich countries can borrow with zero and the poor countries pay five or ten percent coupon rate or have no access at all. So the world exposed its grotesque inequality, he noted.



With concerns of non-availability of COVID vaccines in poor countries in his mind, Prof. Sachs again called on the vaccine manufacturing countries like the United States of America, Russia, United Kingdom, China and the European Union to allocate the vaccines rather than hoarding them.



He also called for heaving financing of the United Nations to be the core and central institution to solve the myriads of challenges confronting the world, insisting that is the only way we are going to have a civilized world. It cannot be that a whole UN budget is less than New York Citys budget. The UNs core budget is US$3billion. New York Citys budget is US$100billion and then we say why dont things work well? Because the rich are hoarding everything.



Further to this call, he said there is the need to tax more, individuals and institutions, which are making more money in order to have a civilized world.



The Executive Director of Millennium Promise Alliance (MPA), Chief Nathaniel Ebo Nsarko, who also monitored the event live when contacted, said Prof. Sachs' call was a step in the right direction, urging African leaders to follow up on this historic move and ensure that AU is included in the G20 to make it G21.



"Prof. Sachs' statement has indeed shaken the foundations of the western world. In the coming days, I expect leadership of the AU to explore all possibilities to make a strong case for the continent to join the world powers during these strong decision making dialogue and change our fortune", he noted.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Four National Security operatives have been remanded into police custody by an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly stealing vehicles belonging to the husband of the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Dr Charles Mensah.



The four, on Tuesday, July 27, allegedly destroyed the metallic gate of the residence of the complainant and entered his compound with two towing vehicles with registration numbers GX3976-20 and GW557V to commit the crime.



The accused, Alhaji Ahmed Bandoh, Albert Paa Kwesi Okyere, Kwasi Acheampong, George Antwi and one Randy, now at large stole a Toyota Land Cruiser and a Nissan Patrol.



They have subsequently been charged with unlawful entry, stealing, causing unlawful damage and conspiracy to commit crime.



Their pleas were not taken by the court.



The court, presided over by Mrs Evelyn Asamoah, also turned bail application put in by Mr Prince Neequaye, counsel for the accused persons.



Chief Inspector Emmanuel Haligah, holding brief for Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Sylvester Asare, told the court, that after stealing the vehicles, the accused persons loaded them unto the towing trucks, and exited the compound.



He said while exiting the house, some military men saw them and apprehended them. The Prosecutor said the military men handed them over to the police attached to the National Security. The drivers of the respective towing vehicles however escaped with their vehicles.



He said investigations were underway to arrest the drivers and their towing vehicles.



The matter has been adjourned to August 11.

Source: Graphiconline.com









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The Minority in Parliament has described the mid-year budget review as a clear indication of the governments willingness to depend entirely on debt relief and debt forgiveness to rescue and sustain the economy.



According to them, the Minister of Finance, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, failed to explain to Ghanaians how the government planned to generate more revenue to cushion the economy against the unsustainable public debt.



Besides, they said, it was because the economy was in a tattered state that the Finance Minister told the House he was not there to ask for more money.



The Minority stated this in reaction to the presentation of the mid-year fiscal policy review of the budget statement and economic policy of the government by the Finance Minister on the floor of the House yesterday.



You cant drink from empty calabash



Speaking on the floor of the House, the Minority Leader, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, said: You cannot borrow more money because you do not drink from an empty calabash. So we can understand why the Finance Minister is not here to ask for money.



He indicated that with boards of public institutions and chief executives of metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies yet to be appointed, Mr Ofori-Atta was not in a position to ask for more money.



I only remind him that as for farmers who want fertiliser, it is seasonal. If you do not give them their fertiliser now, we lose the opportunity, he said.



The Tamale South MP said the mid-year budget review was an indication that the hope of the President to sustain the economy was in debt relief and debt forgiveness.



That is their hope to rescue this economy; if there is debt relief and debt forgiveness, it is only hope, he said.



Unsustainable borrowing



In an interview with journalists outside the Chamber, the MP for Bolgatanga Central, Mr Isaac Adongo, argued that the country was clearly trapped in public debt and was compelled to borrow every year to survive.



He noted that out of the $22 billion that the government had borrowed since assuming office, about $7.3 billion had been used to pay interest, an unsustainable payment that had caused the country to be trapped in debt.



I expected to hear bold revenue measures that demonstrate that we are going to get more revenue by the end of the year, he said.



Mr Adongo also expressed concern over the decision by the government to use over 91 per cent of tax revenue to pay interest cost.



Cosmetic statement



Contributing, the Ranking Member on the Finance Committee, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, described the mid-year review budget as nothing but hopeless.



He said almost every single revenue item in the statement was undermined, as the entire government revenue had underperformed within the first six months of the year.



He also accused the government of spending over GH4.5 billion on goods and services, instead of the budgeted GH2 billion.



It is needless for the government to spend GH4.5 billion on goods and services for six months. That is not acceptable, as capital expenditure is coming down, he said.



He said while the government spent GH6 billion on capital expenditure, it was spending GH15.5 billion on interest payments.



Minority were dazed



The New Patriotic Party MP for Nhyiaeso and member of the Finance Committee, Dr Stephen Amoah, said the Minority were dazed by the no request for more money statement by the Finance Minister.



He noted that while the previous NDC administration introduced 10 new taxes, the Akufo-Addo led-government scrapped 15 different taxes to bring relief to Ghanaians following the burden brought on them by the NDC administration.



"In times such as these, we are among the countries that have managed their economies prudently," Dr Amoah said.



The MP said the combined effect of the COVID-19 on trade, industry, productivity and revenue generation had hit the economy.



Despite projections that the Ghanaian economy was to shrink last year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the government managed to grow it by 0.4 per cent. These indicators, even in a global pandemic, deserve commendation and not condemnation from the opposition lawmakers, he said.

Source: graphiconline.com









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

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The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, has invited the embattled former Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin North, John Gyakye Quayson, for interrogation.



This follows a complaint lodged by the Central Regional Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Takyi Mensah, over perjury.



A source at the Police CID Headquarters says Mr. Quayson has been served with a letter to appear before it for interrogation.



He will either appear on August 3 or 6, 2021, the source added.



Quayson was on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, stripped of his MPship after a Cape Court High annulled the 2020 Parliamentary Election held in Assin North constituency and ordered for a fresh election to be held.



The Court which was presided over by Justice Kwasi Boakye, restrained Mr. Quayson, from holding himself as MP for the Assin North constituency.



Quayson had filed his nomination forms to contest for the position of a Member of Parliament for the Assin North Constituency when the Electoral Commission of Ghana opened nomination between October 5 to 9, 2020.



As part of the nomination forms, Quayson signed a Statutory Declaration under Part IV of the forms before a Judicial Officer that he did not owe allegiance to any country other than Ghana.



He subsequently went ahead to contest the parliamentary election on December 7, 2020, which he won.



Michael Ankomah-Nimfah, who had knowledge about Quaysons Canadian Citizenship then petitioned the Director-General, CID, to conduct a criminal investigation into false declaration made by Quayson.



He had contended in his petition that Quayson held dual citizenship as a Ghanaian and a Canadian at the time of his election, and therefore, must be restrained from performing the duties of a Member of Parliament.



Nimfah also proceeded to the Cape Coast High Court and prayed that an injunction be placed on Quayson.



The Court having listened to the plea advanced by Lawyer Frank Davies, Gary Nimako and Frank Kusi, Counsels for Ankomah-Nimfah, and counter argument by Abraham Amalibah and Adu Yeboah, Counsels for Quayson, granted the injunction.



"It is hereby ordered that James Quayson a.k.a. James Gyakye is hereby restrained from holding himself out as Member of Parliament-Elect for the Assin North constituency within the Central Region of the Republic of Ghana and further presenting himself to be sworn in as Member of Parliament-Elect as such until the final determination of the Petition filed against him by the applicant."



Despite the court directive, Quayson still went ahead and presented himself to be sworn in as the Member Parliament for Assin North Constituency.



He even took part in the voting of the Speaker of Parliament, an exercise he was advised by the Clerk of Parliament, not to be part of but ignored.



The Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, prayed to the Clerk of Parliament to allow Quayson to participate in the election of the Speaker and let him bear the consequences thereafter.



Having gone through the full stretch of the court hearing, Quayson was found guilty of having not renounced his Canadian citizen at the time of filing his nomination. His Renunciation Certificate of Canadian Citizenship was issued on November 26, 2020, with his renunciation taking effect same date.



Now, he faces another herculean challenge, the case of perjury to cross. Moments after the Cape Coast High Court ruling, Mr. Takyi Mensah, petitioned the CID to press criminal charges against Quayson for committing perjury.



Mr. Quayson has perjured himself by lying under oath and I have taken steps to petition your office for official criminal investigations to be conducted. I have attached for your attention the following documents: Biodata page of Canadian Passport bearing the name Mr. James Quayson issued on 03-10-2016; Biodata page of Ghanaian Passport bearing the name Mr. James Gyakye Quayson issued on 02-08-2019; and Ghanaian Passport application form completed by Mr. James Gyakye Quayson dated 30-07-2019, the petition filed by Mr. Takyi Mensah in part read.

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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My other challenge is evaluating each labor market so that we can understand what it will take to become the employer of choice for prospective job seekers. We are using a quality-of-life strategy that we hope will separate us from other service industry competitors.

In addition to understanding the wages and benefits that are currently being offered, we need to understand the needs of our potential employees and meet those needs to the best of our ability; for example, it may mean providing increased schedule flexibility and job certainty among other things.

Adirondack Trust in its legal action cited an affidavit by Patel in which he said the buffet format was irreparably damaged in the public eye due to concerns of hygiene amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Patels then-lawyer, in a statement to the Gazette, said in October 2020 the family was looking to convert their restaurants to another format.

But on Friday, Patel suggested hed be bringing back the buffets:

We absolutely believe the casual restaurant concept is viable and its being proven with approximately 380 Golden Corrals operating across the country and seeing record numbers of customers returning.

Patel has extensive roots in the business.
A sign on the shops door states fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear masks, but those who have not received the shot must do so.

Ive been debating whether to change the message here, Barkenhagen said.

He added hes still not ready to require his staff  who have all been fully vaccinated  to wear masks again, but will consider doing so if cases continue to rise.

Barkenhagen, who is also president of the Glens Falls Collaborative, said he expects the business group will discuss the new CDC guidelines next week.

The groups hospitality committee recently canceled plans to release a statement praising the community for heading in the right direction.

We kind of nixed that because were not moving in the right direction, he said.

Library considering

Meanwhile, at Crandall Public Library, Director Kathy Naftaly said staff is evaluating whether to require masks while browsing.

The library recommends everyone where a mask but does not mandate it and has been operating on an honor system since the CDC said, back in May, that vaccinated individuals were no longer required to wear masks in public.
This is what we are doing to our childrens future. Please, cut out fossil fuel use and use your vote to put people in office who will work for a sustainable future.

Jahnn Swanker-Gibson, Johnstown

Please get the shot for everyones sake

Editor:

One year ago, I wrote a letter to the editor, asking the Warren County community to join me in thanking the tireless folks of our Public Health Services for their remarkable efforts in the face of this terrible COVID pandemic. With their continuing leadership and efforts, we have done darn well in containing it since then.

But now, area-wide we are experiencing more than a doubling of our previously low numbers in just a couple of weeks. Why? We have dropped our mask guards, and the much more contagious and nasty delta variant has hit us, and we havent achieved that herd immunity we so much need to protect us all, since many of us have delayed vaccination.

I am adding my voice to many of our public health professionals and of our community physicians and nurses: Please be vaccinated. Ask your primary care provider where to go to receive it or check that same website for information.
It was one of the things that was certainly a revelation for me, so this is great, Coughlin added.

They then visited the new food pantry location, which has moved to a larger site in the Townsend Residential Life Center. Stockton also operates a food pantry at its Atlantic City campus.

During his visit, Coughlin met with several students from both the Galloway and Atlantic City campuses who use the pantry.

I cant imagine the challenge that must be, Coughlin told the students. Its something you have to worry about every morning when you get up.

Stockton University says employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP  Stockton University will require its employees to be vaccinated against 

Nancy Ayala, 22, of Atlantic City, said it was hard for her to ask for help at first.

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I dont like depending on other people, she said. At the start of it, I was like, I dont want to. But then I was like, I have to, its important. I need to feed myself.

Sometimes you have to count on people, thats how you survive, Ayala said.

She said that when her working hours were cut during the COVID-19 pandemic, she relied even more on the pantry.
As envisioned, both the fire headquarters and the public safety building would be demolished for additional parking. The new building would require moving the popular skate park and the existing parking lot to the recreation fields behind the Primary School.

The skate park would need to be rebuilt at the new location, presenting another roadblock for the proposal. When the park opened in 2015, the city put $250,000 into the cost, with Cape May County covering $500,000 through its open space fund.

City officials believe the county will not allow the existing park to be demolished until the new one is in place, which could take a year.

The construction of the combined building itself could take about 18 months.

Gillian hopes to have building plans finalized in early fall. He said a lot of federal infrastructure grant money is likely to become available, and said the city has been preparing for the project, one he says will improve public safety.

This seems to tick all the boxes, Smith said.
ATLANTIC CITY  Nearly six months after the Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino came crumbling to the ground, officials have still not announced an
President Joe Biden recently announced his support for the bipartisan infrastructure framework, a proposal to spend $1.2 trillion on infrastructure over eight years, with $579 billion in new spending. It includes spending on highways and bridges, public transit, passenger and freight rail, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, airports, water, broadband and power. How to pay is still the subject of considerable disagreement, as are questions about which projects should be prioritized.

In its current form, the proposal includes too much federal spending that could be funded privately. Even where government funding is required, it should mostly be collected from user fees. And most of those user fees could be better collected and administered by state governments than by the federal government.

First, it makes more sense to fund EV charging stations, passenger and freight rail, and power infrastructure privately. Each provides valuable services that can be sold to users. The only reason for the federal government to subsidize broadband and water infrastructure is to help communities where residents might not be able to afford user fees or access the service. And this spending could be reduced if federal subsidies were targeted only to regions of the country with a concentration of low-income residents.
Many women have come forward with their accusations of sexual assault against Cosby. They have a common thread, that Cosby gave them a drink, they became dizzy or passed out in his bed in a compromising sexual act. Theres no way all these women are misrepresenting their similar accusations. Several were underage teenagers at the time. His legacy will remain tarnished, though hes a free man, legally blind at age 83.

Cosbys overturned verdict saddens me because this might encourage other sexual abuse and sexual assault survivors to remain quiet about the actions of powerful, famous, wealthy and ordinary men.

Valeria Marcus

Atlantic City

NJ teachers complicit in loss of liberty

Is the spirit of liberty dead? Im talking about that little spark everyone is born with that first becomes evident at about 2 years of age. From that time forward, we are all indoctrinated with varying degrees of conformity in order to maintain a civilized society. Have we become overly civilized to the point of losing liberty?
MOUNT HOLLY  The National Weather Service has confirmed seven tornadoes in Pennsylvania and New Jersey during Thursdays storm, including an EF-3 storm in eastern Pennsylvania and an EF-2 tornado that started in the Keystone State and then moved into the Garden State.

Authorities in Bucks County said the EF-3 tornado contained top winds of 140 mph when it struck Bensalem, damaging an auto dealership and a mobile home park. The citys public safety director said four people were injured at the dealership and one at a nearby business, but all injuries were considered non-life-threatening.

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Forecasters said an EF-2 tornado was confirmed near New Hope, Pennsylvania in the Washington Crossing Historic Park area, and the storm then went across the Delaware River into Mercer County, where homeowners spent Friday dealing with damage from uprooted trees. That storm had peak winds up to 115 mph, forecasters said.

+3 Five tornadoes touched down in New Jersey, two in Ocean County The National Weather Service on Friday confirmed at least five tornadoes touched down in New
MORE ON THE BRAY WYATT RELEASE

PWInsider.com has confirmed with multiple sources that WWE chose to release Bray Wyatt and that the word going around was that it was a budget-related reason, similar to other big cuts, such as Braun Strowman. It was not a case of Wyatt asking to be released.

We are told that Wyatt was called by John Lauirinaitis (who wasn't even at TV this week as he's in the middle of moving back to Connecticut) and informed it was simply a budgetary decision and not something Wyatt had done.

To say that the reaction within the company was stunned would be a massive understatement given how plugged into licensing the Wyatt character has been in recent years. The Fiend had been a massive hit for t-shirts and action figures.

One source pointed the finger squarely at WWE President Nick Khan and CFO Kristina Salen, stating that they are so "obsessed" with the company not being even one iota in the red on the financial ledgers that even after the most recent financial quarter, there had to have been a push to cut costs where with previous regimes, there would have been more leniency.

Others noted that Wyatt and Vince McMahon's relationship behind the scenes ran very hot and cold at times and that McMahon has given Khan the ability to run things far more than anyone else has historically been able to accomplish, so there was likely less of a push-back over the idea of cutting a big money contract from the ledger.

Another source pointed that Wyatt's 90 days would run out the week before AEW's Full Gear and how Vince McMahon may have been very prophetic about handing AEW other assets during yesterday's media call.

For those who have asked if there are other releases coming today, we have heard nothing that leads me to believe that is the case.

If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Quad-Citians should mask up when they are in indoor public spaces, vaccinated or not, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends.

That's because COVID-19 metrics for Rock Island and Scott counties have climbed to the level of "substantial" transmission of the coronavirus that triggers the CDC recommendation. In the greater Illinois-Iowa region, Muscatine now has a "high" rate of transmission, Henry and Mercer counties have "substantial" transmission, and Louisa and Clinton counties have "moderate" transmission.

The CDC calculates the metric from a combination of two data points from the previous seven days: total new cases per 100,000 people and the percentage of positive diagnostic and screening tests.

Scott and Rock Island counties climbed from "moderate" to "substantial" levels in the past week.

Scott County added 104 cases, or 60.14 new cases per 100,000 people, up 103.92% from last week, according to CDC data, available at covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view. The county's positivity rate climbed to 8.02%, up 2.27%. There were nine new hospital admissions in Scott County, according to CDC data, a 125% increase.
Gloria Schmidt Rodriguez, who represents witnesses Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo, said Linn found the brothers testimony credible, and that the prohibition on Uche cross-examining them would protect their interest.

The Osundairo family is pleased with the result and (the brothers) look forward to testifying at trial, she wrote in a statement to the Tribune.

Smollett earlier this year selected Uche, a former Cook County prosecutor, to take a key role in his defense against charges that he staged a phony hate crime on himself and lied to police about it.

Not long afterward, the Osundairo brothers  who told police they helped Smollett orchestrate the hoax  came forward to say they had spoken to Uche about the case during its initial phases in early 2019.

Special prosecutors wanted Uche thrown off the case, arguing he had a fatal conflict of interest. Uche, on the other hand, denied ever having spoken to the brothers at all. Linn heard testimony from the Osundairos in a closed-door hearing earlier this month.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  Saginaw Grant, a prolific Native American character actor and hereditary chief of the Sac & Fox Nation of Oklahoma, has died. He was 85.

Grant died peacefully in his sleep of natural causes on Wednesday at a private care facility in Hollywood, California, said Lani Carmichael, Grants publicist and longtime friend.

He loved both Oklahoma and L.A., Carmichael said. He made his home here as an actor, but he never forgot his roots in Oklahoma. He remained a fan of the Sooner Nation.

Born July 20, 1936, in Pawnee, Oklahoma, Grant was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

He began acting in the late 1980s and played character roles in dozens of movies and television shows over the last three decades, including The Lone Ranger, The Worlds Fastest Indian and Breaking Bad, according to Grant's IMDB filmography.

Grant was active for years in the powwow circuit in California and traveled around the globe to speak to people about Native American culture, Carmichael said.

His motto in life was always respect one another and don't talk about one another in a negative way," she said.
A Black-owned marijuana dispensary is coming to Springfield.

Chicago businessmen Brian Scruggs and Kamau Murray of Herbal Quality Control LLC on Thursday were awarded a cannabis license by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to operate a recreational dispensary in Springfield.

The dispensary will be the first of three licenses coming to Sangamon and Menard counties as part of the state's three-round lottery, which has a renewed focus to award licenses to minorities and those with past marijuana-related convictions due to recent legislation.

"The outcome of the original scoring process prompted a reply that the results did not meet their original goal of social equity," said Pamela Althoff, executive director of the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois and former state senator.

"It was the entire reason why the State of Illinois had the additional lottery," Althoff said referring to a lack of licenses being awarded to those who were historically disenfranchised as a result of past marijuana laws. The drug became legal for recreational use in Illinois in 2020.
CHICAGO  A judge on Friday said he would not kick one of Jussie Smollett's attorneys off the case even though he believes the attorney spoke to two men the actor allegedly hired to help him carry out a staged racist and homophobic attack.

In his ruling, Cook County Judge James Linn took the unusual step of prohibiting Smollett attorney Nenye Uche from questioning the two brothers, Abinbola and Olabinjo Osudairo, should the case go to trial, and that someone else on the actor's legal team would have to do it should the need arise.

Special Prosecutor Dan Webb argued that the alleged conversations between Uche and the brothers in 2019, shortly after Smollett said he was a victim of a hate crime, created a conflict of interest. However Linn found that it was in the court's interest to allow Smollett to retain his chosen lawyer "when his liberty is at stake," even if the judge found Webb's concerns to be legitimate.

"The totality of the evidence shows clearly and convincingly that at different points, Mr. Uche talked to both brothers and their mother," Linn wrote.
Due to the shortfall, officials said the Iowa National Guard Trench Run scheduled for Aug. 16 is canceled. Plans are underway to reschedule the 10-kilometer run for next year and the reimbursement process for those who have already registered for the event this year, officials said.

The Iowa National Guard Alumni Day scheduled on Aug. 7 also is canceled.

HEALTH BOARD APPOINTMENTS: After criticism that the lack of a quorum prevented the state Board of Health from meeting, Gov. Kim Reynolds on Friday announced appointments to the panel.

Earlier this week, legislative Democrats said they were appalled the governor had not filled the boards vacancy given issues surrounding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Reynolds fired back, saying the terms of board members expire in June and the panel had decided to meet once every two months so there was no quorum issue.

Her appointees to the board are: Republicans Fred Schuster and Nick Ryan, both of Polk County, and Donald McFarland of Johnson County, Democrat Andrew Allen of Story County, and Lisa Czyzewicz of Iowa County, Sandra McGrath of Wright County and Chelcee Schleuger of Hancock County, all no party.
Will County resident Susan Eisenbrandt wiped away tears this week as she learned her son, Mark, will be allowed to remain at his neighborhood high school for five extra months after his 22nd birthday.

Under a previous law, Mark, 21, who has autism and seizure disorders, would have been abruptly yanked from the special education transition program at Lincoln-Way School District 210 on Dec. 9, when he turns 22. But legislation signed this week by Gov. J.B. Pritzker means he can stay on to finish the school year.

Im just so happy ... Its been a battle, and finally the hard work is done, Susan Eisenbrandt said.

Pritzker signed House Bills 40 and 2748 into law at Chicagos Southside Occupational Academy High School on Wednesday, allowing special education students like Mark to stay in class through the end of the school year in which they turn 22 instead of aging out of services the day of their birthday.

The package also allows special education students who recently turned 22 and were impacted by COVID-19 to remain eligible for educational services up to the end of the regular 2021-22 school year.
Recent publications by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the continued use of face masks in school settings until children or adolescents are fully vaccinated. Furthermore, the World Health Organization states that "masks should be used as part of a comprehensive strategy of measures to suppress transmission and save lives."

While children are still ineligible for COVID-19 vaccination, it is incomprehensible for Iowa to have a ban on mask mandates. It is not sensible to prohibit a mandate for a safety precaution as simple as a small cloth mask when global medical experts widely recommend them.

Science has proven that the use of face masks significantly reduces the spread of severe SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory infections.

I implore the Office of the Governor and the Iowa Legislature to lead and govern in a way that protects all Iowans. With new legislation to remove the ban on mask mandates, you can lead Iowa parents to follow the recommendations of the experts in the global medical community while improving public health and safety in our most precious area  our schools.

Amanda Zeskey

LeClaire

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Rodeo athletes have been pounding the pavement between Cheyenne and Deadwood this week, yo-yoing back and forth between a couple of classic rodeo venues: Cheyennes Frontier Days and Deadwoods Days of 76.

For a number of cowboys and cowgirls, Friday was perhaps a busier day than usual for the top performers as the semifinal round played out in Cheyenne (1 p.m.), and Deadwood featured the third performance of the Days of 76 at 7 p.m.

Jess Pope, a 22-year-old bareback rider turned his trip north into a spot atop the leaderboard with an 87-point trip aboard Harper & Morgan Rodeo Companys showy bucking horse, Sippin Firewater. Pope's hurried trip to South Dakota and bareback success mirrored an early season journey when he shared top money in Rodeo Rapid City in February.

Pope, a winner in Spanish Fork Utah last weekend, stayed in Deadwood and will be one brief as the Waverly, Kansas cowboy has qualified for the Frontier Days semifinal round in Cheyenne on Saturday.

Clay Jorgenson (Watford, ND) earned a share of third with an 84-point ride aboard a re-ride horse, an effort made notable by the fact that Jorgenson had to wait nearly two hours for his second opportunity of the night.
A federal freeze on most evictions that was enacted last year is scheduled to expire Saturday, after the Biden administration extended the original date by a month. The moratorium put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in September has been the only tool keeping millions of tenants in their homes. Many of them lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic and have fallen months behind on their rent.

Landlords successfully challenged the order in court, arguing that they also had bills to pay. They pointed out that tenants could access nearly $47 billion in federal money set aside to help pay rents and related expenses.

Advocates for tenants said the distribution of the money had been slow and that more time was needed to distribute it and repay landlords. Without an extension, they feared a spike in evictions and lawsuits seeking to oust tenants who were behind on their rents.

Even with the delay, roughly 3.6 million people in the U.S. as of July 5 said they would face eviction within the next two months, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus Household Pulse Survey. The survey measures the social and economic effects of the pandemic every two weeks through online responses from a representative sample of U.S. households.

Heres the situation in South Dakota:
The repainting and rubber removal processes require the crew from Hi-Lite to blast off the old paint and rubber using three semi-trucks loaded with extremely high pressure water blasters.

"We're trying to get a lot of that old paint off because what happens is that year after year the paint will just build up and then it starts flaking off," Lepine said. "That will cause what's called a FOD (foreign object debris) issue on the runway. That's bad on aircraft because any foreign object on the runway can damage engines and tires."

The repainting project includes essential and non-essential runway markings as classified by the FAA, Lepine said.

"The FAA looks at essential paint markings that we have to have for air carrier operations. For instance, the number 3-2 and the number 1-4 at either end of the runway are essential. They have to be in before the first air carrier departs tomorrow morning," Lepine said. "We have to blast them off, let it dry and then repaint them before the first plane leaves at 5:15 a.m."

Lepine said that crews work throughout the night, as long as the weather holds out. Rain and thunderstorms cause delays for the process. In the morning, Lepine has to get the crews off the airfield before airport operations can resume.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP)  A federal freeze on most evictions that was enacted last year is scheduled to expire Saturday, after the Biden administration extended the original date by a month. The moratorium put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in September has been the only tool keeping millions of tenants in their homes. Many of them lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic and have fallen months behind on their rent.

Landlords successfully challenged the order in court, arguing that they also had bills to pay. They pointed out that tenants could access nearly $47 billion in federal money set aside to help pay rents and related expenses.

Advocates for tenants said the distribution of the money had been slow and that more time was needed to distribute it and repay landlords. Without an extension, they feared a spike in evictions and lawsuits seeking to oust tenants who were behind on their rents.

Even with the delay, roughly 3.6 million people in the U.S. as of July 5 said they would face eviction within the next two months, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus Household Pulse Survey. The survey measures the social and economic effects of the pandemic every two weeks through online responses from a representative sample of U.S. households.

Heres the situation in South Dakota:
But to be continually in effect, the Hyde Amendment must be added to the appropriations budget every year.

For the first time since 1976, the proposed budget by the majority party has no Hyde Amendment languagea deliberate omission.

Until recently, the Hyde Amendment enjoyed support from both Republican and Democratic presidents. However, in 2019, the-candidate Joe Biden reversed his position on the Amendment and announced that he supported taxpayer-funding of abortion.

In fact, President Bidens proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2022 omitted the Hyde Amendment and clearly showed that President Biden has endorsed the extremism of pro-abortion groups who would like to see abortion on demand paid for with tax dollars.

Both House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer want to eliminate the Hyde Amendment and have repeatedly defended the decision to do so. Leading Democrats in both the House and the Senate are determined to fund abortions using taxpayer money.

What used to be a bipartisan consensusthat taxpayer funds should not be used to pay for abortionshas now become part of an overall campaign to see abortion available at anytime, anywhere, and for any reasonand paid for with tax dollars.
Letters to the editor, July 31, 2021

Ambitions, not education

The Journal printed a story on Friday stating that Noem bans federal grants for critical race theory. It is refreshing to know that the Governor is protecting our children from learning about the basic history of the United States. Hitler tried this by having book burnings. It didnt work. History is there for the reading no matter how hard Republicans try to ignore it.

If Noem really was concerned about education in South Dakota, she would do something about our teacher salaries that are back being the lowest in the Nation. But Noem isnt concerned about that; its not something that would help her political ambitions. Too bad. I thought that she was elected to help South Dakotans, not to go running off with the Trump nuts.

Reed Richards, Spearfish

Fruits of propaganda

Christopher Rufo is a movie director distracting national attention from the incredible restart of Trumps fight to be president after his hopelessly shambolic coup attempt, and from racial reckoning after George Floyds murder.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the Thursday night raid on the Liberian-flagged tanker Mercer Street. However, a U.S. official said it appears a so-called suicide drone was used in the attack, raising the possibility that a government or a militia group was behind it. The U.S. Navy rushed to the scene following the attack and was escorting the tanker to a safe harbor, a London-based ship management company said Friday.

Hong Kong protester given nine-year term

HONG KONG  A pro-democracy protester was sentenced Friday to nine years in prison in the closely watched first prosecution under Hong Kongs national security law as the ruling Communist Party tightens control over the territory.

Tong Ying-kit, 24, was convicted of inciting secession and terrorism for driving his motorcycle into a group of police officers at a July 1, 2020, rally. He carried a flag bearing the banned slogan, Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times.

Tongs sentence was longer than the three years requested by the prosecution. He faced a possible maximum of life in prison.

100 spend night on road after mudslides
We are in the midst of a staffing shortage across the country, she said.

The lack of workers means the hotel cant book rooms for guests because it doesnt have enough workers to clean the rooms. The hotel also cant get the supplies needed like linens and other essentials.

Willis said the hotel is literally trying everything to hire and retain workers, such as raising pay, offering sign-on bonuses and increasing referral bonuses.

These measures have a trickle-down effect because the hotel cannot overlook the current staff. The hotel is also implementing wage adjustments and other fringe benefits to try and keep those workers on board, such as offering complimentary lunches, parking and coffee.

In this market, you cannot be passive. You have to recruit aggressively and really utilize everything available to you, Willis said.

Most importantly, she said employers need to be make the application and hiring process quick and easy for the applicant.

Willis has found the most success by reaching out to candidates via Indeed and ZipRecruiter and asking candidates to apply for the hotels open jobs.
We are just trying to make some noise out here about things we need, Martin said.

Were almost destined to get sick, Martin said, referring to how grocery and food service workers have been at a higher risk to being exposed to COVID-19. We are the only people out there servicing the whole world.

The union says the proposed changes by Kroger ultimately will result in workers having little say in their health care coverage and having to pay more in health care costs.

Kroger wants to force everyone onto a company health care plan which would be a disaster for our members, said Mark Federici, president of UFCW Local 400, in a statement. Union members would lose any say in our health care coverage, including the costs and benefits. Kroger could eliminate benefits or raise costs at any time without our input. This is no way to treat heroes who kept coming to work during a pandemic to keep these stores operating.

Federici added that sales increased at every single Kroger under the contract. This is no time for the company to propose cuts to health care benefits. These workers deserve to be rewarded for their service, not punished because of corporate greed.
The right number of positions combines how much the investor can competently oversee and how many or few positions they need to feel comfortably diversified.

Lee figures he can properly manage up to three dozen positions, roughly two-thirds of them being stocks, which he feels take more time to understand and track.

Once youve decided on your right/maximum number of positions, cull the portfolio accordingly.

For Lee, that means that anything outside his top 36 should go. Set your personal number based on what you can handle responsibly  staying on top of developments so that you are in control  and adjust it over time as your interests change.

The number of accounts you have: I recently heard from Marvin in Fort Worth, Texas, who has money in every retirement plan from every job he ever has held. Each plan has a mix of funds, and in many cases those portfolios have changed dramatically  often to funds he doesnt love  because the employer changed up the plan.

Life would be so much simpler with all of those holdings in one self-directed IRA.
The bar to qualify is a lot lower than people realize, Cook said. Its not quite as daunting of an application as people realize. They are trying to be generous in their definition of who qualifies.

One question to qualify asks if COVID-19 affected your wages. Cook explained that could mean you were laid off or your hours were reduced, but there is a second part of the question that asks if your expenses have increased. You could qualify if you are paying more in energy costs because you are working from home, or child care costs because your kids arent in school.

Renters and landlords can both apply for, and benefit from, rent relief. A state requirement that landlords apply on their tenants behalf expired at the end of June, Wegbreit said.

But Patrick McCloud, CEO of the Virginia Apartment Management Association, said many landlords will continue to try to seek relief for themselves and on behalf of their renters because it makes financial sense.

The relief funds may be the only way landlords get the rent theyre owed, McCloud said, adding that people dont pay after theyre evicted. Plus, he said, it takes months to go through the court eviction process, which means more rent goes unpaid.
Smigo said children and the elderly, who may have immune systems that are impaired or not fully functioning, should be more cautious as they are generally at higher risk to waterborne illnesses.

But on Thursday afternoon, several dozen people, including families, were at Belle Isle looking to soak up the sun or beat the heat in the water  some unaware of the water advisory.

Jay Meyer, 45, was at Belle Isle with his 6-year-old and 8-year-old kids. The Midlothian resident said he was informed about the advisory by a nearby kayaker.

It just sort of happenstance that this guy came through and told us, otherwise we would have no idea, Meyer said.

Meyer said he would continue to cautiously monitor the water, but he allowed his kids to play in it.

Most others were aware of the advisory before speaking with the Richmond Times-Dispatch, such as Midlothian resident Angela Sheridan, 50, who said she had no intention of going in.

Logan Fritz, a 21-year-old Chesterfield County resident, said he was also informed by a kayaker about the sewage release and immediately got out of the water.

Sewage is disgusting, he said. I dont want to touch that.
However, Newman said that was the extent of bipartisan cooperation on how to spend the federal aid, which he said was decided by a handful of House and Senate Democratic leaders and the governors staff.

The process is one that I think is deeply flawed and has become partisan when it comes to the budget, he said. We would have done these things better together than were doing them with just a couple of members.

Newman said he is concerned that the House could adopt the budget without considering floor amendments, but he said he is confident the Senate will act more deliberately.

I dont think theres any chance of the budget moving at lightning speed through committee, he said.

Democratic leaders are eager to avoid a repeat of the special session that lasted 84 days last summer and fall, especially with House members facing re-election contests in November. Republicans criticized them for failing to agree on a procedural resolution on the first day of that session to set the rules and boundaries for how it would be conducted.
For nearly two decades, Riverside Outfitters has been serving the Richmond region as an outdoor community center and commercial outfitter. Since the companys launch, we have observed firsthand Richmonds transformation into an outdoor adventure destination for visitors and residents alike.

According to Richmond Region Tourisms latest annual report, Richmonds top two attractions are the James River Park System and the Virginia Capital Trail, which together welcome more than 3 million visitors each year. The James River and its surrounding park and trail systems clearly are a big part of what makes Richmond the unique and vibrant city it is today.

Outdoor recreation is about quality of life. I have lived in Richmond for more than 30 years, and what I love most about this city is that I dont have to travel hours away for a weekend adventure in nature. In fact, I dont even have to wait for the weekend to get outside, because there are countless opportunities for adventure right here within the city limits: mountain biking, kayaking, trail running, rafting, hiking, fishing, snorkeling and more.

Thanks in large part to the city of Richmond and nongovernmental organizations planning and conservation efforts, outdoor recreation has been on a steep rise across the Richmond region over the past two decades.
With this funding, we have a tremendous opportunity to rebuild our aging water systems and ensure every Virginia family has reliable access to safe, clean drinking water, Northam said in a statement. In addition to modernizing water and sewer infrastructure across the commonwealth, these investments will go a long way towards restoring the health of our waterways and reducing pollution in our communities.

We agree. Look, were not saying that every idea put forth in the long-winding infrastructure debate on Capitol Hill fits the definition of need. Some pieces were a vision and we already have appropriated trillions of COVID-19 relief and recovery dollars that still have yet to be realized through well-executed projects.

But the U.S. senators who voted to advance the infrastructure bill likely are thinking similar things that Virginians are: What if our drinking water is compromised by a sewage incident? What if a car lands in a river due to a bridge collapse? What if we endure another gas shortage after a pipeline cyberattack? What if something worse happens?
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Federal prosecutors have offered a plea deal to two former Rocky Mount police officers who are charged with participating in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

According to the documents, Thomas T.J. Robertson, 48, and Jacob Fracker, 29, have until Aug. 11 to accept the prosecutions offer.

Robertson and Fracker have each been indicted on a felony count of obstruction of an official Congressional proceeding, and misdemeanor offenses of entering a restricted building, disruptive conduct in a restricted building and disorderly conduct in the Capitol.

This mention of a potential quick resolution to their cases came as part of a request entered Friday to reschedule a Tuesday status hearing for the two men. Federal prosecutors wrote that moving the hearing to Aug. 16, 17 or 18 would give defense attorneys time to consult with their clients about the offer.

Robertson and Fracker attended then-President Donald Trumps rally on Jan. 6 and went inside the Capitol between 2 and 3 p.m. In a cellphone selfie taken by Fracker in the Capitol Crypt, the two men posed in front of a statue of American Revolutionary War hero John Stark, with Fracker making an obscene gesture at the camera.
Leamys comments earned a standing ovation from the community members in attendance.

Sexual assault is going to happen. I think that this policy that came down from the VDOE is going to facilitate that, Leamy said.

Bergin reiterated all students have access to other accommodations if they are uncomfortable, but Leamy still had concerns.

In the instance where biological females are uncomfortable using the female restroom because transgender females are using the restroom and they opt to use the private restroom, why do they have to seek accommodation when the female restrooms were designed for biological females? Leamy said.

Board vice chair Susan Kirby said she was not in favor of the proposed changes because transgender students would be offered a single-use, gender-inclusive bathroom as an alternative accommodation but not required to use a separate bathroom.

I get it, I understand equality, I understand everyone should be treated fairly, but to some extent we need to make concessions, Kirby said.

Kirby also added her concerns as a parent to a student in the division.
Inge claimed many of the pictures and statements in the lawsuit are rife with, frankly, personal attacks that arent relevant to the case, and asked the court to order LU to cut out those portions of the complaint. If allowed to file the same sort of material, weve got a lot of things we could say about Liberty, he added.

Scott Oostdyk, the attorney representing LU on Friday, maintained the question of whether Falwell had a duty to disclose the alleged extortion attempts at the time would be something for a jury to decide.

Watson upheld most of the lawsuit at the close of Fridays hearing, which lasted a little more than two hours. Falwells 2019 contract, vital to most of the legal arguments in the case, will remain under a seal while both sides attorneys file arguments over whether to keep it protected in the next two weeks.

Liberty will be able to alter sections of the lawsuit regarding digital and computer property LU alleges Falwell kept unlawfully after his resignation  attorneys said Friday he kept a computer containing more than 100,000 of the universitys files on it.
State lawmakers will examine candidates this week for eight openings on the Virginia Court of Appeals, the largest number of appellate judges chosen at once since the court was created in 1985.

Legislators this year passed a bill to expand the court from 11 judges to 17. There was already a vacancy and a Lynchburg judge announced his retirement, leaving the General Assembly with eight openings to fill.

Lawmakers will consider recommendations from the Virginia State Bar and several legal associations when the General Assembly convenes in Richmond next week for a special session to also decide how to spend federal COVID-19 relief dollars. Democrats who control both the House and Senate, however, have been at odds over the process and it remains to be seen how cooperative lawmakers in the two chambers will be.

Among lawmakers goals will be to diversify the court and reflect Virginias regions.

The Democratic caucuses very much believe we ought to have a court that reflects Virginia in every way possible, said Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, a lawyer on the Senate Judiciary Committee taking a top role in examining candidates.
" " Caspar /Pixabay Scientists have detected light echoing from behind a black hole for the first time.

If you know what a black hole is, you're probably aware that it can contain as much mass as billions of stars, compressed into a much smaller space, and have such a powerful gravitational pull that even light can't escape its grasp.

But even though it's not possible to see into a black hole, it is possible to see light that's coming from behind one. In a paper published July 28, 2021, in the scientific journal Nature, researchers from Stanford University, Penn State University and Netherlands Institute for Space Research (SRON) describe the first-ever observation of light apparently being emitted from the far side of a supermassive black hole located in I Zwicky 1, a galaxy 800 million light-years away from Earth.

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The researchers used European Space Agency's (ESA) XMM-Newton and NASA's NuSTAR space telescopes to take a look in the vicinity of a distant black hole, which has a diameter of 18.6 million miles (30 million kilometers) and contains about 10 million times the mass of our sun, according the ESA website.

During that work, the team's lead researcher, Stanford University astrophysicist Dan Wilkins, observed bright flares of X-rays coming from gas falling into the black hole, according to a Stanford news release. But then he noticed something unexpected  small flashes of X-rays that were different in "color," the term used to describe intensity.

" " XMM-Newton, also known as the High Throughput X-ray Spectroscopy Mission and the X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission, is an X-ray space observatory launched by the European Space Agency in December 1999. It has seen light echo from behind a black hole for the very first time. European Space Agency

The pattern of the flashes indicated that X-rays were being reflected from behind the black hole, as the supermassive object warped space-time and bent light  a phenomenon that was predicted by theoretical physicist Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity (AKA general relativity), published back in 1915, but which up to this point never actually had been confirmed.

"Any light that goes into that black hole doesn't come out, so we shouldn't be able to see anything that's behind the black hole," Wilkins, a research scientist at the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology at Stanford and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, explained in the news release.

It is another strange characteristic of the black hole, however, that makes this observation possible. "The reason we can see that is because that black hole is warping space, bending light and twisting magnetic fields around itself," Wilkins said.

While astrophysicists began speculating about how the magnetic field might behave close to a black hole many years ago, "they had no idea that one day we might have the techniques to observe this directly and see Einstein's general theory of relativity in action," another of the paper's co-authors, Stanford physic professor Roger Blandford, said in the release.

The researchers originally set out to study a different aspect of black holes. When gas is pulled into a supermassive black hole, it superheats to millions of degrees, causing electrons to separate from atoms and form a magnetized plasma that arcs high over the hole and twirls and breaks, in a way that resembles our sun's corona.

Scientists' effort to learn more black holes' coronas will continue, with the ESA's Athena (Advanced Telescope for High-ENergy Astrophysics) X-ray observatory as one of the tools.

Now That's Interesting Scientists eventually hope to use data from the X-ray echoes to create a 3-D map of the black hole's surroundings, according to ESA.
Vincent said his system also has plans for random testing of students, at least those whose parents consent to it.

Good reason for optimism

"We're in year three, the third school year we're still working through COVID-19 restrictions, because we finished the 19-20 school ending the day we did," Vincent said. "Last year we were one of the few districts to open five days, but we still, through the end, had 33% of our students on virtual. This year we're opening back up, and when we were planning on virtual, we had very few applications."

"We're ready," Holzbach said. "We're excited about the new school year and we're going to emphasize, our cleanliness, hand sanitizer, hand washing. There's some really teachable skills we can do."

"I think the community is ready to get back to school," Holzbach said of heavily attended back-to-school open houses at the district's schools.

Holzbach said the system asked teachers to share their vaccine status with school nurses to help the nurses with contact tracing. Individual school nurses have that information in their databases, but only overall percentages of vaccinated teachers is reported to the central office.
Lin-Manuel Busy

Because he provides the voice for Vivo, Miranda was around all aspects of the production. Cutting his teeth on Moana (which brought him an Oscar nomination), he was not afraid to monkey with the script and songs during recording sessions. He would take a scene he had recorded as an actor and work many times on refining the words or the rhythms of the scene, DeMicco says. And we would cut it and put it in the film. It was pretty unique that he was a songwriter, storyteller and lead actor in it.

A lot of times, he had to kill his own darlings because he had worked really hard on the acting part but when creating the song, much of that acting would end up on the cutting room floor and he would just take the best of the best.

Keep the Beat, one of the shows songs, went from humorous to emotional during the creative process. It gave him some architecture for the musical that he was still writing in his head, DeMicco says.

A life raft
SIOUX CITY -- Mia Kritis' parents did not speak in person for the sentencing of one of the men who has pleaded guilty to their daughter's murder.
CDC encourages use of new tests that detect both COVID-19 and the flu

Kristen Nordlund, health communication specialist at the CDC, told The Associated Press the agency made the move because newer PCR testing options now exist. "The CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019 nCoV) Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel met an important unmet need when it was developed and deployed and has not demonstrated any performance issues," Nordlund said. She said the agency was encouraging labs to switch to tests that can detect influenza at the same time, since it will "save both time and resources." But social media users misinterpreted and misrepresented the announcement. False claims circulated on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram that the CDC's move meant the agency and the FDA had admitted PCR tests do not work. Some posts online falsely said the test was unable to differentiate between coronavirus and influenza, leading to inflated COVID-19 counts and depressed flu counts. In fact, PCR tests are designed to detect very specific areas of the viral genome, so tests do not get confused between which virus is present, said Matthew Binnicker, director of the clinical virology lab at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. "PCR tests, including the one developed by the CDC, are highly accurate and are able to differentiate between SARS-CoV-2 and influenza," Binnicker said. "In other words, a COVID-19 test will not be positive if a person really has influenza, and vice versa." Binnicker said there are benefits to having one test that can detect both viruses, since the symptoms for both illnesses are often similar early on. Furthermore, neither the CDC nor the FDA has cast any doubt on the effectiveness of PCR technology. "PCR tests are generally considered to be the 'gold standard' for COVID-19 diagnosis," said James McKinney, a press officer for the FDA.
A second murder trial has been delayed for a Nebraska prison inmate after his attorneys claimed that state prosecutors had missed a "speedy trial" deadline to hold the court proceedings.

The first trial of Eric Ramos, who is accused of killing another inmate during a 2017 prison riot at the Tecumseh State Prison, ended in a mistrial. A second trial had been scheduled to begin Aug. 10.

But attorneys for Ramos recently filed a motion to discharge the first-degree murder charge against him, maintaining that the trial should have been held back in June or earlier.

State law requires that a trial be held within six months of a charge being filed, but the calculation of that time period was complicated in Ramos case by the mistrial and then an unsuccessful appeal to the State Court of Appeals.

Johnson County District Court Judge Vicky Johnson took the discharge motion under advisement Thursday after a court hearing. She also postponed the second trial and asked lawyers to file written arguments on the speedy trial issue.

Ramos, 30, is accused in the slaying of Michael Galindo, one of two inmates found dead in March 2017 after prisoners took over a portion of a maximum-security housing unit at Tecumseh. The prisoners started fires and ransacked cells.
The revised proposals from the US Department of Education still advocate critical race theory in all but name, Noem said in a statement. We are the Mount Rushmore State, home to our nations greatest monument to our history. And we take the study of American history seriously. Our classrooms are meant for education, not indoctrination, and that is how we will continue to operate in South Dakota.

Critical race theory is a framework for understanding systemic racism and how it pervades American society. It began as an academic movement in the 1960s to examine U.S. law's intersection with race but has since expanded to other academic circles. The main tenet of CRT is that racism is embedded in every American institution, which are used to create and maintain racial inequality.

Noem's order says that the 1619 Project and the work of Kendi are "infused with factual errors" such as the idea that the nation was founded in 1619 with the first slave ship entering the American colonies rather than with the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

The federal grants, she continues, have "open-ended and vague requirements" that evaluate potential grant-receiving programs on the basis of an interpretation of American history that she views as antithetical to American principles.

The state DOE is currently in the process of developing its own new curriculum for history and civics, as well as its own set of pilot grants to strengthen history and civics education in the state.

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But more shipments are finally rolling in, steering the continent of 1.3 billion people into an encouraging phase after a bleak June, Moeti said. Theres light at the end of the tunnel on vaccine deliveries to Africa, but it must not be snuffed out again."

Nigeria, Africas most populous country with more than 210 million people, next month will receive more than 29 million Johnson & Johnson vaccines purchased by the government through the African Union. Its also expecting 4 million doses of Moderna and almost 700,000 AstraZeneca vaccines through the COVAX program and from donations by the United States and the United Kingdom, according to Health Minister Osagie Ehanire.

Nigeria's virus cumulative case count recently topped 172,200, an increase of more than 4,500 cases since July 10. Its seven-day rolling average of daily new cases more than doubled over the past two weeks, from 0.06 new cases per 100,000 people on July 15 to 0.17 new cases per 100,000 people on July 29, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Isolation centers that were closed after a previous surge are being reopened in anticipation of a large number of patients, said Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, director-general of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control.
Gun violence kills thousands of Americans every year, and that pain is especially sharp in the nations Black communities. For a generation, a lot of Black political leadership has called for more guns to be taken off the street and has been closely aligned with gun control advocates. But a growing number of Black Americans seem to be choosing a different approach. During the Trump administration, Black gun ownership rates rose, and in 2020, of all demographic groups, Black Americans saw the sharpest increase in gun purchases at the start of the year. For people like Kenn Blanchard, advocating for Black gun ownership has been a crusade for decades. After serving in the military and holding a series of jobs in law enforcement, Blanchard branded himself the Black Man With a Gun, with a book, a website, and now a podcast with that name. He rejects the idea that gun control will make Black communities safer and has made it his mission to encourage Black Americans to view gun ownership as an important element of self-defense. On Fridays episode of A Word, I spoke with Blanchard about how he reconciles his gun advocacy with his faith, and how he thinks Black gun owners can make themselves safer from police violence. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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Jason Johnson: Youre a military veteran, a former law enforcement officer, and guns have been a part of your work for years. What led you from law enforcement work to being a gun rights advocate?

Kenn Blanchard: Entrepreneurism, actually. I tried to figure out, what could I do that actually would make a difference? What could I do that I could do without batting an eye? So I thought in the beginning, all I was going to do was become a gun instructor. I was going to hang out near a range, I was going to put up a shingle, and whenever a mom and pop bought a firearm for their home, I was going to be the guy you can call. I was going to make every home safer. I was going to have family classes. I was going to make sure that the undercover gun owner didnt exist anymore, because we kill a lot of people in our homes because we dont know about the firearm that we have. Hidden in the closet does not secure it the proper way. We havent gone through the education with our kids that tell them that unlike Elmer Fudd, if you point this thing at somebody, your face will not just turn black and youll be OK tomorrow. Theres an education that has to go on, and I was going to be that guy.

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But once I got into it, I learned that everybody didnt grow up on a country farm. Everybody didnt know about the hunting aspects and the responsibility aspects, and I had to go way deeper than just being the shingle guy, being the entrepreneur. I had to go into gun rights and the gun history. I had to show my people first that you have the right to do this, that it has been prevented since the creation of this country. That African and Native Americans were not allowed to have one of these things, and that has caused us to have a purposed ignorance, and that has hurt us in the long run. So I wanted to demystify this thing, and it took me backI became an activist before I became an entrepreneur. So the money never came. I became the Black Man With a Gun because I was always advocating for safety and reliability and responsibility, and then getting beat up for sticking up for the person who actually owned one. And thats what started it.

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Kenn, youve heard statistics about how the U.S. leads industrialized countries in gun violence and deaths, how Black men are disproportionate victims of gun crime, and how even legal gun ownership can potentially increase the chances of suicide. If I have a gun in the house and Im having suicidal thoughts, my chances of going through with it and being successful are greater than if I just have pills or if I have a paring knife. Why do you think its important to advocate for gun ownership before the community figures out how to handle the guns out there that we already have?

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Education got us off the plantation and education can keep us free. If you have a problem, the firearm is not going to solve it. We do it on both ends. Gun people, people who are pro-gun, think that if they buy this bazooka, that they will no longer have crime, and thats false. And the people who dont have a firearm think that all guns are evil, and thats false. So its a two-way street, and there is no solution because we havent fixed humanity yet. We still dont know love thy brother and sister. We still dont have that part down. So when were looking at fixing things, it still is education, its information, and theres no shortage of that right now.

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I want to talk about that, because youre also a pastor, and there are people who have some particular interpretation of the Bible where they think that advocating for guns is somehow anti-Christian. Talk a little bit about how have you been beaten up rhetorically. Were you getting criticized by other clergy? Were you being criticized by parishioners, if you ran a church? How were you getting beaten up for being the Black Man With a Gun?

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When I first started, I was the janitor of this big church in D.C. I was the guy who came at 4 oclock, opened the place up, got ready for the choirs, cleaned up things. I was also security for the church, so while little folks was in there practicing the choirs and whatever, I was keeping the thing straight. But while I was there, I was actually writing my first book, Black Man With a Gun, a book for responsible gun ownership, and everybody thought that was a cool thinguntil I became a minister. And then they thought, well, how can you advocate for gun ownership? And I said, Easyguns do not equal murder. My grandmother was the first gun owner that I ever knew. She actually shot a water moccasin within feet of me. She became my hero. My grandmother celebrated freedom on watchnight service night, New Years Eve, and she fired that thing off in the middle of the night in Suffolk, Virginia. And that was the first gun ownership that I saw.

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So I had to be able to explain that in the church. And then as time went on, I got pseudo-famous, being a pro-gun Black preacher, and that didnt go over too well as I became a pastor. Folks would snicker and make jokes about it until I even had foreign press come over and they wanted to see this pistol-packing preacher. My deacons werent too keen on my notoriety for that thing. But I was trying to tell them that I am still a peace-aholic, still a peacenik, still a hippie. I just have been trained how to protect people. I just know about this thing called a gun. Its the heart of man that is desperately wicked. It is not the tool that you use.

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When we think about the arc of you changing from law enforcement to being a writer to podcasts and now clergy, did the shooting at Mother Emanuel Church have any impact on your advocacy? That was an instance where, just six years ago, in Charleston, South Carolina, the white nationalist went in, killed nine people after doing Bible study with them. Did that change how you talked about gun advocacy? Did that change attitudes in the Black church? Because I know a lot of churches started bringing in armed security on Sundays after that incident. Did you see that, and how did that affect you?

I actually learned how it feels to be Noah. When you want to build an arc and it never rains, and then when it rains, everybodys running to you. I had been saying this stuff to ministers, I had been talking to my fellow pastors, and they were like, Yeah, yeah, you do you, Kenn. Im not going to do this thing. And then now they were, Oh, yeah, man, were going to the range next week. You want to come with us? Or I just got this whole police detachment to work undercover in my church. What are you guys doing? And I thought, you guys are already just gone past the whole thing I was trying to do before. Thats where we went. I mean, it went from, OK, nobody ever said You were right or Can we take a class from you now? They just went in their own direction, and sometimes it was an overkill.

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Something that you and a lot of Black gun advocates talk about a lot is the history of gun control in this country and how it is completely wrapped up in white supremacy and limiting Black peoples ability to protect themselves or liberate themselves from state-sponsored apartheid. What do you think is the key nexus moment in Black gun history that people should know about? Whats the aha moment that people who are like, Oh, I dont think we should have guns, should know about Black peoples history with guns in America that would transform their thinking?

I used to think that if you knew that they were the Black Codes, that behind many of the whole civil rights and the gun issue that we talk about nowwe assume its some good ol boy somewherehas a basis in Black history. If you talk about the Dred Scott decision, they wanted to deny Dred Scott the right to keep and bear arms, the right to citizenship. If you want to go to Cruikshank, then youre talking about the Black gun rights, voting rights, of a crew of people who were denied. If you want to go and look at Louisiana and North Carolina and all the places where our people have originated from, after they were snatched in here and lived, and see how the laws were made to forbid them from even having a musket ball or even a pit bull. If you could defend yourself, then you were outlawed.

Then you know about the Great Migration, of how our people left the South and went to Detroit and to New York and all those places where there was industry. And to be more civilized, our relatives, our matriarchs, didnt want us to get in any trouble, so they said leave the guns behind, and we started becoming these undercover brothers with our firearms. We still served in the military, we still were police officers, we still hunted. So because we couldnt keep a gun legally at mamas house, because she wanted us to be civilized, we have a culture of not teaching safety, responsibility. Youll never become a convert until its you. You can hear our history all day, until you become a homeowner, you become a parent, you have something to defend, and now you need a fire extinguisher in case a fire comes, in case of trouble. You learn that youre your own first responder.

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.
The Justice Department said the Treasury Department must give President Donald Trumps tax returns to the House Ways and Means Committee. The move could bring to an end a years-long battle over the records, although some cautioned there are still moves that the former president could take to prevent his returns from being released just yet. And the administration has made clear it will give Trump a chance to respond. In the 39-page opinion released Friday the Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) said the congressional committee has invoked sufficient reasons for requesting the former presidents tax information, and said that the statute at issue here is unambiguous. As a result, Treasury must furnish the information to the Committee.

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The opinion marked a reversal for the Justice Department, which, under Trump, had questioned whether there was a legitimate purpose for lawmakers to be making the request. But now the Justice Department said the previous opinion was mistaken. In evaluating whether the information sought in the April 2019 Request could serve such a purpose, however, the 2019 Opinion failed to afford the Committee the respect due to a coordinate branch of government, notes the new opinion. House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal had filed the request for Trumps tax returns in April 2019 and justified it by citing a section of the tax code that allows the heads of the Ways and Means as well as the Senate Finance committees to request the tax returns of any American.

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Under the Trump administration, the Justice Department had said seeking the tax returns was really about politics. But Fridays opinion said the underlying motivations were irrelevant to determine whether the request should be approved. Congress is composed of elected members who stand for re-election. It is, therefore, neither unusual nor illegitimate for partisan or other political considerations to factor into Congresss work, the opinion reads. If the mere presence of a political motivation were enough to disqualify a congressional request, the effect would be to deny Congress its authority to seek informationa result that is incompatible with the Constitution.

Democrats celebrated the new opinion. It is about damn time, Rep. Bill Pascrell, who chairs the House ways and means subcommittee on oversight, said. Our committee first sought Donald Trumps tax returns on 3 April 2019  849 days ago. Our request was made in full accordance with the law and pursuant to Congresss constitutional oversight powers. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi characterized the opinion as a victory for the rule of law.

Despite the celebratory tone of Democrats, the administration said in a court filing that it would not hand over any documents until Trump has an opportunity to figure out how to respond. And he still has options. There is less of a probability that this is going to drag on for a long time, but it certainly could, and its definitely not over yet, Michael Stern, a former senior counsel in the House of Representatives Office of General Counsel, tells Politico.
This is the first edition of Sinemanchin Watch, a recurring feature in which we will track the most recent developments in the lives of Democratic Sens. Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin, who by nature of their proudly centrist politics in a 5050 Senate get to decide the future of the planet and everything living on it. Good work if you can get it!

What Joes Been Up To

In another life, West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin is the guy who stands under the National Debt Clock in New York City and points at it all day, shouting THE DEBT, THE DEBT! while all the people walking by wonder why this man is yelling and only wearing one shoe. In this life, he is that same person, but he is wearing two shoes, lives in a houseboat on the Potomac River, and has an aide text him national debt updates each day. Also, in this life, all federal policy runs through him.

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This week, that federal policy comes in the form of a strange two-track process Democrats have relied on to pass their agendafirst, pass hard infrastructure on a bipartisan basis, then pass soft infrastructure and other partisan Democratic priorities through reconciliation. And this process is a direct outgrowth of moderates like Manchin and his co-centrist-in-chief, Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinemas desire to play patty cake with Republicans for the sake of playing patty cake with Republicans. Would it be easier to just throw it all into one bill? Yes, one is a less complex number than two. But Manchin and Sinema, who are steadfast against eliminating the filibuster, want to show that bipartisanship can work.

The plan is, for now, on track. The bipartisan deal is being processed through the Senate as we write, and both Manchin and Sinema have agreed to move ahead with the budget resolution that sets up the reconciliation process.

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What Manchin and Sinema are not on board with, however, is spending $3.5 trillion in the eventual reconciliation bill, as the rest of the Democratic caucus is theoretically OK with. It is in this context, then, that our West Viriginia Debt Man was caught up in the Boo Heard Round the World. Or at least heard by Politicos morning newsletter, Playbook.

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At a caucus luncheon for Senate Dems on Tuesday, Sen. JOE MANCHINPlaybook loves boldfaced nameswas booed for mentioning the deficit while speaking to his colleagues, sources tell Playbook.

One source described the West Virginian as jokingly booed by the other senators, but another source in the room did not see it that way.

First things first: Its a tremendous shift within the Senate Democratic caucus that someone is straight-up booed when they mention the deficit. Ten years ago, potentially half of the caucus would have this insane website as their desktop homepage. Now Democratic senators are at risk of getting a swirly if they dare bring it up.

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Who booed dear JOE, though? And was it a joking boo, or a traditional boo?

Joe Manchins office did not respond to a request for clarification about the nature of the boo. Perhaps we will find out this fall, when Manchin surprise-kills the reconciliation bill on the Senate floor and announces to the chamber, And THAT is why you do not boo Joe Manchin.

What Kyrstens Been Up To

Despite the very hilarious joke above, Joe Manchin doesnt seem to actively enjoy the process of pissing off progressives for its own sake; its just the natural byproduct of everything he does. Kyrsten Sinema, however, does seem to drink progressive tears for breakfast.

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In announcing that she would vote to advance the budget resolution next week, Sinema drew a line: I do not support a bill that costs $3.5 trillion.

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This drew the ire of New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, for one.

Good luck tanking your own partys investment on childcare, climate action, and infrastructure while presuming youll survive a 3 vote House margin - especially after choosing to exclude members of color from negotiations and calling that a bipartisan accomplishment.  https://t.co/0VF8Z73vAa  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) July 28, 2021

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There is no indication that the bipartisan negotiators in the Senate had a rule excluding members of color from their group. But the Senate is an extremely white place, especially among its moderate members. Sinema presumably loved being called quasi-racist by AOC, anyway, in that she craves the adoration of Republican senators the way other senators crave getting a highway rest area named after themselves. Mitch McConnell has identified this need in his file cabinet of psychological profiles, and encouraged his colleagues to feed it.

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This week, Sinema will watch as the bipartisan infrastructure deal she reached moves its way through the Senate, and then it will be time to party. Sinema, as Politico also reported, told Majority Leader Chuck Schumerwho had threatened to curtail August recess to get all of this work donethat she is going on vacation when shes going on vacation, and theres nothing he can do about it.

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She had prior vacation plans, Politico reported, and wasnt about to let the infrastructure or reconciliation bills get in the way.

Its good to be a pivotal vote.

Whos This Weeks Top Centrist?

This week was a clean win for Sinema. Not a single Republican senator wrote an editorial ode to Manchin, as Sen. Thom Tillis did for Sinema. Did Joe Manchin hug any chairmen of the House Freedom Caucus this week? These are nice little flourishes from Sinema that suggest shes upping her game.

Got any hot tips on our twin rulers of the universe? Email jim.newell@slate.com.
The horses are now set for the two marquee two-year-old trotting events at The Meadowlands on Hambletonian Day (Saturday, Aug. 7) as eliminations got field sizes down to 10 for the $275,000 (est.) Peter Haughton Memorial for colts and geldings and $300,000 (est.) Jim Doherty Memorial for fillies Friday night at The Big M.

King Of The North stamped himself as the favourite in the Haughton with an easy score in his elim in 1:56.1 for driver Mark MacDonald and trainer Ray Schnittker. The colt, a son of Walner-Check Me Out, used a quick burst of speed to get by early leader Temporal Hanover heading to the half and tripped that beam in a sleepy :57.3.

The 4-5 favourite maintained the lead from there, recording a 1-length win over the pocket-sitting 6-5 second choice Temporal Hanover. The final time was three-and-two-fifth-seconds slower than his lifetime best, much to the delight of his trainer.

Hes like a professional soldier, said Schnittker. He got cheap fractions, which is good for next week. He didnt have to do much. He just had to brush for an eighth of a mile. I was a little concerned with the horse in the two-hole because I wanted to win so we can get a better post draw for the final.

Elimination winners get to draw for post positions one through six in both the Haughton and Doherty.

Hes a really nice horse, said Schnittker. Hes like a five-year-old. Hopefully, he gets the job done next week.

Global Pandemic, B A Superhero and Looks Like Moni finished third through fifth, respectively, in the six-horse field (with one scratch) to earn spots in the final.

King Of The North paid $3.60 to win after upping his stats to four wins from four lifetime starts.

Robertsin (a gelding by Muscle Hill-Sina) won the other Haughton elim in wire-to-wire fashion for driver George Brennan and trainer Nik Drennan. In winning for the first time in four career starts, Robertsin trotted the mile in 1:54.4 after hitting the wire three-quarters-of-a-length to the good and returned $4.60 to win as the 6-5 public choice.

I liked him right along, said Brennan. Hes been drawing bad posts [post nine in all three career starts heading into Friday] but he got to see the left side of the starter car tonight [post five] and didnt surprise me at all. He trotted home well into the wind. Hes awful good. Winning this race so we could draw a good post for the final was definitely on my mind. Youre not just looking to qualify for the final and hope you draw well. I think its a great way to do it.

Letsdoit S, Classic Hill, Fast As The Wind and S I P finished second through fifth, respectively, in the seven-horse field to punch their tickets to the final.

Joviality S (Chapter Seven-Pasithea Face S) challenged leader Delilah Hanover on the far turn before going on to a convincing 2-1/4 length score in the lone Doherty elim. The Marcus Melander trainee, who was driven by Brian Sears, stopped the clock in a lifetime-best 1:54.1 in winning for the second time in three lifetime outings. She paid $7.60 as the second choice in the wagering.

With Venerable having received a bye, the top nine in the official order of finish qualified for the final. Finishing second through ninth, respectively, were Jiggy Jog S, Valentina Blu, Brickhouse Babe, Raised By Lindy, 9-5 favourite Mon Cheval (who went a brutal trip from post 10), Peyton Hanover, Delilah Hanover and Pink Gypsy.

Racing resumes Saturday at 6:20 p.m. A pair of eliminations for both the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks highlight the card.

(Meadowlands)
For many people, Sunday (Aug. 1) will be like a homecoming as Dresden Raceway will host its first annual Black Heritage Day.

"This is going to be a great event," said Terry McCorkle. "There have been so many people I haven't seen in years. I can't remember the last time I saw Gates (Duwayne Guest), Freddy (Fred List) and a lot of these people."

The half-mile track will be honouring eight families and Rev. Josiah Henson for their contributions to racing at Dresden Raceway and harness racing.

The track is located on the original 200-acre property that Henson bought in 1841 that eventually became the end of the Underground Railroad. Henson was also a horse breeder and in his will left "half the proceeds of my prized Hambletonian stallion John to my son, Peter."

Hambletonian was the father of harness racing in North America, meaning there have been race horses on that 200-acre plot since the 1850s.

Fast-forwarding to the 1960s and 1970s, names like Fred List, Lonnie McCorkle and Lyle Grineage were regulars at Dresden and other local tracks.

"I'm pretty excited for Sunday. There will be lots of people I haven't seen in a while, and it will be nice to hear some of the old stories and catch up on some great memories," said Mike Grineage, who is part of one of the families being honoured. "I've been all around Ontario and through the States, and Dresden really was groundbreaking when it came to people of colour in the business. Some other places we weren't treated the same, but here in Dresden, I was just one of the guys, it was home."

"I think this event is a great idea. Lonnie (McCorkle) was a good friend of my father's and became a friend of mine as well. I remember driving against Lonnie, Fred (List) and Lyle (Grineage); they were all top-notch horsemen," said driving legend John Campbell. "I think this is great that they are being honoured for their contributions to the sport."

Dresden will be honouring the Davis Family, the Tanner Family, the Prince Family, the Simmons Family, the List Family, the Grineage Family, the McCorkle Family, Duwayne Guest and Josiah Henson.

Post time for Sunday's card of racing is 1 p.m.

Those wishing to attend can register by messaging the number of people in their party, their names and phone numbers to the Dresden Raceway Facebook page or by email at [email protected].

(Dresden Raceway)
All three first-round winners of the Breeders Trophy Series for three-year-old pacers will return to Hippodrome 3R Sunday (Aug. 1) for the second round of the series.

There are three weeks of preliminary round action in the series with the top eight point earners returning for their respective $65,000 finals at H3R on Sept. 12.

There are four divisions on Sunday afternoon: two for the colts and two for the fillies.

A real slugfest is in store for race fans when the second of the filly divisions takes place in the fifth race.

Platine Alpha (Control The Moment), one of the winningest horses at H3R this season with six victories, starts from post one for driver Pascal Berube. She won an opening round division by a nose in 1:57.4.

Her main rival will be trainer-driver Yves Filions Celia Bayama (Bettors Delight) from post five. Last years Quebec-bred champion was off to a slow start for trainer-driver Yves Filion until they came back to race at H3R, where Celia Bayama had an easy time of things in the opening round of the series, going wire-to-wire in 2:00.2.

Also in the race is Got Sexy Scars (post three), who was second against Platine Alpha by only a nose and the prior week lost also by a nose at Georgian Downs in 1:52.3. The race also features return winner D Gs Magicmoment (post seven).

The first division for the fillies is the third race, where Clear The Credit (Up The Credit) starts from post three for driver Samuel Fillion as the 5-2 morning line favourite. Trained by Louis Philippe Turcotte, Clear The Credit already has three wins this season, the fastest a 1:58.2 lifetime mark.

Her main rivals will be Prettydiva (post two), Ibiza Panic (post one) and JS Miss Cornelia (post seven).

When Hall of Fame Yves Filion comes to H3R, he usually wins with what he sends on the track, and Sunday looks to be no exception.

In the first division for pacing colts, carded as race seven, Filions Colonel Bayama (Sunshine Beach), who, despite being winless in four starts this year at Rideau Carleton, drew post two and fits well in the field.

The favourite is The Light Speed (Moon Beam), who stars from post five for driver-trainer Guy Gagnon. The Light Speed has won three of his last four starts, all on the front end, and figures to try and wire the field.

The horse to watch is YS Do It Right (Bettors Delight), who was last years Quebec-bred champion among two-year-olds. He goes from post three for driver Stephane Brosseau in his return to Quebec after failing to win in six starts at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Other contenders include return winner Navalny (post one) and Chantee (post 6).

The second colt division is headlined by Cadillac Bayama (Sunshine Beach) for trainer-driver Yves Filion. Coming to H3R for the opening round of the series, Cadillac Bayama received a perfect two-hole trip and responded with a 1:55 triumph, his first win of the year.

His competition features Super FM (post four), Diamond Rock (post two) and Putins Dart (post one).

New post time Sunday is 12:10 p.m. To download a free program, visit www.hippodrome3r.ca.

To view Sunday's complete entries, click the following link: Sunday Entries  Hippodrome 3R.

(Quebec Jockey Club)
The Celina Police Department on Friday evening reported that there were gunshots fired near the U.S. Post Office in Celina.
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Stephen Biggs was promoted to captain on Friday, July 30. He will oversee the departments Staff Support Bureau of hiring and training officers, school resource officers, community policing and crime prevention, as well as command the departments S.W.A.T team. He will also continue serving as the primary Public Information Officer.
Ariane Gibbons was recognized by the Rowlett City Council for her accomplishment of earning the Miss Juneteenth scholarship.
Highland Acres Church wanted to put money back into the local community and with a $10,000 donation to Fifth Street Ministries, they are doing just that.

We wanted to focus on local organizations. The church we do a lot of mission work with over in foreign countries and supporting other people in foreign countries as missionaries. Thats the churchs primary goal but there are organizations locally doing a lot of that go along with our philosophies, Mason McCullough said. He is one of the elders at Highland Acres.

McCullough said the donation was one of the first times the church had made that large a contribution to a local organization, but he said especially after the last year and the hardships put on people by the COVID-19 pandemic, the church wanted to make sure to take care of people at home as well as abroad.

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For Michele Knapp, the executive director at Fifth Street, when Highland Acres contacted them, it was a pleasant surprise.

Oh, we were very surprised. It was a great day here at Fifth Street to hear that, Knapp said. The church was very excited to partner with Fifth Street as we are in return They are a great partner with us in the community and we will be able to serve more people because of them.
I don't remember ever having someone bring me a document instead of emailing it to me because of security concerns, she said, noting exceptions for classified materials.

The Administrative Office of U.S. Courts confirmed in January that it was also breached, giving the SolarWinds hackers another entry point to steal confidential information like trade secrets, espionage targets, whistleblower reports and arrest warrants.

The list of affected offices include several large and high-profile ones like those in Los Angeles, Miami, Washington and the Eastern District of Virginia.

The Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, where large numbers of staff were hit, handle some of the most prominent prosecutors in the country.

New York is the financial center of the world and those districts are particularly well known for investigating and prosecuting white-collar crimes and other cases, including investigating people close to the former president, said Bruce Green, a professor at Fordham Law School and a former prosecutor in the Southern District.
Myron and Mary Nelson of the Castle Rock Senior Center will be at the center on Wednesdays, Aug. 4 and 11 to collect contributions. People who want to donate cash are asked to put the money in an envelope and write their name and the amount of money inside that is inside the envelope on the outside of the envelope. Names are needed because those names will be put into a drawing sponsored by the senior center. Checks should be made out to Red Canoe Credit Union.
However, if they were wearing masks it just hardly ever happened that students passed it to one another in class settings, Krager said.

Krager said layered mitigation is a big part of reducing outbreaks and keeping students in class.

COVID-19 is a slow-burning infection, he said. You can get exposed and not show symptoms for 14 days. You could have these slow, ongoing outbreaks with children like we saw in long term care facilities. That could cause a lot of disruptions, like closed classrooms and a lot of kids in quarantine.

However, that quarantine and distancing exception does not apply to teachers, staff or other adults in the indoor classroom setting, the guidelines said.

Students do not need to wear masks when outside or when eating and drinking, but do need to wear masks at all other times, unless they have a medical exemption.

Krager said that while he understands the concerns about keeping kids masked and getting older kids vaccinated, we have to look at the evidence, and the evidence is strong that masks are safe and effective and if we want to have in-person school with as little disruption as possible, I think masks are going to be a big part of that.
President Joe Biden is sounding the alarm about the need for more resources to fight a series of wildfires in western states, as climate change has worsened the spread and ferocity of the blazes.

Our resources are already being stretched to keep up, Biden told a bipartisan group of governors at a virtual meeting Friday. We need more help.

The president opened the meeting with a nod to Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, who sought the Democratic nomination for president against Biden by stressing the threats from climate change. The mix of intense heat, droughts and other events tied to rising average temperatures has turned the fires into a national challenge as the smoke is worsening air quality as far away as New York City.

Jay, youre beginning to convince the American people there is a thing called climate crisis, the president said at the start of his remarks, before reeling through a series of troubling numbers.

It was the second meeting between Biden and the governors, and the situation has only worsened since the first, putting a strain on aircraft, hoses and other supplies.
In a historic first, light appearing from behind a supermassive black hole has been recorded. Black holes are infamous for eating up everything that comes near them and this includes light itself. Once light enters the black hole, it cannot escape. That is why, this stellar object is called a black hole. This development is a huge success, but notably, it was predicted by none other than the famous theoretical physicist Albert Einstein in his general theory of relativity, but this is the first time ever that light from behind a black hole has been directly seen and his theory proven right.

The latest discovery by researchers at Stanford University recorded light emanating from the back of a black hole. The researchers analysed x-ray echoes around a black hole named I Zwicky 1 whose massive gravity warped space so much that it allowed light to bend enough so that it became detectable at the back end of the black hole. The light is in the form of x-ray light.

Also read: Looking for a smartphone? Check Mobile Finder here.

Famously, Einstein had theorised that objects in space, if they are massive enough, which this black hole is, cause a disturbance in space-time that is akin to gravity allowing light to become detectable.

Researchers, while they were recording the corona of the black hole, detected these flashes that are like x-ray flares that were from the centre of the black hole, but were being reflected from the back. The findings were published in the journal Nature.

The lead author of the study, Dan Wilkins of Stanford University was quoted by USA Today as saying, "Any light that goes into that black hole doesnt come out, so we shouldnt be able to see anything thats behind the black hole. He added, The reason we can see that is because that black hole is warping space, bending light and twisting magnetic fields around itself.

Roger Blandford, a co-author of the study, said: Fifty years ago, when astrophysicists started to speculate how the magnetic field might behave close to a black hole, they had no idea that one day we might have the techniques to observe this directly and see Einsteins general theory of relativity in action.

These findings will go a long way in extending knowledge about how black holes function.
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
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Thomas said when the medical community recognizes somebody with prediabetes (where blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes), intervention is necessary then and not after a diabetes diagnosis. Waking up at night to empty your bladder more than you used to (increased thirst paired with increased urination)? Blurry vision (fluid shifts in the eye, associated with high blood sugar)? Increased appetite (due to insufficient insulin)? Unexplained fatigue? Thomas recommends people who have a family history of high blood pressure and diabetes, those who carry excess weight, and workers of certain jobs that affect sleep and circadian rhythms (i.e. shift work), get screened for diabetes.

When we have that family history of diabetes  the same for high blood pressure or coronary artery disease  we can intervene early and delay the onset of the disease, she said. Too many of our patients are being diagnosed in the hospital when they should have been screened in the clinics. When we see people in the emergency department, when we gather that history, symptoms have been going on an average of weeks and they are not recognizing it.
Rao noted the current vaccines are still proving effective against the delta variant, and pointed to recent stories of critically ill, unvaccinated patients who express regret that they didnt get vaccinated.

The people who do get sick have a lot of virus in them, even if theyre vaccinated, and so if theyre walking around without masks, the people who are not vaccinated have a higher chance of getting sick, Rao said. I think its very important that people get vaccinated, follow physical distancing and wear masks, even though I think at this point there is a lot of fatigue.

Dr. Jessica Ehrig, maternity medical director at Baylor Scott & White Health in Temple, said in a Zoom interview that the delta variant presents a big change for us regarding pregnant patients, both in the region and nationally.

Were seeing that the delta variant is hitting our pregnant patients more severely than weve seen previously in the pandemic. Were seeing higher hospitalization rates, more severe disease, and were seeing more of our moms end up in the ICU, Ehrig said.

She said 140,000 pregnant women have been vaccinated with no increase in adverse maternal or pregnancy side effects or outcomes. Ehrig said there is no evidence the vaccines impact fertility or fertility treatment.
But there has never been a hard-line/moderate dichotomy. Khamenei has the real power in Iran, and he approved the deal, just as he now appears to be souring on the prospect of returning to it. Raisi was elevated to head the Justice Ministry in 2019, as part of Rouhanis allegedly moderate government.

A better rationale for not returning to the Iran talks are the growing signs that Khameneis regime is wobbly. It is failing to meet the basic needs of its people. Earlier this month, protests broke out in Khuzestan province over the failure to provide drinking water. This week, demonstrations spread to Tehran. Some videos of those protests showed Iranians calling for Khamenei to resign, just as the protests in 2018 and 2019 called for his ouster.

Some protesters are angry because Irans electricity grid cant keep the power on. This round of demonstrations began because of water shortages. But in the last four years, other state failures have brought Iranians out to the street. In 2017 and 2018 it was failed banks, which wiped out the savings of average Iranians, that prompted national protests. In 2019, it was the fact that state security services shot unarmed demonstrators. In 2009, it was a stolen election.
I pity any terrorist who steps in front of a grandmother whos flying to see her grandchildren.

Without thinking twice, shell clobber him with her purse and shove him aside. Nobodys going to get between a grandmother and her little darlings.

Life is difficult for long-distance grandparents, and COVID-19 has made it even more difficult.

Earlier this month, we got to see our three grandchildren for the first time since October.

The last time we were there, Sam, the youngest, was 7 weeks old. Hes now 11 months.

Seeing their relentless growth on FaceTime makes my wife sad.

We missed his entire infancy, my wife says.

The next time she sees Sam, she feared, Hes not going to have any interest in me holding him.

Like most women, Kenna loves holding babies. She likes to cherish her grandkids and compare their features to her own children.

Fortunately, she was able to hold the charming little guy for quite a while. We even attended his baptism.

For my wife especially, each visit is very special. Kenna conveys nothing but love to her grandchildren.
Nebraska State Fair is inviting the entire state to a participate in its Tree Graffiti Contest this year.

State residents are asked to follow the lead of nearly 40 central Nebraska nonprofits in the inaugural event in 2020 and graffiti a tree across the state.

Trees being decorated at a home, business, church or school need the permission of the owner. The contest, complete with prizes, is open to all Nebraskans.

Weve had such success with our nonprofit and statewide contest last year, we are trying it again for 2021, said Laura Hurley, director of State Fair sponsorships. This contest replaces the hay bale contest, which was suspended after the 2018 fair, and actually allows more people, businesses and organizations to participate, no matter where in the state they are located.

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The artistic term is yarn bombing, which the fair has renamed tree graffiti. The art medium involves temporarily applying crafty decorations to a tree. Each participant has until Aug. 31 to decorate their tree of choice and submit photos of their work of art. The theme for this year is Nothing More Nebraskan.
Photo by Benjamin Kelley, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. "Ive been photographing my daughter looking at art for a number of years now. She was newly four here, in 2015. This was taken at our local museum, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, with John White Alexanders Isabella and the Pot of Basil."



Photo by Rich Barbara, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. "I had to set the camera down on a bench to keep the ISO fairly low. Was afraid theyd move before I got the shot but I figured when the man sat down on the floor I had a bit of time. Taken at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh with an Olympus E-M10 and a 25mm /1.8 lens."

Photo by Albano Garcia Buenos Aires, Argentina. " I took this photo a couple of months before your call for work at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes here in Buenos Aires. My daugher Margarita loves museums, but that day she'd had enough. :-) Shot with a Sony a6000 with 1650mm kit zoom I bought from my dear friend Juan Buhler ."

Photo by David Mackenzie, Bedford, New Hampshire, USA. "We were running late one day in Paris and decided to visit the Louvre about half an hour before closing. Given the short amount of time we had we headed directly for the Mona Lisa. When we turned the corner into the exhibit space we were met by this. A docent told me were lucky to arrive so late so that the crowd was much thinner than normal. At least nobody was taking a selfie."

...Except the guy in front just to the left of the painting. And maybe one guy on the opposite side, just to the left of the end of the DSLR lens. Hard to tell. MJ.

Photo by Stelios Karouzakis, London, United Kingdom. "This is a picture I took in 2015 outside the British Museum in London, with my new to me then (secondhand) DSLR. I'd been shooting for years with nothing but a rangefinder and a 35mm so that was an all-new setup for me. I remember I was determined to get a picture I liked that day for no particular reason, just to please myself. I was paying particular attention to the sun. I like the soft light and the gestures of the children. I have it printed and framed in my living room."



This is a particular favorite of mine Stelios. MJ

Photo by Leon Droby, Uxbridge, Massachusetts, USA. "Being a local, I usually go to this museum a couple of times a month. And no matter how many times I go, theres always something interesting there. Taken at the Worcester Art Museum in Worcester, Massachusetts, with a Fujifilm X100F."

Photo by John Denniston, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. November 16th, 2018A wall being painted in readiness for a new exhibition at the Equinox Gallery in Vancouver, B.C.

Why I liked this... MJ

Photo by Sergio Bartelsman, Bogota, Distrito Capital, Colombia.



Photo by Nick Van Zanten, Grand Haven, Michigan, USA. Shot with a Nikon D700, 1/250 at /4. "Two of the potential voters in Art Prize 2010. Launched in 2009 as an experiment, Art Prize was designed to be a bottom-up rather than top-down art contest. Offering the largest cash prize in the art world, the venue, downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, was open to any artist. Any visitor could vote via the internet for their favorite piece. The experiment worked. ArtPrize has continued to grow and evolve."

Photo by Maggie Osterberg, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA. "This is in the pelagic pool viewing area at The Monterey Bay Aquarium and the odd fish you see is an Ocean Sunfish, or Mola Mola. The giant tank held a variety of fish and mid-sea invertebrates, including a young Great White Shark. What I love about this shot is that it reminds me of 'Mystery Science Theater 3000,' with phone-toting tourists standing in for Joel, Crow, and Tom Servo. The kids in the lower left, putting their hands on the glass are endearing and, if Im honest, a little bit creepy."

In the submissions there were a number of creative departures from the conventional idea of a museuman "old village" museum of historical structures (Ronny Nilsen), a permanently docked warship (Kristoffer Tripplaar), the exterior of an alternative museum on the streets of an old town (Ray Maines), even the interior of a huge freight elevator at SFMoMA (Saul Rosenfield).

Photo by Markus Fischer, Germany. "This is entitled 'Inside the Camera'which is where it was created, inside the room-size camera obscura located in The Photographers' Gallery in Central London. Hope that passes for a museumgreat place by the way."

Photo by Mark Hobson, Adirondack Mountains near Lake Placid, New York USA. "My grandson in the Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, Canada. Over the past year I have been 'converting' hundreds of my pictures into an 'old' snapshot format/look. The purpose is to amass a large body of 'snapshots' which I then place in POD (print on demand) photo books. My intent is to create legacy books which have the look and feel of the traditional/classic family photo album. Enough copies of each album/photo book are printed to distribute to immediate family members. In addition, I put 2015 individual 5x5" prints into boxes and leave them around my house so family and visitors can handle and look at them."

As for the "good measure" 13th picture, it's humorous, but a little risque too. I don't think it will offend anyone, but perhaps you should consider it NSFW. Therefore I'm hiding it behind this page break. Proceed if appropriate.
Ive never seen quite so much media hype and assertions of competitive benefits since maybe the fight to split up Conrail in 1996, Blaze said. Even that pales compared to what we are seeing here. Both roads have gone out and gotten shippers, customers and communities to sign up, saying they support one or the other.

Blaze explained that as part of the Surface Transportation Boards consideration of a merger proposal, applicants must file extensive documentation and projections, reporting everything from financial records and projections to planned routes and railroad capacities. Neither the Canadian National nor Canadian Pacific has submitted these application materials  called evidence  yet.

I want to emphasize all thats been filed so far is the intention of an application, he explained. Neither has filed an application with all of the details of how this is going to work. I think this is a lot of hype with very little technical ammunition on the strengths and weaknesses of the plans.

Blaze said even if the Canadian National is permitted to purchase the Kansas City Southern and if it does lead to increased freight traffic in Chicago, it may not all immediately travel south.
CHICAGO (AP)  A judge on Friday said he would not kick one of Jussie Smollett's attorneys off the case even though he believes the attorney spoke to two men the actor allegedly hired to help him carry out a staged racist and homophobic attack.

In his ruling, Cook County Judge James Linn took the unusual step of prohibiting Smollett attorney Nenye Uche from questioning the two brothers, Abinbola and Olabinjo Osudairo, should the case go to trial, and that someone else on the actor's legal team would have to do it should the need arise.

Special Prosecutor Dan Webb argued that the alleged conversations between Uche and the brothers in 2019, shortly after Smollett said he was a victim of a hate crime, created a conflict of interest. However Linn found that it was in the court's interest to allow Smollett to retain his chosen lawyer when his liberty is at stake, even if the judge found Webb's concerns to be legitimate.

The totality of the evidence shows clearly and convincingly that at different points, Mr. Uche talked to both brothers and their mother, Linn wrote.
Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, on Friday joined the growing list of GOP lawmakers calling for a full audit of Gov. JB Pritzkers management of the states unemployment programs.

A state auditor general report released Wednesday found that about $155 million in potentially invalid benefits were paid out in the early months of the COVID-19 crisis.

The financial audit of the Illinois Department of Employment Security, or IDES, that detailed the failures regarding the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program.

While the audit covered only seven weeks of the multi-month program, its findings were stark, Bryant said in a news release.

Under the failed leadership of Governor J.B. Pritzker, the unemployment benefit system, which is designed to help Illinoisans in need, has now turned countless citizens into victims, Bryant said in a release. This report shows that fraud and identity theft were allowed to run rampant while Governor Pritzker dragged his feet, and this is just the beginning of what were uncovering.

According to the AP, the Democratic governors administration laid the blame at the feet of former Republican President Donald Trump for leaving the newly designed pandemic unemployment system up to the states with ever-changing rules.
Crime-and-courts

breaking editor's pick featured

Orangeburg Department of Public Safety

WATCH NOW: Orangeburg Department of Public Safety officer terminated, SLED investigating; man, 58, suffered acute head injury, lawyer claims

SPECIAL TO THE T&D Attorney Justin Bamberg claims his client, Clarence Gailyard, pictured, suffered a head injury during his encounter with an ODPS officer on Monday. BRADLEY HARRIS, T&D Orangeburg Department of Public Safety Chief Mike Adams speaks during a press conference held Friday afternoon. Adams was accompanied by Mayor Michael Butler, left, and City Administrator Sidney Evering, right, as he spoke about an ongoing investigation into a Monday incident.

The Orangeburg Department of Public Safety terminated one of its officers for allegedly violating the agencys use of force policy, Orangeburg City Administrator Sidney Evering II announced during a Friday news conference.

Attorney Justin Bamberg alleges his client, a 58-year-old Orangeburg man, suffered an acute head injury following Mondays encounter with the officer.

At some point, the video will be released, Bamberg said. It is not pretty.

And we respectfully ask the public to remain calm in the wake of what they will be seeing, he added.

ODPS Director Mike Adams said that 911 dispatchers received a call around 5:05 p.m. Monday from someone who reported seeing a person with a gun on Colleton Street.

Adams alleged a responding officer used force outside of the scope of our use of force policy.

Adams would not provide specifics about the incident, citing the ongoing investigation by the S.C. Law Enforcement Division.

He also wouldnt say if anyone was injured in the incident or if anyone at the scene was found with a firearm.

People, animals removed from St. Matthews home; two charged in Calhoun County Two St. Matthews residents are facing multiple charges after a concerned citizen contacted authorities, according to Calhoun County Sheriffs Office Chief Deputy Matt Trentham.

I think it would be inappropriate of me to comment on the specific details while we have an outside investigative agency still conducting an active investigation. So as the investigation winds down, well try to make that information available to you, Adams said.

Adams said he requested SLEDs assistance on Tuesday morning after he had an opportunity to watch video footage of the incident.

ODPSs Use of Force Committee met on Wednesday.

Following that meeting, The officer in question was terminated by the agency, Adams said.

Adams did not release the officers name, citing the ongoing investigation.

The department terminated 38-year-old David Lance Dukes on Wednesday for the alleged repeated use of excessive force in dealing with the public and/or prisoners, according to documents provided by the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy under the Freedom of Information Act.

First Judicial Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe said on Friday that he met with SLED agents throughout the day about the investigation.

Orangeburg Mayor Michael Butler said SLEDs investigation may be concluded as early as next week.

Evering said the city remains committed to being transparent about the incident.

Above all, we value the trust that the community has placed on us as leaders and as law enforcement officers. We cannot tolerate anything that will diminish that trust that our citizens have placed in us, Evering said.

Its unfortunate that this incident occurred, he said.

Evering also expressed appreciation for the citys public safety officers.

We fully appreciate everything you do for our community every day that you put your lives on the line, he said.

Bamberg told The T&D, We appreciate the leadership displayed by the new city administrator, Mr. Evering.

Bamberg alleges that his client, Clarence Gailyard, was walking home while using a stick for assistance. He said Gailyard also uses the stick to ward off any stray animals, such as dogs, that he may encounter.

A car struck Gailyard a couple of years ago and surgeons placed pins and rods in his knee, leg and hip, Bamberg said.

Officer Dukes ordered my client and another individual to get on the ground, but because of my clients disability, hes relatively slow, Bamberg said.

He was trying to get down as fast as he could, he added.

Bamberg said Gailyard was completely unarmed.

As my client was getting on the ground, Officer Dukes ran up and stomped on the back of his head, forcing his head to slam into the pavement, Bamberg said.

Orangeburg County EMS transported Gailyard to the Regional Medical Center for treatment, he said.

Efforts to reach Dukes for comments on Friday were unsuccessful.

Bamberg said he expects to have discussions with the city about personnel and policy changes.

And based on what we heard from Mayor Butler today, we have every expectation that the city will do the right thing by Mr. Clarence, he said.

While terminating the officer was the right thing to do, unfortunately the bigger question is, how was he even hired in the first place when he was terminated from his previous agency less than a year ago? Bamberg asked.

According to SCCJA documents, the Calhoun County Sheriffs Office terminated Dukes on Oct. 2, 2020 because he no longer works at the pleasure of the sheriff. Dukes began working at the agency on May 29, 2019.

Dukes allegedly violated the agencys policy by being insubordinate, according to Calhoun County Chief Deputy Matt Trentham.

SCCJA documents show the CCSO initially hired Dukes on July 18, 2012 and he attempted law enforcement training at the academy, but failed by Dec. 7, 2012.

The CCSO rehired him on Dec. 9, 2013 and he successfully graduated from the SCCJA on Dec. 19, 2014.

He worked as a CCSO deputy until July 24, 2018 before he resigned to take a job as an officer at ODPS. He worked there until May 22, 2019.

He resigned from ODPS and began working at the CCSO on May 29, 2019 until they terminated him 16 months later. He returned to ODPS on Oct. 12.

TheTandD.com: Full access for 3 months for just $1 Support local journalism by becoming a member at www.TheTandD.com The editor's limited time offer is full access to all the website has to offer for just $1 for three months. https://go.thetandd.com/june3

This past May, Dukes was instrumental in taking a large quantity of illegal drugs and a loaded firearm off the streets during a single traffic stop.

Among the drugs he and another officer allegedly found in the vehicle was 2,066 doses of MDMA, also known as molly.
Looking ahead to the next session, Ott said he will be focusing on a few issues.

Im working on some special committees right now. Ive got an equine study committee that Im really interested in trying to bolster the equine industry in the state. Obviously, in Orangeburg County, Calhoun County, equine, and horse training, and horse racing is a big issue. So, Im very excited to see what the final product of this special committee that Im chairing right now ultimately comes out with recommendations. And then I would like to see that put into legislation and introduced, Ott said.

Ott is also a member of a Regional Transmission Organization.

Were taking a look at the way we generate electricity in the state of South Carolina through the investor-owned utilities and Santee Cooper. Is that the most efficient way for us to provide electricity to South Carolinians and our constituents? There are other models out there that other states are using where there is more electricity that is ultimately purchased off of the grid, Ott said.
WASHINGTON  The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it will begin implementation of the Heirs Property Relending Program, an initiative spearheaded by U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., in the 2018 Farm Bill.

For so long, too many farmers have been locked out of USDA programs through no fault of their own, said Scott. I am glad the department is implementing our commonsense solution, which will open the door to landowners having more options and access to programs. This will be a game changer for heirs property owners in South Carolina and across the country.

What is heirs property?

Heirs property is land that has been passed down through generations of the same family, often without any formal change of title.

Over a third of Black-owned land in the South was passed down informally, rather than through deeds and wills.

Without a clear title, heirs property owners are limited in what they can do with their land.

Prior to the 2018 Farm Bill, heirs property owners were not eligible for programs administered by the Department of Agriculture, including the loans and conservation funding that keep many rural landowners afloat.

Additional background
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.
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After a tumultuous year for restaurants and bars caused by the coronavirus pandemic, these are the new spots opened in and around Tucson this summer...so far.

We will be updating this list as more restaurants and bars are welcomed to town later this year. If we missed your favorite new place to eat, let us know at jtellez@tucson.com.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers decision to relinquish its authority over the proposed Rosemont Mine has drawn sharp criticism from the Environmental Protection Agency.

EPA says the Corps decision  which opens the door for Rosemont to be built without a Clean Water Act permit  inaccurately assessed the nature and ecological value of several washes and a wetland on the mine site.

The EPAs criticism, in a document recently obtained by the Star, comes as the two federal agencies prepare to revise and most likely toughen the rule that allowed the Corps to make its Rosemont decision.

That rule, adopted last year, eliminates federal authority under the Clean Water Act over development along streams that are normally dry. It also sharply restricted federal control of development along streams that run more often but not year-round.

But however that turns out, the Corps says it wont back down from its March 2021 decision removing its authority over all washes and creeks at the mine site on the Santa Rita Mountains east slope.

Barring a successful court challenge from opponents, the Corps will stick to that stance for five years, the agency told the Star.

While that decision didnt revoke a 2019 Clean Water Act permit it had issued for the mine, it gave Rosemont developer Hudbay Minerals Inc. the opportunity to seek permission to build the open-pit mine under the new ground rules providing no federal authority over the washes.

In its response, EPA said the Corps analysis is flawed in several crucial areas leading to erroneous conclusions.

It said the Corps misidentified the nature of several washes near the site, incorrectly failed to identify a wetland and failed to consider connections that exist through tributaries between some washes and navigable waterways that would allow the washes to be regulated.

Asked about EPAs response, Corps spokeswoman Dena ODell said, We stand by the technical analysis presented in our approved jurisdictional determination.

If the Corps decision stands, a lawsuit that environmentalists and Native American tribes had filed to overturn the Corps 2019 Rosemont permit would likely be moot.

That would remove one of two hurdles blocking the $2 billion mine construction project after 14 years of planning, debate and litigation.

The other hurdle is a U.S. District Court order in 2019, following a lawsuit, overturning the U.S. Forest Services separate approval of the mine. The ruling is under appeal by Hudbay and the U.S. government at the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Nationwide controversies

The battle over Rosemonts status under the Clean Water Act is a miniature version of a dispute over regulation of ephemeral streams that has lasted nationwide for more than 15 years.

Ephemeral streams typically carry water only after storms and are the dominant form of washes and streams in the Southwest  including the Rosemont site in the Santa Ritas southeast of Tucson.

From the middle 2000s throughout the Obama administration, EPA and the Corps required developers to get Clean Water Act permits to discharge dredge and fill material into these streams  first with informal guidelines, then with formal rules.

The Trump administration repealed the rules in 2017 and issued a less restrictive navigable waters protection rule about a year ago.

That rule halted regulation of development along ephemeral streams. Also, on intermittent streams, which flow far more often, regulation is possible only in limited circumstances.

Water flows in intermittent streams when the groundwater table is elevated or after snowpack melts. But the navigable waters rule kicks in for them only if they contribute flow during a typical weather year to a downstream navigable waterway.

Under the old rules, the Corps had tentatively concluded that about 100 acres of washes out of a review area of 8,676 acres in and around the Rosemont site were eligible for Clean Water Act regulation, even though most were ephemeral. Its 2019 permit allows Hudbay to discharge dredge and fill material into 42 acres of the washes. But the Corps March decision says none of those washes are covered.

EPA: Streams connect to Santa Cruz River

Some specifics on the Corps decision and EPAs response:

The Corps said most washes on the site do not deserve regulation because they are ephemeral. Three washes there flow intermittently, but none connect to the nearest navigable waterway  the Santa Cruz River, 58 miles downstream, the Corps said.

But EPA said the mine area contains at least five intermittent and perennial  year-round  streams that should fall under federal authority because they connect to the Santa Cruz River via other tributaries. EPA said it confirmed this by analyzing seven streamflow gauges in the area and corroborating its findings with streamflow modeling done by a Hudbay consultant.

While the navigable waters rule covers wetlands adjacent to certain tributaries, the Corps found that one wetted area known as Rosemont Spring did not qualify because it lacked sufficiently wet conditions to support vegetation that thrives under saturation and flooding.

EPA concluded otherwise. During three visits to the area, its officials found indicators of wetland vegetation, soils suitable for wetlands, and the presence of a stream.

The Corps concluded that one stream in the area, in Wasp Canyon, is ephemeral because it has a very minor, poorly defined connection to groundwater based on field observations.

EPA, however, said there is some evidence Wasp is likely intermittent. EPA noted that surface water was found there during 14 of 20 visits to that area from 2005 through 2019.

Environmental degradation

Three months after the Corps Rosemont decision this year, EPA and the Corps made pointed comments that the current rule is inadequate and they intend to revise it.

The two agencies determined the Trump-era rule is leading to significant environmental degradation, said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan in a news release.

Interests including state and local governments, tribes, scientists and non-governmental organizations are seeing destructive impacts to critical water bodies under the 2020 rule, Regan added.

In a memo, the agencies said the rules impact was particularly strong in the Southwest.

In Arizona, 99.6% of 1,284 streams the Corps analyzed from June 22, 2020, to April 15, 2021, were considered non-jurisdictional ephemeral resources, and not regulated. In New Mexico, all 258 streams evaluated during that period were left unregulated.

Nationally in that period, the Corps determined 76% of more than 40,000 streams and other water resources were non-jurisdictional, meaning they dont qualify for federal regulation. A total of 333 projects nationally that would have required Clean Water Act permits under the old rule dont require them under the new rule, the agencies said.

Tribes are not waiting

Another federal lawsuit is not waiting for the rewrite. It seeks to overturn the navigable waters rule in hopes a favorable outcome would void Corps decisions, made under those rules, that freed Rosemont and hundreds of other projects from federal authority.

Filed by six tribes including two in Southern Arizona, the suit is being heard in U.S. District Court in Tucson.

EPA and the Corps have responded by asking U.S. District Court Judge Rosemary Marquez to send the navigable waters rule back to the agencies for reworking without tossing it out.

That would avoid potentially unnecessary litigation over parts of the current rule as a new rule is drafted, the response said. It would conserve limited resources and would best serve the interest of judicial economy, the agencies said.

Since all members of the public can comment on proposed new rules, those rules may resolve claims in this lawsuit, the agencies said. If not, the new rule could also be challenged.

But these efforts to preserve the current rule while pushing for a rewrite represent irreconcilable positions, said tribal attorney Stu Gillespie, whose clients include Southern Arizonas Tohono Oodham and Pascua Yaqui tribes.

They show the agencies are trying to avoid dealing with the rule as it is now, Gillespie said. Thats why the tribes asked to vacate the rule, wipe the slate clean and insure that these illegal jurisdictional determinations do not see the light of day.

In particular, the Corps decision to eliminate jurisdiction over Rosemont threatens irreparable harm to the Oodham and Yaquis, who have relied on the sites life-giving waters for thousands of years, the tribes motion said.

Not only are the environmental harms severe and irreversible, but the legal impacts are long-lasting as well, due to the decisions five-year term, he said.

Businesses cite economic harm

Seven Arizona business interest groups who intervened in the case supporting the EPA and Corps position say, however, that tossing out existing rules before new rules are approved would cause them substantial economic harm. The groups represent homebuilding, sand and gravel, contracting, cattle ranching and farming interests.

Such an action would plunge businesses back into the same sort of uncertainty that has plagued them for years under vague, overbroad, and frequently changing jurisdictional rules, thereby suspending critical business projects and costing livelihoods under the Clean Water Act, the business groups said.

Clarity regarding which waters or land areas are jurisdictional is critical to the vitality of the regulated entities that operate under these regulations nationwide, the groups said. Landowners or operators who make a mistake face severe criminal and civil penalties.

Contact Tony Davis at 520-349-0350 or tdavis@tucson.com. Follow Davis on Twitter@tonydavis987.

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Even with the increase in flash floods, Tucson has been able to avoid severe flood damage to houses and buildings.

Improved infrastructure has helped tackle flood damage; road repair and fewer low-water crossing are likely the reasons for that, the Weather Service said.

Rain is expected to keep coming into the metro Tucson area as August begins, the Weather Service says.

There is a 15% to 20% chance of rain every day this week. But the monsoon is expected to be less active than it has been over the past few days.

Meanwhile, Marana has been dealing with an unpleasant result of the heavy rain: an overflow of 534,000 gallons of sewage.

While the city notes that the sewage is diluted with rain water, it has been collecting in a basin north of town.

The discovery happened July 25, when an overflow was spotted coming from a manhole at North Tangerine Farms Road and West Clark Farms Boulevard, town officials said in a news release.
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People in desperate need are waiting and vetted, so the higher cap brings a lot of hope to local refugees that they may be reunited with their families, said Connie Phillips, president and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest.

Refugees are internationally recognized as those who have fled violence or persecution in their home countries and are seeking safety in another country. They are different from asylum seekers, who have not yet been legally recognized as refugees.

A family separated

The Al Tallals had to flee their home in Iraq seven years ago when Daesh, or the Islamic State, targeted Iraqi military forces.

The Al Tallals faced threats because Ali served in the Iraqi military, Layth said via the translator, as he gestured to a photo of Ali on the end table next to the sofa.

Knowing the years ahead would be long and their future uncertain, the family sold their gold, their cars and other valuables and left Iraq in February 2014.

Layth and his mother went first, traveling by plane. They were later met by Thamera and their sons, whose journey required a two-day bus ride to Turkey, the country that hosts the largest number of refugees. In Turkey, they received assistance from international refugee agencies.
The new data comes as some Spanish regions push for vaccine certificates or negative COVID-19 tests to enter bars and restaurants, though they are facing legal challenges.



SIOUX FALLS, S.D.  South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem says she has no plans to ratchet up her messaging to urge people to get a COVID-19 vaccine, even as Republican leaders across the country try to persuade vaccine skeptics to roll up their sleeves and take the shots in response to a new, more contagious variant that has sent caseloads soaring in some parts of the country.

The Republican governor told The Associated Press this week she believes her messaging has reached a saturation level where people start to tune you out.

South Dakotas Department of Health is trying a targeted approach to reach groups where vaccine uptake has been low. But it has been months since the governor used her position to encourage the vaccine, even with infections rising again in the state after a steep decline in the spring and early summer.

Noems rise as a potential contender for the 2024 GOP presidential ticket has been mostly fueled by her hands-off approach to the pandemic.

The governor acknowledged the delta variant poses a new risk.
They didnt make everybody aware of what was going on, she said. And most importantly they didnt give the people who were making the decisions on the rules the time to really read and understand the rules that were being made.

Durbin  who helped promote Fridays event and represented Wogoman in another lawsuit against the OMMA  alleged Friday that the agency is continuously bumbling the rollout of the states medical marijuana program.

So at this point we have no choice but to call for the resignation of Dr. Kelly Williams, the current head of the OMMA, Durbin said to the crowd on camera outside the Capitol. But were pragmatic people. We would simply ask that they work in an open, fair and transparent manner.

But weve been calling for that for 2 years, and were not getting it.

Durbin has also called for the OMMA to operate separately from the Oklahoma State Department of Health, which oversees the OMMA, citing a lack of consistent compliance enforcement.

Earlier this month, the OMMA told the Tulsa World it has so far found about 10 compliance employees out of the more than 70 that state law requires the agency to hire by Dec. 1.
Minority Floor Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman, however, said this isnt enough.

Virgin gave credit to Stitt for getting and publicizing the vaccine earlier this year. She also noted that the health department has been more proactive in getting the message out.

But Virgin said Stitt has considerable sway among many Oklahomans and he is uniquely positioned to help convince those on the fence that they should get the vaccine.

The governor has the ability to be a very important messenger at this time, she said. No matter how many times I talk about it, a certain part of the population may not listen to me. But they might if we have both sides of the aisle talking about it.

Last week, the states largest paper, also urged Stitt to go on a media blitz to encourage vaccinations.

This is no time to sit back. This is a time to lead, wrote The Oklahoman Executive Editor Ray Rivera and Managing Editor Clytie Bunyan in the editorial. The governor should put public health over politics. He has nothing to lose and everything to gain. A better-vaccinated population leads to fewer cases, fewer hospitalizations and a continued economic recovery.

The pitch didnt seem to work.
The name of the Muscogee Nations newest health care campus in Tulsa pays tribute to the tree that signifies the tribes new beginnings in Oklahoma.

Council Oak Comprehensive Healthcare, located at the former site of Tulsa Cancer Treatment Centers of America, nods in its name to a grand oak tree near downtown Tulsa that served as the tribes epicenter after its members survived forced removal from their Alabama homelands in the 1800s.

Officials hope the new facility will mark a new beginning of its own.

During a naming ceremony for the hospital on Friday, the tribes secretary of health reflected on an urgent need revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic and one that continues in the onslaught of the coronavirus delta variant.

The pandemic taught us a lesson, Shawn Terry said. For the first time in history, we had patients dying in our Okmulgee and Okemah hospitals because we couldnt get them to Tulsa.

We can never be in a position again when our patients coming from these rural communities need a place to go to have access to care and the Tulsa hospitals are full, which is the exact situation that were in today with this pandemic.
European Jews were forced to wear the yellow star of David by Nazis as a form of persecution and forced exclusion, she said. How do you then compare that to the vaccine that is saving lives?

It is really insulting to the survivors and to the 6 million Jews that were slaughtered in the Holocaust. It is horribly upsetting and not right.

While some people make a choice not to get vaccinated against COVID-19, the Jews did not have a choice in this matter in the way they were exterminated and murdered, she said.

Former Rep. John Bennett, R-Sallisaw, is the Oklahoma Republican Party chairman. He did not respond to a request for comment.

During his time in the Legislature, Bennett made repeated verbal attacks on Muslims and Islam.

Not all leaders in the Oklahoma Republican Party approve of the Facebook post. A party official issued a statement Friday evening saying the Oklahoma party vice chairman, a national committeeman and a national committeewoman denounce the use of the Star of David and call on all Republicans to join us in support of honoring the memory of those murdered in the Holocaust.


NEW YORK  Vaccinations for COVID-19 and masks will be required for all Broadway audience members when theaters reopen in the coming weeks.

The Broadway League announced audience members must wear face coverings and show proof theyre fully vaccinated when they enter the theaters. Therell be exceptions to the vaccine rule for children under 12 and for people with a medical condition or religious belief that prevents vaccination. Those individuals will need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

Vaccinations will be required for performers, crew members and theater employees. The move comes a day after Actors Equity Association, the union which represents nearly 52,000 actors and stage managers, said it would require cast and crew members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Company members who are not vaccinated must wear masks, practice physical distancing and undergo testing at least twice a week. The protocols apply to both Broadway productions and Equity-backed shows across the nation.



FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says hell issue an executive order barring local school districts from forcing students to wear masks when classes resume next month.
The report also notes that during the pandemic, the U.S. Department of Labors mandatory one-week waiting period, which allows OESC to assess claims for fraudulent activity, was waived by the administration. This was important to help get benefits into the hands of needy Oklahomans. However, it also meant that the agency was not given the necessary time to evaluate claims. Coupled with the massive influx of claims, the agency saw a spike in fraudulent activity.

Although the agency did not have the one-week waiting period, we worked closely with our payment provider to locate common sources of fraudulent activity, and we cut off payments to three separate institutions. The agency also hired a full-time fraud consultant. Additionally, we started our digital ID verification process, which helped reduce and flag fraudulent activity.

Now the agency is working closely with state and federal law enforcement to catch fraudsters.

In September, the agency announced that it is starting its digital transformation initiative.

In 24 months, we will have completely transformed the user experience for both claimants and employers. We will have a unified claims system where claimants are able to process all of their claims information on one website, and well no longer use the outdated mainframe.
Kamala Harris will become the first United States vice-president to visit Vietnam to boost ties during a trip that will also include Singapore next month, the White House announced Friday.

During the trip, the vice-president will discuss with the leaders of Vietnam and Singapore regional security, the global response to COVID-19, climate change, and joint efforts to promote a rules-based international order, the White House said.

The trip to the two Southeast Asian countries is aimed to strengthen relationships and expand economic cooperation with two critical Indo-Pacific partners of the U.S., Harriss spokeswoman Symone Sanders said in a statement.

The visits will also enhance the strong cultural and people-to-people relations between the U.S and these countries, the statement said, without providing details on the dates of the trip.

Vice-President Harris will be the first vice-president to ever visit Vietnam, said Sanders.

President Biden and Vice President Harris have made it a top priority to rebuild our global partnerships and keep our nation secure, and this upcoming visit continues that work, the White House said.

The specific dates for Harriss trip are still being worked on, Reuters said, citing diplomats.

The travel to Vietnam and Singapore by Harris demonstrates the U.S.s long-term commitment to a prosperous and secure Southeast Asia, the Straits Times quoted Dr. Patrick Cronin, chair for Asia-Pacific security at the Hudson Institute in Washington, as saying.

Harriss visit would be significant to highlight Washingtons commitment to Southeast Asia, Reuters cited analysts as saying.

Some analysts also think that it could result in more pledges of U.S. vaccines to this region, which has recently suffered from COVID-19.

The upcoming trip of Harris is the second international trip in office after she visited Guatemala and Mexico in June in an effort to lower numbers of migrants from this area to the U.S.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Former headmaster of Dong Do University in Vietnams capital of Hanoi and his accomplices have been prosecuted for issuing hundreds of fake second bachelors degrees in English studies to illegally earn some US$310,000.

The Supreme Peoples Procuracy on Friday announced an indictment for prosecution of Duong Van Hoa, 38, the ex-principal, and his accessories on charges of commission of fraud while performing duties.

Hoas accomplices include two ex-vice principals Tran Kim Oanh and Le Ngoc Ha; Tran Ngoc Quang, former deputy head of the schools Training and Student Management Department; Nguyen Thi Hue, former head of the Finance and Accounting Faculty; and former school officials Pham Van Thuy, Le Thi Thanh Tam, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Thai, Ngo Quang Hien and Le Thi Luong.

One more defendant of the case is Tran Khac Hung, former board chairman of the university, who was determined as the mastermind of the crime.

Police have put Hung on their wanted list since August 2019 after he fled away.

From April 2018 to March 2019, Hung and his inferiors issued 429 fake degrees and two bogus certificates to earn over VND7.1 billion (around $310,000), although the school had yet to be licensed to train second bachelors degree courses, including those for English studies, the indictment said.

Dong Do University is seen from outside in Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre

Hoa was found having signed 429 fake bachelors diplomas, and investigators have verified the personal information of people who used 209 out of these counterfeit degrees.

Hoa also introduced to the group two people who needed to obtain fake diplomas, and signed a document to buy diploma templates from the Ministry of Education and Training for use in printing fake degrees.

With his acts in the case, Hoa was an active accomplice of Tran Khac Hung in the case, the indictment said.

As a vice headmaster, Oanh signed 16 lists of 287 people to be granted the fake diplomas and directed her staff to forge a decision on admission of students as part of the procedures for buying diploma templates from the Ministry of Education and Training.

Like Oanh, Ha was also found having signed 11 academic transcripts and 22 proposals for granting bogus degrees to 309 people, and directed her inferiors to do paperwork related to issuing fake diplomas.

The indictment also pointed out that the Ministry of Education and Training has not fulfilled its responsibilities in monitoring the implementation of enrollment and training regulations at the university.

The ministry has not promptly directed the inspection and examination of Dong Do University's activities in accordance with applicable regulations, the indictment said.

Therefore, inspectors under the Ministry of Public Security have requested to the ministry to consider handling those who are held accountable for the law-breaking at the university.

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People in Nha Trang City in Vietnams south-central Khanh Hoa Province will be banned from going outdoors from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am the next day from Saturday until further notice as part of the citys movement restrictions to reduce surging COVID-19 infections.

City chairman Nguyen Sy Khanh issued a document to announce the travel restrictions early in the morning of the same day.

Cases exempted from the travel restrictions include those working in emergency medical forces and missions for preventing the pandemic, natural disasters and fire accidents, funeral service workers, reporters and editors of newspapers and radio stations in the province and at the central level, sanitation workers, electricity, water and infrastructure workers, means of transporting essential goods, production and import-export goods, means for pandemic prevention and control, petrol stations and pharmacies.

After the travel restrictions come into effect, households, which were supposed to go out for grocery in the evenings according to previous allocations of shopping tickets, must change their shopping time to either mornings or afternoons.

The Peoples Committee of Nha Trang City also decided to lock down 11 communes and wards faced with very high risks of infections, including Phuoc Dong, Vinh Truong, Vinh Hiep, Ngoc Hiep, Vinh Ngoc, Vinh Phuoc, Vinh Tho, Vinh Hai, Vinh Hoa, Van Thang and Van Thanh, from 0:00 am Saturday until next notice.

City authorities have enforced social distancing rules under the prime ministers Directive No. 16 since July 9.

All conventional and wholesale markets in the city have also been temporarily closed since July 26.

Khanh Hoa recorded 217 coronavirus infections on Friday.

Since April 27, when the pandemics fourth wave appeared in Vietnam, the south-central province has accounted for 1,375 cases in the countrys total of 137,317 domestic infections.

Vietnam on Saturday morning reported 4,060 new cases of COVID-19, including 2,503 cases in Ho Chi Minh City, increasing the countrys tally to 141,122, with 35,484 recoveries and 1,161 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health.

Ho Chi Minh City has recently led the nation with 88,566 cases reported in the ongoing infection wave and thousands of patients registered per day.

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The Military Command of Khanh Hoa Province in south-central Vietnam, in collaboration with the provincial Youth Union, on Saturday presented food to 100 Russian citizens in need residing in Nha Trang City.

The donation included 200 boxes of instant noodles, 50 cartons of milk, 500kg of rice, and hundreds of kilograms of vegetables.

The recipients are 100 Russian nationals, who are living in Nha Trang and have suffered from the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The donation was funded by the local budget, contributions from officers and soldiers of the armed forces in the province, and the provincial Youth Unions COVID-19 support fund.

Thank you for the gifts, said Klina Alena, a 39-year-old woman who has lived and worked in Nha Trang for more than three years.

Before the pandemic, Alena rented a store to sell clothing. However, her business has been shuttered in accordance with social distancing rules for COVID-19 prevention.

Alena and her four family members have been living on savings ever since.

I dont speak the local language, so it has been quite tough, she shared with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

Officers from the Military Command and the Youth Union of Khanh Hoa Province donate food to a Russian resident in Nha Trang City, Vietnam, July 31, 2021. Photo: Minh Chien / Tuoi Tre

Logunos Tachia, a Russian music teacher, also expressed her gratitude for the donation as it has been difficult for her to go grocery shopping during the restriction period, regardless of helps from locals and her compatriots.

Your gifts make us feel happy and cared about, said Tachia.

I hope the pandemic will wane quickly so that the Russian community can go back to work.

This is not the first support of its kind that the Khanh Hoa Military Command has carried out in the south-central province.

The military unit previously organized stalls selling goods worth a total of nearly VND1 billion (US$43,450) at zero cost to people in local quarantine facilities and medical isolation areas.

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For some time viewers have lamented the absence on their screens of, what I would call, the classic Australian drama.

You know the type. True blue, feelgood stories, characters who are dinky-di heroes, with some vista landscapes to boot. Crawford Productions perfected these with shows like The Flying Doctors, Matlock Police, Homicide, All the Rivers Run, The Sullivans and others carried the legacy: Blue Heelers, All Saints, A Country Practice, Big Sky, Water Rats, Police Rescue and yes arguably Doctor Doctor.

Im happy to be report those qualities are back in Sevens new local drama RFDS.

This is as true blue as it gets, folks. Not that theres anything wrong with that.

RFDS is a new take on the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS was also the title of Nines revamped final season). Unlike its Victorian-based predecessor, it has been shot in and around Broken Hill, NSW. The red dirt, the mines and pubs are all on show here in a series that is clearly pitching itself to an international audience. And why wouldnt you?

The star of the show is Emma Hamilton (Mr Selfridge, The Tudors, Hyde & Seek) as Senior Medical Officer Dr Eliza Harrod, who leaves London with her teen son Henry (Ash Hodgkinson) after splitting from her husband.

She arrives in Broken Hill with all the premiere fanfare of Maggie Doyle arriving in Mt. Thomas. Everything is understandably foreign, but through her we meet the RFDS team. This experienced team are a mix of warm and laconic, finding humour in between daily emergencies, but who always have your back.

Theres handsome Dr Wayne Yates (Rob Collins), a gifted doctor and father to teenage son, Darren (Thomas Weatherall), flight nurse Pete Emerson (Stephen Peacocke) whom you always want in your corner. Theres pilot Mira (Ash Riccardo), pilot Graham Rodney (Rodney Afif), flight nurse Matty (Jack Scott), volunteer Rhiannon (Kate Mulvany), and Base Manager Leonie (Justine Clarke) who keeps the team together in a way that would make Sgt. Tom Croydon proud.

From their hangars they fly to outback emergencies and navigate relationships in a way that will feel assuringly familiar, but without opting for cliches or dull performances.

In the opening episode Eliza takes her first flight on an RFDS plane, to an outback patient with a leg fracture. But the return trip sees the injury escalate and the nearest neurosurgeon is 600km away. Welcome to Australia.

Her first day at work is capped off with a welcome party at the local pub, where resident drag queen (Trevor Ashley) pulls her on stage to a cheering crowd.

Next day, while one emergency is being addressed, another is unfolding and this one is much closer to home now the jeopardy and the decision-making is literally life and death stuff.

By episode two relationships are fractured, theres a touch and go pregnancy and a seizure suffering astronomy tour guide. Elizas initiation to Broken Hill is coming in for a rough landing -and questions are raised about why she left London (back story, back story).

Creators Ian Meadows, Imogen Banks and Mark Fennessy have ticked all the boxes here. These are warm and heroic characters in big vista backdrops, challenged by jeopardy in high-turnover. Whereas its predecessor would often have to fake scenes, now RFDS takes you there. The men are nurses, the women are pilots and theres diversity in the casting.

International viewers will love seeing the red dust, windmills, Aussie pubs, flyscreens, open mines and drone shots. Theres even a wayward emu.

Emma Hamilton and Stephen Peacocke are the comforting, gutsy stars, but Rob Collins and Justine Clarke underpin as steadfast, seasoned parents to this fine ensemble.

RFDS isnt the most challenging of weekly dramas, the surgery may not be as graphic as US premium drama, and sometimes everyone is a bit too camera clean. But theres plenty to like here, achieved with a high level of polish. Its a return to Aussie drama in the classic sense where youll happily return to spend time with this crew again and again.

RFDS premieres 8:40pm Wednesday August 11 on Seven.
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Do Not Miss the Grand Prix KO Series Main Events

July 31 2021 Matthew Pitt

The $2.2 million guaranteed partypoker Grand Prix KO Series is rapidly nearing its conclusion, which means time is running out for you to progress to Day 2 of the Main Event and its Mini equivalent.

An unlucky 13 flights have taken place in the $109 buy-in Grand Prix #07 Main Event and 16, at the time of writing, are waiting for you to enter. Some 2,328 partypoker players have bought in so far, meaning $232,800 of the $500,000 guaranteed prize pool has been accumulated. Only 343 of those starters have punched their Day 2 tickets; they return to action at 8:05 p.m. BST on August 2.

Austrias Edvin Makic is the man to catch right now, having amassed a 2,505,530 stack. Makic helped himself to six bounties on his way to becoming the chip leader, those scalps weighing in at $231.25, which means he is freerolling towards a big main prize pool prize.

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Grand Prix KO Series Main Event Top 10 Chip Counts (July 30)

Place Player Country Bounties Chips 1 Edvin Makic Austria $231.25 2,505,530 2 Liam Hughes United Kingdom $265.62 2,498,281 3 Jimmy Mattias Larsen Sweden $331.25 1,934,431 4 Augusto Jorge Luis Hagen Argentina $246.87 1,907,553 5 Gustavo Pinto Brazil $218.75 1,822,368 6 Richard Pearson United Kingdom $122.50 1,757,033 7 Sander Totuli Brazil $125.00 1,703,313 8 Robin Davis United Kingdom $209.37 1,697,522 9 Florian Ribouchon Malta $243.74 1,662,353 10 Otavio Monteiro Brazil $300.00 1,622,046

Remaining Grand Prix KO Series Main Event Flights

Date Time (BST) Fri 30 Jul 5:05 p.m. Fri 30 Jul 8:05 p.m. Fri 30 Jul 11:05 p.m. Sat 31 Jul 2:05 p.m. Sat 31 Jul 5:05 p.m. Sat 31 Jul 8:05 p.m. Sat 31 Jul 11:05 p.m. Sun 1 Aug 1:05 a.m. Sun 1 Aug 2:05 p.m. Sun 1 Aug 5:05 p.m. Sun 1 Aug 8:05 p.m. Sun 1 Aug 11:05 p.m. Mon 2 Aug 1:05 a.m. Mon 2 Aug 2:05 p.m. Mon 2 Aug 5:05 p.m. (Turbo) Mon 2 Aug 6:30 p.m. (Hyper)

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Brazilians Dominating the Mini Main Event

There is also a Grand Prix KO Series Mini Main Event but its name is the only thing mini about it. The event costs $11 to enter yet boasts of a $100,000 guaranteed prize pool. Some 6,600 players have bought in over 25 completed flights, meaning $66,000 of that prize pool is already secured. Some 946 of those starters are through to Day 2 on August 2, and it is Brazilian who are shining brightly.

Six of the current top ten, with 18 flights remaining, hail from Brazil including the players occupying first and second place. Adalto Junior and Rodrigo Sollero lead the way with their 2,967,000 and 2,451,057 stacks, and with bounties of $29.37 and $38.12 already in their partypoker accounts.

Grand Prix KO Series Mini Main Event Top 10 Chip Counts (July 30)

Place Player Country Bounties Chips 1 Adalto Junior Brazil $29.37 2,967,000 2 Rodrigo Sollero Brazil $38.12 2,451,057 3 Helge Warkow Germany $22.19 2,428,767 4 Mathias Schulze Germany $69.67 2,362,519 5 Gustavo Oliveira Dias Brazil $23.74 2,290,244 6 Paulo Vitor Pereira Brazil $55.00 2,210,358 7 Diego Tamashiro Brazil $27.49 2,097,524 8 Afonso Tieppo Brazil $24.06 2,079,700 9 Aaron Kielesinski Canada $36.25 2,077,237 10 Welson Ward Canada $2.50 2,051,528

Remaining Grand Prix KO Series Mini Main Event Flights

Date Time (BST) Fri 30 Jul 2:05 p.m. Fri 30 Jul 5:05 p.m. Fri 30 Jul 8:05 p.m. Fri 30 Jul 11:05 p.m. Sat 31 Jul 1:05 a.m. Sat 31 Jul 2:05 p.m. Sat 31 Jul 5:05 p.m. Sat 31 Jul 8:05 p.m. Sat 31 Jul 11:05 p.m. Sun 1 Aug 1:05 a.m. Sun 1 Aug 2:05 p.m. Sun 1 Aug 5:05 p.m. Sun 1 Aug 8:05 p.m. Sun 1 Aug 11:05 p.m. Mon 2 Aug 1:05 a.m. Mon 2 Aug 2:05 p.m. Mon 2 Aug 5:05 p.m. Mon 2 Aug 6:30 p.m.

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The purpose of the Blue Homeland strategy is that Turkey should dominate the Mediterranean and reclaim the mercantile and maritime power, Antonia Colibasanu, Geopolitical Futures Chief Operating Officer, writes for Euractiv. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans latest moves  a visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the announcement of a resumption of Turkish energy exploration in the area  are meant to show that he will continue to pursue his neo-Ottoman Mavi Vatan (Blue Homeland) doctrine.

Whether development of any large finds in the Eastern Mediterranean would be viable in the current climate is questionable, but Turkey needs to deter conventional threats along its coastline, and under the circumstances, energy exploration may be the best excuse. At the same time, Erdogan may use the potential for a new crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean to distract Turks from economic problems at home that threaten to destabilise his rule. Erdogans trip to Northern Cyprus came just three days after Turkeys UN envoy spoke with the UN secretary-general about Greeces continuous flagrant violations of international law in the Aegean and Mediterranean. Contravening the 1923 Lausanne Treaty, the envoy said, Athens has militarised islands near Turkey that are supposed to remain demilitarised.

Turkey wants to amend or cancel the treaty, which gave Greece sovereignty over the islands close to Turkeys coast, including the right to explore for and extract natural resources from the sea, thus denying Turkey a significant exclusive economic zone. In 2019 and 2020, tensions between Ankara and Athens flared as Turkey sent seismic research ships to waters contested by Greece and the Republic of Cyprus.

Turkey hasnt formally renounced its desire to join the bloc, but its efforts have shifted toward updating the EU-Turkey customs union and visa liberalization. The socio-economic crisis in Europe, coupled with the refugee crisis, made Ankara change its relationship with Brussels. Considering one of the main migration routes from the Middle East passes through the Aegean, Turkey and the European Union (and notably Greece, as the first receiving country) have had to cooperate on managing the flow of migrants. When Turkey highlights Greeces militarisation of islands, much of it has to do with the placement of security personnel to ensure that migrant flows are well-managed and locals are exposed to minimal risks.

At the same time, Turkey has tried to establish itself as a key transit country within Europes southern gas supply corridor through its involvement in the TANAP and TurkStream pipelines, which move gas from the Caucasus and Russia, respectively. When energy discoveries were made in the Eastern Mediterranean, Turkish aspirations to become a regional energy hub grew further  even as hopes for better relations between Turkey, Cyprus and Greece diminished.

After the failure of the last round of negotiations on Cyprus fate in 2017, the Republic of Cyprus announced the exploitation of its deposits. Turkey denounced the decision as a violation of the rights of Turkish Cypriots and launched its gunboat policy, sending warships to prevent this initiative and to conduct its own exploration in disputed areas.

Turkey, Cyprus and Greece are not alone in the new energy game emerging in the Eastern Mediterranean. The first beneficiary of gas from the region was Israel, which has become an exporter of gas since the discovery in 2010. Egypt joined the club in 2011.

Countries then established exclusive economic zones over the areas in which energy was discovered. This led to the appropriation of certain areas and, consequently, made Turkey feel as though it was being boxed in again  hardly a happy outcome for an aspiring regional power. It thus developed its Blue Homeland strategy, whereby Turkey would develop its navy and strengthen its ability to protect Turkish interests overseas.

Under Erdogan, it has since become synonymous with the designation of maritime areas from which Turkey is said to have been unjustly deprived in its near abroad. The purpose of the Blue Homeland strategy is not just to expand Turkish influence abroad but also to pursue many of Turkeys domestic and financial interests. Implicit in the concept is the idea that Turkey should dominate the Mediterranean and reclaim the mercantile and maritime power once held by the Ottomans. It argues that Turkeys geographic position is an asset, not a vulnerability.

Having a strong naval presence in the Mediterranean, particularly the Eastern Mediterranean, would allow Turkey to assert claims to oil and gas reserves in contested waters there. This would in turn help Ankara become an energy hub and achieve energy independence.
A Turkish historian and political scientist is of the opinion that Iran and Turkey as two important countries in the region can restore peace in Afghanistan.

Turkey and Iran are important states in our region, Mehmet Perincek tells the Tehran Times.

Turkey-Iran cooperation has always achieved great success on behalf of the oppressed nations. The union between Turkey and Iran is also for Afghanistan and for all humanity.

Biden's decision to withdraw all U.S. forces from Afghanistan has spurred internal instability in the country, where violence is escalating as the Taliban score more battlefield victories against the Afghan government and foreign forces disengage.

But Washington's decision to pull out has also triggered a regional power play, with different actors - from China to Turkey, from Russia to India - looking to take advantage of the diplomatic power vacuum in Kabul.

Afghanistan's political, economic and military dynamics have long been influenced by larger and more powerful neighbors Pakistan and Iran. But one regional player, Turkey, is positioning itself in a key security role after the Americans withdraw.

Perincek emphasizes, Cooperation, not competition, should be essential in any regional issue between Ankara and Tehran. This solidarity will disrupt the plans of the United States.

Following the text of the interview:

Q: How do you assess U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan?

A: The main strategy of the United States for world hegemony was to control Central Asian energy resources and transport routes connected to them. In order for the United States to succeed in this strategy, it also needed to surround Russia and China. Afghanistan played a big role for Washington in this respect.

However, the United States suffered a major defeat in Afghanistan. Time magazine appeared with the cover "Last Days of the Taliban" on December 27, 2001, when the U.S. armies entered Afghanistan.

However, after 20 years, we are talking about the last days of the USA. The Taliban took control of most of the country. Washington's policy of "exporting democracy" has literally failed.

On the other hand, it should be noted that Afghanistan has been turned into a corruption pool for the Pentagon and a handful of generals. The USA is not only withdrawing from Afghanistan, it is leaving the region completely. Neither Pakistan nor other Central Asian countries have agreed to give bases to U.S. troops leaving Afghanistan.

As the U.S. withdraws from Afghanistan, it aims to inflict maximum damage on its strategic rivals. That is to turn Afghanistan into a region of chaos; to leave countries such as China, Russia and Iran all alone with instability.

Q: Do you think other regional powers like Russia and Turkey can fill the power gap in Afghanistan?

A: The U.S. plan is to drag Afghanistan into civil war and set the region on fire. Then the countries of the region must unite to ensure stability in Afghanistan. Turkey, Iran, Russia, China, Pakistan, Central Asian republics can play an important role. It's all in their interest to disrupt the American plan.

It is important in this sense that Russia has contacts with the Taliban. The U.S. wanted to drive the Taliban over the countries of the region. Moscow saw this trap and although she considered it a terrorist organization, she made an important move to disrupt the U.S. game by meeting with the Taliban.

Lessons must be learned from the Soviet-era Afghan war and the last American invasion. Despite the Afghan people, military intervention is not the solution. As a result, Afghanistan must be governed from Afghanistan.

Turkey, on the other hand, should be in Afghanistan in order to mediate between the parties in cooperation with the countries of the region for lasting peace, to contribute to a safe transition, and to take an active role in possible regional cooperation.

In addition, the countries of the region should develop a holistic strategy against the U.S. plans not only in Afghanistan but also in the entire Eurasian geography, from the Middle East (West Asia) to the South Caucasus, from the Black Sea to the Eastern Mediterranean.

Q: What will be the role of Afghanistan's neighbors in establishing peace in the country? How can Iran and Turkey collaborate in this regard? Can the Astana process serve as a good model?

A: The Astana model proved itself in Syria. Countries in the region have shown that there is no problem that they cannot solve if they take the initiative by preventing the intervention of imperialist countries. We also see this in ensuring the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and resolving the Karabakh conflict.A similar process should be applied to Afghanistan.

Turkey and Iran are important states in our region. Turkey-Iran cooperation has always achieved great success on behalf of the oppressed nations. The union between Turkey and Iran is also for Afghanistan and for all humanity.

Cooperation, not competition, should be essential in any regional issue between Ankara and Tehran. This solidarity will disrupt the plans of the United States.

Q: How do the people in the region read the U.S. move in leaving Afghanistan alone in the midst of crises?

A: The United States is losing its world dominance in military, political and economic terms. The resistance of the Eurasian states and peoples is stopping American aggression. American plans are failing everywhere and will fail. There is a multipolar world now. Even this multipolarity has been reflected in the U.S. The United States also faces significant problems within itself.

In this respect, taking hostile actions against the countries of the region by relying on Washington will harm those countries and their governments the most. Eventually, America will leave our region and we will be left alone.

We all know the use-and-throw policy of the United States. The West uses states, governments, and peoples for its imperialist interests. As a result, it brings war, destruction and conflict to the region.

And when its done or lost, it throws away the powers it uses. The United States is the most unreliable partner, both because it is imperialist and because it is now losing power. Regional initiatives, on the other hand, offer prosperity, peace and stability to the region on the basis of equal relations.

Q: Do you think China will be engaged in the Afghanistan conflict to advance its Belt and Road Initiative?

A: China is a great economic power. And it does not follow the imperialist path of the USA. China can contribute to the solution of the Afghanistan issue in an economic sense as well as in a political sense. This would also reduce American influence in the region.

Both the Taliban and the Kabul government have appealed to China. They all want Chinese investment to come to their country. There have even been meetings on this basis in Qatar between China and the Taliban. Against the U.S. plans, these meetings are very important in terms of ensuring internal peace in Afghanistan and the security of the surrounding countries.

As a result, economic development will ensure the establishment of peace in Afghanistan.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan does not rule out that fires in the south of the country were caused by arsons.

"We are thoroughly investigating the causes of the fires. If there are traitors who are capable of burning their own homeland, they will suffer the most severe punishment," the head of state said, speaking at the crisis centre in Antalya.

Earlier, the Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Bekir Pakdemirli noted that 88 forest fires that broke out in 30 Turkish provinces were taken under control in four days.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the arrest of a suspect in the forest arson in southern Turkey. Erdogan is currently in Antalya, in a crisis center.

"One person was detained in connection with the fire in Milas. It is our duty to find those who burn our forests," he said at a press conference in Marmaris.

Earlier, the Turkish president said that he did not rule out that forests were deliberately set on fire.
At least 150 people have died in flooding in Afghanistan's mountainous northeastern Nuristan province, Taliban said, as villagers searched desperately for survivors in the insurgent-controlled area, TRT World reports.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid offered little information on Thursday about the deaths a day earlier.

Getting reliable information on the disaster was difficult, according to Afghan officials, as Kamdesh district in the mountainous area had fallen under the control of Taliban and had poor telecommunications.

The spokesperson for the provincial governor, Mohammad Sayed Mohmand, said water had inundated the village of Terdesh, destroying at least 100 homes.

Mohmand said dozens of families fled the flooding to the neighbouring Kunar region.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili announced his country's readiness to help Turkey cope with forest fires in resort towns.

"I express my sincere condolences to our friendly Turkey in connection with the casualties and damage caused by the fire. Georgia expresses solidarity to the government and people of Turkey in this difficult period. On behalf of the Georgian government, I express my readiness to provide assistance of any kind to neighbouring Turkey," he wrote on Facebook.
The municipality of the Turkish city of Marmaris expressed gratitude to the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, for sending a team of the Ministry of Emergency Situations to extinguish forest fires in Turkish resort cities.

"The Azerbaijani military arrived in Marmaris to support us in extinguishing the fire. Thank you for your support," the Marmaris city administration wrote on Twitter.

Since July 28, forest fires have been raging in the southern cities of Turkey. They began in the resorts of Antalya, but later covered other regions of the republic. Today in Bodrum, guests of three hotels were evacuated. Among them there are 100 Russians.
The Ministry of Health of Georgia reported that 6,000 out of 7,000 beds allocated for patients with coronavirus are occupied.

"We are gradually increasing the number of beds in Covid hotels and clinics, where 7,000 beds have already been mobilized, of which 6,000 are occupied. At the same time, there are 1,200 patients in intensive care units, which certainly raises concerns," the head Ministry of Health of Georgia, Yekaterina Tikaradze said, Sputnik Georgia informs.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed in a phone call with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Moscow will continue provide assistance to Ankara in extinguishing forest fires, the Kremlin press service said on Saturdaysaid, TASS reports.

"On July 31, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Turkey Recep [Tayyip] Erdogan. The emergency situation that arose due to forest fires in Turkeys southern regions was discussed. The importance of cooperation between the two countries in combating that natural disaster was highlighted," the report said.

"Vladimir Putin reaffirmed that Russia would continue to provide comprehensive assistance to Turkey in extinguishing the fires. Recep [Tayyip] Erdogan thanked him for the substantial support that has been provided," the press service added.

The two presidents also discussed in detail pressing issues related to Russian-Turkish multifaceted cooperation. "[They] spoke highly of the results of the meeting of the bilateral Intergovernmental Commission held recently," the report said.
Russia became second by total petroleum exports to the United States in May 2021, with record-breaking deliveries totaling 26.17 mln barrels, TASS reports citing the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).

The previous record was set in May 2009, when Russia delivered crude oil and petroleum products to the US totaling 25.08 mln barrels.

Canada tops the list of petroleum exporters to the US in May with 125.75 mln barrels and Mexico is third (22.56 mln barrels).

Russian petroleum products account for the bulk of deliveries to the United States. Crude oil export amounted to just 8.6 mln barrels but is at the same time the all-time high figure since June 2011. Russia ranks third in terms of oil export after Canada (109.86 mln barrels) and Mexico (18.59 mln barrels).

Russian export of crude oil and petroleum products to the US surged almost 2.5-fold year-on-year in May 2021, including oil supplies alone soaring by 65 times.

Total crude oil imports by the US equaled 180.65 mln barrels in May 2021, up 6.1 mln barrels against April.
Russia's GDP level has recovered to a pre-crisis level, but is still below potential, aide to the President of Russia Maxim Oreshkin said in an interview with the Rossiya 24 TV channel, TASS reports.

"From the point of view of [economic] recovery, it has not yet been completed, although our GDP level has recovered to the pre-crisis level, it is even lower than the potential level. That means that a couple more steps in the recovery need to be done," he said.

Earlier this week, Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said that the Russian economy in June 2021 exceeded the pre-covid level of the furth quarter of 2019 by 0.1%.
Amid the growing threat of fire in the resort town of Bodrum, 100 Russian tourists were evacuated, RIA Novosti reports with a reference to the Consulate General of the Russian Federation.

Russian tourists in the region of Bodrum, where forest fires continue, are safe, the diplomatic service assured.

Earlier, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Turkey reported that 88 forest fires in 30 Turkish vilayets were taken under control. In total, since July 28, when the first fires started in Antalya, 6 people died, 410 more were injured.
Militants of the radical Taliban movement (banned in the Russian Federation) once again attacked the office of the UN mission in Afghan Herat, the representative of the Ministry of Defense of Afghanistan Fawad Aman informed.

"The terrorist Taliban again attacked the UN office in Herat's Guzara district, Herat province today. The ANDSF are fighting the terrorists and they will repel their attack.," Aman reported on Twitter.
Due to the fire in the resort town of Bodrum, three five-star hotels have been evacuated.

DHA news agency reports that a fire started in the Icmeler quarter. The wind caused the fire to approach the residential area. The evacuation was carried out as a preventive measure since there is no immediate threat of fire in the hotels.

Earlier, the Turkish government announced that 88 forest fires were taken under control in 30 Turkish vilayets.
The Uzbek enterprise Jurabek Laboratories produced the first batches of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) informs.

"RDIF and one of the leading pharmaceutical manufacturers of Uzbekistan - Jurabek Laboratories - announce the production of the first batches of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against coronavirus. The drug produced in Uzbekistan will be used to implement a program of vaccination of the population against Covid-19 in the country," the RDIFs statement reads.
The US Secretary of Defense is on a trip to Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines. This is the first visit to Southeast Asia by a top official in the Biden administration.

In Singapore, Mr. Lloyd Austin spoke at an event organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). The visit of the Pentagon leader demonstrates that the Biden-Harris administration considers Southeast Asia an important part of the Indo-Pacific region.

The US Secretary of Defenses two-day visit to Vietnam has just concluded.

America's commitment to the region

Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang welcomed his American counterpart Lloyd Austin on the morning of July 29. Photo: Pham Hai

This visit underscores the United States' enduring commitment to the region and its interest in upholding the rules-based international order in the region and promoting ASEANs central role.

As US Defense Secretary, Mr. Austin has visited Europe twice to mend relations with allies. He also visited Japan, Korea and India. Mr. Austin was due to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore in June, but the event was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Greg Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), noted that Mr. Austin was visiting three of America's most important political and security partners in Southeast Asia. Singapore is the most important security partner; Vietnam is increasingly becoming a close partner with the US, and the Philippines is America's oldest Asian ally.

According to Poling, Singapore is currently a closer regional security partner than Manila, when in 2020, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced that he would cancel the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the US.

Collin Koh, a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said that the most important thing is that Duterte needs to win the support of the Philippine military if he wants to run for the position of Vice President in 2022.

Some analysts say the Philippines will be a difficult test for the US defense secretary during this trip, but he was still able to make progress on security issues with Manila.

For the US, improving relations with Manila will be key to the US pivot to Southeast Asia strategy. The Biden administration aims to complete this fall a report with a focus on the importance of establishing a stronger presence in the region.

Practical cooperation between Vietnam and the US

Vietnam - US relations are developing strongly. As one of only two Southeast Asian countries specifically mentioned in the Biden administration's interim national security strategy guidelines, Vietnam is increasingly becoming an important part of US defense strategy in the region.

Bilateral trade turnover has increased more than 200 times since the normalization of relations in 1995. The relationship between the two peoples has also been strengthened as Vietnam's tourism industry develops. Vietnam has entered the list of countries most interested in by US investors. US foreign direct investment in Vietnam grew from less than $1 billion in 2011 to more than $2.6 billion in 2019.

On July 19, 2021 the US Department of Finance and the State Bank of Vietnam reached an agreement to resolve Washington's concerns about the Vietnamese currency issue.

While Vietnam is trying to increase and diversify vaccine supply, the US has been actively providing vaccines for Vietnam, which helps to strengthen trust between the two countries.

Professor Carl Thayer said that Vietnam is a close comprehensive partner and is on the list of priority countries to receive vaccines from the US. In Southeast Asia, in addition to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, the US also donated vaccines to the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. The fight against Covid-19 must be done globally so that there are no "hot spots" and the US has provided the vaccine in good faith.

Mr. Thayer also added that the two sides are cooperating practically. It benefits the US when Vietnam becomes a powerful economic player, and also contributes to the stability of the region. America can trust Vietnam to act independently and constructively.

Hoang Viet
For many startups, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a nightmare. However, the pandemic has also opened up a number of new opportunities for those prepared to innovate.

Startups need to identify their core values as well as choose technologies that will be suitable in the distant future.  Photo vietnamplus.vn

According to Le Group, in the first half of the year, the number of firms that ceased doing business was 59,800. However, over the same period, they also recorded the establishment of 78,300 new enterprises, an increase of 11.9 per cent over the same period last year.

Many have been, relative to the rest of the economy, quite successful.

It is not difficult to see businesses that were doing well that are now in trouble because of the pandemic. However, it is also undeniable that many startups have grown stronger because their products and technology are suitable for the changes that the pandemic has made to the habits of consumers, said Hung Tran, co-founder of Got It, an online platform that administers digital gift certificate programs for businesses.

He believes that startups need to identify their core values as well as choose technologies that are suitable for what will be trending in the distant future instead of just solving current problems.

COVID-19 had also presented an opportunity for small businesses, which were previously unable to compete with large companies with both financial and technological potential, he said.

There are difficulties, but this is also an opportunity for Vietnamese startups to rise up, reaching out to the region and the world, he added.

Over the past year, working from home has emerged as an ideal solution to both fight the pandemic and ensure business continuity. As a result, platforms serving people working from home have exploded. This is no longer a trend. As people realise that they can do good work without having to go to the office, more and more people are choosing not to go into the office.

Le Ba Tan, Deputy General Director of Viettel Networks agreed. He said recognising limitations in existing operations and investing in new technologies was necessary moving forward.

Taking the story from Viettel itself, Tan said digital transformation had been promoted before the pandemic broke out because Viettel had noticed a decline in telecommunications revenue. "Digitisation is not only a trend but also the key to ensuring growth."

However, it is not easy for startups to realise these new trends. That's also when they need to seek the support of technology incubators like Viet Solutions. Viet Solutions brings together leading experts in various fields... and is the perfect platform for startups to find the right path and overcome challenges, he said.

By the end of this year or early next year, Viettel will put the 5G network into commercial operation on a national scale. The main objective of 5G is to facilitate the development of internet of things (IoT) products, making life easier.

Automation and robotics have been talked about a lot in Viet Nam. But in reality, there is not a lot of development in the industry. We want to go to the heart of their development and create a real ecosystem of high-tech infrastructure, he added.

The Deputy General Director said that big or small businesses need to share with each other. With the rollout of 5G nationwide and adding an extra layer of connectivity for 4G networks, the company would support any firm developing products and solutions that need telecommunications connectivity.

He added that Viettel had invested in two modern IoT laboratories in Southeast Asia in Ha Noi and HCM. The labs would provide free support for startup ideas that have the potential to be useful to society and business. If the lab model is successful, Viettel would expand to other localities.

These labs are equipped with leading-edge technologies in the field of IoT, big data, cloud computing and AI. They are completely free. Similar to the model of Viet Solutions, we also have a team to evaluate ideas. Viettel will create an environment that facilitates the development of ideas and related products, he added.

Source: VNS
DALLAS (AP)  A federal freeze on most evictions that was enacted last year is scheduled to expire Saturday, after the Biden administration extended the original date by a month. The moratorium put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in September has been the only tool keeping millions of tenants in their homes. Many of them lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic and have fallen months behind on their rent.

Landlords successfully challenged the order in court, arguing that they also had bills to pay. They pointed out that tenants could access nearly $47 billion in federal money set aside to help pay rents and related expenses.

Advocates for tenants said the distribution of the money had been slow and that more time was needed to distribute it and repay landlords. Without an extension, they feared a spike in evictions and lawsuits seeking to oust tenants who were behind on their rents.

Even with the delay, roughly 3.6 million people in the U.S. as of July 5 said they would face eviction within the next two months, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus Household Pulse Survey. The survey measures the social and economic effects of the pandemic every two weeks through online responses from a representative sample of U.S. households.

Heres the situation in Texas:
When she returned to the lot after an event, Roadrunners had towed her car. She paid $297.70 to retrieve it from the Roadrunners storage lot.

After losing in JP court and county court, Roadrunners was granted a retrial in county court-at-law. On retrial, Lee testified that after she left the lot to seek help, a student walked to the payment box with her and put $5 in the slot. Lee said her car was still in the lot after she paid.

Lees friend, Suil Kang, testified she was with Lee after the event when she discovered her car was gone. Kang said she saw Lee arguing with the parking lot attendant, who showed them security footage on an iPad. Kang saw the footage of Lee paying to park, but said the attendant told them the only thing that mattered was that she left the lot without paying.

The portion of the parking lot video showing Lee walking away was admitted into evidence, but, according to Roadrunners, the portion of the video showing that she paid was no longer available, the opinion states.

The opinion in both cases cites an opinion by the Texarkana appeals court that ruled the same way in a case with almost identical circumstances.

Bryan attorney Clint Sare, who represents the tow truck company, said Friday he likely will ask the 10th Court to reconsider its ruling.
Two people were arrested Monday by the Waco Police Department in connection to a shooting earlier this month in Cameron Park that left a woman seriously injured.

Marvin Jerome Parr, 18, and Brandi Nichole Degrate, whose age was not released, were arrested on aggravated assault charges.

Police received a call at about 11:15 p.m. July 13 reporting the shooting in the Anniversary Park area of Cameron Park, and as officers were on their way, a caller reported a black Ford Fusion involved in the shooting had left the area, according to an arrest affidavit for Parr.

Before police arrived, American Medical Response medics transported a woman who was shot in the neck to a local hospital.

In the park area, police fond a stolen firearm in a black Toyota Camry, which was parked a space away from a gold Ford Fusion, according to the affidavit. There was a large pool of blood and medical supplies between the two vehicles, the affidavit states. Investigators identified Parr and Degrate as suspects and arrested them Monday, each on a second-degree felony charge of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  Better Call Saul star Bob Odenkirk said Friday that he had a small heart attack but will be back soon.

The 58-year-old actor took to Twitter to make his first public statement since collapsing on the show's Albuquerque, New Mexico, set on Tuesday.

Hi. Its Bob, Odenkirk tweeted. Thank you. To my family and friends who have surrounded me this week. And for the outpouring of love from everyone who expressed concern and care for me. Its overwhelming. But I feel the love and it means so much.

I had a small heart attack, he continued. But Im going to be ok thanks to Rosa Estrada and the doctors who knew how to fix the blockage without surgery.

His representatives had previously only said that he had a heart related incident and was stable in an Albuquerque hospital after collapsing while shooting the show's sixth and final season.

Odenkirk also thanked the network that airs Better Call Saul and the company that produces it.

AMC and SONYs support and help throughout this has been next-level, he tweeted. Im going to take a beat to recover but Ill be back soon.
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP)  A 20-year-old Tucson emergency medical technician who was critically wounded by a gunman in a shooting rampage last week has died, his employer said Friday.

The death of Jacob Dindinger was announced by American Medical Response in a brief statement. Our thoughts are with Jacob and his family as we honor his life and his service," the company said.

Police said several other people were wounded or grazed by gunfire during a string of related incidents on July 18. They included a neighbor who was fatally shot while trying to douse a house fire and the gunmans girlfriend, who was found dead inside the house after the fire.

Dindinger had been hospitalized in extremely critically condition since being being shot by the gunman while sitting in an ambulance with a co-worker.

He died of his injuries Thursday night, according to a statement from Gov. Doug Ducey. The governor ordered that flags at all state buildings fly at half-staff Saturday in Dindinger's honor.

The gunman, identified by police as Leslie Stephen Scarlett, 35, died July 21 after being wounded in an exchange of gunfire that ended the rampage.
Noem initially championed the arrival of the vaccine, putting out a video message in March to say she was trusting people to do the right thing in getting the shot and posting a social media photo of her rolling up a sleeve for it. She also touted how South Dakota initially had one of the country's highest rates of vaccinations. But the state's vaccination rate has since tumbled into the bottom half of states, with under half of the total population fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Meanwhile, virus cases in the state have more than doubled in the last two weeks, though the rate remained lower than at any other point besides the early days of the pandemic.
NEW YORK (AP)  Chinese companies hoping to sell their shares in the United States must start making more disclosures about their potential risks before U.S. regulators will allow them to list their stock.

The Securities and Exchange Commission announced the move Friday after Beijing said it would step up its supervision of Chinese companies listed overseas, including reviews of their cybersecurity.

SEC Chair Gary Gensler pointed in particular to Chinese businesses that use shell companies to get around Chinese rules blocking foreign ownership for their industries.

Under these deals, the Chinese business forms a shell company in the Cayman Islands or somewhere else. The shell company then sells its stock to investors after listing in New York.

The shell company has no ownership of the Chinese company. Instead, it has service contracts with it. These arrangements are called variable interest entities, or VIEs.

I worry that average investors may not realize that they hold stock in a shell company rather than a China-based operating company, Gensler said.
Contact tracers identify people who have been exposed to the coronavirus so they can quarantine.

The Wolf administration said people receiving text messages gave their phone numbers to their health providers when they made their initial vaccine appointments, and the providers themselves also send text reminders.

We need to use all the tools at our disposal to encourage everyone 12 and older to be vaccinated, said Health Department spokesperson Barry Ciccocioppo. He accused House Republicans of fearmongering that spreads disinformation and puts people at risk.

The back-and-forth came amid word of a second serious incident of mishandled COVID-19 data  this one involving the health department of the state's third-largest county.

The Montgomery County Office of Public Health said it inadvertently released COVID-19 test results and other personal health information of students and staff at county schools. Students' names, dates of birth, symptoms, exposure to the virus and other protected information was released in response to an open records request, the county said. The information should have been redacted but was not.

Officials would not disclose who made the public records request.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Biden administration announced new sanctions on Friday against Cuba's national revolutionary police and its top two officials as the U.S. looks to increase pressure on the communist government following this month's protests on the island.

The Police Nacional Revolcionaria and the agency's director and deputy director, Oscar Callejas Valcarce and Eddie Sierra Arias, were targeted in the latest sanctions announced by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control. The police are part of Cuba's interior ministry, which was already the subject of a blanket designation by the Trump administration back in January.

"We hear the cries of freedom coming from the island. The United States is taking concerted action to bolster the cause of the Cuban people, President Joe Biden said at the start of a White House meeting with Cuban Americans not long after Treasury announced the sanctions.

The administration says it is considering a wide range of additional options in response to the protests, including providing internet access to Cubans, and has created a working group to review U.S. remittance policy to ensure that more of the money that Cuban Americans send home makes it directly into the hands of their families without the government taking a cut. Biden added that more sanctions were in the offing.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake was magnitude 8.2 and hit 56 miles east southeast of Perryville, Alaska at about 8:15 p.m. Wednesday. The quake was about 29 miles below the surface of the ocean, according to USGS.

Patrick Mayer, the superintendent of schools for the Aleutians East Borough, was sitting in his kitchen in the community of Sand Point when shaking from the quake started.

"It started to go and just didn't stop," Mayer told the Anchorage Daily News. "It went on for a long time and there were several aftershocks, too. The pantry is empty all over the floor, the fridge is empty all over the floor."

On the Kenai Peninsula, a steady stream of cars were seen evacuating the Homer Spit, a jut of land extending nearly 5 miles into Kachemak Bay that is a draw for tourists and fishermen.

In King Cove, up to 400 people took shelter in the school gym.

"We're used to this. This is pretty normal for this area to get these kind of quakes, and when the tsunami sirens go off, it's just something we do," school principal Paul Barker told the Anchorage newspaper. "It's not something you ever get used to, but it's part of the job living here and being part of the community."
Another deputy who arrived on the scene saw what was happening and attempted to run over Alvarez, who side stepped the squad car, according to the DCI account.

When Alvarez allegedly pointed the weapon at the deputys vehicle, a Waterloo police officer pulled up and fired at Alvarez twice through the windshield with a rifle, hitting him.

Agents with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation later determined Alvarezs weapon was a BB gun.

Seated in his wheelchair Friday, Alvarez denied the DCI version. He said he was out for a walk to get some fresh air. He admitted he took the BB gun  a Red Ryder lever-action  along that night.

He didnt know why, he just grabbed it, Marroquin said, interpreting for him. But it didnt work, and it had no BBs in it or nothing like that, she said.

He said law enforcement didnt talk to him and simply opened fire.

He saw the lights behind him, and they started shooting. They didnt yell at him to do anything, Marroquin said.

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One of the bullets struck his hand. He was also struck just below the shoulder blades. Marroquin said that bullet is still in his body because removing it would run the risk of causing more damage.
DeSantis said his executive order barring mask mandates at schools will improve students' experience and make it easier for them to focus on learning.

I have (three) young kids. My wife and I are not going to do the mask with the kids. We never have; we wont. I want to see my kids smiling. I want them having fun, DeSantis said at a news conference in southwest Florida a few hours before he signed the executive order. DeSantis is seeking reelection next year and has been positioning himself nationally for a possible 2024 presidential bid.

DeSantis also contended there is no evidence masks prevent outbreaks at schools, which is at odds with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines recommending universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status.

His critics say his unwillingness to mandate mask wearing endangers the health of students and staff.

We know that masks are a simple and effective way to help prevent virus spread, and from a medical perspective it makes absolutely zero sense to discourage their use, said Dr. Bernard Ashby, head of Florida's progressive Committee to Protect Health Care. "DeSantis power grab will put the health of kids and teachers alike at risk.
Groups of migrants walking in scorching heat through corn or sunflower fields toward the border with Romania are a common sight in Majdan.

The migrants' persistence reflects both their determination and their hardship in their quest for a better future.

Because Hungary's border with Serbia is strongly fenced to prevent crossings, migrants in Majdan go toward Romania first and then Hungary from there. Thousands of others stuck in Serbia also aim for Croatia in the west, or go to Bosnia first and then Croatia, an EU member with a reputation for police brutality against migrants that authorities have denied.

Despite numerous allegations of abuse, nations along the migrant routes into Europe have rejected pushback and violence claims, which are very hard to verify independently.

Aadam Ahmed from Somalia said that police in Romania and Hungary have pushed him back to Serbia nine times in the past month. He shares a village house in Majdan with his fellow Somalis and with Syrians, including an 8-year-old boy.

I have no house in Somalia, I am a poor man. ... I want to go to Europe, he said. I come (to) this house and I wash my clothes, I cook my food, but another time I will go. Try again.
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

Prosecutors painted a picture of revenge that ended with a 17-year-old bystander dead outside an Albuquerque house party. A defense attorney tried to pick apart that story with accusations of a sloppy police investigation, unreliable witnesses and too many guns.

The back-and-forth unfolded Friday during closing arguments in the first-degree murder trial of 20-year-old Izaiah Garcia, who stands accused of killing Sandia High School student Sean Markey on Sept. 29, 2019. Garcia is also charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and tampering with evidence in the case. Jurors were sent home for the weekend and will continue deliberations Monday morning.

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Markey died after being hit by a stray bullet outside a house party in Northeast Albuquerque and later died at a hospital.

Garcia is also charged in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Cayla Campos, 21, on Oct. 18, 2019, less than three weeks after Markeys killing. He will be tried separately for that shooting.

Deputy District Attorney John Duran said Garcias hatred for Christian Mattock, 19, was years in the making when the two crossed paths at the house party in 2019.

The grudge stemmed, he said, from Mattocks previous attack on Garcias friend. Duran said that, in the years that followed, Garcia often told friends how much he hated Mattock and bragged about mad dogging him at school.

Duran described it as a seed that grows and grows into a grudge and into hatred and into violence. He repeatedly played video that allegedly showed Garcia firing a gun at Mattock outside the house party.

He said some of Garcias friends testified to seeing the shooting firsthand while others said he told them he held a gun out like Superman, with a bottle in his other hand, and shot at Mattock. Garcia told another friend, Duran said, that he thought he hit Mattock.

Finally, Duran said, a ballistics expert linked the cluster of bullet casings from the shooting to the 9 mm bullet that ricochetted off the ground and hit Markey.

At the end of the day he killed a boy who was just waiting for his ride, he told jurors.  The defendant is guilty, we ask you to find him as such.

Nicole Moss, Garcias attorney, said it is still not known who killed Markey.

What we do know is there were a lot of guns at that party and a lot of people waving guns around at that party, drinking, doing drugs, waving guns, she said.

Moss said evidence shows that seven guns were fired in the area and five of them were 9 mm  the same caliber that hit Markey.

Even if you believe that (Garcia) had a gun that night, even if you believe he fired a gun that night, you still cannot say he killed Sean Markey because we dont know, she told the jury.

Moss said the testimony of the ballistic expert  who didnt go to the crime scene until months after the shooting  is only as good as the investigation its based upon. She called that investigation, by Albuquerque police, sloppy, lazy and incomplete.

Moss said police parked mobile crime RVs in the middle of the crime scene, mixed up the locations of bullet casings. She said the lead homicide detective, Sarah Kastendieck, didnt interview all eyewitnesses, try to find others seen with guns or look into reports of a drive-by shooting.

She didnt follow up on any of this. This leaves a huge hole in the states case  She had tunnel vision for Izaiah Garcia, Moss said of Kastendieck, calling her the most uninquisitive detective Ive ever seen.

She said the evidence points in so many different directions that the state cannot say for sure who killed Markey.

And because we dont know the answer to that question, beyond a reasonable doubt, justice will not be served by convicting an innocent man, Moss said.

In rebuttal, senior prosecutor Shonnetta Estrada asked the jury to not miss the forest for the trees. She urged jurors to rely on the testimony of Garcias friends, video and the states evidence.

You were just asked who killed Sean Markey and you were told you dont have an answer, but thats not true. Izaiah Garcia killed Sean Markey, Estrada said.
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SANTA FE  Rachel Gudgel  a top legislative aide who was reprimanded last year after allegations that she made disparaging comments about Native Americans  has issued an apology to New Mexicos tribal leaders, students and families.

But she also faced new calls this week to resign or be removed from her position, including comments by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who said she would have fired Gudgel if she worked for the administration.

In a letter to tribes, nations, pueblos and their children and families, Gudgel said she made insensitive comments that were insulting and harmful and that she was reprimanded by her employer, the Legislative Education Study Committee, where she serves as director.

I humbly ask for your forgiveness, she said in the letter. I realize that my comments were hurtful and caused disharmony to you, your families and children, and to the Navajo, Pueblo and Apache tribal communities.

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In a closed meeting of the Legislative Education Study Committee last week, a motion to fire Gudgel failed on a 5-5 vote.

What she is accused of saying  and whether the allegations were substantiated  isnt clear. Legislative staff wouldnt release the findings of the personnel investigation.

In a statement, Lujan Grisham said Friday that her administration would have handled things differently, including publicly releasing the investigative report.

If this individual were under my employ, she would have been fired by now, Lujan Grisham said.

The Jicarilla Apache Nation, meanwhile, joined other tribal leaders this week in calling for Gudgel to resign or be removed.

Ms. Gudgel has lost the respect and credibility of the Jicarilla Apache Nation and other tribal leaders, Nation President Edward Velarde wrote to legislative leaders.

The next steps arent clear.

In written statement, Sen. Shannon Pinto, a Democrat from Tohatchi on the Navajo Nation, said the priority now should be focused on the important issues to improve educational outcomes for every child in New Mexico.

She said she had experienced nothing but professionalism and respect from Gudgel.

But state Rep. Derrick Lente, D-Sandia Pueblo, said he stands with tribal leaders who condemn racism. I really dont think this is over yet, he said.

Gudgel, for her part, said she has spoken to tribal leaders and is committed to becoming a better supervisor and better person.

I was wrong and am deeply sorry, she said in her letter.
WENN Celebrity

A representative for the 'Ocean's Eleven' actor is quick to set the record straight on the pregnancy rumors, insisting Amal Clooney is not having a bun in the oven.

Jul 31, 2021

AceShowbiz - George and Amal Clooney have shot down reports they are set to become parents again.

Reports exploded overnight that Amal was expecting, but a representative for the actor has dismissed the story.

"Stories saying that Amal Clooney is pregnant are not true," a statement reads.

George and the 43-year-old human rights lawyer are already parents to four-year-old twins, Ella and Alexander.

Meanwhile, the Clooneys are currently helping neighbours near their mansion in Lake Como, Italy recover from flash flooding.

The actor joined Roberto Pozzi - the mayor of Laglio - and volunteers as part of the clean-up, and told reporters that the aftermath of the flood was "much worse than I thought."

"In Cernobbio the situation is serious. I spoke with the mayor, there will be a lot of work, it will take millions of dollars, but this city is strong," he said. "It will react and return better than before. This is a very resilient city."

More than 60 people had to be rescued in the Lake Como area on Tuesday (27Jul21) due to the floods, with the mayor ordering the evacuation of residents most affected locally. The clean-up efforts continue.

George Clooney previously revealed how he and wife Amal taught their kids to be charitable. As the children were still too young to fully understand the idea, the couple used toys to help explain it.

"My kids will... pick up a toy and they'll go, 'This is for the poor people.' And I go, 'Good. OK, so let's put it in the basket and we'll take it to the poor people.' And then there's this shock on their face when reality hits."
Instagram TV

The 'Anaconda' hitmaker teases she'll be asking tough questions as she is set to serve as a host for the upcoming reunion special of 'The Real Housewives of Potomac'.

Jul 31, 2021

AceShowbiz - Nicki Minaj has landed a surprising new gig - she'll host "The Real Housewives of Potomac" reunion.

"Real Housewives" boss Andy Cohen, who usually hosts reunion specials, is giving up his hot seat to Minaj after learning she's a big fan.

The new mum announced the news by sharing a text exchange between herself and her publicist.

"Andy Cohen said he would gladly give up his seat to have you host the Potomac reunion. Tapes around October," her publicist wrote, prompting an excited Nicki to respond, "Don't move! Everyone binge watch all the episodes cuz we finna get into some thangz hunty. My questions will be well thought out, too. Mixed with funny and epic, of course (sic)."

She also used the news to update her fans on her next album on Instagram, stating, "plz don't send me a million comments about the album and doc chile just lemme have my moment. We almost there. Promise. Not lying this time. Love you (sic)."

Before confirming the hosting gig, Nicki Minaj engaged in a light-hearted banter with some of the "Real Housewives" members on Instagram.

As she captioned one of her posts with "(Let me know) what y'all want me to ask chile," she got a barrage of comments from the Bravo reality TV stars.

Karen Huger responded, "All right now" with a fire emoji, to which the femcee replied, "Yes ma'am. I know a thing or 2 about being the Grand Dame."

Wendy Osefo exclaimed, "Yessssss Queen," and the rapper was quick to answer, "(I)t's givin the most iconic reunion of awl time chi."

Candiace Dillard Bassett was equally enthusiastic as she wrote, "C'mon thennnnnn!!!!"

Meanwhile, Porsha Williams was shocked as she penned, "Wait what?!" before adding, "Hell yeah."
WENN/C.Smith Celebrity

The 'Gossip Girl' actor wants to use his social media platform to 'better the world' but he was 'completely overwhelmed by being conscious of how many likes or retweets' he received.

Jul 31, 2021

AceShowbiz - Penn Badgley doesn't find social media "fulfilling."

The former "Gossip Girl" actor felt a responsibility to use his public profile to do good in the world but, despite his "pure intention," he became "overwhelmed" by the ideas of online popularity and thinks using his fame on the platforms was ultimately connected with being "wrapped up in ego and our materialist culture."

Speaking on the podcast "Baha'i Blogcast" with Rainn Wilson, he said, "The most meaningful form of action I saw, as a person who'd been on Gossip Girl, as a person who had at this point hundreds of thousands of followers - yeah, because I got on social media late. If I had gotten on in the middle of Gossip Girl, I very well could've had millions upon millions - so I was thinking, the most meaningful contribution I have to make as an individual is on these platforms."

"And in trying to have a pure intention and honest interaction on these spaces, I also found that I was completely overwhelmed by being conscious of how many likes or retweets or whatever. It was such a convoluted way to be like, 'acting'..."

"It was not the most fulfilling or meaningful contribution that I could make as an individual seeking to better the world."

The 34-year-old star doesn't think the idea of celebrity is "just" and hopes it fades away in the years to come.

"In some future vision of society, it should be just civilisation. I don't think celebrity exists in the way that it does now," he mused.

Penn recalled how he suffered an anxiety attack on a press tour two years ago when he met with "thousands of screaming" fans at a mall in Manila in the Philippines because it was such an "intense" experience.

"I had an anxiety attack that press trip," he remembered. "And I'm not a person who has that. I mean, look, I have anxieties I think. I'm human. I was coming to terms with having lived half of my life at least in some kind of public eye. I felt the blessings descending, but it was in the form of an anxiety attack and it was pretty intense."

"I was 32. I'd been through Gossip Girl and processed that and it still was - I will tell you, the elevator doors opened and what I was met with, it was very hard to smile in the face of what it felt like... It was alarming and it was really hard to process in that moment."

The "You" star has used his Baha'i faith to combat his anxiety since then. The Baha'i Faith is a world religion whose purpose is to unite all the races and peoples of the world. Baha'is believe that Baha'u'llah is the One who fulfils that promise by bringing teachings to enable humanity to build a new world.

"Because I became Baha'i a number of years ago It's such a pillar, it's such a thing I rely on, I will say that something like an anxiety attack is more and more a thing of the past," he explained.
Warner Bros. Pictures Movie

Believing that they're making the best decisions for the movie, Warner Bros. producer Peter Safran insists, 'if it's James Wan and Jason Momoa, it should be Amber Heard.'

Jul 31, 2021

AceShowbiz - "Aquaman" producer has responded to a fan campaign to remove Amber Heard from the sequel due to her ongoing legal dispute with Johnny Depp. Despite the online petition gaining 1.8 million signatures and counting, Warner Bros. hasn't budged.

Speaking on "Deadline Hero Nation" podcast, "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" producer Peter Safran addressed the request to cut Heard from the movie. "I don't think that we're ever going to react to, honestly, pure fan pressure," he said.

Insisting that fan pressure isn't enough reason to make casting change, the filmmaker reasoned, "You gotta do what you feel is best for the movie. We felt that if it's James Wan and Jason Momoa, it should be Amber Heard. That's really what it was."

Safran went on elaborating, "Listen, one is not unaware of what is going on in the Twitter-verse, but that doesn't mean you have to react to it or take it as gospel or accede to their wishes. You have to do what you feel is right for the film, and that's really where we landed on it."

Heard and Depp have been in a long and complicated legal dispute following their split in 2016. Amid their divorce proceedings, the Mera depicter accused her ex-husband of abuse, which the "Django Unchained" star vehemently denied. He then sued her for defamation in 2019 after Heard wrote an op-ed discussing being a public victim of domestic violence.

Depp himself landed in hot water over the abuse accusations and was dropped from "Fantastic Beasts 3" after losing his libel suit against the U.K. against News Group Newspapers (NGN), the company publishing The Sun, which had called him a "wife beater" in an April 2018 article.

"Aquaman 2" kicked off production in late June in London, England with James Wan returning at the helm. Jason Momoa reprises his role as the titular superhero, with Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Dolph Lundgren returning in their respective roles. The movie is set for a December 16, 2022 release in the United States.
Instagram Celebrity

As confirmed by the First Lady's spokesperson Michael LaRosa, her left foot is 'now clean, free of infection' after the college professor accidentally stepped on something while walking on the beach in Hawaii.

Jul 31, 2021

AceShowbiz - Jill Biden has undergone foot surgery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. With her husband President Joe Biden by her side, the First Lady is now recovering after successfully removing debris from a puncture wound.

Offering an update on Jill's recent health condition was her spokesperson Michael LaRosa. According to her representative, the 70-year-old woman "underwent a successful procedure on her left foot to flush out debris from a puncture wound" on Thursday, July 29.

The incident occurred while the First Lady was in Hawaii on July 25. At the time, she accidentally stepped on something while walking on the beach. "The wound is now clean, free of infection, and it is anticipated that it will heal nicely," Michael continued explaining, though he didn't offer more details on what objects were lodged in her foot.

In addition, Michael confirmed that President Joe was with Jill in the hospital when she had her procedure done. The spokesperson stated that the President was also by his wife's side to return to the White House when she left the hospital on Thursday evening. He headed to the Bethesda, Maryland hospital after speaking about the coronavirus pandemic at the White House earlier in the afternoon.

The First Lady's trip to Hawaii came after she spent five days in Tokyo, Japan to cheer on Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics. She also led the U.S. delegation to the 2020 Olympics on Friday, July 23.

Following her nearly-a-week stay in Japan, Jill flew to Hawaii to hit up a high school coronavirus vaccination clinic. She then made a quick stop at the beach, where she punctured her foot. However, she made no complaints about issues with her foot during the flight back to Joint Base Andrews. She even came back to the cabin to greet members of the press pool and thank them for their work on the trip.

Additionally, this was not the first time President Joe accompanied his wife Jill during surgery. Back in April, the couple went to an outpatient center near George Washington University, where the First Lady underwent what the White House said was "a common medical procedure." According to the communications director Elizabeth Alexander at the time, "The first lady tolerated the procedure well."
Instagram Celebrity

In a recent episode of 'The View', the conservative columnist claims she has 'a higher likelihood of getting shot' than contracting the virus in Washington, D.C.

Jul 31, 2021

AceShowbiz - Meghan McCain had a lot to say to Democratic lawmakers. In the Friday, July 30 episode of "The View", the conservative columnist dissed the Democrats for only focusing COVID-19 crisis instead of rising crime rates.



When weighing in on the White House reimposing its indoor mask requirement to combat the delta variant, the 36-year-old first said, "I think that the White House should be honest with America and say that there is no going back to normal and that taking off the mask was just a ruse, and there'll probably be lockdowns." She then stated, "This is probably going to be a state-by-state issue."

"And if you don't want to live under masking, and if you don't want to live under these mandates you're probably going to have to move to a state where they're not going to do it, like Arizona," the daughter of late Sen. John McClain continued.

"I wish there was a little bit of energy coming from Democrats, particularly in Washington, D.C. where I'm at right now, about the violence going on and the homicide rate because, quite frankly, I have a higher likelihood of getting shot leaving this building than I do of getting COVID," she claimed. "From July 14-28 there were four COVID deaths and 11 homicides in Washington, D.C."

"There's a lot of problems and a lot of ways to die, but... I wish that Democrats would care about that as well," she further stressed. "I have a very little hope we'll be pulling out of [the pandemic]. There will be more variants, more variants, and more variants. Unfortunately, this is the new normal and until we get different leadership in the White House... I don't have a lot of hopes that this is gonna end."

During the Friday episode, Meghan McCain claimed that Donald Trump should be given "a little credit" for the vaccine rollout. Though so, she made it clear that she still doesn't like the former president.
WENN Celebrity

The 'Still Alice' actress takes up British citizenship to honor her mother Anne Love Smith as she talks about growing up with a 'strong identity of being part Scottish.'

Aug 1, 2021

AceShowbiz - Julianne Moore changed her nationality to honour her "foreign mother."

The "Spirit Untamed" star decided to take up British citizenship in 2011 to honour her Scottish-born mother Anne Love Smith as she has always grown up with a "strong identity of being part Scottish."

Speaking about her heritage, she said, "There are a lot of us in America who are first-generation Americans, and I've noticed that a lot of us talk a lot about assimilation - about people coming here and immediately becoming American. But that was not my experience."

"My mother used to tell me all the time that we were not 100 per cent American. My grandparents were very Scottish. My siblings and I all had kilts and we grew up with a very strong identity of being part Scottish."

Julianne penned a book about identity called "My Mom Is a Foreigner but Not to Me", which she based on her own memories and experiences of her heritage.

She added, "I wanted to write this book as a tribute to my mother and to all the other foreign mothers, as well as to the kids growing up in a situation where the person who seems very foreign to the rest of the world is the most familiar person in the world to them."

"I can always recognise someone who is first-generation American by the little things they do. For instance, when my daughter was little, I fixed her hair in two braids because that's how my own mother did my hair. But when she went to school there was only one other girl in her class who wore her hair that way, and that little girl's mother was from Spain - but for fully American little girls, their mothers didn't do that."
BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. - A Chico woman was held to answer murder charges in the Butte County Superior Court Friday, the Butte County District Attorneys Office said.

36-year-old Nicole Schalles of Chico was held to answer second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter while driving under the influence and driving under the influence causing great bodily injury, the district attorneys office said.

The office said Schalles was driving over 120 mph north on Highway 70 and crashed into another vehicle traveling north on Highway 70 at about 11:25 p.m. on Feb. 4.

30-year-old Dollar Vang of Olivehurst was killed when he was going to Oroville for work. Schalles vehicle overtook Vangs when she was traveling back to Chico from Marysville.

Vangs vehicle spun into oncoming traffic after being hit and was hit by a vehicle traveling southbound. Vang died from the injuries he sustained in the collision, the district attorneys office said.

RELATED: 1 killed in Hwy 70 crash, suspected DUI driver behind bars

At Fridays preliminary hearing, District Attorney Mike Ramsey said Schalles left her home at 7:30 p.m. in Chico and went to two bars in Marysville to drink and buy drugs.

Her alcohol blood content was three times the legal limit and oxycodone was found in her system.

Schalles was convicted of a DUI in 2012. She took part in alcohol programs and level one DUI School. She said she was involved in Alcoholics Anonymous for at least 10 years before the crash, Ramsey said.

During her DUI hearing and in classes she was warned if she drives under the influence and causes death, she could be charged with murder, Ramsey said.

Superior Court Judge Michael Deems agreed with the murder charges due to the prior warning, high speed and high blood alcohol level.

Schalles will be back in court on Aug. 19 at 8:30 a.m. to set her trial date.

She is being held in the Butte County Jail with no bail.
Authored by Ovez Khan, Group CEO and Founder, Trivium Media Group

Advertising is less about what you show and more about what the other person understands and perceives from your messaging. Since it is such a pervasive field; to explain the impact of the Second Wave, lets take a simple example. A school-going child suddenly receives an update that they have vacations for 3 months. In such a scenario, he/she can easily restructure and redesign their schedules to take up a full-time sport and hence, their calendar opens up and they are capable of training all day. However, after a year if the same student is asked to focus on such a time-consuming sport along with the academic schedules that cannot be relaxed; what happens then?

The answer lies in what we see in the Advertising Industry today. Last year, when the first wave of COVID-19 hit and the entire world was at a standstill, the industry could easily put everything else on hold and deviate all its focus to pandemic-related content. However, the second wave hit at a time when businesses and industries had just started gaining pace. To make things worse, its intensity was such that advertisers could no longer afford to display a pretty picture of a pandemic-free world on screen.

Advertising before and after covid has changed drastically. According to Integral Ad Sciences Media Report, the Desktop Digital Display Brand Risk rose from 3.2% to 5.8%. Meanwhile, brand risk on mobile video rose to 8%, making it an extremely dicey situation for the advertising industry post covid. The challenge lay in getting the same response from a vulnerable consumer base that has been locked in. Locked in and been deprived of the slightest in-person human interaction that they had. Deprived of any form of offline pleasure and simultaneously forced into the perils of working from home.

Talking about numbers, advertising expenses are expected to follow the trend of GDP growth rates. Due to covid, when such growth rates were staggered, the Global Advertising Expenditures that were earlier projected to grow by approximately 30% are now being re-evaluated. According to the Interactive Advertising Bureau, almost a quarter (24%) of media buyers, planners, and brands have paused spending until the end of the 2nd quarter, while 46% indicated they would adjust their ad spend across the same. COVID-19 is expected to unleash a worse impact than the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 did on the Advertising Industry.

How to strike a balance between the pandemic and advertising decisions remains to be a Catch 22 situation. In the current scenario putting all other campaigns on hold to focus on pandemic-related content is not viable and therefore a few questions did test the companies. Should they focus on their campaigns as it was earlier? Is there a need to go back to the Show that you are doing good strategy? Do they want to rid people of seeing the grim realities in advertisements too, yet? Personally, the answer lies in our antediluvian education systems one common phrase go back to the basics.

The myriad changes in consumer behaviour will have an impact on the answers to these questions. Be it the working class that has yet again lost their jobs, or the income inelastic class that has reduced its extravagant spending patterns; these are examples of such changes.

This comes at a time when the new Advertising Policy has been released by Google. According to this policy, businesses will no longer be able to target individuals by age, gender, marital status, zip codes, etc. This comes in as an effort by Alphabet Cos leading subsidiary to promote inclusiveness and end the usage of biases by certain product groups to further their ends.

As an advertiser, you will receive an update in your Google Ads section to acknowledge and accept the changes in the policy. You will no longer be able to use Cookies as you used to. If you do accept it and violate the new norms, your advertisements will not reach the public. However, if you fail to accept it all together, you would be unable to use the platform for this purpose in the future. The elephant in the room is, now what?

Just like when all goes wrong, we tend to go to an experienced entity for a solution; similarly, businesses will now have to go to the experts of Advertising- Agencies. The agencies that not only focus on getting a certain number of advertisements out there but also look for giving you a good reputation, relationships, stability as well as growth. The ones that know different techniques such as SEO, SEM, SMM, etc.

The policy may come as a rude awakening to businesses that felt they do not necessarily need to outsource a critical task like Advertising, but it is a big step to replace third-party cookie filter with new and more acceptable user-identifier techniques. However, Google has made it very clear that this is about how they choose to proceed with their products and will not restrict how other parties use Chrome. The company said it would not use Unified ID 2.0 or LiveRamp ATS in its products but would not speak specifically about any one initiative.

While major advertising agencies see this policy as a boost to their customer base, businesses may not receive it well and they have good reason to do so. In a situation where they are plagued by the worry of sustaining themselves during a Global Pandemic, incorporating additional advertising expense is not the most ideal scenario for them. However, Googles policy was planned at a time where a pandemic was unpredictable, therefore the company cannot get be blamed.

Nonetheless, the key takeaway is that Advertising will have to become more user-friendly taking into account that users are living in lockdowns and being deprived of ordinary conditions.
Some of the workers on Matt Emericks farm have a pretty long commute.

They travel 14,000 miles every year from South Africa to Vandalia, Illinois, where they help with planting, harvesting and other tasks. Then they head back home, on another 20-hour flight.

The South Africa Connection is one solution many farmers are using to address their labor problems. Emerick isnt alone. While the average person may think of Mexico as the source of migrant farm workers  and its true that our neighbor to the south provides by far the most foreign ag labor  an increasing number of employees on the southern tip of Africa are making the trip across the Atlantic to work in the Corn Belt.

Ill bet there are a couple hundred grain farmers in Illinois who use workers from South Africa, said Emerick, a Fayette County corn and soybean grower who began recruiting labor from South Africa in 2015. He has hired about a dozen such employees, with some returning the following season for another 10-month stay.

Fruit, vegetable and livestock production has long been the focus of migrant workers. But row-crop producers are increasingly looking beyond U.S. borders for help. And South Africa fits the bill.

Its our niche market, said Alex Cracchiolo of North Carolina-based USA Farm Labor, a placement firm that matches U.S. farmers with foreign workers. Its really big for berry picking and fruits and vegetables, but the vast majority of our customers have grain farms. They bring workers from South Africa.
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Lake Charles, Louisiana (70615)

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Thunderstorms, accompanied by locally heavy rainfall at times. High 83F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected..

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Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 74F. Winds light and variable.
Lake Charles, Louisiana (70615)

Today

Thunderstorms, accompanied by locally heavy rainfall at times. High 82F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall may reach one inch..

Tonight

Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 74F. Winds light and variable.
Theres a good argument to be made that the Nobel Peace Prize committee, when it comes to American politicians, awards them to those politicians who have dragged their nation leftward. It is possible, looking at the brewing situation between China and the Peoples Republic of China (i.e., China) invades The Republic of China (i.e., Taiwan), that Biden will be manipulated into believing that, if he backs China, he will be able to bring home a Nobel for himself.

Over the past 115 years, only five American Presidents have received the Nobel Peace Prize. Looking back, it would be fair to say that the award can be characterized as the highest form of global virtue-signaling that the Nobel committee can award as a participation trophy to American politicians, whether presidents (Teddy Roosevelt, Jimmy Carter, and Barack Obama) or Vice Presidents (Al Gore) for orthodox progressive thinking:

President Theodore Roosevelt received the Peace Prize in 1906 for having negotiated peace in the Russo-Japanese war in 1904-5.

President Woodrow Wilson received the Peace Prize in 1920 for his efforts in ending the First World War and helping to create the League of Nations. This was despite the fact that, when World War I broke out across Europe in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the United States would remain neutral  a position he held until 1917 when Americas neutrality ended as it entered The War to End All Wars, and Wilson brought America as close to fascism as its ever been before now. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson suffered a severe stroke that left him incapacitated until the end of his presidency but that did not stop the Nobel Committee in 1920.

President Jimmy Carter received the Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts in finding peaceful solutions to international conflicts, advancing democracy and human rights, and promoting economic and social development.

Vice President Al Gore received the Peace Prize in 2007 for his efforts to obtain and spread knowledge about climate change.

President Barack Obama received the Peace Prize in 2009 for his efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation and he was nominated less than two weeks in office.

To be very fair to President Obama he was honestly surprised because he knew hed done nothing to earn it, although that did not stop him from accepting it. Moreover, one would hope that Obamas award, undeserved though it was, would have paved the way for an end to Americas fraught racial history. Indeed, the award could be seen as one to the American people for looking past race to elect someone who promised to bind Americas racial wounds.

To the best of my research, President Obama never declared America was permanently affected by systemic racism, which should have ended our current Critical Race Theory arguments before they began. However, this avatar of peace worked diligently throughout his presidency to divide America along racial lines.

As the awards award to politicians shows, politics is a powerful part of the Nobel process. To see the Nobel as only a sacred award of independent fortitude in the cause of Peace is not the right foundational vision. So far, the Nobel committees selection pattern shows that it will reward only those American leaders who are at the forefront of orthodox progressive groupthink, whether in 1905 or 2009. For that reason, being recognized as a Nobel Prize winner is extremely important in progressive circles.

The Nobel Prizes cachet for the left may have dangerous, and unexpected power, with the Pacific possibly boiling over into war should China attack the Republic of Taiwan. In that case, dangling the possibility of the Nobel Peace Prize in front of the Biden/Harris administration could be horrifically disastrous. If war breaks out in the Pacific because Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) invades Taiwan, Bidens desire to earn that prize could doom Taiwanese freedom.

I was fortunate to have been offered an opportunity to fly the F-16 simulator with a Taiwanese fighter Squadron and have also had a robust discussion with Taiwanese Marines. They are dedicated competent fearless warriors through and through. Their combat prowess tells me the PLA will not have an easy time conquering Taiwan especially since American, Australian, and Japanese forces have indicated that, should war break out, they will side with Taiwan.

However, if China attacks, it will have the advantage of time and distance. Getting American prepared to bring its combat power to defend Taiwan will take some time. This time delay is a moment of maximum danger for Taiwan, not because of the PLAs combat prowess but because of the ugly possibility that the U.S., rather than defending its ally, will immediately capitulate.

If the PLA invades across the Taiwan Strait (the shortest distance from China) its possible that, under the guise of stopping loss of life before the war is lost by either side, the Biden/Harris administration will intervene and essentially force Taiwan to capitulate by making it clear that America will not help her defend herself.

I truly believe that, right now, if China and Taiwan have a true combat situation, the PLA will ultimately lose regardless of any hypothetical war games that are currently putting that issue in doubt. However, Taiwan can and will be lost politically if the Biden team, thanks to a backchannel with the Nobel Committee learns that -- wink wink nudge nudge  stopping the war will earn him the Peace Prize. President Biden (or, probably, his wife), in a question to end hostilities, would quickly fall prey to Chinese communist information warriors and a media anxious to get that Nobel Prize brass ring for their preferred president.

The brilliant, insidious reach of Chinas information warriors could highlight that the peace-loving Chinese will stop fighting, thanks to the Biden Administration. In return, there will be some sort of negotiated Taiwan settlement that ultimately means China will own Taiwan. It will be like the bogus Hong Kong political solution in the late nineties. We know how that ended.

Jill Biden will know that the Nobel is really hers just like Edith Wilson knew that the 1920 Prize was hers. It is tragic even to think that these shallow, grabbing people, desperate for the cachet of that Nobel Prize, would sell out the free Taiwanese to satisfy Chinas imperial desires.

IMAGE: Taiwans military live-fire drill. YouTube screen grab.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
During eight baleful years, President Barack Hussein Obama made Israels life utterly miserable as he pursued relentlessly his warped vision of a Two State Solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. But that vision, being imagined yet again, would remain national suicide for Israel.

Still pushed by too many in the international corridors of power, it is in reality an appalling euphemism not unlike the German Nazis Final Solution which ushered in the Holocaust. And now, lo and behold, the Biden/Harris administration -- which many see as Obamas third term -- is currently pushing yet again for the disinterment of that rotting corpse known as the Two-State Solution.

It will spell the destruction of the reconstituted Jewish state and the extermination of its people by a Muslim world that will never accept a non-Muslim nation and will wage eternal war against it -- the Dar al-Harb -- until it is utterly destroyed. The existing and proposed Two-State-Solution ushers in an eventual and guaranteed destruction of the Jewish state.

Of course, if Israel declared its justified rejection of the Two-State-Solution, such a statement of the truth would be considered inflammatory and assured to provoke another Palestinian Arab outburst of violence and barbarism (dignified by the Arabic term intifada).

But isnt that what is happening throughout Judea and Samaria (the so-called West Bank) with almost daily atrocities committed by Arab thugs against Jewish civilians?

The over 3,500-year-old Hebrew and Biblical names, Yehuda and Shomron, (Judea and Samaria), refer to the heartland of both the ancient and modern Jewish homeland. But a malevolent world prefers to call the territory the West Bank; what was the mere 19-year-old Jordanian name applied to the land after it and much of Jerusalem was illegally invaded and occupied by Jordan from 1948 until 1967.

The Jordanian Arab Legion, after invading and occupying the territory, immediately began desecrating Jewish graves on the Mount of Olives, using the headstones to build latrines for their troops, destroying 57 ancient synagogues and holy sites, and forcibly expelling Jewish residents from their villages and ancient homes in Jerusalems Old City.

There has never in all recorded history existed an independent, sovereign state called Palestine. The so-called Palestinians are an Arab invention. No such people by that name have existed in centuries past. An Arab leader and PLO executive committee member, Zuheir Mohsen, admitted this fact himself on March 31, 1977, in the Dutch newspaper, Trouw:

The Palestinian people does not exist. The creation of a Palestinian state is only a means for continuing our struggle against the state of Israel. In reality today there is no difference between Jordanians, Palestinians, Syrians and Lebanese  Only for political and tactical reasons do we speak today about the existence of a Palestinian people, since Arab national interests demand that we posit the existence of a distinct Palestinian people. 

Today there are Jewish properties, illegally occupied by Arabs, scattered throughout Arab areas of Jerusalem. They have remained in legal limbo because of international pressures against successive Israeli governments. This has led to endless delays in the return of the land and properties to their rightful Jewish owners.

All who know history know that Jordan sits on four-fifths of what was until 1922 the entire Palestine Mandate, large tracts of which was promised to the Jewish people as a National Home. The Arabs who call themselves Palestinians already possess, de facto, a state on the east bank of the River Jordan, which in size dwarfs tiny Israel. There already has thus been a Two-State-Solution in existence for 100 years since 1922.

The reality is that the Arabs who call themselves Palestinians do not and never have wanted a state side by side with Israel: they want a state in place of Israel. That is why breathtakingly generous -- nay, suicidal Israeli offers -- are always rejected.

The Arabs continuously smother parts of Biblical and ancestral Jewish Judea, and Samaria (the so-called West Bank) with illegal buildings paid for by certain oil-rich Gulf states, by the EU, the UN and anti-Israel NGOs, and the world remains deathly quiet. Only when an Israeli family dares add a room to their tiny home or some new apartments are built within the ancestral heartland or in Israels capital city, Jerusalem, does the same world scream bloody murder.

Indulging in self-imposed building freezes to placate enemies and so-called friends alike, while the Arab enemy constructs illegal settlements with impunity, is insanity for the embattled Jewish state. For Israel to lose the precious Jewish homeland and return to the horrors of exile is beyond imagining.

Without retaining the hill country that runs like a spine north and south through Judea and Samaria, Israels pitifully narrow nine-mile-wide coastal plain will be at the mercy of a Palestinian Arab thugocracy, just as southern Israeli towns and villages endure relentless aggression from the Hamas-occupied Gaza Strip. That is why the Two-State Solution, as envisaged yet again and peddled by the EU and the morally bankrupt UN would usher in a new Final Solution.

The world has fallen for a fraudulent Palestinian narrative. It allows an uninformed world to embrace the falsehoods of an Arab people who call themselves Palestinians and creates an atmosphere where the embattled Jewish state is unjustly and grotesquely demonized. This increasingly allows such foul anti-Israel and anti-Semitic movements as the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) to continue its dirty work -- the latest being the despicable Ben and Jerrys boycott of Jewish villages throughout Judea and Samaria.

That the conflict is not territorial but based on Islams unchangeable refusal to accept a Jewish state or any non-Muslim state whatever its borders in territory once conquered and occupied in the name of Allah is lost on so many who inhabit the international corridors of power. Most diplomats, with few exceptions, still harbor the illusion that territorial compromise will satisfy the Arab and Muslim world. So again and again the discredited corpse known as the Two-State-Solution is exhumed and presented as the default plan.

It was Albert Einstein who said: The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. The same can also include those without ears to hear or eyes to see

Victor Sharpe is a prolific freelance writer and contributing editor. He is also a published author of seven books including The Blue Hour, a selection of thirteen short stories, and the acclaimed four volume, Politicide: The attempted murder of the Jewish state.

Image: Eric Gaba and NordNordWest

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The Vietnam War and the uncivil insanity it precipitated on Americas college campuses laid the foundation for the putrid organic decay -- putrefaction -- throughout the U.S. government today. As a proud Vietnam combat veteran who has spent a half-century within academes once hallowed halls, Ive had a front-row seat through it all. And, unfortunately, the lefts approach back then still resonates -- very badly -- in 2021. They caused the stench youre smelling.

Someone with the IQ of a cabbage could have predicted the outcome of the lefts defunding the police efforts. And as I noted recently about critical race theory, CRT has been on Americas Marxist campuses for decades, but in 2021, its being forced down everyones throat. Its the woke progressives waterboarding equivalent -- choke until you submit -- but its not water youre choking on.

One antiwar enlightenment from the Vietnam era is particularly helpful in delineating the anti-America road to putrefaction the left has traveled. In an obscure declaration of political hygiene in 1980, Peter L. Berger, professor of sociology at Boston College, proclaimed, one must not walk away in silence from positions stated at the top of ones voice in the past. His integrity impressed me when I first read that essay, Indochina & the American Conscience, sometime in the early 1990s.

Berger was a staunch antiwar protester in the 1960s/70s as he pointed out in his article. It was television images that aroused my moral outrage and led me to become a vocal opponent of the Vietnam war.

However, he then fast-forwards to TV pictures he saw in early 1975:

A ship full of refugees had arrived somewhere on the coast. Piles of corpses were on the beach, mostly of children who had died of hunger and thirst. A woman was carrying her dead child in her arms. The question was inescapable: is this what those of us who opposed the war helped bring about?

Is this what those of us who opposed the war helped bring about?

Absolutely, 100%. Over 58 thousand of my Vietnam brothers and 8 sisters died trying to prevent it.

Shamefully, nearly all of Bergers antiwar confederates who helped enable innumerable piles of corpses did walk away in silence. And 1975 was just the beginning: Between 1975 and 1992, almost two million Vietnamese risked their lives to flee oppression and hardship after the Vietnam War, in one of the largest mass exoduses in modern history. Tens of thousands -- perhaps hundreds of thousands -- died at sea.

That seems worthy of political hygiene on an Olympian scale, but Peter Berger was a voice in the wilderness. Joan Baez expressed some remorse if memory serves, but there were few others. For a majority of the antiwar militants of the 1960s/70s, cleanliness of any type -- sans political hygiene -- wasnt a daily concernor weekly.

Then consider their celebrity mouthpieces, Hollywoods sanctimonious amoral moralists. For anti-America self-servants like Hanoi Jane, a grief-stricken mother carrying her dead child in her arms obviously meant nothing. Accordingly, piles of corpsesmostly of children who died of hunger and thirst wouldnt be of concern even when those numbers escalated to thousands. They were South Vietnamese; Jane and her Marxist comrades supported the North.

Professor Berger, in that 1980 article, also articulated the cause of the horrific outcomes.

What the Communists did in South Vietnam is by now very clear: slowly, systematically, a merciless system of totalitarian control was extended through every segment of the society. With this, inevitably, went the setting up of a Vietnamese version of the Gulag Archipelago, with the familiar machinery of terror.

Think about that.

In 1980, what the Communists did in South Vietnam [was] very clear

Today thats not clear to most Americans, mainly because the mass media manipulators (make-believe journalists) barely reported it; wrong narrative. Doing so would have required political hygiene on their part after they spent the last years of the war disparaging Americas actions and warfighters while glorifying the Communists objectives.

Is it any wonder vast numbers of people today dont understand the threat of socialism and communism?

However, what the communists did in Cuba is now on display in 2021. People should pay attention to understand the Gulag realities of Marxist/Maoist tyranny.

Perhaps the most unexpected case made by the Boston College sociologist in 1980 is by far the most important today. Berger stated, No less is at issue here than a reaffirmation of American patriotism, which has been severely shaken since the mid-1960s.  [S]uch a reaffirmation of patriotism is both politically and morally urgent.

Well, if it was both politically and morally urgent in 1980, what is it in 2021?

The country may be at an all-time low in the pronouncement of U.S. patriotism. Asserting it will get one labeled a White supremacist, a racist, or worse, a Trumper. Consequently, countless patriots remain silent. That must change.

The ethic of responsibility bids us act while we can; it prohibits abdication until that should become the only alternative. Bergers concluding paragraph contained that proclamation back in 1980. It goes double or triple for 2021.

Near-term, political hygiene isnt the right answer though; concerned citizens must be more focused. A synonym substitution could be the place to start, i.e., honing political hygiene to political asepticism, the care or treatment that prevents putrefaction.

Americas political arena -- the federal, state, and local putrefaction compost pile and oxymoron breeding ground -- is unlikely to transform just by administering a new political oxymoron therapeutic, but neutralizing the gag-inducing stench is crucial. And nowhere in the free world is putrefaction more problematic than in Washington, DC. The stink of organic decay there permeates everything. That must be remedied before political hygiene can begin to work.

So, proud Americans, stand and sound off. Demand political asepticism! Its time to stop the perpetual putrefaction throughout the government  NOW!

R.W. Trewyn, PhD has been a university faculty member for 43 years, working in central administration the past 27 years.

IMAGE: Garbage dump by Adam Jones (CC BY-SA 2.0) and the U.S. Capitol by Martin Falbisoner (CC BY-SA 3.0).

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For the few that watched the Jan. 6 commission's bawling-cops spectacle, where four Capitol Police officers testified through tears about fearing for their lives in the wake of an out-of-control crowd breaching the Capitol, there was ample reason for skepticism.

The Washington Post reported it like this:

Four police officers delivered emotional testimony Tuesday about the physical and verbal abuse they endured defending the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 from a mob of supporters of President Donald Trump, as a House select committee held its first hearing on the insurrection. Afterward, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.), the panel's chairman, said that the hearing set "the right tone for the work of this committee" and that the panel would probably hold its next hearing before the end of Congress's August recess. He said the committee would start issuing subpoenas for additional witnesses "soon."

They blubbered about "democracy" and one of them, Officer Harry Dunn, even claimed that Trump-supporters surrounded him and shouted the "N-word" at him, something he didn't show video on, even though he presumably has access to thousands of hours of video that the defendants don't have. Turns out he's a Black Lives Matter activist, has taken selfies with House speaker Nancy Pelosi, and has defended BLM's violence in the past.

Well, surprise, surprise: it turns out that the sob-show politics isn't going over well with the public. A new poll shows a drop in public support for the entire Jan. 6 commission, which happened just after all the tears and flapdoodle.

According to the New York Post:

An emotional hearing this week in which police officers attacked in the Capitol riot testified before a House select committee investigating the events of Jan. 6 turned more Americans against the need for the probe, according to a Morning Consult poll. Among voters of all parties, 53 percent supported the investigation, down from 66 percent in the survey in June and 58 percent just a week ago. Four out of five Democrats were in favor, while only a quarter of Republicans were, along with half of independents. Only 49 percent of those polled said they had watched all or even part of the committee hearing that dominated the news cycle on Tuesday.

What's more, decreasing numbers of the public now believe that President Trump is responsible for the Capitol riot, which is kind of the entire point of the commission.

And as if things couldn't get worse, one of the commission's stalwarts, the ever bitter Trump-hating Liz Cheney, is in more political trouble with voters than ever. The news is all bad for her; 77% of Republicans would never vote for her, with most of those saying it didn't matter who her opponent was. Couldn't happen to a nicer #NeverTrump.

The whole thing is pretty much showing that the effort is backfiring, and badly, on Democrats, who are holding this de facto third impeachment of Trump to pin the blame on him for the riot and, presumably, find some way to keep him from running from office in 2024.

The voters aren't buying it, and the more they turn to sob-story theatre, the less the voters are willing to believe them, let alone take interest to watch.

Any politician with a lick of common sense would shut this hearing down now, if for nothing else, then just to save his own political skin. But they keep going, coming up with ever more fantastical spectacles and wild claims for the hearings, even as the public tunes out and the Trump point of view gets embraced by more voters. The more they talk, the more Trump reaps benefits.

Yet, somehow, they can't stop themselves.

They've now become the political equivalent of obsessive weirdos in some basement building an illicit bomb, hurling the kerosene all around, and now see that their pants have caught fire. They can't stop themselves, they can't stop the consequences, and in the end, they are going to have to come out running for help.

This is pathetic, and one can only hope that this commission amounts to the Gotterdammerung of the #NeverTrump movement.

Hat tip: Lucianne.com.

Image: Screen shot from NBC News video via shareable YouTube.

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Some of President Biden's many past lies caught up to him this week.

Biden himself got it all rolling with his false claim on July 28 that at one time he drove a tractor-trailer. The following day, Fox News and Tucker Carlson in particular developed that story and found several clips of Biden in February 2020 falsely claiming he'd gone to South Africa to meet Nelson Mandela and get himself arrested on Mandela's behalf, who was in jail at the time  for terrorist activities.

Tucker aired these following three clips:

1:02  This lie was stated in February 2020 in South Carolina before the SC Primary. ... "I had the great honor of being arrested with our UN Ambassador, ah on the streets of Soweto, trying to get to see him, on Robben's Island."...

1:09  This one also is from February 2020. ... "One of fo fun saintly guys, I ever knew, because I got arrested trying to see him, when I went down to South Africa. Nelson Mandela." ...

1:17  This one's also from February 2020, and was originally aired on C-Span. ... "I came back from S-South Africa, trying to see Nelson Mandela, and getting arrested for trying to see him on Robben's Island t'geh t'geh he was in prison." ...

Several hours before Tucker's show aired, the Fox News program Outnumbered aired. At the 33:56 mark of this clip, co-host Emily Compagno noted, "What too is so ridiculous is to me, you know, when he, that wh- whole South Africa commentary that he made; I lived there for a little while, and the thought  first of all, it's "Robben Island," not "Robben's Island," as he called it; Soweto is almost 800 miles as well, from Robben Island."

I hadn't realized that. I'd known that Biden had made this false claim in 2020, but it never occurred to me fact-check whether Robben Island is adjacent to Soweto. At the time, I figured, saying "Robben Island" is like saying "Riker's Island," and it's really easy to drive to Riker's Island from anywhere in New York City.

I checked this on Google Maps. According to Google, Robben Island is just that: an island. It lies in the South Atlantic about 10 miles north of Cape Town, and about 3 miles from the nearest land. There are no bridges to the island. According to Google, Cape Town International Airport is two hours by air from Soweto and 1,394 km (837 miles) by road.

None of this ever happened. Biden lied about all of this.

Biden himself 'fessed up to the truth to CNN on February 28, 2020, when he told them, "When I said 'arrested,' I meant, I was not able to  I was not able to move, cops  Afrikaaners  would not let me go with them, made me stay where I was. I guess I I wasn't arrested; I was stopped."

It turns out that when Biden had deplaned, the Afrikaaner security officers directed him to use the "Whites Only" entrance into the terminal, and he refused. That is the only time he was "stopped" by anybody.

Biden also lied about the aftermath, when Mandela purportedly attempted to go to Washington to see Biden and thank him for having tried to visit him while Mandela was in prison.

At an event in Las Vegas, Biden claimed that after Nelson Mandela was elected president of South Africa, Mandela went to Washington and visited Biden in his office. "(Mandela) threw his arms around me and said, 'I want to say thank you.' I (Biden) said, 'What are you thanking me for, Mr. President?' He said, 'You tried to see me. You got arrested trying to see me.'"

It never happened.

The simple truth is, Biden is a serial, compulsive, chronic liar. Many of his lies contain multiple lies.

For example, there is Biden's false claim at his March 25 press conference  and repeated on many other occasions  that most of the Trump tax cut benefits only "the top 1%." Biden said on this occasion, "Did you hear them complain when they passed close to $2 trillion Trump tax cut, 83% going to the top 1%. Do you hear them talk about that at all?"

That is false. According to factcheck.org, "[h]e repeated two familiar talking points on taxes, including the misleading claim that '83%' of the benefits in the GOP's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are "going to the top 1%." That only becomes the case in 2027 when most of the individual income tax cuts are set to expire but corporate tax cuts remain."

In the same Tucker Carlson clip already referenced above, he aired a clip of Biden in 2009 claiming that he himself at one time had mined coal.

0:25  ...Hope you will hold against me (???), but I am a chh-ard coal miner, anthracite coal, Scranton, Pennsylvania. Okay, that's where I was born and raised, and it's nice to be back in coal country...

At the recent U.S./E.U. Summit on June 14 in Brussels, Biden also falsely claimed that his great-grandfather mined coal.

My dad, uh, had a transition in, uh, the city we lived in coal was dying, it no longer relevant, y-you all he was not my great-grandfather was a, a a coalminer he was a mining engineer but 

Last year, Biden falsely claimed he "was raised politically" when a teenager at a Union Baptist Black church in Wilmington. According to the N.Y. Post story:

When I was a teenager in Delaware, for real, I got involved in the civil rights movement... I'd go to 8 o'clock Mass, then I'd go to Reverend (Otis) Herring's church where we'd meet in order to organize and figure where we were going to go, whether we were going to desegregate the Rialto movie theater or what we were going to do...I got my education, for real, in the black church, and that's not hyperbole, it's a fact.

But it wasn't "real." It never happened. Nobody at the church remembers him, or any such callow White teenager. By the way, despite having been outed last year by The N.Y. Post, Biden referred to this falsehood again just the other day.

Why does Biden tell so many lies?

As it happens, Michael Goodwin wrote about this very issue earlier this week in The New York Post in his commentary about Andrew Cuomo's many current lies. Goodwin wrote:

As a young reporter covering New York politics, I was shocked at how frequently city and state officials lied to the press. They did it on big issues and small ones, to your face and in writing, on the record and off the record. It was so automatic and casual that it seemed instinctive. I once mentioned my dismay to Murray Kempton, an older, courtly, onetime Post columnist whose generosity of spirit extended even to the most venal, as long as they weren't politicians. Kempton looked at me with a seen-it-all shrug and declared: "Why shouldn't they lie to you? They lie to themselves all the time."

Yah. It could be as simple as that. Biden lies to us for the same reason dogs lick their own gonads  because he can.

Photo credit: YouTube screen grab.

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The more CDC director Rochelle Walensky talks, the worse she sounds.

Along with her well noted controversial statements about returning to mask-wearing and a nationally mandated COVID vaccine, the latter of which she walked back to some extent, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director threw out other nutty statements that are worth noting  if for nothing else, then the fact that Joe Biden says he defers to her and her continuously mistaken bureaucrats at CDC.

Breitbart News reported that a question about illegal border-crossers spreading COVID, from Fox News's Bret Baier, triggered this exchange:

Baier said, "But do you know the surge, how the surge of illegal immigrants with COVID is affecting the overall rate, you know, it sounds like the percentages down there on the border are astronomical?" Walensky said, "Yeah, you know, I would say that the percentages in the southern part of this country are really quite high. I don't necessarily think we can attribute all of that to what's going on at the southern border. I think what we really need to do is spend our time getting our communities vaccinated to getting our individuals vaccinated to prevent disease from transmitting in our communities."

Basically, she was attempting to brush off the obvious problem of unvetted illegal aliens coming into the U.S. and spreading COVID throughout the country. With the U.S. paying for their tickets, either by airplane or bus, to their choice of destinations, it's pretty obvious that a disease vector, courtesy of the Biden administration, is in place. During the Trump administration, that avenue of spread was shut down firmly through Title 42, throwing illegal migrants back on COVID concerns, based on protecting the country.

These days, there's nonsense like this going on:

Baier said, "One woman wrote in, My in-laws live in Austria, they cannot come here to see their six-month-old baby because of the EU travel band even as migrants come across the southern border from other countries with more COVID and worse vaccine performance and they are allowed in. Is that a problem, Dr. Walensky? Walensky said, "We're working, um, at the CDC to provide technical assistance for all areas of travel as well as to provide technical assistance at the southern border. So as people come in, we are keeping migrants, as well as those communities, as safe as possible with the technical assistance and infection prevention guidelines from the CDC."

There are also tweets like these being passed around:

Fully vaccinated Canadians cant come to America. American citizens in Mexico cant come back unless they are tested. But 1,400,000 illegals 50,000 from around the world not the Americas in June are allowed in.  James Jay Carafano (@JJCarafano) July 30, 2021

[Note: That latter number is likely far higher.]

The contradictions are pretty amazing here.

What's more, Walensky's claim to be ready to send "guidelines" is something she's been talking about for months, but somehow has never gotten around to doing. Here she was back in February, according to ABC News, promising all those migrant guidelines:

The CDC, in a three-paragraph order signed by its director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, on Feb. 11, exempted unaccompanied children from being expelled to Mexico until "a forthcoming public health reassessment," which has yet to be published.

Here's what's happened since, from NBC News three days ago:

WASHINGTON  Two more whistleblowers have come forward to allege that children were mistreated by contractors and senior federal employee managers at a Department Health and Human Services migrant shelter in Fort Bliss, Texas, earlier this year, and also say HHS told them to downplay hundreds of Covid infections among children held at the facility. "Covid was widespread among children and eventually spread to many employees. Hundreds of children contracted Covid in the overcrowded conditions. Adequate masks were not consistently provided to children, nor was their use consistently enforced," the whistleblowers, Arthur Pearlstein and Lauren Reinhold, said in a federal whistleblower complaint filed Wednesday[.] But at the end of their service, they said, federal detailees were regularly given written instructions from HHS public affairs that told them, "when asked, to make everything sound positive about the Fort Bliss experience and to play down anything negative."

And she's still brushing off that child migrants (many of whom reportedly catch COVID in U.S. detention centers before being dispersed through the U.S.) are spreading COVID? And she's still working on her "guidelines"? Perhaps it's because she's making so many television appearances that she can't get around to doing her actual $188,063-salaried job. Or perhaps she takes Kamala Harris as her role model, hoping to best her on the border-laziness front.

In addition, Walensky hasn't done anything about Title 42, which the Biden administration says it's awaiting word from her on as a million migrants stream in:

The Department of Homeland Security declined to comment on the future of Title 42. A White House official said the lifting of Title 42 had never been planned. "That decision will rest with the CDC and that public health process  as of right now there is no change in policy in Title 42, nor a timeline to preview or announce when it's no longer needed," the official said.

That's the current in-place guideline to throw back illegal migrants on COVID grounds. Joe Biden said he was going to lift it but then said it was up to Dr. Walensky to make that decision. Rather than affirmatively advise that it should stay in place based on all the migrant COVID-spreading, she's actually said nothing, and Biden, being Biden, is supposedly leaving it in place but not enforcing it, based on the kinds of statistics around open borders and migrant COVID-spreading that we are seeing now. Words, and rules, no longer have meaning to Biden, and she's letting this go on and on as COVID spreads through the U.S.

As if that weren't bad enough, she's back to nonsense about everyone masking up, and all she needs is two weeks to "stop the spread."

Heard that one before? How stupid does she think the public is?

As the New York Post notes in its fierce editorial, it's time to get this person off the air. (Glenn Reynolds, writing at the Post, has a good one saying similar, too.) She's got a bizarre speaking style, at times with strange, inappropriate giggles, and she's constantly spewing disinformation, or shifting information, all of which blow apart her tattered credibility. Medical professionals are nothing without credibility, and Walensky is proving herself to be a colossal zero.

Image: Twitter screen shot.

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Back in 1988, General Augusto Pinochet had run Chile for 15 years. He overthrew President Salvador Allende in 1973 and took over a country in total chaos. His free market policies turned Chile around and created an economy that was the envy of the developing world. Unfortunately, he never had the legitimacy of an election. So he did something strange. He asked the people if he should continue, and they had a "plebiscite." Pinochet lost and left power. This is the story:

Gen. Augusto Pinochet's bid for eight more years in power ended in defeat today, as a united opposition beat him soundly in a presidential plebiscite of Pinochet's own design. After a long night in which the opposition continued to announce returns showing a 60-percent vote against Pinochet and the government gave out practically no totals at all, a government spokesman announced early this morning that with three-fourths of the vote officially counted, Pinochet was losing with 53 percent of voters rejecting him. There would be no further vote totals until midday, he said. Later, Interior Minister Sergio Fernandez, who had run Pinochet's campaign, announced that the regime would recognize the results of the vote, which he characterized as still provisional. Because of the democratic process that had transpired, "the great winner is the country," Fernandez said. Pinochet himself made no statement.

Chile said no, and Pinochet accepted the verdict. Let me add that it was time for Pinochet to go as much as I admired his economic accomplishments. As a Chilean told me back in 1988, Pinochet did a good job, but it was time to get our democracy back.

Down in Cuba, the situation is ripe for such a plebiscite. Cubans have never voted in a free and multi-party election. Yes, they vote in Cuba, but it's a sham, because the Communist Party is the only in the contest.

Biden should call for such a plebiscite with international observers. It should also say the U.S. will recognize the winner as the legitimate government and end the embargo immediately.

Will the Castro regime accept the challenge? No, but let's keep the pressure on.

PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk).

Image: Biblioteca del Congreso Nacional de Chile.

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House Democrats recently voted to repeal a ban on U.S. taxpayer funding for elective abortions in foreign countries. No Republican supported the bill.

Well, what could be more progressive than forcing all taxpayers, regardless of their religious beliefs, to fund the killing of mostly brown, Black, and yellow babies? Who knew leftists were progenocidal imperialism?



Photo credit: Dr. Suparna CC BY 2.0 license.

I am disgusted by the actions of the new administration for many reasons and on many levels, and its callous countenance, indeed encouragement, of baby-killing is certainly among them. In recent years, it has become clear that the radical left is winning the battle for the soul of the (formerly) Democratic Party. (And it is clearly controlling the Biden administration.)

In 2019, Alabama state senator Bobby Singleton lost his mind when a pro-life bill restricting abortion passed in the state's House of Representatives and Senate. He took to the Senate floor to rage: "You just aborted the state of Alabama with your rhetoric with this bill! You just aborted the state of Alabama yourself, and all of you should be put in jail for this abortion that you just laid on the state of Alabama! This is just a shame, this is a disgrace, and it's a travesty!"

Passing a bill to prevent babies from being ripped from the womb, dismembered, and disposed of like so many hypodermic needles is aborting the entire state of Alabama? He wanted to imprison 99 of his fellow representatives for casting votes?

But Senator Simpleton was just getting started. Why stop him when he was on a roll? He continued, saying those who voted in favor of the bill "don't care nothing about mothers of the state of Alabama." (Other than encouraging them to actually become mothers.) In progressives' land of topsy-turvydom, voting to prevent widespread abortions is the one true abortion. Singleton added (of those who voted for the bill), "You just raped every little baby." By voting to protect them? Talk about clinical insanity. The senator's entire tirade was so disturbing and preposterous as to defy description.

In the same year, Bernie Sanders claimed that abortion was a "constitutional right." While I am aware that the founders talked of the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," I confess I am ignorant of the constitutional clause guaranteeing the right to "end a pregnancy if it should in any way inconvenience the prospective mother or significant other."

Also in 2019, Hillary Rodham Clinton savaged state-level restrictions on abortion, tweeting: "The abortion bans in Alabama, Georgia, Ohio, Kentucky, and Mississippi are appalling attacks on women's lives and fundamental freedoms." She then urged her followers to donate to The National Network of Abortion Funds, one of whose member organizations is the Lilith Fund, named for an ancient demon who, according to mythology, preyed on children as well as pregnant women. Nice touch. In a separate tweet, she called on followers to prevent "a future in which our daughters and granddaughters have fewer rights than we do."

This, too, was an inconceivably stupid remark. Those who are pro-life are trying to prevent a future in which there may be no daughters and granddaughters. And who has fewer rights than an unborn baby girl?

I have always said "pro-choice" people's insistence that women have the inherent right to do whatever they wish with their own bodies is  or should be  an easily refuted lie. None of us has the "right" to drive drunk, burn down someone else's home or business, or rob a bank. With our own bodies. Even if we aren't sheltering a nascent human life inside us.

There are many on the left who claim that abortion is "self-care." If that is true, then murder is "self-help," and rape is "self-pleasuring." Self-care? Abortion is selfish.

The politically correct progressive crowd purports to believe that stating "All Lives Matter" is a worse offense than depriving someone of life. They claim that calling those who rape, maim, and kill "animals" is a greater crime than...maiming or killing someone.

Leftists have tried hard to destigmatize and normalize abortion, going so far as to tout abortion "spas," as if aborting one's baby could ever be a pleasant, relaxing, restorative experience. Recently, a few Democrat-run cities and states have even flirted with legalizing "after-birth" abortion, otherwise known as murder.

The medical director of Planned Parenthood of Minnesota and the Dakotas once stated that abortion "is basic health care for women. One in three women have an abortion in their lifetime. How much more basic is that?" One in three women may gamble, too, but that wouldn't qualify gambling as "basic financial planning for women."

Still others claim that abortion is just another form of birth control or prevention. That is sickeningly ludicrous. By definition, you can abort only what is already in existence or under way.

There is no war on women, no systemic misogyny. There is, however, a war on babies. And it's a slaughter.

Because one side can't fight back.

The "Spark of Divinity" grows dim in us all.

As hard as that may be to conceive.

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Is this a portent of what lies ahead here? Power-mad leaders in Western ostensibly democratic nations seem to be enamored of the controls over their own citizenry they seized when the Chinese virus first hit. Even as the death toll from COVID variants declines as transmissibility increases (following the normal pattern of virus mutation), some nations resort again to the heretofore unthinkable notion of quarantining the healthy majority, not the sick.

And now, military forces are being called in to supplement police, who feel unable to contain the popular resistance.

The left-wing Guardian newspaper is upset, mainly because racial minorities are going to be affected in New South Wales, Australia's most populous state:

The deployment of troops to enforce Sydney's lockdown could alienate the community and fuel vaccine hesitancy, particularly in the hard-hit western suburbs where many Indigenous Australians and migrants and refugees live, community groups and residents are warning. Three hundred defence personnel are preparing to be deployed on Sydney's streets on Monday after New South Wales police made a formal request for their help. They'll undergo training at the weekend before joining police on the streets as they enforce a sixth week of lockdown.

Interestingly, the article makes no mention of European-heritage Aussies and their reactions to the military being called up to keep them locked in their homes, except this:

Another resident from Bankstown, who asked not to be named, said people were going to be frightened to see soldiers on the street: "If the military knocks on doors, people are going to be scared and angry. "It absolutely will not have the desired effect. You can't have the desired effect on people who've been ignored by the government for 20, 30 years. The government is trying to help them  you think they're going to believe that any more?" He said residents in western Sydney felt as though they were being treated like "uneducated, barbaric western suburbs heathens". "When you look at the response to outbreaks in the northern beaches or eastern suburbs, those communities were approached like they were reasonable and civil. "But when it comes to us, we're treated like uneducated, barbaric western suburbs heathens, that need to feel the full brute strength of the law."

It is unclear from the article if troops are being deployed solely in Western suburbs, but judging by photos of last weekend's mass demonstrations in Sydney (and elsewhere), it is mostly Caucasian Aussies up in arms against the lockdown:



YouTube screen grab.

Meanwhile, Sweden, which never locked down, continues to have a far better track record on COVID fatalities than the United States.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
The media insisted that Donald Trump was the worst, most vulgar figure ever to enter the White House. It wasn't that he actually did anything gross. It was just that they thought he was gross, and so anything he did was held up as unbefitting the dignity of the White House. Joe Biden, though, just did something really gross: when he learned that he had something hanging on his face, he ate it!

Notwithstanding the media's ugly obsession with President Trump, it seems to me that Democrats have the real lock on being openly disgusting. John F. Kennedy had sex parties. Lyndon Johnson held meetings while on the toilet (or, blech, peeing in the sink). When it comes to President Clinton, I'll just say the words "cigars in the Oval Office" and stop right there. Talk about conduct unbefitting the dignity of the White House. Barack Obama liked to appear cool, but part of being cool meant inviting into the White House rappers whose songs trafficked in obscenity, misogyny, racism, and police-hatred.

Trump never did anything like that. He had an eccentric way of speaking and was a larger-than-life character, that's for certain, but he never once behaved in an unseemly way in the White House. And no, feeding McDonald's food during a shutdown to hungry athletes doesn't count. As I've said before, the media could have treated him as a 21st-century Teddy Roosevelt  an American colossus astride the world  but the media chose another approach.

Then there's Joe Biden. Already, last year, Biden seemed to have entered that phase of dementia that sees an end to many social controls. Those of us who have watched relatives age have seen exquisite women swearing and gentlemanly men start passes at anything that moves. Biden loses his temper a lot, another sign of early dementia, because dealing with the limits of aging and the confusion of dementia is frustrating.

Things took a serious turn for the weird when Biden bit his wife's fingers at a public appearance. It wasn't cute; it was icky:

.@JoeBiden's "No Malarkey!" Iowa bus tour starts in Council Bluffs with laughs: An excited @DrBiden gestures and almost hits Joe in the head...and then he bit her finger: pic.twitter.com/CIhHS9buJQ  Bo Erickson CBS (@BoKnowsNews) November 30, 2019

That is a private behavior, not something appropriate for a presidential campaign.

On Friday, Biden transitioned from icky to gross:

What's next? Picking his nose? Something worse? Again, those of us who have dealt with mentally impaired elderly people know there's always something worse. At this point, the only thing keeping Biden in the White House is the fact that Democrats realize that Kamala is so bad that she'll make Joe look good  and as long as Jill and Ron Klain keep the home fires burning, everything's going according to plan.

Image: Biden being Biden. Twitter screen grab.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
This sort of behavior is straight out of the dayroom of a mental hospital. Joe Biden may be a habitual liar and the head of a corrupt family selling influence to foreigners, but pity, not anger, and fear for the nation are the only feelings I have on seeing the following.

First the president of the United States received a note from staffers informing him that he had something on his chin. For some reason, he stared at the back of the note while the rest of the world read the words, "Sir, there is something on your chin."

President @JoeBiden holds a card handed to him by an aide that reads Sir, there is something on your chin while meeting with governors to discuss wildfire prevention on the White House Campus in Washington, Friday, July 30, 2021. (@AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) @POTUS @AP_Images pic.twitter.com/uvjgsmQtnU  Andrew Harnik (@andyharnik) July 30, 2021

But then, something happened that puts the currently serving POTUS in the category of library paste-eating mental defectives:

After a staffer gives Joe Biden a note saying, theres something on your chin, Biden wipes his chin.



Then appears to put whatever was on his chin in his mouth? pic.twitter.com/VvN17i4IWY  RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 30, 2021

Can you imagine Xi Jinping and his Politburo laughing their head off about this, and then discussing invading Taiwan?

Please join me in prayer that Biden is not bothered by any boogers.

Hat tip: Ace.

Photo credit: Twitter video screen grab (cropped).

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
Throughout Friday, the White House made an incoherent mess of its news about COVID in America today. Eventually, I lost track of whether the White House wants to mandate masks, vaccines, lockdowns, or any combination of those three. First, it was yes; then it was no because we misunderstood a study; and then it was just nonsense, capped by Joe Biden eating food off his own face. Meanwhile, in Florida, a clean, composed, and eminently sane Governor Ron DeSantis made it clear that while he's in office, Florida will be a free, traditionally American state.

DeSantis didn't just make a nice, puffy speech about liberty in his state. Instead, he signed an executive order protecting children from masks:

He signed an executive order Friday saying that making children wear masks 'may lead to negative health and societal ramifications ... could inhibit breathing, lead to the collection of dangerous impurities and adversely affect communications in the classroom and student performance.' The governor's executive order also said that 'there is no statistically significant evidence to suggest that counties with mask requirements have feared any better than those without.' His edict, which is effective immediately, also stressed that 'all parents have the right to make healthcare decisions for their minor children,' - such as whether to mask them up. Speaking at a Cape Coral event hours before signing the order, the GOP lawmaker said: 'We want to be able to choose, and we want to be able to teach our children without our faces covered. We think that's the most fair way to do it.'

The decision about whether a child should wear a mask, he said, is one "that falls squarely within the concord of this Parents' Bill of Rights that I signed." And, putting his actions in alignment with his values, DeSantis said his kids haven't worn masks and will not wear masks.

Not only does DeSantis's stance regarding children and masks align with the science  masks harm kids, who are at minimal risk of COVID  but it also aligns with liberty. Even as the Biden administration makes plain its desperation to impose nationwide vaccine and mask mandates, DeSantis is espousing limited government.

Moreover, at the same signing ceremony, DeSantis said he will not reimpose any COVID restrictions despite the delta variant's arrival in America: "In Florida, there will be no lockdowns, there will be no school closures, there will be no restrictions and no mandates in the state of Florida."

So far, the data show that he's right not to panic. While there are more cases of COVID, the death rate is de minimus (at least according to the chart that Bing displays when one search "COVID mortality United States:

Whether this is because the delta variant is less deadly, because more people have some protection from vaccines, because the most vulnerable have already passed on, or because doctors are finally treating patients before they're on death's door (something made almost impossible during Trump's presidency) is less clear. What's certain, though, is that we're now seeing something similar to an early flu season, an annual deadly disease that is never treated as a dangerous pandemic justifying increased federal powers.

DeSantis represents the traditional view of the relationship between Americans and their government. The Biden administration represents the left's effort to turn America into a nation without a Constitution or individual liberties. Instead, it will start out as a soft(ish) tyranny and end up as a very hard one. Venezuela is the logical endpoint of the leftists' destruction of the American economy on their path to total power.

For Americans, it's time to decide: do we allow the federal government to expand endlessly, along with the governments of various Democrat-run states, or do we just say NO?

Image: Gov. Ron DeSantis says no to masks. YouTube screen grab.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
There is no "Palestine." It does not exist.

As an anthropological term, "Palestine" is a derivation from the Latin of the word "Philistine," coined by the Romans in about the 2nd century. Shortly after the Bar-Kokhba revolt in A.D. 130, the Romans renamed "Palestine" after the Philistines, who some scholars believe had disappeared about 700 years before. While they lived, they were Greek, not Arab. The archaeological finds conducted earlier last century in Heraklion, Crete, and the Gaza Strip revealed that they worshiped Greek idols and therefore suggest they were culturally Greek. There has not been a true ethnic Palestinian on earth for over 2,000 years!

Geographically, the area between the Jordan basin and the Mediterranean was labeled "Palestine." But it was used only as a geographical term prior to the re-establishment of Israel in 1948. The "Palestinians" were not Arabs. To wit, the soldiers who fought in the area at around that time were part of the Royal Palestine Legion, and almost all were Jews. You will note that the original name of the Jerusalem Post was the Palestine Post.

"Palestinians," therefore, were people of most any religion who actually lived there  Jews, Christians, and Muslims. They were all considered "Palestinians." In the 1960s and '70s, the term became inclusive of all Arabs because it was imposed upon them by their leaders for political reasons. Most of these people who call themselves "Palestinian" are actually descendants of people from Arabia, who immigrated to Israel often illegally during the Jewish mandate in order to enjoy a greater standard of living.

Ontologically, "Palestinian" theology is actually Judeo-Christian. Only Judaism and Christianity came historically from the region of the Jordan and the Mediterranean. In contrast, Islam came from Arabia. It developed through the Middle Ages in Egypt. Islam is not a "Palestinian" religion in the same sense in which Judaism and Christianity are.

In stark contrast, as we have already seen, tens of thousands of innocent Christians and Jews were murdered, often within their places of worship, by barbarous Islamic hordes, aided and comforted by their proxies on the left all the while. Their sympathizers and even the moderates should consider well that there exists no country in the Muslim world where Christians and especially Jews enjoy the same freedoms in frequency and in magnitude as Muslims do in Australia, all of Western Europe, the Americas, and especially Israel. This I would call apartheid, which moderates should be repudiating in large numbers.

History informs philosophy, and both form the basis of honest discussion. The far left needs to wise up!

Image via Pixy.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
A highly regarded young doctor of Anniston was seriously injured in a recreational biking accident, this front page story told readers on July 31, 1985. Dr. Mike Tucker's death would be announced in the following day's newspaper. [The park near Weaver at the current terminus of the Ladiga Trail is named for him.]
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General view of E-Scooters operated by Dott, Lime and Tier at an E-Scooter hire point in Kensington, west London Picture date: Tuesday June 29, 2021. (Photo by Dominic Lipinski/PA Images via Getty Images)

A man has been arrested after a police officer suffered a broken leg when he was involved in a collision with an e-scooter in north London.

Officers were undertaking a pre-planned operation to target illegal use of e-scooters in Willesden High Road at around 1pm on Saturday when the incident took place.

Officers asked a male riding an e-scooter to stop but he failed to do so.

The e-scooter then collided with a police officer, knocking him to the floor.

The officer was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital with a broken leg and concussion.

A 22-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of section 18 grievous bodily harm, assault on an emergency worker, obstructing a drugs search, failure to stop, dangerous driving, driving without a licence or insurance, breaching the terms of a prison sentence and being unlawfully at large.

Inspector Martin Robbie said: Officers put themselves in the face of danger on a daily basis and an incident like this demonstrates this.

I would like to remind the public that the use of e-scooters, unless subject to a government approved scheme, is prohibited and use upon public highways and spaces will be subject to enforcement and potential seizure of the e-scooter.

E-scooters can be used on roads, in cycle lanes and on cycle paths, but are banned from being ridden on pavements.

Private e-scooters can only legally be used in the UK on private land but are a common sight on roads and pavements.

Last month, the Metropolitan Police said they had seized 507 private e-scooters over seven days.

Around 1,200 e-scooters are available to rent in the capital across nine boroughs.
Those previously wary of getting shots due to conspiracy theories are now lining up by the thousands from Liberia to Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal

A resurgence of coronavirus cases in West Africa is hitting the region hard, inundating cemeteries where funeral numbers are rising and hospitals where beds are becoming scarce.

Those visible shifts are also pushing a reluctant population to seek out the vaccines in larger numbers at a time when shipments of doses are arriving from multiple sources after nearly grinding to a halt in recent months.

Thousands of new COVID-19 cases have been reported in the region in the past few weeks amid low vaccination rates and the spread of the delta variant, with some countries seeing their highest numbers since the pandemic began.

In this Wednesday, July 28, 2021 file photo, a health worker administers a dose of Janssen COVID-19 vaccine by Johnson & Johnson in the Medina neighborhood in Dakar, Senegal. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File)

Residents who were previously wary of getting shots as conspiracy theories spread online are now lining up by the thousands from Liberia to Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal.

At the beginning, there were people who gave false information, but when people noticed an increase of contaminations and deaths, people understood that only vaccination can save them, said Bamba Fall, mayor of the Medina municipality in Senegals capital, Dakar.

Shortages and delays have caused Africas 54 countries to fall far behind wealthier nations in their COVID-19 vaccine rollouts. Some 82 million doses have arrived on the continent to date, though that is just 10% of the number needed to vaccinate 30% of its population by the end of 2021, said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization regional director for Africa.

But more shipments are finally rolling in, steering the continent of 1.3 billion people into an encouraging phase after a bleak June, Moeti said. Theres light at the end of the tunnel on vaccine deliveries to Africa, but it must not be snuffed out again.

Nigeria, Africas most populous country with more than 210 million people, next month will receive more than 29 million Johnson & Johnson vaccines purchased by the government through the African Union. Its also expecting 4 million doses of Moderna and almost 700,000 AstraZeneca vaccines through the COVAX program and from donations by the United States and the United Kingdom, according to Health Minister Osagie Ehanire.

Nigerias virus cumulative case count recently topped 172,200, an increase of more than 4,500 cases since July 10. Its seven-day rolling average of daily new cases more than doubled over the past two weeks, from 0.06 new cases per 100,000 people on July 15 to 0.17 new cases per 100,000 people on July 29, according to Johns Hopkins University.

In this Wednesday, July 28, 2021 file photo, people wait to be vaccinated J at Leopold Sedar Senghor stadium in Dakar, Senegal. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File)

Isolation centers that were closed after a previous surge are being reopened in anticipation of a large number of patients, said Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, director-general of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control.

Meanwhile, confirmed cases in Senegal, which had been ahead in the fight against the virus, leapt from only 380 on July 10 to 1,700 on July 18, the highest number since the pandemic began, according to the Ministry of Health.

Dakars main cemetery also is seeing large numbers of funerals, many that were likely due to COVID-19 but werent recorded as such.

I came for an uncles funeral. He died at home. Out of modesty, he did not take the tests, but everything suggests that he died of COVID-19, because he had symptoms of the disease, said Saliou Ndoye. This situation is worrying. There are a lot of deaths.

Senegal is employing more community-focused campaigns as residents see people close to them  including those young and healthy  succumbing to the disease.

Senegalese dont know where to turn, resident Khalifa Abbacar Diop said. We are afraid.

The country received nearly 300,000 Johnson & Johnson doses and more than 330,000 of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine in the past week. Tens of thousands of residents are waiting for a second dose of AstraZeneca, but it is out of stock and new deliveries are not expected until August.

An increase in hospitalizations and deaths is leading many residents across West Africa to get inoculated.

Initially, I was hesitant to take the vaccine because I saw many conspiracy theories and also the anti-vaccine media campaign appeared stronger, Harris Fomba Tarnue, principal of the Booker Washington Institute, Liberias oldest technical high school, told The Associated Press.

But when I reflected a lot on taking vaccines in the 60s and 70s, and the (beneficial) impact vaccines now have on global health, I concluded its a must for me and my family to take, Tarnue said.

In this Wednesday, July 28, 2021 file photo, a health worker administers a dose of Janssen COVID-19 vaccine by Johnson & Johnson in the Medina neighborhood in Dakar, Senegal. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File)

Liberia received 96,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine through the COVAX initiative, but the first consignment of about 27,000 had only a month lifespan and expired as people were reluctant to get the shots, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Francis Kateh said.

The country received more than 300,000 Johnson & Johnson doses on Sunday, about two weeks after it ran out of AstraZeneca with at least 86,000 people awaiting a second dose.

Since its vaccine drive started in March, only 9,579 people in the nation of nearly 5 million have been fully vaccinated, according to the health minister.

In Ghana, President Nana Akufo-Addo raised the alarm Sunday as new confirmed infections tripled, stretching hospitals and ICU wards to their limit.

Ghana cannot afford to allow the recklessness of a few to endanger the lives of the majority of persons in the country, he said, announcing masks are now mandatory in public places.

Ghana is committed to vaccinating 20 million people, representing its entire adult population, by the end of this year, he said.

He pledged $25 million to start an institute that would allow Ghana to produce vaccines, and not be dependent upon foreign manufacturers. South Africa is currently the only country in sub-Saharan Africa that has the capacity to manufacture the doses.

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Weather Alert

...AIR QUALITY ADVISORY ISSUED FOR DOUGLAS, BAYFIELD, ASHLAND, IRON, BURNETT, WASHBURN, SAWYER, AND PRICE COUNTIES... The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued an Air Quality Advisory for Particle Pollution which will remain in effect until 12:00 PM CDT Tuesday, August 3. This advisory affects people in Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, Iron, Burnett, Washburn, Sawyer, and Price counties. Smoke from wildfire activity in Canada is currently impacting northwestern Wisconsin counties and is anticipated to slowly spread east- southeast today into Tuesday morning. Elevated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations are anticipated to result in air quality index (AQI) values in the UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS level over this period. Sensitive groups include children, elderly people, individuals with respiratory and cardiac problems, and anyone engaged in strenuous outdoor activities for a prolonged period of time. For more information on current air quality, please see: https://airquality.wi.gov
Medicare has been in existence since 1965 (fun fact: President Harry Truman was the first Medicare beneficiary), and the Medicare system has been changed or updated multiple times since. This is partially the reason for the confusion to Medicare consumers. Read more
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YEREVAN, JULY 31, ARMENPRESS. German Condor airlines will carry out Frankfurt-Yerevan-Fankfurt flights starting from July 31, ARMENPRESS was informed from Armenia international airports company.

One flights will be carried out weekly, on Saturdays.

For the availability of air tickets, their acquisition and other details, it is necessary to visit the webpage of the airline at condor.com or contact the local travel agency.
Besides, cases were also registered against 200 unidentified Assam Police personnel

Aizawl: Criminal cases have been filed against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, four senior officers of the state police and two more officials over the violent clash that took place on the outskirts of Vairengte town in Mizoram's Kolasib district, police said on Friday.

They have been booked under various charges, including attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy, Mizoram Inspector General of Police (Headquarter) John Neihlaia told PTI.

The FIR was lodged by the state police at the Vairengte police station late Monday after a gun fight between the Mizoram and the Assam police forces near the border town, he said.

The four senior Assam Police officers named in the FIR are Inspector General of Police (IGP) Anurag Aggarwal, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Cachar Devojyoti Mukherjee, Cachar Superintendent of Police Cahndrakant Nimbalkar, and officer in-charge of Dholai police station, Sahab Uddin, Neihlaia said.

Cachar Deputy Commissioner Keerthi Jalli and Cachar Divisional Forest Officer Sunnydeo Chaudhary have also been booked under the same charges, he said.

Besides, cases were also registered against 200 unidentified Assam Police personnel, Neihlaia said.

The four police officers and the two administrative officials have been summoned for questioning on Sunday, he added.
The IED was found planted by suspected terrorists under a culvert at Bathooni-Dilogra on Jammu-Rajouri national highway

The terrorists are believed to have planted the IED during the intervening night under the cover of darkness, the officials said. (Representational image: PTI)

Jammu: A major tragedy was averted on Saturday with timely detection of a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Jammu and Kashmir's border district of Rajouri, officials said.

The IED was found planted by suspected terrorists under a culvert at Bathooni-Dilogra on Jammu-Rajouri national highway and was subsequently defused by the bomb disposal squad of the Army at 9.10 am, the officials said.

The traffic on the vital road remained suspended for over three hours after the detection of the IED by the Road Opening Party (ROP) of the security forces, they said.

The terrorists are believed to have planted the IED during the intervening night under the cover of darkness, the officials said, adding that a massive search operation is on to arrest the terrorists who were planning to set off the blast.

The officials said the experts removed the IED from the road to a secluded place in the nearby forest and later detonated it in a controlled explosion without causing any damage.
The negative certificate should not be older than 72 hours irrespective of the vaccination status, said the government in a circular

A BMC health worker collects swab sample of a passenger for COVID-19 test, at the CSMT station in Mumbai. (PTI)

Bengaluru: Karnataka government on Saturday announced a special surveillance measure making mandatory a negative RT-PCR certificate for people arriving to the State from Kerala and Maharashtra.

The negative certificate should not be older than 72 hours irrespective of the vaccination status, said the government in a circular.

The circular signed by the Additional Chief Secretary of Department of Health and Family Welfare Jawaid Akhtar said, "The revised special surveillance measure is notified herewith to be complied with strictly for arrivals from neighbouring Kerala and Maharashtra in view of the current COVID-19 situation."

The certificate is mandatory for all passengers coming to Karnataka by flight, bus, train and personal transport, the circular said.

It said the certificate is applicable for all the flights originating from Kerala and Maharashtra. "Airlines shall issue boarding passes only to the passengers carrying RT-PCR negative certificate not older than 72 hours," it said.

Railway authorities shall be responsible for ensuring that all passengers travelling by trains carry the negative RT-PCR certificates, it said.

For all the passengers travelling by bus, the conductor shall ensure that they possess the negative certificates.

Deputy Commissioners of the districts bordering Kerala like Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu and Mysuru, and those bordering Maharashtra like Belagavi, Vijayapura, Kalaburagi and Bidar have been directed to establish checkposts and make arrangements to deploy necessary staff to ensure that all the vehicles entering Karnataka are checked for compliance.

The certificate is mandatory for students and the public visiting Karnataka daily for education, business and other reasons. The visitors should undergo RT - PCR test once in 15 days and possess the negative test report.

Those exempted from carrying the negative RT-PCR certificate are constitutional functionaries, healthcare professionals and children aged below two.

In the case of those in dire emergency situations (death in the family and medical treatment among others) their swabs shall be collected on arrival in Karnataka.

The government on Friday ordered the district administrations to strictly monitor the COVID-19 situation in their respective jurisdictions and to impose additional containment measures as deemed necessary.

The order said there was a spike in the number of new cases in the border-States as well as in a few places in the State. This warrants close monitoring and stringent micro-containment measures.

For example, the border-State of Kerala is currently seeing a surge in COVID-19.
The combatant command President selects needs to have served in at least one joint responsibility role in a senior command position

Since Indias military reform process will be equally intricate, protracted, and even complicated with competing and conflicting demands, claims, issues, and even turf battles that would have to be reconciled, the legislature needs to play a far more pro-active role. Representational Image. (AFP)

There has been quite a bit of commentary in the public space about the proposed reorganisation of the Armed Forces into theatre commands. A large number of retired defence officers, including former chiefs of both the Air Force and the Navy, have written profound opinion pieces expressing apprehensions and reservations about the process and the fact that it is being rushed through rather impulsively.

Let us first understand what is being attempted. On December 24, 2019, the government announced the creation of a chief of defence staff and a new department of military affairs (DMA) in the ministry of defence. This was followed by the appointment of the outgoing Army Chief General Bipin Rawat as the first CDS on December 31, 2019. This new paradigm brought into sharp relief the question of the proposed institution of Theatre Commands for the Indian Armed Forces.

The fundamental concept underpinning the Theatre Commands paradigm is achieving jointness. Jointness means the synergy and synchronisation of different branches of the fighting arms into one cohesive and integrated organisation.

The idea is neither new nor novel. Over three dozen countries in the world have evolved and adopted a combined services template for their militaries. Major powers like the United States, Russia, China and even the United Kingdom from where we have inherited our military ethos are all tasked on this jointness archetype now.

In the US, prior to 1986, each service had its own chief. The service chiefs together stood constituted as Joint Chiefs of Staff. Its elected chairperson reported to the defence secretary. The defence secretary, in turn, was accountable to the President.

This arrangement was analogous to India before the appointment of the chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff in the US as the principal military advisor the President, National Security Council, Homeland Security Council, and the defence secretary post the implementation of the Gold Water-Nichols Act of 1986. He assists the President and the defence secretary, both civilians, in giving strategic direction to the Armed Forces. He proffers advice with regard to force structures and budgetary practices. When rendering counsel he is obligated by law to confabulate with the service chiefs who act as secondary military advisors.

This Act promulgated in 1986 transformed both the character and configuration of the US defence forces. The important thing to mark is that the reorganisation came through legislation and not via an executive fiat.

The Act provided the latitude for both joint and single service commands. It ordained that a unified combatant command means a military command that comprises personnel from two or more military realms. The command hierarchy of a unified or specified combatant command travels from the President downwards to the secretary of defence, and from there, directly to the theatre or the combatant commander. The President only selects an officer to lead a combatant command, if the officer concerned has diverse experience and has served in at least one joint responsibility role in a senior command position.

Democratic nations must be extremely vigilant about excess centralisation of authority in any one defence official. The US arrangement guarantees this by mandating the chain of operational command runs from the President to the defence secretary  a cabinet-level position in the US and then directly to the theatre commander. The chairperson of the joint chiefs of staff, therefore, has no operational command authority.

Even in the United Kingdom, a new epoch for the British Armed Forces is emerging. On March 22, 2021, the government officially released its Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy. It delineates the governments visualisation of the UKs role in the world over the next decade and thus provides a clear roadmap to the Armed Forces in terms of what the policy priorities of the state are over the medium term.

Thus whatever operational concepts the defence establishment wants to evolve need to be clearly fine pointed to cater to the tactical, diplomatic and foreign policy priorities of the United Kingdoms civilian government. What is noteworthy is that defence reform is a part of a larger strategic horizon and not merely an act of internal reorganisation.

That is why in India, across the board, strategic experts, specialists and researchers have been arguing for transparency and openness on the specificities of the proposed theatre commands in India. Even among the services, the opinion seems to be split. It is not a mere coincidence that retired Air Force and Navy officers are forcefully arguing against theatre commands. Even the proxy views of these two services are being aired in the public space and social media suggesting that there is trouble in paradise.

The fundamental decision that must be taken even now is that, if we are to head in the direction of theatre commands, this transition must be carried out through legislation like in the United States and not by mere executive instructions of the department of military affairs in the ministry of defence.

Moreover, politicians who understand Indias strategic imperatives, especially the two-front challenges, that India confronts must pro-actively guide this transition.

They need to be assisted by a foreign policy and strategic affairs professionals who never lose sight of the big picture. A generic bureaucracy where an officer serves in the department of animal husbandry one day, department of cooperation the next day, and the ministry of defence the third day will never measure up to the task of guiding the defence forces through the single biggest transformative change attempted by them ever since their inception. Neither should this task be left to the CDS and a bunch of military officers to superintend this makeover as just another internal reorganisation process unique to the Armed Forces being implemented in a strategic vacuum.

When this osmosis of the defence establishment played itself out in the US politicians, defence professionals, strategic thinkers, foreign policy practitioners, and, most vitally, the media absorbed themselves in five years of knowledgeable and cogent public discussions before the US Congress finally passed the Goldwater-Nichols Defence Reorganisation Act of 1986.

Since Indias military reform process will be equally intricate, protracted, and even complicated with competing and conflicting demands, claims, issues, and even turf battles that would have to be reconciled, the legislature needs to play a far more pro-active role. It must seriously apply itself to the establishment of a Dedicated Standing Committee of Parliament staffed with military advisers and other professionals to independently monitor this transition very minutely.
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Pitkin County Commissioner Greg Poschman, second from left, participates in a July 24 roundtable discussion on the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Economy Act, better known as CORE, at the base of Mt. Sneffels near Ridgway. The gathering included, right of tree, U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet. Mt. Sneffels would be permanently protected if the legislation is passed.
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You may think that belongs to a Marvel multiverse, but the truth is that it happened in Brazil in 1966, just a couple of years after the original car appeared. We will tell you the story of the FNM Onca. Ironically, Onca means Jaguar, in English, which adds another brand to this automotive salad.If you check the pictures, you will say that this car is not really an Alfa Romeo, as the name would make evident. The story is not that simple. To understand it, you first have to be introduced to FNM (Fabrica Nacional de Motores, or National Engine Factory, in Portuguese).This company was founded in 1942 by the dictator Getulio Vargas. He also created Petrobras (the Brazilian state-owned oil company), CSN (Companhia Siderurgica Nacional), and several other businesses that aimed to industrialize the country. At first, it produced Wright radial piston engines for airplanes, but the first ones to leave the factory did so only in 1946, when the Second World War was already over. It soon became clear that it would have to do something else to stay alive.FNM then signed a deal with Isotta Fraschini in 1949 to produce its trucks in Brazil. In 1951, the Italian company went bankrupt, and FNM looked for another partner. In 1952, it signed a deal with Alfa Romeo, another state owned company at the time. Curiously, FNM also produced Alfa Romeo trucks.It was only in 1960 that the first Alfa Romeo passenger car made under license by FNM appeared. It was called the FNM JK. Based on the Alfa Romeo 2000, it got its name from the Brazilian president at the time, Juscelino Kubitschek, who also presented the new Brazilian capital, Brasilia, in the same year. In the Cuore Sportivo, what you find is not the Alfa Romeo badge, but that from FNM (above). Four years later, a military coup obliged the company to change the cars name to FNM 2000.By 1965, the company was not in good shape. Major Jorge Alberto Silveira Martins  FNMs president at the time  decided it needed a local project to sell more and ordered a car with the best chances of success.Rino Malzoni was contacted. He ran Lumimari, the company that had created the Puma , one of the most famous cars built in Brazil . Malzoni then asked the designer Anisio Campos for something similar to the Ford Mustang, which was selling like hotcakes.The first prototype was rapidly developed, but FNM had an issue: Alfa Romeo had to approve the car production. The company sent a prototype to Italy, and another one was put to tests by Hamilcar Barone, the chief engineer at FNM. In his first ride with the car, the roof liner fell on his head at high speed. Thankfully, no one got hurt. The cause was that the air had invaded the roof liner through the hollow A-pillars. At high speed, the whole thing blew over Barones head. The (short-lived) production version fixed that.It was surprising that FNM sent the car in such a crude development stage for Alfa Romeos approval. The Brazilian company was so confident everything would go well that it officially presented the Onca at the 1966 Sao Paulo Motor Show and started selling it. Until Alfa Romeo pulled the brakes on the whole thing, four vehicles had already been sold and delivered. The limited number was due to the extremely high price.The Onca had a glass-fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) body built over the shortened FNM 2000s platform. Malzoni would laminate a body and warn FNM that he needed a new platform. The automaker would then ship it to Matao, in Sao Paulo. FNM was located in Xerem, Rio de Janeiro.The trip was of around 700 kilometers (435 miles). Malzoni would then install the body on the chassis and send the car back 700 km to FNM for the factory to install the interior, finish the car, and deliver it to customers. It was clearly not a cost-effective process from the very start.While the 2000 had 2.72 meters (107.1 inches) of wheelbase, FNMs Mustang-like coupe had only 2.50 m (98.4 in). The 22 centimeters (8.7 in) less in that measure made it a tail-happy rear-wheel-drive car, something the low weight helped to maximize. The Onca was 4.43 m (174.4 in) long, 1.67 m (65.8 in) wide, and 1.29 m (50.8 in) tall.The engine was not produced by FNM: it came from Italy and presented way more power than that in the JK, which made only 94 hp (70). Even the TIMB, a spicier version of the 2000, lacked that engine, as Ricardo Oppi told us.The engine numbers first letters were AR (Alfa Romeo), not FNM, as those produced in Brazil. This engine was supposed to be on the TIMB, but FNM never used it in that product. It was a much stronger 2-liter engine, with 129 hp (96 kW) thanks to more compression and two Solex 50 carburetors.If you are wondering whos Oppi, he is the man that rebuilt/restored two of the only four Oncas ever delivered to customers. Last July 20, he celebrated 20 years of finding the very first Onca. A fifth one, built by a Lumimari employee with one of the laminated bodies, was not official and ended up destroyed in a crash shortly after being manufactured.As a classic car restorer, Oppi always keeps an eye on unique vehicles such as a 1927 Fiat 509A that never got a license plate. One of his strategies for finding rare cars was to ask for the help of street sweepers. Two of them used to have lunch at Oppis shop, where they could heat the meal they brought from home. One day, one of them told him that a glass-fiber Alfa Romeo was rotting in a house relatively close.Oppi had no idea what they were talking about, but he always checked their tips. It required persistence: he had to ask the owner three times to see the vehicle. When he was finally allowed to have a look at it, Oppi realized what he had found.The car restorer ended up buying two cars in the same yard: the FNM and a Moldex, another really rare Brazilian vehicle. However, it was the Onca that required more attention: its chassis was buried 40 cm (15.8 in) on the ground and was rotten, which meant the car could break in half if Oppi and his team were not cautious enough to take it to the shop.The method they followed was to dig all around the car and put ropes around the front of the vehicle to make it move. Luckily, he managed to get the Onca in one piece to be restored, but the restoration process demanded him to cut the body in the A-pillar to separate it from the rotten platform without damages.Oppi then bought a used JK as a donor car to recreate a trustworthy structure. The FRP body also required a lot of attention. While it looked red, the car restorer discovered that it was actually olive green. The original color was then used to repaint the car.Whenever the restorer bought a new vehicle, he called car collectors that could become investors in the restoration process, as Oppi likes to call them. The Onca had three of them, making it take more time than it usually would.The first collector really wanted the car but had to give up on the project. He then sold it to another car collector and so forth until the Onca found its right benefactor, which eventually got the car in 2007. It now belongs to a museum. Make sure you check all the pictures of the restoration process in our gallery above.The Second OncaAt that time, the word of an Onca had already spread, and one of Oppis investors told him he wanted one. In 2008, Oppi was told that there was one parked in a reserved place and in great condition.After talking to the investor, Oppi got the authorization to try to buy that car. He then spoke with the owner and told him of a car collector that wanted his rare Onca. After hearing how much Oppi was authorized to offer, the car owner gave him the car keys and said he wanted him to restore his FNM instead. Oppi left with a frustrated investor and another job to handle.With the experience and the information he had gathered from the first Onca, the work on the second one was much more manageable. Apart from a broken Cuore Sportivo," front bumpers, interior, a new paint job, and some corrosion, the car was soon good to go.The original color was red, but the owner asked Oppi to paint it with a metallic red. The car restorer kept a sample of the initial paint job (just in case) and gave the car the appearance it now has. It was with this Onca that Oppi learned how it (mis)behaved.One day, I took it for a drive, and it hit 230 km/h (on the odometer) in a straight line. It was really fast, but curves made you miss home. The plastic body has tiny steel wires and no structure to cope with the chassiss twist, which makes it bends a lot.The car restorer told us funny situations at the wheel that must have looked terrifying when they actually happened.In a curve to the right, the left door opened. While I was trying to close it, the right door opened. I then decided to tie them with a rope. That was when the rear window popped out. Depending on how hard I took the bends, I could wave goodbye to the ones watching me through the gap that appeared between the roof and the windscreenOppi then learned that that Onca was in good condition because his owner was too scared of it to really drive it. After it was finally restored, the Onca won multiple prizes in classic car shows in Brazil and got back to its owners garage. It eventually goes out for a quick spin and gets back to where it is really safe: a parking spot.A third Onca is now in a locked museum that belonged to Roberto Nasser, a respected Brazilian car journalist that died in 2018. The final one that is still alive  a silver-painted unit  is well guarded, in excellent shape, and very few people know where it is. Oppi has plenty of investors willing to buy any of them, even if just to exhibit them somewhere.Just like the animal that gives it a name, the Onca may look like a Mustang, but it is a dangerous endangered feline. Apart from these pictures, chances are youll never see one in the flesh.
The build youre looking at is called FTR S Classic, and is the work of an Indian-specialized German custom shop that goes by the name Hollisters Motorcycles This particular interpretation of the two-wheeler is a bit more radical than what youd get when talking about the stock one, but one might ask if it is so radical as to double the price. We get a lot of factory Indian parts still, but there are custom ones as well conspiring to make this motorcycle different.The Indian bits are the most important ones, of course. Rocking a stock 1,183cc engine and riding on 19- and 17-inch wheels front and rear, respectively, the bike comes with Indian risers, handlebars, fenders, fuel tank, and headlight.The only non-Indian bits added to the package are minor, like the mirrors (Highsider), side license plate, and the handmade leather seat. Oh, and the paint job is, of course, custom.All of the above  a full and comprehensive look at the changes made can be found at this link  are worth the value of the entry-level bike two times over.The Germans have this thing listed for 26,990 euros, which at todays exchange rates would be $31,800, more than double the price of the stock FTR S.Too much? You be the judge of that, but only after youve had a good long look at what this bike has to offer.
EFI

The Tricolore variant from Ducati s mighty Monster S4RS lineup saw a limited production run of just 400 units back in 2008. In this articles photo gallery, you will find the 256th special-edition copy assembled by the Italian manufacturer, and this sexy beast is currently up for grabs at no reserve!It features a protective clear coat over its carbon fiber accessories, as well as fresh fork seals, bar-end mirrors from CRG and 30 mm (1.2 inches) handlebar risers. Additionally, the Ducs odometer tells us that its only been ridden for about 4k miles (6,500 km), making this whole ordeal even more enthralling.Should you be looking to bid for this Italian showstopper, you may do so by heading over to Bring A Trailer before Wednesday, August 3. For the time being, the top bidder is offering $7,500 to lure the limited-edition 08 MY S4RS into their garage. Since we told you everything there is to know about this particular machine, lets take a quick look at the Monster s general characteristics.Bolognas mechanical lion houses a vicious 998cc Testastretta L-twin within its tubular steel trellis skeleton. This feral piece of liquid-cooled machinery prides itself with a Marellisetup, eight desmodromic valves and a beefy compression ratio of 11.4:1. When the crankshaft turns at 9,500 rpm, the engine will be more than happy to summon as much as 130 hp, along with 77 pound-feet (103 Nm) of twist at 7,500 revs.A six-speed gearbox is tasked with spinning the rear Marchesini wheel by means of a chain final drive, resulting in a quarter-mile time of just 11.3 seconds. Suspension duties are taken good care of by high-grade Ohlins componentry, while a premium selection of Brembo goodies provide abundant stopping power on both ends. Right, you get the idea; this unblemished Tricolore is one hell of a way to show your buddies just how classy you are.
As time went by, weve inspected a plethora of two-wheeled BMWs that could end up in your driveway, from retro gems produced during the previous century, to customized machines that keep things looking snazzy. Since you folks seem to be rather delighted whenever we talk about an R69S, weve the pleasure of introducing you to a numbers-matching 1967 model thats up for grabs at no reserve.The untarnished Beemer comes with repainted bodywork, a round LED taillight and refurbished electrics, all of which have been fitted under current ownership. To be exact, the bike was completely dismantled at the time of the purchase in April, 2019. As of August, everything was ready for reassembly, with the inclusion of several higher-spec goodies for good measure.Besides the aforementioned componentry, these additions also consist of modern Heidenau tires, as well as a chromed handlebar dressed with Magura grips and bar-end blinkers from Hella. Otherwise, this R69S remains stock, featuring an air-cooled 594cc boxer-twin powerplant, with dual Bing carburetors and a compression ratio of 9.5:1.By generating a peak horsepower figure of 42 ponies at 7,000 revs per minute, the four-stroke engine enables Motorrads creature to reach a top speed of 109 mph (175 kph). The oomph travels to the rear wheel via a four-speed transmission, which is mated to a shaft final drive. We could go into more details, but its probably better to keep stuff simple and get straight to the point, wouldnt you agree?If bidding for this timeless classic is beginning to sound like something youd do, were hoping that piggybank of yours is well-fed. For the time being, the 67 MY R69S managed to fetch a top bid of no less than $19,500, so good luck convincing your significant other to allocate a fair chunk of your household budget to this acquisition. In any case, you better have a compelling pitch prepared soon, because the BaT (Bring A Trailer) auction will only be open for another three days (until August 3).
This dispute started in April when NASA awarded SpaceX, the company owned by his rival Elon Musk, a $2.9 billion contract to develop a spacecraft that would get people back on the Moon as part of the agency's Human Landing System program. Due to a financial shortfall at the time, NASA turned down proposals from other companies, including Bezos' Blue Origin and defense contractor Dynetics.Unhappy with the outcome, Blue Origin filed a protest with the U.S. Government Accountability Office shortly after, claiming that the space agency had not properly reviewed the proposals.In a latest attempt to convince NASA to pick Blue Origin as a contractor, on July 26th, Bezos wrote an open letter to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson in which he offered to cover $2 billion of the agency's payments in exchange for a lander contract that will allow his company to reach for the Moon.Now, a few days later, the U.S. Government Accountability Office had officially dismissed Bezos' appeal over NASA's decision, concluding that the space agency "did not violate procurement law or regulation when it decided to make only one award."Moreover, the watchdog stated that the number of awards the agency would make was subject to the amount of funding available at the time for the program. Also, NASA's announcement "reserved the right to make multiple awards, a single award, or no award at all." Therefore it "did not violate procurement law or regulation when it decided to make only one award."In response to the U.S. Government Accountability Office's decision, NASA has stated that the ruling enables the program to move forward and, more importantly, it "will allow NASA and SpaceX to establish a timeline for the first crewed landing on the Moon in more than 50 years."
July was autoevolutions Italian Month , a month-long virtual celebration of Italian style, and excellence in design and performance in the automotive, two-wheel and naval industries . Lets wrap this party with a final bow to a design that has stood the test of time, proving that, when it comes to classics, few do it better than the Italians: The Belafonte superyacht concept by Federico Fiorentino.Introduced in late 2014, The Belafonte eschewed the superyacht concept slippery slope of thinking outside the box. Ironically, in doing so, Fiorentino did think outside the box, delivering a project that, to this day, is still seen as modern, futuristic, yet elegantly timeless. A classic, in other words.As Fiorentino explained to Forbes that same year, A yacht doesnt have to be revolutionary. Thats not to say that you have to blend in or put a damper on originality, but rather that disruption for disruptions sake should not be a goal in and of itself. There are a few designers who have strong personalities; they do not necessarily make revolutions, but their styles are very distinctive. I think The Belafonte (and all of our other designs) has this fundamental characteristic. It is not necessarily a revolutionary yacht but it has a strong personality and it is not possible to confuse it with another yacht.Indeed, The Belafonte is unmistakable. It is both modern and classic at the same time, with a striking bronze hull with automotive design elements that makes it instantly noticeable  and memorable. The design is inspired by small Dutch day boats, with the stainless steel detail on the bow paying homage to the Alfa Romeo radiator grill and, this way, anchoring this futuristic vessel into the 60s and 70s. The overall design is clean and simple, with strong contrasts and unexpected combinations like mahogany cap rails and polished steel for contrast.At 164 feet (50 meters) long, it has three decks and an open back structure that recalls powerboats. Performance would be on par with powerboats as well, though the degree of comfort and luxury is, without a doubt, superyacht-worthy.Fiorentino initially imagined The Belafonte with a top speed of 24 knots. One year after the project was unveiled, the designer conducted a study with Van Oossanen Naval Architects to further develop it. As such, it was established that The Belafonte could actually go up to 30 knots thanks to the fast displacement hull , which would also allow for significant fuel savings. At a cruising speed of 13 knots, the superyacht could have transatlantic range, and could even go for transpacific range when sailing at an even more leisurely speed of 9 knots.Accommodation on board would be for 10 guests in five cabins: a VIP suite, two twin cabins, and a double cabin. The master suite would be huge, at 84 square meters (904 square feet) of living space, with its own private office, a folding balcony, two bathrooms and two walk-in closets, and access to the private sun deck and lounge situated forward on the main deck.Amenities would include a formal saloon, a dining space, two pools, a sky lounge with its own bar and al fresco dining area, and a gorgeous but minimal beach club. For the project, Fiorentino focused mostly on the exterior, mentioning that interior layout would only be designed once a potential customer came along. This also allowed for customization of certain elements; after all, if youre going to pay $26.4 million (Fiorentinos estimate back in 2014) for a superyacht, you will want to have a final say in what goes where in terms of rooms and the stuff you put in them.An owner for The Belafonte hasnt shown up after all these years, but when one does, one can expect completion in 2.5 years. Fiorentino knowsthe right kind of man or woman who would commission such a superyacht, which he compares to a Porsche or an Aston Martin . Sports cars with an elegant touch, [and] modern lines mixed with classic elements. This yacht calls for the same type of person who would buy those cars.
Known online as the drowned Bugatti, the Veyron was originally owned by Andy House, a salvaged exotics dealer from Houston. Hed bought it for $1 million with borrowed money, and he insured it for $2.2 million and then drove it into the lake, making sure he left the engine running for a full 15 minutes so it would get plenty of saltwater. House hoped he could pay back the loaner and turn a profit himself, with the added bonus of getting to drive a Bugatti for a few months.To his bad luck, the moment he drove into the lake was captured by a couple of dudes in a passing car. Their video provided irrefutable evidence of insurance fraud, and would eventually send House to prison on a one-year-and-one-day sentence. He was also ordered to pay back the $600,000 hed been given by the insurance company before fraud was established. Once out of the can and in debt, but still in possession of the car, he decided to sell it. By then, the car had been taken apart and went through a couple of owners before it came back to him. The Veyron was now extensively disassembled and came with a list of incurred expenses that no one wanted to pay.In late 2018, Ed Bolian of VIN Wiki came across the listing for it, asking $300,000 for what would be the cheapest Bugatti in the world.We covered the insane story extensively in a coverstory at the beginning of the month, down to the present day, when it was believed Houston Crosta, owner of Las Vegas Royalty Exotic Cars and a known Bugatti collector, had bought it. Though a lifelong dream of his, Bolian had passed on the occasion , after determining that the investment would not be a profitable one; if anything, hed drive himself into debt in an attempt to repair the Veyron and make it road-legal again. Here was a car that was cheap to buy but which would need plenty of financial backing and expertise to get back into running condition, not to mention to be made road-legal again.In his most recent video (see below), Bolian confirms the report that Houston has bought the drowned Bugatti and its now at his shop in Las Vegas. The car ended up with someone else after Bolian backed out of the deal, and that person sold it to Houston after contacting him for spare parts.Bugattis are not just expensive to buy; theyre also very expensive to maintain and service. Theres only one guy you can go to in the U.S. for spare Bugatti parts if you want independent maintenance, and thats Houston. The buyer had seen that the Veyron would be a money-pit , and hed already had enough of it: Bolian notes that he was billed $100,000 after the purchase even though the car hadnt moved, because the mechanic charged him for a new layer of paint, more diagnosis, and even more disassembly.Now, Houston has repainted the Veyron purple and hes been working on it for close to a year. He bought it for $400,000 and hes already put a new interior in it. The total for parts is up to $250,000 as of the moment of press, but hell have to spend even more. For instance, hell have to replace the Burmester sound system, and that alone is $100,000.Bolian says Houston is ok with him going public with the rebuild story, including the few shots of the car up on the lift and details like how it will be a full custom project once completed. Houston himself is yet to post anything more revealing to his social media, aside from that older video in which he teases his third Veyron and asks, Anyone know of a Bugatti thats been flooded? Oh, right But Bolians word is good enough, especially since it stands as confirmation that the Veyron is coming back to life. It wont be the car that was driven into the lake, but it will definitely be awesome  judging by Houstons previous projects. And it will tell the most insane story a Bugatti has ever told.
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Donald Trump's advisers are angry at David McIntosh, president of the conservative Club for Growth, for persuading the former president to endorse a losing candidate in the special election for Texas' 6th District.

Why it matters: Susan Wright's defeat Tuesday in a Republican runoff with Navy veteran Jake Ellzey dealt a blow to Trump's aura of invincibility as a Republican kingmaker. It's critical to his 2022 midterm endorsements and continued hold on the GOP.

Trump advisers and allies have been ambivalent about the Club's advice and thought he should stay out of this Republican-on-Republican contest.

They take the long view and are protective of his successful record  so far  in GOP primary endorsements.

McIntosh did not respond to repeated requests for comment from Axios.

Trump himself disputed the result had dented his power. In a phone call with Axios on Wednesday, the former president conceded McIntosh had pushed him to support Wright but blamed Democrats  not the Club for Growth  for Ellzey's victory.

He also said he actually "won" because Wright had bested Ellzey in the initial primary and the runoff came down to two Republicans he liked.

"I think this is the only race we've lost together," Trump said of McIntosh and the Club for Growth, before catching himself mid-sentence on the word "lost."

"This is the only race we've ... this is not a loss, again, I don't want to claim it is a loss, this was a win. The big thing is, we had two very good people running that were both Republicans. That was the win."

Trump is notorious for shifting or refusing to accept blame for any failure, whether as a businessman or a politician.

The Club for Growth spent more than $1 million on the run-off, making it easily the top outside spender.

Behind the scenes: In private conversations with Trump, McIntosh pushed the former president hard to throw his weight behind Wright.

She's the widow of Rep. Ron Wright (R-Texas), whose death from COVID-19 vacated the seat.

In these conversations with Trump, McIntosh painted Ellzey as non-conservative and anti-Trump, according to sources familiar with their conversations.

McIntosh appealed to Trump's vendetta-streak by telling him that the Never-Trumper Bill Kristol had previously donated money to Ellzey (it was a paltry $250 in 2018).

McIntosh also mentioned to Trump that Ellzey didn't want to join the Freedom Caucus  a group of ultra-conservative House Republicans who are fervently pro-Trump.

Between the lines: The Wright campaign and the Club for Growth also cited internal polling to reassure Team Trump of Wright's strength. The polling proved to be way off.

An early June survey from the Wright campaign had her up by 15 points and a survey last week  by the American Viewpoint research company used by the Wright campaign  had her leading Ellzey by 10 points, 44%-34%, according to a source with direct knowledge of the results.

The Club for Growth's own polling also had Wright up by double digits, said a source familiar.

What we're hearing: Trump advisers and allies, including former Texas governor and Trump administration Energy secretary Rick Perry, remain furious at McIntosh.

"He [Trump] totally was taken to the cleaners by the Club for Growth," said Perry, who has a long and close relationship with Ellzey. "There has to be a reckoning for the Club for Growth. This whole debacle for the president can be centered on the Club for Growth and David McIntosh."

Perry said he called Trump a few months ago  before he'd endorsed Wright  and told him to stay out of the race because he had a great candidate called Ellzey down in Texas. Trump ignored his advice.

"For the Club for Growth to have actively tried to destroyed this guy's reputation, you've gotta be shiing me," said Perry, who called Ellzey an "American hero."

"That's what I've come to understand about David McIntosh and the Club for Growth," Perry said. "They will say anything, do anything. And they put Donald J. Trump in jeopardy.

"In the state of Texas, Mr. McIntosh, we care about character and we care about the truth," Perry added, "and we would just as soon the Club for Growth never darken the state of Texas again."

Bottom line: A source close to the situation said they think Trump will be more cautious about whose advice he listens to when it comes to intervening in Republican primaries.
ODFW authorizes rancher or designated agent to kill up to 4 wolves from Lookout Mountain pack
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Not so long ago, cotton was king in Kern County. Potatoes were plentiful and golden fields of hay stretched far into the horizon.
Email Dan Walters of CalMatters at dan@calmatters.org. CalMatters is a nonpartisan, nonprofit journalism venture committed to explaining Californias policies and politics. For more columns by Walters, go to calmatters.org/commentary.
LEONARD PITTS: We can't endanger the lives of the many to humor the misconceptions of the few
As month two of the lockout of around 620 ExxonMobil employees in Beaumont winds down, another meeting closed out on Thursday without a conclusion.

The company took an opportunity on Friday to clear the air about any possible compromises on proposals from the union so far, officially informing employees that it hasnt considered any deal other than the one its had on the table since the beginning of the lockout.

While the Company cannot force the Union to bring this offer to a vote, we remain optimistic that our employees will ratify this offer if given the opportunity to vote while it is still on the table, representatives for the company wrote in an update to employees published Friday.

Related: ExxonMobil plans to work with contractors long term

According to the company, the union has offered a proposal to combine warehouse operator and package operator positions into one unit, possibly as a way to meet the companys ultimate goal of reducing what its called redundancies and increase its flexibility in staffing shifts.

The company has rejected this idea, so far.

ExxonMobils bargaining committee has said this move would increase costs and has talked with the union about the pay progressions of blending and packaging plant employees to reduce the price tag but hasnt made any offers on the subject.

Thursdays meeting was the 44th official bargaining session since the lockout began, marking a slow march to one of the longest work stoppages the Beaumont complex has experienced.

The Friday update may be another message of where the union and the company disagree, but it is also one of the few times that ExxonMobil has specifically detailed a union proposal and what it would take to consider it.

Related: USW officially alleges 'bad-faith bargaining' from ExxonMobil

Both the company and local members of the United Steelworkers Union were relatively quiet over the last two weeks  since the company on July 14 said it was preparing for a longer work stoppage, with the exception of some local union demonstrations at gas stations.

But, where public comments and actions might have stalled, there has been a flurry of legal filings from people critical of the unions handling of the lockout.

There have now been at least three complaints filed by Beaumont refinery or blending and packaging plant employees against the USW Local 13-243, alleging it has been involved in unfair labor practices by not bargaining in good faith with the company over the past six months.

The Enterprise has obtained some of the filings made to the National Labor Review Board, including that claim, which was made on July 16.

When a claim comes from a specific employee or centers around a specific employee, federal record officials redact personal information and details about the event that might identify those people, in an effort to avoid opening them up to harassment or retaliation from their company.

Related: ExxonMobil explains potential to end union representation

In the records obtained by the Enterprise, only the union and company information and a one sentence description of the claim was included.

But a public Facebook group seems to be giving much more information about the claims.

The group, called Decertify BMRF 2021, was created about a month after the lockout began in May, and it been sharing information about and encouraging support for a decertification of the local USW at the ExxonMobil facility.

Recently, it has been sharing links to the NLRB filings on the group but with screenshots of full texts of the complaints not available on the agencys database. The screenshots appear to be taken from the complaint submission form as they include instructions to submit the complaint itself.

Because of the federal redaction requirements, The Enterprise cannot confirm that these are the same claims obtained through a records request.

However, one such post details a supposed complaint from an employee accusing the union of pressuring the company into punishing employees who promoted decertification efforts while at work using company equipment.

Related: ExxonMobil reports flaring at downtown Beaumont refinery

The elected officials of USW Local No. 13-00243 have violated the NLRA Section 8(b)(1)(A) & Section 8(b)(2) by attempting to use the company to stop the decertification petition and to discipline employees promoting the decertification petition, the administrator of the Facebook group claimed an employee wrote in their filing.

The complaint mirrors a similar claim filed by the USW on behalf of Beaumont ExxonMobil workers in April that said they were experiencing a hostile work environment due to an employee aggressively promoting decertification.

In the document filed on April 23, USW lawyers alleged that the company had been providing an employee with materials about decertification, as well as emails of employees and use of its email system and allowed them to keep a lockbox on the companys property for petitions since early March.

When the Enterprise asked the company about this filing in May, it said it couldnt respond to the direct charges in the complaint, but that it has been acting appropriately and within the law throughout the contract negotiation.

The Company has at all times acted lawfully and will continue to do so, Burns said in an email. Beyond that, the Company has no further comment on the decertification effort at this time.

jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com

twitter.com/jd_journalism
Another adorable manatee sighting has been recorded in South Texas.

Captain Michael Rasco had his first encounter with a manatee while out by the jetties at South Padre Island on Monday, July 26. He tells MySA he thought it was a giant turtle at first, but realized it was the marine mammal once he stepped closer.

The 15-year captain says a few residents in the area have seen manatees over the years, but says he hasn't, despite often being on the water as owner of his private boat touring company, Tritoon Charters.

"It was very cool to see," he says.

Manatees don't live year-round in Texas, but these gentle, slow-moving sea cows are known to occasionally visit, swimming in for a "summer vacation" from Florida and Mexico before returning to warmer waters for the winter, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Shelby Bessette, program manager for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Coastal Studies Laboratory, tells MySA it's rare to see manatees in South Padre Island. She says they usually pop up about once every other year.

In June, a couple of college students spotted a cute manatee in Corpus Christi Bay. At the time, Scott Cross, director of coastal parks for Nueces County, said it's unusual to see manatees in the Corpus Christi area.

Bessette adds some think it's the same manatee folks have spotted in the Corpus Christi area, but there's no way to really know because there are no tracking devices on the marine mammals.

"It's likely there are multiple in our waters," Bessette says. "It's just rare because 90 percent of them are in Florida but our habitats are suitable for them because of all the seagrass and warm water. It could be that they are just expanding and looking for food."

Manatees seen outside of Florida after mid-November should be reported to Dauphin Island Sea Lab's Manatee Sighting Network immediately at 1-866-493-5803 as they may become susceptible to potentially fatal cold stress.

Here's another video of the SPI manatee:
WASHINGTON - New recommendations from federal health officials this week on when vaccinated Americans should don face masks came with a startling bolt of news: People who have had their shots and become infected with the delta variant of the coronavirus can harbor large amounts of virus just like unvaccinated people. That means they could become spreaders of the disease and should return to wearing masks indoors in certain situations, including when vulnerable people are present.

But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did not publish the new research. In the text of the updated masking guidance, the agency merely cited "CDC COVID-19 Response Team, unpublished data, 2021."

Some outside scientists have their own message: Show us the data.

"They're making a claim that people with delta who are vaccinated and unvaccinated have similar levels of viral load, but nobody knows what that means," said Gregg Gonsalves, an associate professor at the Yale School of Public Health. "It's meaningless unless we see the data."

When CDC Director Rochelle Walensky spoke to reporters Tuesday, she cited the "new scientific data" but provided limited details about how the research was done. She said the data comes from outbreak investigations in which researchers compared delta infections among vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

The data will be "published imminently," according to a federal official knowledgeable about the research but who was not authorized to be a spokesperson for the government.

"These data were alarming and recently presented," the official said Wednesday. "We saw the data and thought it was urgent enough to act - in the context of a steeply rising, preventable fourth surge of covid-19."

Because tests showed similar levels of virus in the vaccinated and unvaccinated, the CDC inferred the delta variant can be transmitted by people with breakthrough infections.

"I think the implications [of the data] are that people who are vaccinated, even when they're asymptomatic, can transmit the virus, which is the scientific foundation of why this recommendation is being made," Anthony Fauci, President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser, said in an interview with The Washington Post.

But Fauci noted there is not yet clinical data on what the high viral loads mean in terms of disease transmission. "You can make a reasonable assumption that vaccinated people can transmit the virus just like unvaccinated people can," Fauci said.

Three senior administration officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe internal discussions said the new research convinced health officials that it was time to update the agency's guidance. When scientists compared viral loads in vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals infected with an earlier variant of the virus - the alpha variant, which was dominant in the spring - there were considerable differences in the amount of virus each carried.

The CDC did not answer questions Wednesday about whether it relied on outside sources of data or the number of patients examined in its outbreak investigations.

The medical and scientific community has generally endorsed the change in CDC mask guidance. Several organizations and public health experts issued statements saying the CDC should have gone further and broadened the criteria for deciding which communities have transmission high enough to warrant universal masking indoors.

The question about viral loads is among the many unknowns surrounding SARS-CoV-2, including the frequency of breakthrough infections and whether they play a significant role in the recent rise in cases.

"If we're seeing more breakthroughs, is it just because the virus is better and the vaccines don't hold up quite as well, or is the efficacy of the vaccines beginning to wane, independent of the delta?" asked Robert Wachter, chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of California at San Francisco. "This is three-dimensional chess, there's a hundred things going on at the same time."

There is now a Greek-alphabet soup of viral variants competing with one another. The delta, which was first identified in the United States in February and only gained traction in June, is dominant in the United States.

"The big concern is that the next variant that might emerge, just a few mutations away, could potentially evade our vaccine," Walensky said Tuesday.

There are multiple vaccines deployed to stop the pandemic, with a range of efficacy in stopping mild infections. The vaccines are all highly protective against severe disease and death. Pfizer published data Wednesday showing a modest drop in efficacy over the course of six months.

Although delta is more than twice as transmissible as earlier variants, it does not have some of the mutations seen in other variants that can help the virus evade antibodies. But the delta floods the zone. It grows so quickly in the nose that it may be overwhelming the body's vaccine-enhanced defenses before the immune system can marshal a robust response, said William Hanage, an epidemiologist at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

"The immune response, once activated, takes a while to kick in even among people who have been vaccinated," Hanage said in an email. "As a result if the virus can copy itself really quickly it might be able to get a few rounds of replication in, even in vaccinated folks, before the immune system brings it under control."

The Singapore Ministry of Health recently found that three-fourths of coronavirus cases in the past four weeks were in people who were fully or partially vaccinated, most with no or mild symptoms. And in India, vaccinated health-care workers showed high viral loads when infected with the delta, according to a study from University of Cambridge researchers that is not yet peer-reviewed.

The senior author of that study, microbiologist Ravindra Gupta, said the infectivity of people with breakthrough infections has not been "formally measured in a rigorous way," but the new research shows high viral loads in people with breakthrough delta infections. That suggests vaccinated people should wear masks, he said.

Research by Chinese scientists posted online and not yet peer-reviewed describes the stunning ability of the delta variant to replicate in the human body. The viral load from the delta is 1,000 times that detected in the earliest variants of the virus. That is about 10 times the viral load sparked by the alpha variant, which was first seen in the United Kingdom and became dominant in the United States this spring before the delta overcompeted it.

"Delta is alpha on steroids," said James Musser, chair of the Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine at Houston Methodist Hospital and Research Institute.

In the eight hospitals run by Houston Methodist, there are about 300 covid-19 patients, triple the number in early June, Musser said. Most new cases involve the delta variant. He estimated that 20 percent of the covid patients were fully vaccinated before becoming infected.

But he cautioned that most of these patients have underlying medical conditions that impaired their ability to mount an immune response after being vaccinated.

These post-vaccination infections have often been described by Walensky and other medical experts as rare. How rare is unclear. News reports of people getting sick after vaccination have been common in recent weeks. But scientific data is limited.

The CDC on May 1 said it would stop tracking mild and moderate breakthrough cases, and focus only on hospitalizations and deaths. As of July 19, the CDC had documented 5,914 such breakthroughs, including 1,141 deaths.

CDC spokeswoman Kristen Nordlund said Wednesday the agency conducts "cohort" studies to obtain estimates of the efficacy of the vaccines that often involve tens of thousands of people. Scientists examine vaccinated and unvaccinated patients for a period of time to see if they develop covid-19, Nordlund said.

Several experts have criticized the agency for not tracking mild and moderate breakthrough cases on a broader scale, arguing it makes it difficult to know how rare these cases really are.

Even though the vaccines remain effective against all variants of the coronavirus, they are not designed to create "sterilizing" immunity. That's why breakthrough infections happen. The virus can infect the nose and begin replicating before the immune system rallies its range of defenses. The vaccines prime the immune system, including the "B memory" cells that begin cranking out antibodies after detection of an invasive pathogen.

Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, said it's like the fire extinguisher in your kitchen. The immune system ensures you have that fire extinguisher standing by for an emergency. But it can't prevent the initial conflagration. "You still had a little fire in the kitchen," Offit said.

Larry Corey, a virologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, said it would not be surprising to see a variant emerge that is better at replicating in people's noses. Animal studies, he said, indicated that vaccines were better at protecting animals' lungs from infection than their noses. That might help explain why vaccinated people can become infected but rarely develop severe disease.

"The virus is under selective pressure to jump from nose to nose," Corey said. "So its evolutionary sort of pressure is to do that as efficiently as it can. Delta is more efficient than others."

Even if tests find lots of virus in vaccinated people, it is uncertain how contagious they are. A study of immunized health-care workers in Israel, published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine, found 39 breakthrough infections among 1,497 fully vaccinated people. About three-fourths of those people had, at some point while infected, what researchers characterized as high viral loads. There was no evidence that a breakthrough case led to other infections.

Natalie Dean, a biostatistics expert at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health, said she remains unconvinced a high viral load in the nose truly means that vaccinated and unvaccinated people are equally as likely to spread the virus, although she acknowledged there is an ongoing debate about the issue.

"I feel like nasal viral load is one part of a lot of other parts" that determine how infectious a person is, Dean said, adding that she thinks the amount of virus in the throat or lungs could be important and might differ between people who are vaccinated and those who are not.
Texas leaders and officials aren't thrilled with Gov. Greg Abbott's latest executive order released Thursday clarifying his stance on local government officials mandating masks and vaccines.

In his order, he restricts any state or local agency and any public or private entity that is receiving or will receive public funds through any means from mandating masks or requiring proof of vaccination.

"The new Executive Order emphasizes that the path forward relies on personal responsibility rather than government mandates," Abbott writes in his statement announcing the order. "[Texans] have the individual right and responsibility to decide for themselves and their children whether they will wear masks, open their businesses, and engage in leisure activities. Vaccines, which remain in abundant supply, are the most effective defense against the virus, and they will always remain voluntary  never forced  in the State of Texas."

On Wednesday, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff penned a letter to Abbott seeking his permission to allow schools to require face masks. Shortly after Abbott announced his new order, Nirenberg released a statement calling his action "tragically ironic."

"It is tragically ironic that Gov. Abbott continues his emergency order but has taken away the tools for us to mitigate that very emergency," Nirenberg said in a statement. "The governor has shown a callous disregard for life and safety in defiance of clear medical guidance and is risking the safety of our children and the recovery of our economy."

In a tweet on Friday, former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro called Abbott the most incompetent governor, writing he has the worse coronavirus response in the nation.

Scroll below for more reactions from Texas leaders on Abbott's order:

On the other side, some Texas Republicans agreed with the governor.
Swiss celebrate formation of national Confederacy

Editors Note: The Gazette in recent weeks has featured a series of articles on Bedford Countys history in conjunction with its 250th anniversary celebration this year. Mixing with that series, with be another series on 13 days throughout the year designated as Bedford County Ethnic Holidays. Swiss National Day is celebrated Aug. 1.

The American Community Survey, compiled between 2008 and 2012 and being the most recent analysis, identified 1% of the total population of Bedford County as descending from Swiss ancestors.

Swiss National Day, celebrated on Aug. 1, commemorates the date in 1291 that three cantons (Schwyz, Uri and Unterwald) joined together as the Swiss Confederacy. Celebration of the Confederacy dated to 1291, though, is a recent phenomenon. For many generations, the anniversary of the legendary oath agreed to by the three cantons, known as the Rutlischwur, was celebrated on Nov. 8, and it was believed to date to 1307 (primarily on the say-so of the 16th Century historian, Aegidius Tschudi). The discovery that the oath of confederation actually dated to Aug. 1, 1291 was made in 1889 and the holiday gained favor in the 1940s.

Switzerland is the name by which the Swiss Confederation is known to the English speaking people. The country has five other official names according to its neighbors and their languages. Germany, which borders to the north, knows the country as Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft. France, bordering to the west, calls it Confederation Suisse. Confederazione Svizzera is how Italy, to the south, knows her. In the canton of Grisons, located in the southeast region of the country, the language predominantly spoken by the inhabitants is Romansh, and the Romansh name for the country is Confederaziun svizra. And lastly, a holdover from the Holy Roman Empire is the Latin name for the country: Confoederatio Helvetica.

What about William Tell? The life and exploits of William Tell, including the incident in which he shot an arrow through an apple placed on his sons head, are legendary. That means that the mans physical existence cannot be proven by documented records. The legends place Tell at the center of the creation of the Swiss Confederacy at the end of the 13th Century. The legends state that the crossbow expert used that weapon to kill Albrecht Gessler, the tyrannical chief magistrate of the town of Altdorf, the capitol of the Canton of Uri. William Tells courage and defiance against the tyranny of Gessler emboldened the people not only of the Canton of Uri but the neighboring cantons of Schwyz and Unterwald.

Although his sources were suspect, the narrative of Aegidius Tschudi stated that Magistrate Gessler raised a pole in the town square of Altdorf, hung his hat on the pole and then demanded that all townsfolk passing it must bow before it. As the legend continued, Tell and his son came into the town and passed by the hat on the pole. He did not bow and was immediately arrested. Both Tell and his son were both condemned to death. Gessler gave Tell a way to avoid being killed. He promised Tell and his son clemency if the father could shoot an apple off the sons head. The arrow cleanly split the apple without harming the child.

But William Tell did not pull just a single arrow from his quiver. When questioned about the second arrow, Tell announced that had he accidently killed his son, the second arrow would have been used to pierce the heart of the tyrant. Gessler kept his word that he would spare Tell and his sons lives, but he still had him bound with the intention of imprisoning him for life in the dungeon of his castle at Kussnacht in Canton Schwyz. En route to that captivity, William Tell escaped and later ambushed Gessler. He shot the tyrant with his crossbow, which action sparked the people to rise up and rebel. The Swiss Confederacy was the result of that rebellion.

The celebration of Swiss National Day is often expressed in parades, fireworks and bonfires. Giving a nod to the legends of the Swiss hero, William Tell, some celebrations feature crossbow competitions. In many Swiss communities in the Alpine motherland and in the Swiss diaspora, as night comes on, the bonfires are lit, with neighbors and/or communities vying to make the largest. Children will walk through the community Carrying lighted paper lanterns decorated with red backgrounds and the white cross, symbolic of Switzerlands flag.

One of the unique activities in which musicians participate on Swiss National Day is the playing of the alphorn, which permits a range of three octaves. Unlike her more boisterous neighbors on their national holidays, Switzerland (and hence the Swiss~Americans) tend to spend the day in a more contemplative attitude.

Traditional Swiss foods tend to mimic the foods loved by her French, German, Austrian and Italian neighbors. Sausage in all its German and Austrian forms is a standard of Swiss cuisine. It might surprise many people to know that of all the forms of sausage available to them, Swiss and their Swiss~American cousins might choose Vienna Sausages as their favorite. The short lengths of ground pork and beef stuffed in thin casings are either parboiled or smoked, and may be eaten straight from their can or jars. The Swiss eat Vienna Sausages in a number of dishes. Although a German dish consisting of pork wrapped in cabbage leaves is called Pigs In A Blanket, the Swiss version of a dish by that name consists of Vienna Sausages wrapped in dough. The tops of the dough wrapped sausages are brushed with butter and sprinkled with poppy seeds before being baked.

Vienna Sausages are often included in vegetable stir-fries. Thinly sliced, Vienna Sausages are fried with rice and diced bell peppers. Another type of sausage deserves special mention. Named Cervelat in its homeland, the smoked combination of beef, pork rind and bacon is found in the United States as Summer Sausage. Cervelat is enjoyed equally well raw, cooked, fried or boiled.

Cheese is another food that the Swiss are famous for. Most of the cheese produced in Switzerland is eaten directly from a block, but there are a few dishes that incorporate cheese as a primary ingredient. A dish that originated in the Alpine region of Switzerland as early as the 13th Century is Raclette. A large wheel of semi-hard cheese is held before a fire or other source of heat causing its face to melt. The melting cheese is scraped off onto the diners plates to serve as a sauce to various other food items such as steamed potatoes. Melted cheese is not limited to Raclette. Fondue is also a traditional Swiss culinary invention, but unlike Raclette, the cheese is melted in a pot. Small pieces of cooked meat, bread or potatoes are stuck on the end of skewers and dipped into the melted cheese. A variation of fondue is the substitution of oil for the cheese. Uncooked meat dipped in the oil is then cooked. Another variation is melting chocolate in the pot and dipping pieces of pastry of fruit into it.

Rosti, a sort of potato pancake or fritter, is a popular Swiss breakfast dish. In America, the potato dish called hash browns is similar to Rosti. It is usually eaten with sunny-side-up fried eggs (commonly called dippy eggs).

In regard to what people normally will drink on Swiss National Day, beer, giving a nod to their German and Austrian neighbors, and wine (which is often thought of as the national drink) top the list of alcoholic favorites. In wines, the Pinot Noir and Merlot varieties of grapes are grown extensively in the French regions of Switzerland. The Swiss also grow the grape variety named Chasselas, which is quite popular when paired with the raclette and fondue dishes. One might also think that topping the list of non-alcoholic drinks would be cocoa. But despite the prevalence of chocolate processing companies in the country, the Swiss actually drink more herbal tea and coffee than cocoa. For cocoa and chocolate-loving Swiss~Americans, it might be of interest to know that one of the most loved chocolate brands in the motherland is Caotina.
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In this file photo, recovery coaches at the Turning Point Center in Bennington distribute harm reduction kits at the Best Western Bennington motel in May 2020. The kits include information on locally available social services, as well as items that could prevent a fatal drug overdose.
A train on the Green Line in Boston crashed into another train from behind on Friday, injuring more than 20 people
Four generations and millions of baby frankfurters later, Wohrles Foods celebrates 100 years in business A look back at the 100 years that shaped Wohrles Foods Inc., which began when John W. Wohrle  a meat cutter from Germanys Black Forest region  first sold frankfurters, sausage and luncheon meats from a horse-drawn cart in Pittsfield in 1921. Today, the business spans four generations and boasts 100 years of feeding Pittsfield, and beyond, high-quality baby frankfurters and meats. But, if it hadn't been for a split-second decision by Wohrle in 1914 to literally jump ship (the ship he was on to New York City from Germany was seized by U.S. authorities due to World War I breaking out) Pittsfield may never have become the hot dog loving city it is today.

Its a Pittsfield classic, born and bred.

Once a set of teeth seizes upon one, it snaps as it should  like a twig.

Its the baby hot dog.

If you were to have more than five upon a sitting, nobody would say mean things about you behind your back.

I ship them from Seattle to Maine, says Lynn Kessler, manager of Wohrles Food Warehouse on East Street.

The legendary Teos on East Street sells about 10,000 a week, served as they should be served  bedded on a steamed bun and topped with mustard, onions, ketchup, relish and a chili sauce also originating from Wohrles.

Many restaurants serve them.

This dog dates to the early 1940s. The story goes that Chris Politis, owner of Linden Street Lunch, approached John Wohrle about creating a one-of-a-kind menu item. Wohrles rejoinder was this, the now-famous baby hot dog that he based on recipes from his German homeland.

The baby dogs now are made for Wohrles by a firm in Boston using the same recipe.

Among the multitude whose taste buds are stirred satisfactorily by the baby hot dogs, Mark Porter might be the farthest flung, miles-wise.

The Pittsfield native who settled in Carmel, Calif., more than 35 years ago orders the baby hot dogs direct from Wohrles each year for the Super Bowl.

He speaks of the yearly delivery with awe, like an archeologist who has rediscovered the lost city of Petra.

They come in a Styrofoam box, says Porter, 69, who works as a general contractor. The dogs are on the bottom, and theyre all in their plastic wrapping. Lynn usually ships 75 at a time. Theres a thing of dry ice, and we get five or six sauces, and theyre stacked on top of that. The buns are at the very top.

They taste just like the dogs at Teos from his younger days, he says. A special delivery from the precious past.

Perfect, Porter says. Always perfect.
Wohrles: W-o-h-r-l-e-s.

With each letter in its name, Wohrles becomes exponentially more difficult to spell than, say, BJs.

Even more, when the national membership-only warehouse chain BJs Wholesale Club opened in 2011 off Hubbard Avenue in Pittsfield, many believed BJs would make it increasingly more difficult for a certain independent, family-run food warehouse at the outer reaches of East Street to endure.

Yet, 10 years later, Wohrles Food Warehouse endures  the public face, open Monday through Saturday, of a business that celebrates its centennial this year.

When, for instance, the Monterey Fire Company holds its 44th annual steak roast July 31, those 450 New York strip steaks that will sizzle upon open flames will come from Wohrles.

Why? The same reason Little League teams, booster clubs, camps, church groups, corporations and nonprofit organizations all continue to turn to Wohrles when the time comes to feed a throng: Its a matter of arithmetic, quality, routine and  what?

Four generations and millions of baby frankfurters later, Wohrles Foods celebrates 100 years in business A look back at the 100 years that shaped Wohrles Foods Inc., which began when John W. Wohrle  a meat cutter from Germanys Black Forest region  first sold frankfurters, sausage and luncheon meats from a horse-drawn cart in Pittsfield in 1921. Today, the business spans four generations and boasts 100 years of feeding Pittsfield, and beyond, high-quality baby frankfurters and meats. But, if it hadn't been for a split-second decision by Wohrle in 1914 to literally jump ship (the ship he was on to New York City from Germany was seized by U.S. authorities due to World War I breaking out) Pittsfield may never have become the hot dog loving city it is today.

Theres a lot of pride in our community, says Rick Robbins, the owner of another Pittsfield mainstay, Pittsfield Rye and Specialty Breads Co., founded in 1929 by his grandfather, Charlie Robbins. Its nice to buy local and support local, and there are people here who hold to that.

Take, for instance, Terry Dombkowski, of Pittsfield, who last week needed the essential components for a weekend barbecue. Why Wohrles? The food is tasty and the prices competitive, he said, but its more than that.

I like helping out the small-business guy, rather than going to BJs, Dombkowski said. These people, theyre the hometown people.

In Wohrles, many see a familiar story that remains ever fresh, ever intimate, ever raw. Its a story of belonging: an immigrant moves to town, starts a business, works long, hard hours, raises a family, supports the community, and passes the business down to the next generation that then proceeds to emulate and expand. Repeat, repeat.

Its the American dream, right? said Pasquale Arace, who, along with brothers Gerardo and Dario owns Highland Restaurant on Fenn Street. Highlands menu includes many offerings with the Wohrle label. The Araces father, Leon, came to the United States from Italy in 1955. His first job was as a dishwasher at Highland. Leon worked his way up to co-owner.

Thats the story of Wohrles, of us and of a lot of these family-owned businesses, Pasquale Arace said. You support the community; the community supports you. Its about friendships and families and commitment and community.

Indeed, in 1960, John W. Wohrle, the German immigrant who founded the family business in 1921, was quoted in The Eagle as saying, Pittsfields been good to me. His granddaughter, Lynn Kessler, and her husband, Rob, who now run the business, say they continue the family tradition of returning the favor.

A lot of volunteer groups and anything with the kids, we help with their fundraising efforts, Lynn Kessler said. We give them the best prices. We support as much as we can.

Wohrles Food Warehouse itself began 30 years ago as merely two aisles of products for sale to the general public inside Wohrles wholesale warehouse at 1619 East St. The operation grew to include two more retail locations off-site, one in Pittsfield and another in Lanesborough. In 2010, Wohrles built its current 5,000-square-foot food warehouse, thereby consolidating its retail operations under one roof.

Selling meats, seafood and dry goods in bulk and smaller portions, Wohrles Food Warehouse has overcome the threat from a national chain  and a pandemic.

The customer base actually grew during the pandemic, Lynn Kessler said. We saw a lot of new faces, and we wound up adding 25 new freezers.

Compared with all other obstacles, next on Wohrles list might seem like a cinch. Its Wohrles very own sign posted on its building. For many people, the sign remains a head scratcher.

The sign reads, Cash & Carry Food Warehouse. Just for clarification, the cash and carry label is a food service expression for outlets catering to those who dont necessarily need a case, pallet or truckload of a product. That expression goes way back  back to when Wohrles was still a very old business in town.

Yes, Kessler said, Wohrles accepts credit cards and EBT food stamp cards  and cash.
PITTSFIELD  A city man will spend up to three and a half years in state prison after pleading guilty in Superior Court to illegally possessing a firearm and receiving stolen property, according to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office.

Judge John Agostini accepted the plea agreement prosecutors agreed to offer David Moody, 28, of Pittsfield. Per the terms of the deal, Moody will serve two and a half to three and a half years in state prison, a spokesman for District Attorney Andrea Harrington's office said Friday.

Judge cites community safety in denying bail in Pittsfield shooting PITTSFIELD  A city man accused of gun charges was ordered held without bail for 120 days on Friday, after a dangerousness hearing in Central Berkshire District Court.

Moody and Laquan M. Johnson were arrested April 30, 2020 in connection with a shooting on Glenwood Avenue. Authorities reported no injuries. Police said five shots were fired, and officers located five 9 mm shell casings in the road nearby.

Based on an interview with a witness shortly after the incident, police put out an alert for a gray, four-door Honda Civic that had been seen turning onto Stoddard Avenue. When authorities stopped the vehicle, Johnson was driving and Moody was in the passenger seat. Police said an illegal firearm was found inside the vehicle.
A map produced by the Department of Energy Resources shows the areas where incentivized biomass facilities would be prohibited, under a proposal to shield environmental justice communities and surrounding areas from the wood-burning plants.
Allen Harris is the owner of Berkshire Money Management in Dalton. He can be reached at aharris@berkshiremm.com .
The author says that, as potential victims, we fail to understand that the con artist is a professional; we, on the other hand, are amateurs. They know where and when we will likely let down our guard; we tend to be caught by surprise when we discover we have been had.
Michael Che has been receiving backlash for jokes that appeared on his Instagram account. However, the comedian has said that his account was hacked.

A now-deleted post read, "I got like 3 mins of Simone Biles jokes in my head. Im going to the cellar tonight to say them into a microphone. As the dorky kids say I'm choosing violence.



Post then began appearing on his Instagram stories, several being inappropriate, including one about Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics doctor accused of sexually assaulting hundreds of girls and women, including Biles.

RELATED: Michael Che Slams Trump On SNL

The jokes appeared to be rated by Ches account with the one about sexual assault receiving a 9/10.

Another post read, Who said Black dont crack? with a rating of 8/10.

The posts were captured via screenshots from Baller Alert; see below:
Get ready for a stellar evening of praise and worship as the 36th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards returns to its original roots in Nashville, Tennessee.

Hosted by Grammy-nominated gospel artists Jekalyn Carr and Tye Tribett, this years award ceremony will merge old school and new school talent spreading the word of God with electrifying performances and celebrating Black excellence all in one night.

RELATED: Stellar Awards 2021: How To Watch, Nominees, Whos Performing, And More

Jonathan McReynolds, who once hosted the show, leads with eight nominations this year including Male Vocalist of The Year, Contemporary Male of The Year, and Artist Of The Year. Theres a four-way tie for the second most nominations held between Anthony Brown & group therAPy, Kierra Sheard, Maverick City Music, and Pastor Mike, Jr., including a nod each for Artist Of The Year.

BET correspondent and contributing writer Ty Cole spoke to Tribett, Carr, Stellar Awards founder Don Jackson, and Tamela Mann who chatted about what to expect at this years award ceremony, and how the artists have made a concerted effort to make the connection between traditional and nontraditional Christian music.

I hope the audience and the viewers receive what we received that evening during our performance because I was nervous, but the Lord met us there, said Mann, whose husband, David Mann was a presenter during the show. It was such a great evening and the songs spoke to the heart because people need help nowadays with all that were going through. The song talks about help, mental health, and we hope that people grab those messages.
A Wisconsin judge found probable cause to charge a former police officer in a 2016 fatal shooting, after a rare legal process allowed him to overrule prosecutors who initially had decided not to pursue charges.

Milwaukee County Judge Glenn Yamahiro said Wednesday (July 28) that probable cause existed to charge Joseph Mensah with homicide by negligent use of a weapon in the death of Jay Anderson Jr. Mensah shot Anderson after discovering him sleeping in his car at night in a park in Wauwatosa, a Milwaukee suburb.

Yamahiro also ordered a special prosecutor to formally file the charge within 60 days, NBC News reports.

RELATED: Wisconsin Ex-Cop May Face Charges For Fatal Shooting Through Rare Legal Process After Being Cleared

Mensah, who is also Black, said he shot Anderson after Anderson reached for a gun, but Yamahiro said the evidence did not substantiate Mensah's version of events. The judge said that the charge against Mensah was warranted because he should have been aware that pulling his weapon on Anderson created an unreasonable risk of death. He also said Mensah could have taken steps to de-escalate the situation, including waiting for backup that was already on the way.

The judge also noted problems with the investigation and said there were structural defects with having neighboring law enforcement agencies investigate one another, and having nearby district attorneys make charging decisions.

The decision is a victory for Andersons family, who took advantage of a rare provision in state law to ask the judge for a second look at the case, after prosecutors declined to press charges. The rare provision the Anderson family used is a Wisconsin state law that allows judges to directly question witnesses in a John Doe proceeding. If a judge finds sufficient evidence for charges, said judge can file them directly, going around prosecutors.

Anderson was the second of three people Mensah fatally shot during a five-year stint with the Wauwatosa Police Department. In 2015, Mensah also fatally shot Antonio Gonzales, who self-identified as Latino and American Indian. After the Anderson shooting in 2016, Mensah then fatally shot 17-year-old Alvin Cole as Cole fled from police during a disturbance in a mall in 2020.

RELATED: Former Wisconsin Policeman With Record Of Fatal Shootings Hired As Sheriffs Deputy

Prosecutors cleared Mensah in each case, with Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholms decision not to charge him in the Cole shooting leading to protests in Wauwatosa in October 2020.

Mensah resigned from the Wauwatosa Police Department in November 2020. He collected a $130,000 severance payment and now works as a Waukesha County deputy in another Milwaukee suburb.

Kimberley Motley, Andersons attorney, also represents the Gonzales and Cole families. She told NBC that she is considering invoking the same John Doe process for them.
New Orleans Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes was arrested in the early morning hours of July 26 after an alleged fight with Los Angeles police officers. Now, an LAPD investigation is taking place after reports that force was applied to Hayes neck.

TMZ reports cops were called to a Los Angeles-area home over a domestic disturbance. When officers tried checking on the people inside, the 21-year-old former top 10 draft pick allegedly attempted to stop them from entering.

According to the website, the interaction between Hayes and law enforcement escalated until a fight broke out and he was tased.

Hayes was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for injuries as well as one of the officers in the scuffle. Hayes was released on July 29 with the post a $25,000 bond.

The LAPD released a statement, which read in part, "Officers utilized physical force to take Hayes down to the ground to overcome his resistance. Once on the ground, Hayes attempted to get up and continued resisting officers. Officers utilized two deployments of the taser, as well as bodyweight and physical force during the altercation.

RELATED: People Defend Jrue Holiday And His White Wife, Who Overcame A Tumor, When Haters Came For Her On IG

However, the statement also said the officer involved in the incident is being investigated, "As with all Department use of force, the incident was investigated by an uninvolved Department supervisor. During the investigation, it was requested that Force Investigation Division (FID) assess the incident due to the possibility of force being applied to Hayes' neck during the use of force."
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The forever-head of the US NIAID, Tony Fauci, has repeatedly demanded that the public trust the science as he shifts his own science opinion from one positon to another. What is never mentioned in mainstream media in the West or almost anywhere in the world is the scientific record of the major global vaccine making pharmaceutical giants. In short, it is abysmal and alarming in the extreme. That alone should prohibit governments from pushing radical untested experimental injections on their populations without extensive long-term animal and other testing to assure their safety . 

This past April as the US vaccination program was in high gear, the Biden chief covid adviser, 80-year-old Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) since 1984, announced that the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had decided to order a pause on giving the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine in order to examine reports of blood clots. It turned out that there were six reported blood clot cases of some seven million who then had had the J&J covid jab. Fauci in his press remarks declared, one of the things thats, I think, such a good thing about our system here, is that were ruled by the science, not by any other consideration. There is good reason to question Fauci.

That was supposed to reassure people that the authorities were being ultra-careful with the experimental covid medications which, after all, never have been mass-tested on humans before and have only gotten emergency use authorization, provisional FDA approval. The FDA quickly lifted the pause as J&J agreed to print that its vaccine could cause blood clots.

Yet at the same time, rival vaccine makers, Pfizer and Moderna, both using a hyper-experimental genetic treatment known as mRNA, were not being paused by the science despite the fact that hundreds of thousands of alarming vaccine-related severe reactions, including official data of several thousand deaths from both, had been recorded by CDC data base, VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System).

According to the CDC such adverse events, post-vaccine, include anaphylaxis, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, myocarditis, pericarditis, and death. For the week of July 16 the CDC VAERS reported an alarming 9,125 reported deaths since late December from the COVID-19 vaccinations. Never in history have such high death totals been associated with any vaccine, yet the media is deafeningly silent about this.

Their dismal science record

The wording of Fauci is precise and deliberately manipulative. It suggests that there exists some fixed thing we can call The Science, like some Vatican religious dogma, whereas the real scientific method is one of continuous questioning, overturning past hypotheses with newly proven ones, adjusting. Yet when it comes to Science, the handful of giant vaccine makers, sometimes known as Big Pharma, a cartel not unlike Big Oil, have a record of fraud, deliberate doctoring of their own tests, as well as widespread bribing of doctors and medical officials to promote their various drugs despite Science results that contradict their assertions of safety. A look at the major global pharmaceutical giants is instructive.

J&J

We begin with the Johnson & Johnson Company of New Jersey. On July 21, 2021 J&J and three other smaller drug makers agreed to pay a staggering $26 billion damages to a group of US states for their role in causing Americas opioid epidemic. Of that J&J will pay $5 billion. The CDC estimates that use of the highly-addictive opioids as painkillers caused at least 500,000 deaths between 1999 and 2019. Johnson & Johnson is accused of pushing the deadly painkillers for excessive use and downplaying their addiction risks. They knew better.

The same J&J is in a huge legal battle for knowingly using a carcinogen in its famous baby powder. A 2018 Reuters investigation found J&J knew for decades that asbestos, a known carcinogen, lurked in its baby powder and other cosmetic talc products. The company is reportedly considering legally splitting its baby powder division into a small separate company that would then declare bankruptcy to avoid large payouts. The J&J covid vaccine, unlike that from Pfizer and Moderna, does not use mRNA genetic alteration.

The two global covid vaccine makers which have by far the largest market to date are the two being personally promoted by Fauci. These are from Pfizer in alliance with the tiny German BioNTech company under the name Comirnaty, and from the US biotech Moderna.

Pfizer

Pfizer, one of the worlds largest vaccine makers by sales, was founded in 1849 in the USA. It also has one of the most criminal records of fraud, corruption, falsification and proven damage. A 2010 Canadian study noted, Pfizer has been a habitual offender, persistently engaging in illegal and corrupt marketing practices, bribing physicians and suppressing adverse trial results. Thats serious. Note that Pfizer has yet to make fully public details of its covid vaccine studies for external examination.

The list of Pfizer crimes has gotten longer since 2010. It is currently engaged in lawsuits related to charges its Zantac heartburn medication is contaminated with a cancer-causing substance. As well, Pfizer received the biggest drug-related fine in US history in 2009 as part of a $2.3 Billion plea deal for mis-promoting medicines Bextra and Celebrex and paying kickbacks to compliant doctors. Pfizer pleaded guilty to the felony of marketing four drugs including Bextra with the intent to defraud or mislead. They were forced to withdraw their arthritis painkiller Bextra in the USA and EU for causing heart attacks, strokes, and serious skin disease.

Clearly in a move to boost revenue, Pfizer illegally paid doctors kickbacks for off-label use of more than one of its drug which resulted in patients being injured or killed. Among them were Bextra (valdecoxib); Geodon (ziprasidone HCl), an atypical antipsychotic; Zyvox (linezolid), an antibiotic; Lyrica (pregabalin), a seizure medication; its famous Viagra (sildenafil), an erectile dysfunction drug; and Lipitor (atorvastatin), a cholesterol drug.

In another court trial, Pfizer subsidiaries were forced to pay $142 million and release company documents that showed it was illegally marketing gabapentin for off-label use. Data revealed in a string of U.S. lawsuits indicates the drug was promoted by the drug company as a treatment for pain, migraines and bipolar disorder  even though it wasnt effective in treating these conditions and was actually toxic in certain cases, according to the Therapeutics Initiative, an independent drug research group at the University of British Columbia. The trials forced the company to release all of its studies on the drug, including the ones it kept hidden.

In 2004 Pfizer subsidiary Warner-Lambert was forced to pay $430 to settle criminal charges and civil liability arising from its fraudulent marketing practices with respect to Neurontin, its brand for the drug gabapentin. Originally developed for the treatment of epilepsy, Neurontin was illegally promoted off-label for the treatment of neurological pain, and in particular for migraine and bipolar disorder  even though it wasnt effective in treating these conditions and was actually toxic in some cases. Neurontin for unapproved uses made up some 90% of the $2.7 billion in sales in 2003.

A New York Times report disclosed in 2010 that Pfizer paid about $20 million to 4,500 doctors and other medical professionals in the United States for consulting and speaking on its behalf in the last six months of 2009. It paid another $15.3 million to 250 academic medical centers and other research groups for clinical trials. In the US legal practice it is seldom that corporate executives actually doing the criminal deeds are prosecuted. The result is that court fines can be treated as business costs in this cynical milieu. In eight years of repeated malfeasance through 2009, Pfizer accumulated just under $3 billion in fines and civil penalties, about a third of one years net revenues.

In 2020 as its covid vaccine was in development, Pfizer paid $13,150,000 in lobbying Congress and officials in Washington among others. Also notable is the fact that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation own shares of both Pfizer and their partner in the leading mRNA vaccine, BioNTech of Germany.

Moderna

The third covid vaccine producer today with FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) is Moderna of Cambridge, Massachusetts. It has yet to be sued for illegal practices unlike J&J or Pfizer. But that fact is likely only because before its EUA for its mRNA experimental vaccine, in its ten years existence since 2010 it had failed to get FDA approval to market a single medicine, despite repeated failed attempts. However Moderna has a red neon sign that reads conflict of interest that should give pause.

Moderna and Faucis NIAID have collaborated on development of vaccines using Modernas mRNA platform and NIAID of Fauci on coronaviruses including MERS, since at least November, 2015. On January 13, 2020, before the first case of a supposed Wuhan, China novel coronavirus was even detected in the United States, Faucis NIAID and Moderna signed an updated cooperation agreement which described them as co-owners of a mRNA based coronavirus and that they had finalized a sequence for mRNA-1273, the vaccine now being given to millions for supposedly averting the novel coronavirus. That means that Faucis NIAID and perhaps Fauci personally (its allowed in the US) stood to reap huge financial benefits from emergency approval of the Moderna jab, yet Fauci has never admitted to the conflict publicly when he was Trump corona adviser, nor as Bidens.

Ten days later on January 23, 2020 Moderna announced it was granted funding by CEPI, a vaccine fund created by Bill Gates foundation along with Davos WEF among others, to develop an mRNA vaccine for the Wuhan virus.

Moderna was created by a venture capitalist, Noubar Afeyan along with Harvard professor Timothy A. Springer, and others. In 2011 Afeyan recruited French businessman and former Eli Lilly executive Stephane Bancel as CEO of the new Moderna. Despite having no medical or science degree nor any experience running a drug development operation, Bancel lists himself as co-patent holder for a hundred patents of Moderna tied to the different vaccines. Beginning in 2013 the tiny Moderna was receiving grants from the Pentagon to develop its mRNA technology. As of 2020 just prior to its receiving emergency use authorization from the US Government FDA, fully 89% of Moderna revenues were from US Government grants. This is hardly an experienced company yet it holds the fate of millions in its hands. As Fauci says, Trust the Science.

In February 2016, an editorial in Nature magazine criticized Moderna for not publishing any peer-reviewed papers on its technology, unlike most other emerging and established biotech companies. The company remains ultra-secretive. That same year, 2016 Moderna got $20 million from the Gates Foundation for vaccine development using mRNA.

Up to its receiving EUA approval for its covid mRNA product in December 2020 Moderna had only made losses since its founding. Then curiously, following a March 2020 personal meeting with then-President Trump where Bancel told the president Moderna could have a vaccine ready in a matter of months Moderna luck changed.

On May 15, Trump announced creation of Operation Warp Seed to rollout a COVID-19 vaccine by December. The head of the Presidential group was a 30-year R&D veteran of the large UK drug firm GSK, Moncef Slaoui. In 2017 Slaoui had resigned from GSK and joined the board of none other than Moderna. Under Slaouis Warp Speed, some $22 billion of US taxpayer money was thrown at different vaccine makers. Moderna was a prime recipient, a brazen conflict of interest but nobody seemed to care. Slaoui funneled some $2 billion in government funds to his old company, Moderna, to develop the mRNA covid vaccine. Only under public criticism did Slaoui sell his stock in Moderna, making millions in profit from Modernas role as a covid vaccine leading candidate. Shortly after resigning at the end of the Trump presidency, Slaoui was fired by his old firm GSK from a company subsidiary following charges of sexual harassment of a female employee.

In February 2020 Trump Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, invoked the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP) to exempt Moderna, Pfizer, J&J and any future covid makers from any and all liability arising from damage or death caused by their vaccines for the Wuhan coronavirus. The legal protection lasts until 2024. If the vaccines are so good and safe, why is such a measure needed? Azar was former head of the US drug giant Eli Lilly. There are some serious questions that must be raised openly regarding the vaccine makers who are now pushing experimental highly controversial gene-edited formulations in human experiments.

William Engdahl is strategic risk consultant and lecturer, he holds a degree in politics from Princeton University and is a best-selling author on oil and geopolitics, exclusively for the online magazine New Eastern Outlook
White male conservatives are the real virus, so says PBS's Yamiche Alcindor and MSNBC's Geoff Bennett. From NewsBusters :



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As Big Tech platforms have increased their censorship of so-called hate speech and COVID-19 misinformation, platforms such as free speech social network Gab and the messaging app Telegram have seen a surge in new users.

Now, a new post from Googles Jigsaw unit, which explores threats to open societies and builds technology that inspires scalable solutions, is recommending that users of these platforms should be surveilled across platforms in real-time, so that they can be more easily be blocked from sharing links to harmful content.

The post begins by complaining that extremists and people who spread misinformation use more than one online platform to communicate with others and that moderating content on just one platform can be limiting because numerous studies show the removed content often simply resurfaces on another platform. It then suggests a dynamic, internet-wide approach is necessary to flag and censor content across multiple platforms.

Google Jigsaws proposals are based on its 2019 research of hate clusters and COVID-19 misinformation spreading clusters on six social media platforms  Facebook, Instagram, Gab, 4chan, Telegram, and VKontakte.

Google Jigsaw conducted this research in collaboration with a team at George Washington University and identified 1,245 public clusters on these platforms that actively spread hate and misinformation. Clusters were determined to be hateful if two out of the 20 most recent posts (10%) contained hate content which is defined as advocating for hatred, hostility, or violence toward members of a race, ethnicity, nation, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, immigration status, or other defined sector of society as detailed in the FBI definition of Hate Crime.

After the researchers had identified these so-called hate clusters, they then mapped them by looking at hyperlinks between these clusters. The researchers claimed that harmful content, including hateful posts and COVID-19 misinformation narratives, spreads quickly between platforms and accused hyperlinks of facilitating this by letting users and content move between moderated and unmoderated platforms connected in the network.

Google Jigsaws post also suggests that these clusters are intentionally decentralized to subvert content moderation efforts and gain resilience to deplatforming.

Additionally, the post notes that blocking links can add friction that potentially deters those en route to harmful content and weaken the redundancies of the hate network.

Google Jigsaw concludes the post by suggesting that real-time analysis of COVID-19 misinformation in these clusters could have helped produce an early warning that the COVID-19 health crisis would be capitalized on by hate actors and that in the future, this type of network level content analysis could support early warning systems for emerging threats.

This proposal from Google Jigsaw comes just a couple of weeks after the White House pushed for similar cross-platform censorship measures by demanding that users who get banned from one platform for misinformation be banned from all platforms.

A previous Google Jigsaw-sponsored report that was published in May also recommended infiltrating and subverting online conspiracy groups from within by targeting moderate members of these groups in the hope that they exert influence on the broader community.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday signed an executive order prohibiting mask mandates or COVID-19 vaccine requirements from government agencies and municipalities statewide.

Abbott issued the order Thursday, two days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended indoor mask mandates, regardless of vaccination status, in places with at least 50 confirmed COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people over the previous seven days.

To further ensure that no governmental entity can mandate masks, the following requirement shall continue to apply: No governmental entity, including a county, city, school district, and public health authority, and no governmental official may require any person to wear a face-covering or to mandate that other person wear a covering, the executive order read.

Abbott defended the move in a statement, arguing, Todays executive order will provide clarity and uniformity in the Lone Star States continued fight against COVID-19.
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There were 46 new cases of COVID-19 in the province Friday and one COVID-related death  a woman in her 60s from Southern Health-Sante Sud.

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There were 46 new cases of COVID-19 in the province Friday and one COVID-related death  a woman in her 60s from Southern Health-Sante Sud.

The five-day COVID-19 test positivity rate on Friday was 2.3 per cent provincially and 1.4 per cent in Winnipeg.

With one case struck from the provinces total case count due to a data correction, the new total number of lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba is 57,593.

Of the 46 cases reported Friday, the following is a breakdown of cases in the province:

 12 new cases in the InterlakeEastern health region;

 17 new cases in the Northern health region;

 One new case in the Prairie Mountain Health region;

 Four new cases in the Southern HealthSante Sud health region; and

 12 new cases in the Winnipeg health region.

On Friday, there were 542 active cases of COVID-19 and 55,873 people who have recovered from COVID-19 since the pandemic started. There were 93 Manitobans were hospitalized with COVID-19, including 34 people with active COVID-19, as well as 59 people who are no longer infectious

A total of 25 Manitobans were receiving intensive care for COVID-19 on Friday, including nine people in intensive care units with active COVID-19, as well as 16 people who are no longer infectious but continue to require critical care

Due to the August long weekend, some COVID-19 testing site hours of operation may have changed. Check locations and hours at manitoba.ca/covid19/testing/locations.html.

Manitoba recently sent back 5,500 doses of AstraZeneca to the federal government to be donated to countries in need of vaccines. These doses had an end-of-August expiration date. Meanwhile, there are unexpired AstraZeneca doses remaining at participating medical clinics and pharmacists to administer to those who still wish to receive a dose of AstraZeneca.

A total of 1,782,514 doses of vaccine have been administered in Manitoba.

There are thousands of Moderna and Pfizer appointments available.

To date, 2,338,610 doses of vaccine have been delivered to Manitoba.

 The Brandon Sun
Western Canadas fledgling Maverick Party has announced that Foxwarren resident Lori Falloon-Austin has been selected to run for the federal riding of Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa in the next federal election.

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Western Canadas fledgling Maverick Party has announced that Foxwarren resident Lori Falloon-Austin has been selected to run for the federal riding of Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa in the next federal election.

With her selection, Falloon-Austin becomes the first Manitoba candidate to be officially announced for the party.

Western Canadas fledgling Maverick Party has announced that Foxwarren resident Lori Falloon-Austin has been selected to run for the federal riding of Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa in the next federal election.

"Its such an honour," Falloon-Austin told the Sun in an interview on Friday afternoon. "Ive always been Manitobas biggest fan. I always call myself a Prairie girl, a Manitoba girl. I love Manitoba to bits, so Im beyond ecstatic. Im very proud to represent Maverick as the first Manitoba candidate ... and a woman to boot."

Falloon-Austin also becomes the partys 19th official candidate, as others have already been chosen in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan  though she says another seven or eight will be announced shortly.

A press release issued by the Maverick Party Electoral District Association of Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa states Falloon-Austin is a fourth-generation resident of Foxwarren and a mother of three children. She grew up on a Century grain farm with her parents and two older brothers and it was in the small tight-knit community where she "learned the value of volunteerism."

Falloon-Austin is a busy stay-at-home mom, having served on the local municipalitys emergency measures organization for the past 15 years as head of social services and registrar, and on her childrens francophone school parent-teacher board. She also writes news stories for the local newspaper and is a member of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Though she has often thought to run for public office, its her children, she said, who have inspired her to run as a candidate.

"I take a lot of inspiration from my kids," she said. "Thats our future. You always want to make the world a better place for your kids."

Until September 2020, the Maverick Party was known as Wexit Canada and gained traction as a movement that advocates for constitutional change for the benefit and betterment of Western Canada. Should that fail, the movements leadership has called for Western Canadas independence from the rest of the country.

For her part, Falloon-Austin would prefer that Manitoba stay part of Canada, and not go it alone. But the independence movement, she says, is "like a safety net."

"Personally Im a fan of track A," she said. "Im from Manitoba, and Ive always been a proud Manitoban. And Ive always considered myself a part of the entire country of Canada.

"My personal thoughts are lets go with track A. Lets get ourselves united, lets get ourselves together as Western Canada as a whole, and work to make track A the biggest success that we can. And that is going to take time."

She said she believes that any move toward an independent Western Canada  "track B"  would be a difficult, uphill battle, one that "would require an immense amount of support between absolutely every constituent in the four western provinces, and representatives of our party as well. And then you have to get your government officials, your provincial levels on board with that.

"Im not saying its not impossible, but for myself, my focus in on track A."

Currently, Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa is held by Conservative Party of Canada MP Dan Mazier, who won his seat during the 2019 federal election that saw the Liberal Party reduced from a majority to a minority government.

Falloon-Austin says she intends to advocate for the agricultural community in her riding, and "championing Manitoba as a whole."

A former supporter of Conservative Party of Canada leadership candidate Leslyn Lewis, Falloon-Austin says she became disillusioned with the Conservatives when Erin OToole took the reins instead.

"I dont think he has the best interests for Western Canada at heart," she said.

In the coming weeks, Falloon-Austin says she will be helping to fundraise for the party and selling memberships, while gathering the last number of signatures she needs for her candidacy to be recognized by Elections Canada.

As of Friday, the Trudeau Government had not yet called a federal election, but its widely believed that the Liberal Party is preparing for one as talk of an impending election looms large on Parliament Hill.

 mgoerzen@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @MattGoerzen
American Neil Albright and Canadians Mackenzie Gray and Chantelle Gray were seen spending time at their cabin just inside the United States earlier this week.

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American Neil Albright and Canadians Mackenzie Gray and Chantelle Gray were seen spending time at their cabin just inside the United States earlier this week.

Mackenzies trip getting there, mere steps south of the Canada-U.S. border at Lake Metigoshe, took a great deal more work than usual.

American Neil Albright, and Canadians Mackenzie Gray and Chantelle Gray are seen just inside the United States border near their cabin on the American side of Lake Metigoshe. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

Land border crossings are currently only open for essential travel, whereas Canadians with a negative COVID-19 test can fly into the United States.

To be able to spend three weeks of her summer at her family cabin, Mackenzie had to fly from Winnipeg, where she lives and attends university, to Toronto, then to Chicago, then to Minneapolis. From there she had to take a train to Minot where her family picked her up and drove her the 1.5 hours up to the cabin which sits just feet from the invisible Canada-U.S. border.

When the border is open to travellers the trip is barely more than a three-hour drive from Winnipeg. Between the flights, train and prior COVID-19 test, the cost of the trip cost more than $1,000.

Albright and the Grays have written to both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as well as North Dakota politicians, U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris pleading for more common sense border rules including opening the border to travel.

They describe the uncertainty about when the border will open as frustrating and disheartening.

American Neil Albright and Canadians Mackenzie Gray and Chantelle Gray are seen just inside the United States border near their cabin on the U.S. side of Lake Metigoshe.(Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

"Explain to me how I can be in a plane with 300 people, in contact with 10,000 people through four different airports but I cant drive here in a car by myself with no contacts" Chantelle said.

The family is hopeful that the border reopens sooner rather than later.

Albright and the Grays have seen multiple families split by the border closure socializing and visiting at the Metigoshe border line and visit themselves with family across the line.

Chairs are set up on both sides at the back of their cabin so they can visit comfortably. Last fall, a wedding was held with guests on both sides of the border.

 tsmith@brandonsun.com
VANCOUVER - British Columbia is gearing up for another heat wave this weekend by opening more cooling centres and redeploying health-care workers as temperatures are expected to soar.

Wildfire smoke fills the air and obstructs the view of the mountains as people continue to take part in outdoor activities in Sicamous B.C., on Thursday July 29, 2021. British Columbia is gearing up to respond to another heat wave by taking several steps including opening civic centres that would otherwise be closed so people can escape to a cool place if they lack air conditioning. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

VANCOUVER - British Columbia is gearing up for another heat wave this weekend by opening more cooling centres and redeploying health-care workers as temperatures are expected to soar.

Health Minister Adrian Dix said Friday that while more staff will be shifted to emergency rooms, work is underway to keep hospitals cool while workers in long-term care facilities ensure people are hydrated.

"Managers have stepped up to work in hospital ERs to make sure people who need immediate medical attention get out of ambulances and into care as quickly as possible," Dix said, noting residents in parts of the province are already experiencing poor air quality due to smoke from wildfires.

He called on citizens to "step up" during the heat wave by checking on isolated people including seniors and those living with chronic conditions.

Dix also said jobs were being posted Friday for 85 paramedics and 30 dispatchers following complaints late last month of 911 callers waiting for hours, when the B.C. Coroners Service recorded at least 569 deaths due to extreme temperatures.

"The plan is in place to continue to improve and meet this extraordinary demand for ambulance services," Dix added.

The number of deaths linked to the last heat wave is preliminary and subject to increase as additional deaths are recorded, chief coroner Lisa Lapointe said in a statement on Friday.

Of 569 confirmed deaths, 79 per cent were people age 65 or older, 65 per cent were 70 or older and 40 per cent were 80 or older, the statement said.

"Anecdotally, our coroners reported that many of the deaths experienced were amongst those living alone in private residences with minimal ventilation," Lapointe said. "We will continue to gather more detailed information to inform safety strategies."

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning that spans much of the province. Temperatures this weekend are not expected to reach the record highs of last month, when the mercury hit 31.7 C in Vancouver and a Canadian record of nearly 50 C in Lytton before a wildfire wiped out most of the community.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said the province will open civic centres that would otherwise be closed so people can escape to a cool place if they lack air conditioning and social media posts will provide updates on available resources. Information on illnesses related to heat waves will also be available online, he said.

Farnworth said local governments are being encouraged to let people know where cooling centres will be located, especially to help those who have been forced to leave their homes due to wildfires in parts of the province.

"Over the past week, Emergency Management BC has been working with local communities and First Nations to ensure they have the support that they need," he said, adding the province would pay transportation costs for people to get to cooling centres in communities where scheduled or reasonable transit doesn't exist.

Sarah Henderson, an environmental health scientist with the BC Centre for Disease Control, said seniors who live alone or those who have chronic physical or mental health conditions are particularly vulnerable to dehydration, heat stroke and heat exhaustion so those around them should watch for symptoms like dizziness, fainting and confusion.

"We know from the global literature, and from heat waves that have occurred elsewhere, that one of the most dangerous things during a heat wave is social isolation," she said.

"When we have passive indoor heat it can become dangerously overwhelming without people even realizing it," Henderson said.

It's important to ask when someone last drank water and about the colour of their urine, which if it's too dark or they have not produced enough, could be a sign of potentially dangerous dehydration.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 30, 2021.
OTTAWA - The federal government has reached a nearly $8-billion settlement with First Nations who launched a class-action lawsuit over the lack of clean, safe drinking water in their communities.

Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, holds a press conference in Ottawa on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

OTTAWA - The federal government has reached a nearly $8-billion settlement with First Nations who launched a class-action lawsuit over the lack of clean, safe drinking water in their communities.

Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller, alongside chiefs of the First Nations behind the lawsuit, announced Friday that they have reached an agreement in principle to resolve the suit outside of court.

Miller said the agreement includes $1.5 billion in compensation for people deprived of clean drinking water, the creation of a $400 million First Nation economic and cultural restoration fund and at least $6 billion to support reliable access to safe drinking water on reserves.

The agreement also includes a renewed commitment to Canada's action plan for lifting all long-term drinking water advisories, support for First Nations to develop their own safe drinking water bylaws and initiatives and planned modernization of First Nations drinking water legislation, he said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised in 2015 to lift all drinking water advisories by this March, but Miller acknowledged last December that the government would not meet that goal.

Miller said Friday that 108 long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted since November 2015. Some 51 long-term advisories are still in effect in 32 communities, according to Indigenous Services Canada.

"I could sit here and try and give you all the excuses in the world but there is no credible excuse for countries such as Canada to take this long," Miller told a news conference.

"That said, our government has made those investments and has worked outside the court process. We were willing to sit down and hammer something out and this is the product of that. We don't want to be in court because we're on the same page."

Miller did not provide a new deadline for when all long-term water advisories would be lifted, saying he wished to respect the self-determination of Indigenous communities and the role they play in the process.

"This is not as simple as Ottawa imposing a deadline on itself and saying, 'We're going to do it.' There's a partnership here and we need to reflect it," he said.

The lawsuit was launched by the Tataskweyak Cree Nation in Manitoba and the Curve Lake First Nation and Neskantaga First Nation in Ontario.

It alleged that Canada has breached its obligations to First Nations and their members by failing to ensure that reserve communities have clean water, according to the plaintiffs' law firms, Olthuis, Kleer, Townshend LLP and McCarthy Tetrault LLP.

The class included all members of First Nations whose communities were subject to a drinking water advisory for a year or longer from November 8, 1995 to the present.

The agreement in principle must still be approved by the court.

The chiefs of the three First Nations spoke Friday about the effects of decades-long boil-water advisories in their communities, becoming emotional as they described seeing children with rashes and having to buy bottled water to bathe babies.

Emily Whetung, chief of the Curve Lake First Nation, said Indigenous children need to grow up on the only land base they have been left with and they deserve to grow up with clean water.

"I'm overwhelmed to stand here today," she said. "We have made a difference. We have reached an agreement that contains commitments to deliver the quality and quantity of water that most Canadians take for granted."

Clayton Leonard, a lawyer who has been working on drinking water issues for years on behalf of a number of Alberta First Nations, said in addition to the class action, there are at least five court actions against the federal government on drinking water, including two brought by his clients.

He said he expects the agreement will apply to all First Nations, not just the ones in the class action.

"It's reasonable that the terms in this agreement in principle would likely be extended to any First Nation that has a drinking water lawsuit. If they don't do that, they're just looking for more litigation," Leonard said.

He also questioned whether $6 billion, paid out at $400 million a year, would be adequate. The Harper government commissioned a report into the cost of fixing the issue in Canada and came up with $10 billion, he said.

There has been growing speculation that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is on the verge of calling an election and his government's record on Indigenous reconciliation is expected to be a major issue.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh visited the Neskantaga First Nation earlier this week to press the federal government on why it had failed to ensure the community and others had safe water to drink.

He said Friday that for far too long, Indigenous people have had to fight in court for basic human rights  including access to clean drinking water.

"This is wrong. It should never have come to this," Singh said in a statement.

Trudeau's broken promise to lift all long-term advisories by March has meant Indigenous people are paying the price with their health, he said.

"We hope that a binding agreement will be reached soon between all parties, without political interference, out of respect for basic human dignity and for all the work that Indigenous leaders have done to get clean water into their communities."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 30, 2021.

 With files from Bob Weber in Edmonton
Thomasin McKenzie is somewhere in Auckland, sitting out a fortnight of quarantine for the third time in her young life. This is where she will turn 21, which is hardly every young Kiwis dream, but part of the deal for an internationally feted actor; McKenzies face is familiar as the young Jewish hideaway in Taika Waititis Oscar-winning Jojo Rabbit. Not that McKenzie is the complaining kind. It depends on the day, where you are at mentally, how well you deal with it, she says. But most of the time Im trying to take advantage of it: to get my affairs in order, you could say, and just figure out where I am in life.

Essie Davis and Thomasin McKenzie star in The Justice of Bunny King. Credit:

Also, she says brightly, her father has volunteered to isolate with her; he is in the room next door. Having your dad next door round the clock might not be every young persons dream either but she says she just feels lucky. Both her parents are notable New Zealand actors; her mother is Miranda Harcourt and her father Stuart McKenzie, who writes and directs, and is her professional mentor. Its great for me to have him here. Probably not so great for him. Thats how dedicated he is! Theyre planning a fun 21st, no matter what.

Were Zooming, of course. Her camera is turned off. She has recently been working on an animated series, she says; one of its chief attractions for her was that she didnt have to worry about how she looked. I really think that that is part of it. Its a real luxury not to have to go through hours of make-up or costume. You can turn up looking completely like a mess. As I usually do in quarantine. Ill have to take her word on that.

Top of our agenda is The Justice of Bunny King, the first feature by New Zealand filmmaker Gaysorn Thavat, who came to directing by way of cinematography. Essie Davis stars as the eponymous Bunny, as a woman down on her luck but irrepressibly spirited; we first see her spongeing car windows on an Auckland intersection, working with a cheerful gang of Maori lads half her age.
Red Nose Australia, along with Stillbirth Foundation Australia and the Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, has launched an educational campaign called Still Six Lives. Mead says there is still stigma around talking about pregnancy loss and infant birth, even among health professionals. We dont want to talk to pregnant women about these scary things - we think that it will be stressful, says Mead. But its actually very important that pregnant women are given the opportunity to understand that there are simple things ... that can improve the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Mead believes that if couples are also taught how to recognise the signs of stillbirth, it will empower them to trust the mothers intuition about what is happening in her body and to seek a second opinion where necessary.

Thats started to change. In 2019 a national initiative called The Safer Baby Bundle launched. Developed mainly by the Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence, it involves five strategies to reduce stillbirth after 28 weeks: supporting women to stop smoking; screening and surveillance for fetal growth restriction; increasing awareness and management of reduced fetal movement; advising pregnant women to sleep on their side after 28 weeks; and improving decisions around the timing of the birth. For Amer Wilkes, the first sign something was wrong came around the 30th week of pregnancy when she seemed to stop growing. Her obstetrician told her not to worry. Then, around 36 weeks, she noticed dramatically less movement. Again, her obstetrician said everything was fine. When she woke up the next morning, she couldnt feel the baby moving at all. Remembering the doctors reassurance, she went to her baby shower. When she arrived home, she told her husband, Evan Wilkes, that she still hadnt felt the baby move and they decided to go to hospital for a check-up.

Loading As soon as we got there, everyones worst nightmare was confirmed - I could tell as soon as the midwife was trying to find his heartbeat on the ultrasound machine and I could see the tears in her eyes, Amer Wilkes recalls. We were a week or two away from bringing him home from the hospital. The nursery was set up, we had all the clothes washed and ready, nappies on the change table, the car seat in the car. And then not only did I still have to give birth but we also had to plan his funeral rather than how to bring him home in the car. The federal government launched the National Stillbirth Action and Implementation Plan in December 2020, backed by $11 million in funding to implement it. A spokesperson for Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt says the plans overarching goal is to reduce preventable stillbirth after 28 weeks by 20 per cent or more over five years.

Most preventative measures are specific to the third trimester and in 2016 Australias rate of stillbirth after 28 weeks was estimated to be 35 per cent higher than countries with the lowest rates. The plan cites research in Lancet that identifies substandard care as contributing to up to half of stillbirths, while 20-30 per cent of stillbirths are believed to be preventable if optimal care is provided. A spokesperson for Hunt says progress so far includes the funding agreements to develop a Clinical Care Standard for Stillbirth, develop and implement stillbirth education and awareness programs, adapt the Safer Baby Bundle to be suitable for women from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse groups, plus research and data related activities. The plan has bipartisan backing, with Labor Senator Kristina Keneally, herself the mother of a stillborn baby, a strong advocate for national action on stillbirth. We as a country have not taken enough action over several decades to save babies lives, Keneally recently told the podcast Women in the House. We treat it as a private tragedy, not a public health problem. There are things we can do that will save many babies lives, and were starting to do that. Its incredible, I get chills just thinking about it.

Loading Keneally says the plan includes a goal to investigate every stillbirth but does not explain how; shes called for the federal government to fund autopsies. At the moment, she says, only one in five stillborn babies in Australia have an autopsy and only 40 per cent have a postnatal examination of any kind. If were not trying to work out why babies have died, were never going to be able to prevent it properly, she says. In countries like the Netherlands, where they did decide we are just going to investigate every stillbirth, they have driven down their stillbirth rate by 60 per cent. Imagine that 2200 stillborn babies in Australia every year, imagine if we could more than halve that? The spokesperson for Hunt says Keneally sought advice on whether stillbirth autopsies could be funded via the Medicare Benefits Scheme but the Medical Services Advisory Committee had advised that this is not the appropriate mechanism. Instead, the federal government will give $2.8 million over four years for measures to increase stillbirth autopsy rates.

Another plank of the plan is increasing access to midwifery continuity of care - where you see the same midwife or team of midwives throughout the pregnancy and birth. Kellie Wilton, the principal midwifery officer for the Australian College of Midwives, says the key difference with midwifery continuity of call compared with other models means that the midwife or team of midwives is on call 24 hours a day and the expecting mother will have their direct phone numbers to call any time. When women are feeling comfortable with that care provider and encouraged to trust their instincts and self report, theyre generally going, Wilton says. Studies have shown that women provided with continuity of midwifery care have a reduced risk of stillbirth before 24 weeks and the reduction in the stillbirth rates in Britain were in the context of increased access to midwifery continuity of care. Support for bereaved parents

The national plan also aims to ensure that, when stillbirth occurs, families receive respectful and supportive bereavement care. For months after the stillbirth, Amer Wilkes had great social anxiety because being obviously no longer pregnant would spark awkward encounters. I couldnt go to my local coffee shop or my hairdresser for months because I knew when I walked in, theyd be like oh you had your baby!, she says. You have the same conversation over and over again. Its awful. Theyre excited for you thinking that youve had the baby, but then theyre confronted with this horrible situation where they feel theyve upset you. I often ended up having to comfort them. Wilkes was also devastated - both on his own behalf but also for his wife, and powerless to do anything about it.
Nearly 15,000 visas have been granted to foreign millionaires since the start of the pandemic under a scheme that has been criticised for allowing people to buy their way into Australia.

The controversial business innovation and investment visas require applicants to have millions of dollars in personal or business assets to stay in the country, which the government has defended as an important way to attract investment in Australia.

Nearly 15,000 foreign millionaires have been granted access to Australia since the start of the pandemic. Credit:Rob Homer

Figures from the Department of Home Affairs show it issued 10,210 of the 188 provisional visas and 4396 of the 888 permanent visas in the 15 months since the international border closed.

The pace has picked up since the department told a parliamentary inquiry last year that between 20 March and 14 September it had only granted 485 business innovation and investment visas.
Earlier we heard about several COVID-19 cases being reported at Summer Hill nursing home. Hardi, the operator, has issued a statement saying that a staff member had tested positive on July 27, and 12 residents have since tested positive.

The staff member who appears to have contracted COVID-19 in the community was asymptomatic while at work and had received her first COVID-19 vaccination, the operator said.

Hardi says since then the facility has been working with federal health officials, NSW Health and Sydney Local Health District to undertake COVID-19 testing and contact tracing of all staff and residents of the facility.

All close and casual contacts have been identified. All staff who are close or casual contacts have been tested and have been instructed to isolate. Residents have been tested daily. Twelve residents have been identified as positive for COVID-19, the operator said.

Those residents have been transferred to hospital as a precaution and the staff member, as well as her close contacts, are now in isolation.

Hardi has said that 80 per cent of the 65 residents are fully vaccinated and more than 75 per cent of the 60 staff are fully vaccinated, with 80 per cent having received at least their first dose.

The operator said testing of residents and staff will continue daily and the facility has undergone deep cleaning while being in full lockdown with all residents in isolation.
North Sydney mayor Jilly Gibson has warned fishers she will make another attempt to ban fishing at a harbour park if they do not clean up their act, despite not securing the support of other councillors to prohibit fishing in a popular foreshore park.

Cr Gibson proposed a trial ban on fishing at Sawmillers Reserve in McMahons Point following a number of complaints about dogs swallowing fish hooks that had been discarded in the park.

Federal Liberal MP Trent Zimmerman with partner Carlos Toledo and their dog Simba at Sawmillers Reserve in McMahons Point. Credit:James Brickwood

Liberal member for North Sydney Trent Zimmerman wrote to Cr Gibson in July after two dogs, including his four-year-old cavoodle Simba, attempted to eat baited hooks discarded on the boardwalk in the harbour park.

There were several hooks, baited with mussels, left there in a way that I am suspicious was a deliberate act, he said.
A lone man on a unicycle tootled by a bored-looking posse of police officers in an otherwise empty Victoria Park in the warm winter sun at midday, highlighting just how thoroughly authorities had closed the city to protesters.

A week earlier, protesters had gathered here before marching into the city in an anti-lockdown freedom rally that turned violent at times and provoked outrage from authorities and fellow citizens alike.

A man rides a unicycle past police in the CBD exclusion zone on Saturday. Credit:James Brickwood

On Saturday, police ringed the city and flooded its parks and public spaces, determined to prevent a repeat of the event.

Taxis and ride-share services were banned from taking passengers into the CBD and police stopped cars at roadblocks on major roads, checking identification and turning away those without a valid reason for travelling into the exclusion zone.
The government must prioritise the return of schoolchildren to their classrooms, for educational, social and economic reasons. But it must do so with careful planning to minimise the spread of COVID-19 across Sydney and prevent any extension of the lockdown. There was little evidence of such planning in the governments announcement on Wednesday that year 12 students would return to school in two weeks.

Teachers and medical experts have justifiable concerns about how year 12 can return to school safely, given the large number of COVID-19 cases in Greater Sydney, the lack of priority for teachers in the vaccine queue and the fact that tens of thousands of year 12 students travel up to 20 kilometres across Sydney to get to school every day.

The government has announced plans to return Year 12 to the classroom. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

The government says year 12 students from hotspot areas will be vaccinated with Pfizer from August 9 to guard against this risk, at a vaccination hub set up just for them. But not every student will agree to the shots and it takes five weeks from the first one to receive maximum protection. Teachers outside of hotspots are also yet to receive any priority in the vaccination queue and we are yet to hear the jab plan for the rest of the year 12 cohort.

The governments plan to screen returning students for COVID-19 using rapid antigen testing, a cheap and easy nasal swab test that delivers results in about 15 minutes, is a good idea. Such tests can identify COVID-19 cases before students have a chance to infect others at school. But setting up a safe and effective regime in just two weeks will be a significant logistical exercise and again, the government has so far provided scant detail on how this will happen.
The swelling COVID-19 outbreak and the extension of lockdown for four more weeks has left Sydneysiders grappling with mental health and addiction problems, with helplines and services reporting a spike in demand.

Demand for Lifeline services in NSW was 10 per cent higher in July than a year ago and 29 per cent higher than in 2019, before COVID-19. The service is now fielding 222 more calls a day in NSW than before the pandemic.

Costa Georgiadis says gardening benefits your mental health. Credit:Louise Kennerley

Lifeline chairman John Brogden said the organisation expected high demand for services will continue during the Sydney lockdown and beyond, because these kinds of events leave a long tail of trauma.

The loneliness and anxiety that come with a continued lockdown in NSW have an impact on everyone in the community, he said. For those already struggling this can be devastating.
NSW has recorded 210 new local cases of COVID-19, Health Minister Brad Hazzard has announced, with 138 cases under the age of 40.

A 14th death has also been linked to the current outbreak after a man, aged in his 60s, from south-west Sydney died at home. It is the states 70th COVID-19 death of the pandemic.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard delivering his address on Saturday. Credit:Steven Siewert

Mr Hazzard said the latest fatality was a terrible situation and families, for a variety of reasons, were not coming forward when one of their number is ill.

He said the majority of the new cases - the second highest of the current outbreak - are in south-west and western Sydney, urging residents in the region to stay at home.
Queensland health authorities have identified new exposure sites in Brisbane, including an additional Indooroopilly school and locations in Spring Hill, St Lucia and the city, as well as Sunnybank and Southport, after 16 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 were reported on Tuesday.

Anyone who visited any of the close-contact sites is required to get tested, travel by private transport to their home or accommodation, fill out the online Queensland Health contact-tracing form and quarantine for 14 days, regardless of their test result.

The new venues include several stores at Indooroopilly shopping centre on Saturday between 10.16am and 12.47pm, including Coles, Kmart, Aldi, the council library, Izakaya Sushi and Hanaromart store.

An hour-long practice session of the Australian Girls Choir, held at Brigidine College from 5pm on Wednesday, has also been added to the list.
Parts of Queensland have gone into lockdown for three days from 4pm on Saturday as the state recorded seven new cases of COVID-19 overnight.

Seven new cases of COVID-19 have been identified, with six related to the Indooroopilly State High School student cluster and one an overseas case.

The new local cases are linked to the Indooroopilly student, who tested positive on Friday. They have been confirmed to be the female students parents and two siblings, as well as a University of Queensland medical student who tutors the student and a teacher from Ironside State School.

The two schools are connected through the Indooroopilly students youngest sibling, who attends Ironside State School.
Four federal Labor MPs have backed a royal commission into Australias handling of the coronavirus pandemic, arguing the inquiry will provide vital lessons for the future.

Victorian MP Julian Hill, Queensland MP Anika Wells and Western Australian MPs Patrick Gorman and Anne Aly all threw cautious support behind the idea of a non-partisan inquiry - which is not official Labor policy - and suggested the best time to start would be in early 2022. Independent senator Rex Patrick has already called for a royal commission into the response to the pandemic.

Labor MP Julian Hill says a Royal Commission into COVID is inevitable Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

There have been nine royal commissions ordered by federal governments in the last decade, including most recently into veterans suicide, the banking sector and aged care. Labor agitated for the banking royal commission for more than a year before the Turnbull government yielded to pressure and called the inquiry.

Two inquiries ordered by former prime minister Tony Abbott - into the pink batts home insulation scheme, and into the trade union movement - were widely seen by Labor as partisan.
Washington: As I walk into the grocery store a woman in her twenties is coming the other way clutching a shopping bag. Its like bizarro world in there, she says, wide-eyed, as if shed just hopped off a theme park ride.

From the outside, the Amazon Fresh store in Washington DCs Logan Circle neighbourhood looks pretty much like any other supermarket. But once you walk through the front door you realise that this is not going to be a regular shopping experience.

A shopper takes a product off a shelf at an Amazon Fresh cashierless convenience store. Credit:Bloomberg

To get inside, you scan a QR code on Amazons smartphone app and walk through a turnstile - like you would before boarding a train or an airplane. The most unusual thing, though, is what isnt there: there are no checkouts, no cashiers and no queues.

Once customers have finished shopping, they simply walk out the door without ever removing their wallet from their pocket. If you didnt know better, youd think they were shoplifting.
MoEngage, the leading insights-led customer engagement platform, announced a fresh fundraise of $32.5 million led by Multiples Alternate Asset Management. Existing investors Eight Roads Ventures, F-Prime Capital and Matrix Partners also participated while Exfinity Venture Partners made a healthy exit in this round. The funding will support and accelerate its global growth strategy and further strengthen the products AI and predictive capabilities. Over 1,000 global consumer brands across 35 countries use MoEngage to power digital experiences for over 900 million users every month.

We are thrilled to welcome Multiples as our new strategic partner as part of this Series C1 funding. This round of funding is a mix of primary and secondary investments, said Raviteja Dodda, co-founder and CEO of MoEngage. Over the last 12 months, we have seen rapid global adoption of insights-led customer engagement. Our customer base and recurring revenue has doubled in the last 12 months and our business growth in the US and Europe has tripled in the first half of 2021 as compared to the second half of 2020. This funding will help us further accelerate our global growth and product innovation.

MoEngage has added over 250 new customers in the past year and counts large brands such as McAfee, Nestle, Domino's, Deutsche Telekom, Travelodge, Ally Financial, Byju's, Flipkart, CIMB Bank and JD.ID as customers. Overall, more than 1,000 global brands use MoEngage to power digital experiences for 900 million users monthly across email, mobile, web, social and messaging channels.

In a digital-first world, omnichannel customer engagement is critical for customer facing brands. Were excited to partner with Ravi (Dodda) and team as MoEngage empowers global enterprises to be more insights driven, while crafting personalized engagement at scale, said Manish Gaur, managing director and head - enterprise technology at Multiples Alternate Asset Management. We continue our pursuit of partnering exceptional entrepreneurs and backing distinctive ideas to create industry leaders.

As part of this funding round, MoEngage also completed an Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) buyback of $1.5 million for its current and former employees to acknowledge their belief in the vision and contribution over the years. This is the first ESOP buyback by the company or its investors.

The company which has 375 members said that it has ambitious hiring plans.. It has opened up offices in the UK, Germany and Vietnam over the past year, with plans to open offices in New York City and Boston this year. The company also plans to invest in strengthening the partnership ecosystem.

Our rapid growth can be attributed to investments in the areas of product innovation and customer success, said Dodda.

Over the last two years, the firm has made significant investments in Sherpa, its AI engine, to add a layer of intelligence. Today, the AI engine delivers actionable insights to determine users who have a propensity to churn, the best performing customer journey path, most preferred channel, ideal frequency, and the right time to communicate. We will continue our investments to extend our lead in this space," said Dodda. As the digital space becomes competitive, we envision brands shifting from a rule-based tool to an intelligent platform that empowers marketers and product owners with AI-driven insights and optimization.
Corp is in advanced talks to invest in Indian hotel chain at a $9 billion valuation, a source familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

The deal could be announced in the coming weeks and would be a prelude to an initial public offering (IPO) by Oyo, the source said.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer Ritesh Agarwal said earlier this month that would consider a potential public offering, but did not provide a timeline.

The deal may involve shifting to use Microsoft's cloud services, TechCrunch reported earlier on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Oyo is one of India's largest startups. Founded by Agarwal in 2013, it aggregates bookings for budget hotels around the world.

The hotel aggregator, in which SoftBank Group Corp (9984.T) owns 46% stake and is one of its biggest bets, has endured months of layoffs, cost cuts and losses since the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak last year.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Sun Pharma: Strong Q1 show, settlement of antitrust case pleases investors A strong Q1, 2021-22 (Apr-Jun 2021) performance saw the share price of jump by 10 per cent in a single session. The pharma major had terrific year-on-year (YoY) results, boosted by the low base of Q1, 2020-21. But it also had a pretty good quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) performance versus Jan-Mar 2021 (Q4, 2020-21). The consolidated results saw operational revenues climbing to Rs 9,719 crore versus Rs 7,585 crore YoY and versus Rs 8,522 crore QoQ. Sales grew by double-digits YoY in all of its major markets. Read more

Electric vehicles (EVs) could constitute about 25 per cent of the total passenger vehicle sales at Tata Motors in the medium to long term, said the company on Friday, as it seeks to ride the electrification trend in the country.

The automobile major will announce its fundraising plans to support the EV business, N Chandrasekaran, chairman, Tata Motors, told shareholders at the companys 76th annual general meeting.

At present, EVs account for 2 per cent of the companys passenger vehicle (PV) sales. Read more

submits new audit to India after ban over data handling

has submitted a new audit report to India's central bank, it told Reuters, as it seeks to overturn a ban on card issuance linked to concerns over the U. S. giant's handling of data processed abroad. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on July 14 sent panic-waves through Indian banking partners by announcing a ban, effective from July 22, to prevent the U. S. giant from issuing new cards. It cited non-compliance with 2018 rules that required it to store payments data only in India. Read more

Jhunjhunwala's new airline may give Boeing a chance to regain lost ground

Indian billionaire Rakesh Jhunjhunwala's plan to launch an ultra low-cost airline could give planemaker Boeing a chance to regain lost ground in India after the fall of one of its biggest customers, Jet Airways, two years ago, industry executives say.

Jhunjhunwala, known as India's Warren Buffett for his successful stock investments, plans to team up with former CEOs of IndiGo, the country's biggest carrier, and Jet Airways to tap into demand for domestic air travel. Read more

India, China to hold 12th round of military-level talks on Saturday

India and China will hold the 12th round of Corps Commander-level talks at Moldo on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on Saturday to iron out an agreement for the next phase of disengagement in Eastern Ladakh.

The latest round of talks will take place after a gap of three months. Indian military delegates will meet their counterparts to discuss disengagement of troops at the friction areas such as the Hot Springs, Gogra and the Depsang plains spread over 900 sq km land. Read more
Security forces have killed 89 militants, including seven Pakistani nationals, in this year so far, top and police officials said on Saturday, maintaining that over 200 ultras are still active in the union territory.

Out of these 89 terrorists, seven were FTs (foreign terrorists or Pakistanis). It (number) is lesser than the last year, but more top commanders were killed this year, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, Vijay Kumar said.

He was addressing a joint press conference with GoC of Army's 15 Corps Lt Gen D P Pandey and GoC of south Kashmir-based Victor Force Major Gen Rashim Bali.

To a question about the number of present in J-K, Lt Gen Pandey said about 200-225 ultras were active across the UT.

He, however, said there has been no successful infiltration along the Line of Control (LoC) so far this year.

There has been information about one or two infiltrations. We have launched operations, which are on to check or neutralise them (infiltrators). But, according to ground inputs, there has been no successful infiltration or intrusion in the 15 Corps zone in the Valley so far, LT Gen Pandey said.

Asked about the operation in Shokbaba Sumlar-Aragam area of Bandipora in north Kashmir in which three were killed last week, the officer said out of the three ultras, two had travelled through proper visa route to Pakistan in 2017-18.

This is a design to take youth from here, train them there (in Pakistan), and then send them back as terrorists. At least 40 youth have travelled on visa to Pakistan for studying purpose after being given proper certificates for visa, but they were sent back here as terrorists, he said.

The GoC said those youth who return from there in the right manner will be welcomed, but those who come back with weapons will be neutralised.

The IGP said out of the 40 youth who had taken visa and travelled through the Wagah border route in Punjab to Pakistan, 27 came back with weapons and have been killed in encounters.

Rest are still across, a few of them are in touch with their families. We are keeping a watch, he said.

Security forces on Saturday killed two Jiash-e-Mohammed militants, including a top Pakistani ultra belonging to the family of the group's chief Masood Azhar and involved in the planning of the 2019 Pulwama attack, in an encounter in Pulwama district, police 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.)
Union Home Minister will travel to on Sunday to launch projects.

During his visit, Shah will lay the foundation stones of Institute of Forensic Sciences (UPIFS) in Lucknow and the Vindhya Corridor at Mirzapur.

According to the official programme received on Saturday, he will arrive at Lucknow airport on Sunday by a special plane at 11:45 am and from there he will proceed via the state government's helicopter to lay the foundation stone of UPIFS, Pipersand.

He will also address a function organised after laying the foundation stone of the institute in which intellectual people of the capital have been specially invited, it said.

According to a BJP spokesperson, Shah might go to Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) to enquire about the health of former chief minister and former Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh.

However, there is no mention of his visit to SGPGI in his moment-to-moment schedule.

According to the programme, the Union home minister will leave for Mirzapur by a helicopter from Pipersand's helipad to the Deori helipad site in Mirzapur. Thereafter, he will leave for Vindhyavasini temple.

After this, his programme till 4:37 pm has been reserved for laying the foundation stone of Maa Vindhyavasini Corridor project and other development schemes, including ropeway.

Shah will leave for Varanasi from helipad at GD Binani College, Mirzapur at 4:40 pm and will leave for Delhi from Varanasi airport at 5:10 pm.

BJP MLA from Mirzapur Nagar area Ratnakar Mishra had said on Tuesday that Shah would lay the foundation stone of Vindhya Corridor on August 1 and after that he would also address a public meeting in the ground of Government Inter College in the city.

(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 union territory of reported only a single COVID-19 case in the last 24 hours, pushing the tally to 7,535, a health official said on Saturday.

The archipelago now has eight active COVID-19 cases and all the eight patients are in the South Andaman district. The other two districts - North and Middle Andaman and Nicobar - are now COVID-19 free as both don't have any active case, the official said.

Three more persons recuperated from the disease in the last 24 hours taking the total number of COVID-19 recoveries to 7,398, he said.

The COVID-19 death toll in the union territory remained at 129 as no fresh fatality due to the disease was reported in the last 24 hours.

The union territory administration has tested 4,39,639 samples for COVID-19 till date and the cumulative test positivity rate is 1.71 per cent.

A total of 2,94,560 people have been inoculated, of which 2,01,382 have received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 93,178 have received both doses of the vaccine, he said, adding that the total population of the union territory is around 4 lakh.

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Chief Minister Saturday questioned the rationale behind the government registering an FIR against him and six state officials over the recent border clash when its place of occurrence is within his state's "constitutional territory".

Sarma said he will be "very happy" to join the probe but wondered why is it not being handed over to a "neutral agency".

The police had lodged an FIR against Sarma and six officials under various charges including those related to attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy at Vairengte police station late on Monday after a gun fight between and the police. The FIR, however, became public on Friday.

The clashes, which also involved civilians from the two northeastern states, left six police personnel and a civilian dead.

Responding to the development, Sarma tweeted, "Will be very happy to join in any investigation".

"..... But why is the case not being handed over to a neutral agency, especially when the place of occurrence is well within the constitutional territory of Assam."



Sarma said he has conveyed as much to his Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga.

The four police officials named in the FIR are IGP Anurag Agarwal, Cachar DIG Debojyoti Mukherjee, Cachar SP Vaibhav Chandrakant Nimbalkar and Officer in Charge of Dholai police station Sahabuddin.

Cachar Deputy Commissioner Keerthi Jalli and Divisional Forest Officer Sunnydeo Choudhury have also been booked under the same charges.

The officials have been asked to appear at the police station on August one.

Mizoram police have also registered cases against 200 unidentified Assam police personnel.

Assam Police, too, has issued summonses to six officials of the Mizoram government, including deputy commissioner of Kolasib district H Lalthlangliana and superintendent of police Vanlalfaka Ralte, and ordered them to appear at Dholai police station on August two in connection with the clashes.

Other officials posted in Kolasib district who have been summoned are -- Additional SP David JB, Vairangte Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil) C Lalrempuia, 1st India Reserve Battalion Additional SP Bruce Kibby and Vairangte Sub-divisional Police Officer Thartea Hrangchal.

An Assam Police team, including officers of the CID, are in New Delhi to take "lawful action" against Rajya Sabha MP K Vanlalvena who in a media interview had reportedly made some statements indicative of his active role in the conspiracy, Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) G P Singh had said earlier.

Assam police, meanwhile, is also updating a picture gallery of Mizoram police personnel and civilians who allegedly fired at the contingent of the state police on July 26 resulting in casualties.

A reward of Rs five lakh has been announced for information that leads to the arrest of "each of the individuals involved in the barbaric killing of the Assam Police personnel on July 26".

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The Chief Secretaries of and on Saturday signed an agreement to de-escalate tense situation prevailing at two locations in the Dessoi valley forest/Tsurangkong valley by simultaneously withdrawing security forces within the next 24-hours.

The agreement was signed following a meeting at Dimapur between Chief Secretary Jishnu Barua and his counterpart J Alam in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton and Education Minister Ranoj Pegu.

Both sides agreed that in order to maintain peace and tranquility in the areas around Ao Senden village and Vikuto village as they are known in Nagaland and called as Jankhona Nala / Nagajankha and Compartment No. 12 respectively in Assam, urgent and effective steps are required for defusing the standoff between the security forces of Nagaland and Assam.

"In this regard, it is decided that the security personnel of both states shall simultaneously move back from their present locations to their respective base camps.The simultaneous withdrawal of the security personnel shall begin immediately and shall be completed in the next 24 hours as far as possible", according to the agreement.

Nagaland and Assam shall monitor the area by surveillance using UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and satellite imagery with a view to maintaining the status quo.

The meeting also decided that the Superintendents of Police of the districts of Mokokchung (Nagaland) and Jorhat (Assam) shall ensure orderly withdrawal of their respective forces and shall be responsible for it.

Patton told media persons after the meeting that the chief ministers of both the states had discussions on the border issue with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on July 24 and 25 in Shillong and it was agreed in principle to withdraw the forces and accordingly the agreement was signed Saturday.

Discussions were held only for the particular area but the issues related to other areas along the interstate border will also be taken up subsequently, he said.

On travelers from Nagaland facing problems while crossing into the neighbouring state, Patton said Assam government has agreed not to stop or check commuters from Nagaland.

Assam Education Minister lauded the statesmanship of the union home minister and the chief ministers of both the states in taking steps to resolve the border issue and hoped that the cordial relationship between the two states will be maintained.

"We are having a long pending border issue with different states but despite the disputes, we have been maintaining peace and tranquility at the border. We are mostly depending on the government to finalise the boundary and I thank people of both sides as well as the government officials for maintaining peace," he said.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that in a major breakthrough towards de-escalating tensions at Assam-Nagaland border, the two chief secretaries have arrived at an understanding to immediately withdraw states' forces from border locations to their respective base camps.

"This is a historic step in our relations. My gratitude to Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu_Rio for working with Assam in restoring peace at the border", Sarma tweeted.

Assam is committed to ensuring peace along all its borders and strives for social and economic prosperity of Northeast region, he added.

Assam's longest border dispute is with Nagaland, which began since the creation of the state in 1963.

The Nagaland State Act of 1962 had defined its borders according to the 1925 notification when Naga Hills and Tuensang Area (NHTA) were integrated into a new administrative unit and made an autonomous area.

Nagaland, however, did not accept the boundary delineation and demanded that the new state should comprise the Naga Hills and all Naga- dominated area in North Cachar and Nagaon districts, which were part of Naga territory, created by the British according to the 1866 notification.

Since Nagaland did not accept its notified borders, tensions between Assam and Nagaland soon flared up resulting in the first border clashes in 1965 and this was followed by major clashes between the two states along the border in 1968, 1979, 1985, 2007 and 2014.

The Assam government had filed a case in the Supreme Court for identification of boundary and resolving border disputes which is still pending.

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Newly-appointed Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said the Centre has agreed to increase the monthly supply of COVID-19 vaccines to the state, from 63-64 lakh doses to 1 crore doses for the month of August, amid rising cases.

"I asked for more (Covid) vaccination supply to the state. He (Mandaviya) has promised to help in the maximum way.

At present, 63-64 lakh loses are being supplied to on a monthly basis. The state needs more doses and I asked for the supply of 1.5 crore doses monthly," he told reporters after meeting Union Heath Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

The chief minister said the health minister informed him that (1.5 crore doses) would be little difficult but would try to supply 1 crore doses to the southern state for August, and increase the supply in the later months.

"I hope about 1 crore doses will be supplied to the state so that 3-4 lakh vaccinations per day can be done in our state," he added.

Bommai noted that Karnataka has been allocated about Rs 800 crore fund which will be released from the Centre's Covid emergency fund of about Rs 23,000 crore.

"About 15 per cent of it has been released so far. The Union health minister has promised to release more in the coming days to strengthen the state's health infrastructure," he said.

Further, the CM said he updated Mandaviya about the situation in the state, especially the districts bordering Kerala.

A direction has already been issued to district collectors to increase testing and vaccination, he said.

Bommai said the health minister told him that a central direction would be issued with regard to rising cases in bordering districts of Kerala.

The CM said he will review the Covid situation in the bordering districts with the respective district administrations after he returns back to Bengaluru. He said he will also review the flood situation in the state.

There is concern about rising Covid cases in the bordering districts. The government will step up testing of train passengers and those travelling via roadways, he added.

On the second day of his visit to Delhi after becoming the CM, Bommai also called on Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi.

He also visited Raj Ghat to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. He also paid his tribute to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his memorial Sadaiv Atal here.

On Friday, the Karnataka CM had called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi besides Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

Bommai, who was elected as the new leader of the BJP legislature party on Tuesday, following B S Yediyurappa's resignation, took oath as the chief minister on Wednesday.

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Schools in Uttarakhand which have long been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic will reopen for Classes 9 to12 on August 2 and for Classes 6 to 8 on August 16, officials said on Saturday.

An order to this effect was issued by the state government saying it will apply to all boarding, day boarding government and private schools.

All schools have been asked to sanitise their premises thoroughly and give entry to students only after their thermal screening and hand sanitising at the gates. Students should not be forced to attend the classes physically as the option of online attendance will also be available to them, the order said.

Students who come to school to attend their classes must have the consent of their parents or guardians for doing so, it added.

Online classes for students of Classes 1 to 5 will continue as earlier, the order said.

The schools have also been asked to appoint a nodal officer who will ensure Covid appropriate behaviour on part of the students and take action in case of any violations.

Wearing of masks, social distancing and frequent hand sanitising will be compulsory for all students, teachers and members of staff, as per the order.

If anyone on the school premises develops COVID-19 like symptoms such as fever, cough or cold, the nodal officer in consultation with the school management and the principal will immediately inform the district administration and health authorities, it stated.

Arrangements should also be made by all schools for the immediate isolation of a Covid suspected person, the order read.

Teachers, members of staff and students who reside within the school premises must be given entry only after they produce a negative RT-PCR test report not older than 48 hours, it said.

Hybrid mode of education will be adopted by the schools, which means simultaneous holding of the classes both physically and online by live streaming them on mobiles and other devices, the order said.

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India on Saturday reported a net addition of 3,765 in active cases to take its count to 408,920. Indias share of global active cases now stands at 2.75 per cent (one in 36). The country is eighth among the most affected countries by active cases. On Friday, it added 41,649 cases to take its total caseload to 31,613,993 from 31,572,344  an increase of 0.1%. And, with 593 new fatalities, its Covid-19 reached 423,810, or 1.34 per cent of total confirmed infections.

With 5,299,036 more Covid-19 vaccine doses being administered on Friday, Indias total count of vaccine shots so far reached 461,518,479. The count of recovered cases across India, meanwhile, reached 30,781,263  or 97.37 per cent of total caseload  with 37,291 new cured cases being reported on Saturday.

Now the eighth-most-affected country by active cases, third by deaths, second by total cases, and first by recoveries, India has added 281,834 cases in the past 7 days.

India now accounts for 2.75% of all active cases globally (one in every 36 active cases), and 10.02% of all deaths (one in every 10 deaths).

India has so far administered 461,518,479 vaccine doses. That is 1459.85 per cent of its total caseload, and 33.09 per cent of its population.

Among Indian states, the top 5 in terms of number of vaccine shots administered are Uttar Pradesh (52462580), Maharashtra (48460068), Gujarat (36943441), Rajasthan (36803830), and Madhya Pradesh (33658457).

Among states with more than 10 million population, the top 5 in number of vaccine shots per one million population are Kerala (626810), Delhi (587870), Gujarat (578394), Uttarakhand (568844), and J&K (501225).

Backwards from here, the last 1 million cases for India have come in 26 days.

The count of active cases across India on Saturday saw a net addition of 3,765, compared with 1,315 on Friday. States and UTs hat have seen the biggest daily net increase in active cases are Kerala (6005), Mizoram (313), Karnataka (225), Meghalaya (41), and Himachal Pradesh (39).

With 37,291 new daily recoveries, Indias recovery rate stands at 97.37%, 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 (2.11%). The rate in as many as 14 is higher than the national average.

Indias new daily closed cases stand at 37,884  593 deaths and 37,291 recoveries. The share of deaths in total closed cases stands at 1.56%.

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 525.8 days, and for deaths at 495 days.

Overall, five states with the biggest 24-hour jump in total cases are Kerala (20772), Maharashtra (6600), Andhra Pradesh (2068), Tamil Nadu (1947), and Karnataka (1890).

Among states with more than 100,000 cases, the five with worst recovery rates at present are Kerala (94.72%).

India on Sunday conducted 1,776,315 to take the total count of tests conducted so far in the country to 466,427,038. The test positivity rate recorded was 2.3%.

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 (16.32%), Dadra & Nagar Haveli-Daman & Diu (14.7%), Maharashtra (13.22%), Sikkim (12.98%), and Kerala (12.48%).

Five states with the highest TPR by daily numbers for tests and cases added  are, Kerala (13.61%), Mizoram (13.14%), Manipur (13.1%), Sikkim (12.04%), and Meghalaya (10.28%).

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 (1260740), J&K (856992), Kerala (755781), Karnataka (569998), and Uttarakhand (557591).

The five most affected states by total cases are Maharashtra (6296756), Kerala (3370137), Karnataka (2903137), Tamil Nadu (2557611), and Andhra Pradesh (1964117).

Maharashtra, the most affected state overall, has reported 6600 new cases to take its tally to 6296756.

Kerala, the second-most-affected state by total tally, has added 20772 cases to take its tally to 3370137.

Karnataka, the third-most-affected state, has reported 1890 cases to take its tally to 2903137.

Tamil Nadu has added 1947 cases to take its tally to 2557611.

Andhra Pradesh has seen its tally going up by 2068 to 1964117.

Uttar Pradesh has added 37 cases to take its tally to 1708410.

Delhi has added 63 cases to take its tally to 1436207.
The Delhi government has directed private hospitals to discontinue their extended Covid facilities at hotels with immediate effect in view of the marked improvement in the situation in the capital.

The government had issued an order earlier during the second wave linking hotels with private hospitals in order to convert them into extended Covid facilities in view of the rising number of cases and also augment bed capacity in the national capital.

"It has been decided to discontinue the scheme of creation of health care facilities at hotels by private hospitals which was operationalised earlier. All concerned private hospitals are, accordingly, directed to wind up the facilities operating in hotels with immediate effect," the new order issued on July 29 said.

Delhi had faced a brutal second Covid wave with shortage of beds and oxygen adding to the woes.

Since April 19, both daily cases and single-day death count had been spiralling up, with over 28,000 cases and 277 deaths recorded on April 20; rising to 306 fatalities on April 22.

On May 3, the city had registered a record 448 deaths, according to official data.

However, the number of cases have shown a downward trend and the positivity rate too has been shrinking in the last several days. The number of deaths per day has also been declining.

Delhi recorded 63 new Covid cases and three more fatalities on Friday while the positivity rate stood at 0.09 per cent.

The cumulative number of cases in the national capital stands at 14,36,207 while the overall fatalities count is 25,052.

With the decline in cases, hospital beds have also freed up. According to data, out of 12,283 beds in hospitals, 333 are occupied.

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A special team of has on Saturday arrested the most wanted lady don of Rajasthan Anuradha Chaudhari, a close associate of Kala Jathedi group allegedly involved in extortion, kidnapping, murder and abduction cases.

The Special Cell had earlier arrested most wanted gangster Sandeep alias Kala Jathedi who was involved in several cases of murder, kidnapping, abduction and attempt to murder in Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab with the cumulative reward of Rs. 6,00,000 on him.

Kala Jethadi and Anuradha have been sent to 14 days of police remand, said the Police.

Kala Jathedi along with other members of his gang including Anuradha used to carry out heinous crimes in Rajasthan and other states, said DCP Manishi Chandra.

Sandeep alias Kala Jathedi and Anuradha Chaudhari were arrested from Sharanpur of Uttar Pradesh, informed the Deputy Commissioner.

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A portion of a road under IIT-Delhi flyover caved in due to heavy rains in the last few days, affecting traffic in the area on Saturday, officials said.

Taking to Twitter, the Delhi Traffic Police asked commuters to take the alternate route.

"Traffic going from Adhchini to IIT has been diverted from Adhchini to Katwaria Sarai after a portion of a road near IIT red light (traffic signal) caved in," the Traffic Police tweeted in Hindi.

The city received an average of 43.6 mm rain till 8.30 am on Saturday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

A massive sinkhole spotted near Hauz Khas in Delhi.



It was brought to notice btw 9:30-10 am. We barricaded the area&informed the traffic dept. It's not confirmed but the cause can be a cracked sewer line connected to Delhi Jal Board. No one was injured: UB Singh, Asst engineer pic.twitter.com/EwUBbrTdEv  ANI (@ANI) July 31, 2021

Moderate rains are expected later in the day, the weatherman said.

The IMD on Friday had issued an orange alert, predicting moderate rain on Saturday and warning of possible waterlogging in low-lying areas of the capital and major traffic disruptions.

The department has issued a yellow alert for Sunday, and orange alert also for Monday.

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A new study of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows the Delta variant produced similar amounts of virus in vaccinated and unvaccinated people if they get infected.

The study, published by the CDC on Friday, focused on 469 Covid-19 cases identified among Massachusetts residents who had travelled to Barnstable County, a summer vacation destination, during July 3 to 17, the Xinhua news agency reported.

A total of 346 cases, about 74 per cent, occurred in fully vaccinated people, according to the study.

Testing identified the Delta variant in 90 per cent of specimens from 133 patients.

Cycle threshold values were similar among specimens from patients who were fully vaccinated and those who were not, according to the study.

The study demonstrated that Delta infection resulted in similarly high SARS-CoV-2 viral loads in vaccinated and unvaccinated people, said CDC Director Rochelle Walensky.

"High viral loads suggest an increased risk of transmission and raised concern that, unlike with other variants, vaccinated people infected with Delta can transmit the virus," she said.

Walensky said that this finding is concerning and was a pivotal discovery leading to CDC's updated mask recommendation.

The CDC updated its masking recommendation on Tuesday, urging vaccinated Americans to resume wearing masks in schools and in public indoor spaces in Covid-19 hot spots across the country.

"The masking recommendation was updated to ensure the vaccinated public would not unknowingly transmit virus to others, including their unvaccinated or immunocompromised loved ones," she said.

The CDC suggested jurisdictions to consider expanded prevention strategies, including universal masking in indoor public settings, particularly for large public gatherings that include travellers from many areas with differing levels of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

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The first infection case in has been reported from Pune district, officials said on Saturday, while also appealing people not to panic. The woman patient who was diagnosed with the infection has recovered completely, the state health department said. "She and her family members do not have any symptoms," it said in a statement. The 50-year-old woman, a resident of Belsar village in Purandar tehsil, received her test report on Friday. The report said that besides Zika infection, she was also infected by Chickungunya. A government medical team visited the village on Saturday and met the sarpanch and gram panchayat members and instructed them about preventive measures, the statement said. spreads through the bite of the aedes aegypti mosquito and most patients do not have symptoms. The typical symptoms include fever, body ache and conjunctivitis, and pregnant women should be more careful, the statement said. State surveillance officer Dr Pradip Awate told PTI that there was no need to panic. "Zika is a moderate disease as 80 per cent patients do not get any symptoms and remaining 20 per cent have moderate flu-like symptoms. One can recover by drinking enough water, taking rest and having a simple paracetamol tablet," he said. Death due to infection was unheard of, he added. Dr Awate also said that when a Zika virus outbreak took place in Brazil in 2019, it was believed that its infection during pregnancy can cause infants to be born with microcephaly (abnormal smallness of the head), but this connection has not been proved so far. "However, we have still put special emphasis on the need for special care of pregnant women," he added. Ayush Prasad, Chief Executive Officer, Pune district, appealed people not to panic. "It's due to proactive work of our field teams that the case was detected. We are working very hard to contain the spread and make the best healthcare available to people," he said.

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Changes that happen in the genome of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in an infected person reflect at the population level as a variation, according to a study that researchers say will be of enormous utility in predicting the spread and infectivity of viral Covid strains.

Tracking the changes that happen in the virus inside a host in individuals and populations might provide important leads to the viral sites that are favourable or disadvantageous for the survival of SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19, the researchers said.

The team behind the recent study included researchers from the National Centre for Disease Control and the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) in Delhi, as well as the Institute of Life Sciences in Bhubaneswar, the Academy for Scientific and Innovative Research in Ghaziabad, the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) in Hyderabad and the Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur.

Reacting to the findings of the study, virologist Upasana Ray explained that the emergence of viral variants is dependent on its successful reproduction in the host.

Mutation is a very common phenomenon in the life cycle of any virus. While a virus undergoes replication and multiplies inside the host cell, small nucleotide alterations occur, Ray, a senior scientist at Kolkata's CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology told PTI.

As a virus gets transmitted more and more, within its host it gets plenty of chances to accumulate such changes and thus variants emerge, Ray, who was not involved in the study, said.

In the yet-to-be-published study posted on the preprint repository BioRxiv on July 27, the researchers analysed samples of COVID-19 diagnosed patients from two different time periods of the pandemic.

In phase 1 of the study, the team analysed 1,347 samples collected latest by June 2020 from China, Germany, Malaysia, UK, US and different subpopulations of India to perceive a genome-wide intra-host single nucleotide variation (iSNV) map in SARS-CoV-2 infected populations.

A single nucleotide variation (SNV) is a substitution of a nucleotide -- a basic building block of the genetic material of the virus.

According to Ray, iSNV are the variations happening inside the host. She added that these mutations might or might not ultimately reflect at the population level.

For an intra-host SNV to survive, such a variant should be able to multiply and spread and hence establish itself, the scientist said.

The researchers observed 18,146 iSNV sites spanning the viral genome, including those that defined the B.1 and B.6 lineages.

The Alpha variant, first identified in the UK, the Beta variant first found in South Africa and Delta variant, first reported from India, belong to this lineage of SARS-CoV-2.

Interestingly, 41 per cent of all unique iSNVs identified in these samples were found to be reported as an SNV by 30th September 2020 in one or more samples submitted in GISAID, increasing to 80 per cent by 30th June 2021, the authors of the study noted.

GISAID is a global science initiative and primary source that provides open access to genomic data of influenza viruses and the responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.

In phase 2 of the study, the authors analysed 1,798 samples sequenced in India between November 2020 and May 2021.

They found evidence that iSNVs can over time manifest into SNVs in populations.

In these samples, iSNVs could be recorded to be present in the population in most of the Delta (B.1.617.2) and Kappa (B.1.617.1) lineage-defining genomic positions prior to their fixation as SNVs by February 2021, the researchers said.

These results highlight the importance of recording iSNVs as an extension to the genomic surveillance programmes to enable more accurate models for viral epidemiology, they said.

The authors also observed iSNVs in 87 per cent of the sites in the spike protein -- which the virus uses to enter and infect the human cells -- that have been recently reported to confer antibody resistance.

Current vaccines are directed against the spike protein of SARS-COV-2 virus.

These mutations can have major implications in vaccine response as they could alter the immunogenicity, the authors said.

Immunogenicity is the ability of a vaccine to provoke an immune response in the body.

The study reveals important insights about residues favourable or not favourable for the survival of this virus and thus might help to engineer the next generation therapeutics which targets these mutation prone proteins, Ray added.

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India and China are holding another round of high-level military talks on Saturday with an aim to move forward on the disengagement process in the remaining friction points in eastern to end an over 14-month standoff, sources in the security establishment said.

The 12th round of Corps Commander-level talks are taking place at the Moldo border point on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, they said.

The talks started at 10:30 AM as scheduled, said a source.

India is hopeful of a positive outcome on the disengagement process in Hot Springs and Gogra, the sources said about the talks.

The latest round of talks is taking place after a gap of more than three and a half months. The 11th round of military dialogue had taken place on April 9 at the Chushul border point on the Indian side of the LAC and it lasted for around 13 hours.

The 12th round of military talks is taking place over two weeks after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar firmly conveyed to his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi that the prolongation of the existing situation in eastern was visibly impacting the bilateral ties in a "negative manner".

The two foreign ministers had held a one-hour bilateral meeting on the sidelines of a conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tajik capital city Dushanbe on July 14.

In the meeting, Jaishankar told Wang that any unilateral change in the status quo along the LAC was "not acceptable" to India and that the overall ties can only develop after full restoration of peace and tranquillity in eastern

In the last round of military talks, both sides discussed ways to take forward the disengagement process in Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang with a larger aim to bring down tensions in the region. However, there was no forward movement in the disengagement process.

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The twelfth round of top commanders-level talks between India and are underway at Moldo on the Chinese side in the Ladakh region on Saturday.

The talks are happening after a gap of three months. Indian military delegates are discussing disengagement at friction areas like Hot Springs, Gogra and 900 square km Depsang plains.

Indian delegation is led by Leh-based XIV Corps chief Lt Gen P.G.K. Menon and Additional Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Naveen Srivastava.

The Chinese military delegation is led by Commander of the PLA's Western Theatre Command Xu Qiling, who was appointed earlier this month.

The build-up in Depsang was not being considered part of the current standoff that started in May last year as escalation here took place in 2013. India has insisted during recent military commander meetings to resolve all issues across the Line of Actual Control.

"The initial attempt will be to resolve Gogra and Hot Springs. Finding a solution to Depsang might be tricky and take longer," said the officer.

In April, during 11th round of Corps Commander level talk, the focus was disengagement on friction points at Gogra, Hot Springs and Depsang. On February 20, Indian and Chinese militaries held 10th round of dialogue to de-escalate tension at the Line of Actual Control.

Till now, apart from 11 round of Corps Commanders-level talks, the two forces have also held 10 Major Generals level, 55 Brigadiers-level talks and 1,450 calls over the hotlines.

has been enhancing military infrastructure across the Line of Control.

Looking at it, India has changed its posture towards China, unlike its previous defensive approach that placed a premium on fending on Chinese aggression, India is now catering to military options to strike back and has reoriented its military accordingly.

India has reoriented around 50,000 troops whose main focus will be the disputed border with The reorientation comes when China is refurbishing its existing air-fields in Tibetan Plateau that will allow twin-engines fighter aircraft to be stationed, sources said.

In addition, China has also brought troops from the Tibet Military region to the Xinjiang region that passes through Karakoram range down south Uttarakhand.

Further, they have deployed larger numbers of long range artillery and are rapidly building infrastructure in the Tibetan Plateau.

So far, the troops of two Himalayan giants have disengaged from both the banks of Pangong Tso in February this year.

--IANS

sk/skp/

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Kerala is not yet free



from the second wave of COVID-19 and therefore people should be extra cautious and vigilant against transmission of the infection to prevent a third wave from occurring, Health Minister Veena George said on Saturday.

At a special meeting held to review the state's preparedness to handle a third wave, George said about half of the population of Kerala was susceptible to the virus and therefore, precautions have to be taken as presence of the highly contagious delta variant has been detected, according to a state government release.

She said people need to take precautions like wearing masks and maintaining social distancing and isolation till the majorityof the populace is vaccinated.

The minister said if a third wave hits before the vaccination reaches everyone, the severity of the infection and those requiring hospitalisation would be high.

Once vaccines are available in sufficient quantities, immunization would be carried out on a war footing, she said, adding that the health department was well equipped to handle the same.

Precautions should also be taken after being vaccinated, she said.

At the meeting, ensuring oxygen availability and treatment facilities in the event of a third wave was also discussed, the release said.

It was also decided to utilise funds available under central and state government schemes, Corporate Social Responsibility and donations by voluntary organisations to set up oxygen generation units.

George directed the Kerala Medical Services Corporation to ensure that 33 oxygen generation units, which will produce 77 metric tonnes of oxygen, set up in different parts of the state, are made operational by August itself,the release said.

The minister also directed the department heads to ensure stockpiling of COVID medical supplies in medical colleges and other medical centers.

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Chief Minister Zoramthanga said that will always be one, amid deadly violence at its border with Assam, which advised its residents to not visit the neighbouring state.

Zoramthanga also shared on Twitter a notification issued by his government, stating that there will be no restrictions on the movement of non-residents of in Kolasib district, which borders Assam's Cachar district.

"# will always be #One," the chief minister tweeted on Friday.

Zoramthanga's comment came a day after the government issued a travel advisory, asking its residents not to travel to and those staying there to exercise utmost caution.

Meanwhile, the border row continued to simmer as police forces of the two states registered criminal cases over Monday's violence that left at least seven people from dead and more than 50 people injured.

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The production of Russia's vaccine Sputnik V in India is expected to come fully on stream in September, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) informed on Saturday.

"Production in India is expected to come fully onstream in September and RDIF expects India to become a major production hub for the Sputnik V vaccine with such companies as Serum Institute of India, the world's biggest vaccine producer, Gland Pharma, Hetero Biopharma, Panacea Biotec, Stelis Biopharma, Virchow Biotech and Morepen Laboratories working to produce the vaccine," a statement issued by RDIF read.

Regarding delay in manufacturing of second component batches, they said, "Reports about Sputnik V second component production delays in India based on anonymous sources are incorrect. A number of RDIF partners in India have already produced the second component batches, which are undergoing verification at the Gamaleya Center in Russia. Transfer of technology to partners in India is also in process and there is an active exchange between Russian and Indian vaccine production specialists."

Further explaining it said, "RDIF plans to accelerate deliveries of Sputnik V and Sputnik Light to India already in August."

Earlier, Dr Reddy's said due to the spike of COVID-19 cases in Russia, the arrival of Sputnik V dose is getting delayed and the situation may ease by August end.

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The "war has changed" against COVID-19 because the Delta variant is as contagious as chickenpox, can be passed on by vaccinated people and may cause more serious disease than earlier strains, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

An internal CDC document, titled "Improving communications around vaccine breakthrough and vaccine effectiveness", said the fast-spreading variant required a new approach to help the public understand the danger.

It said the unvaccinated were three times more likely to become infected and more than 10 times more likely to become seriously ill or die, it said.

"Acknowledge the war has changed," it said. "Improve communications around individual risk among vaccinated." It described the Delta variant as no less transmissable than chickenpox and more transmissible than a host of other diseases, such as MERS, SARS, Ebola, smallpox, the common cold and seasonal flus, including the flu that caused the 2018 pandemic.

It recommended prevention measures that included making vaccines mandatory for health care professionals to protect the vulnerable and a return to universal wearing of face masks.

The CDC confirmed the authenticity of the document, which was first reported by the Washington Post.

While vaccinated people were less likely to become infected, once they contracted such "breakthrough infections" they might be just as likely as the unvaccinated to pass the disease on to others, the document said.

'VIRUS HAS BECOME FITTER'

The World Health Organization said hard-won gains in battling COVID-19 were being lost as the Delta variant spreads but that vaccination could still save lives.

"The vaccines currently approved by the WHO all provide significant protection against severe disease and hospitalisation," the global health body's top emergency expert Mike Ryan told a news briefing. "We are fighting the same virus but a virus that has become fitter."

The fastest-spreading and most formidable version of the that causes COVID-19 has upended assumptions among virologists and epidemiologists about the disease, even as vaccines have let many countries lift social restrictions. Delta has become the dominant variant globally, documented in 132 countries to date, according to the WHO.

On Tuesday, the CDC, which had advised vaccinated people months ago that they no longer needed to wear masks, reversed course, saying even the fully vaccinated should wear face coverings in situations where the virus was likely to spread.

On Thursday, U.S. President Joe Biden urged local governments to pay people to get vaccinated and set new rules requiring federal workers to provide proof of vaccination or face regular testing, mask mandates and travel restrictions.

"The main thing that does change (because of Delta) is that masks will still be used and that in countries where this requirement has been lifted, it will have to be re-introduced," said Carlo Federico Perno, head of microbiology and immunology diagnostics at Rome's Bambino Gesu Hospital.

ASIAN COUNTRIES TIGHTEN RESTRICTIONS

Countries in Asia, many of which avoided the worst outcomes that hit Western nations in 2020, have been particularly hard hit in recent weeks by the spread of Delta, first detected in India. Australia, Japan and the Philippines were among countries to announce tighter COVID-19 restrictions on Friday "We know from the research that it (Delta) has a viral load 1,000 times higher than previous variants, that's why we see more cases because it transmits more easily and faster," Dicky Budiman, an epidemiologist from Griffith University in Australia's Queensland state, told Reuters. He said Delta appears to cause more severe symptoms, especially regarding breathing difficulties.

Australia, which had previously kept infection under control but has been far slower than other rich countries to vaccinate the public, has been imposing lockdowns. From Monday, army personnel will help police its biggest city Sydney, checking that people who have tested positive are isolating.

The Philippines announced a plan to put the Manila capital region, home to more than 13 million people, in lockdown for two weeks.

India reported its highest number of daily cases in three weeks.

In Japan, where a surge in cases has overshadowed the Olympic Games, the government proposed states of emergency through the end of August in three prefectures near Tokyo and the western prefecture of Osaka.

"Infections are broadening. The situation is extremely severe," Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said, warning infections had not yet reached a peak.

Vietnam, which has fully vaccinated less than 1% of its 96 million people, is mobilising private hospitals to take COVID-19 patients. After successfully containing the virus for much of the pandemic, it has been facing record daily increases in infections since late April.

"The COVID-19 pandemic is evolving in a very complicated manner and is on the worsening trend in many cities and provinces," The Ministry of Health said in a statement.

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Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has said the Centre has agreed to give last year's pending of Rs 11,400 crore at the earliest in instalments.

His statement came after meeting Union Finance Minister Nirmal Sitharaman in the national capital on Friday.

He said the funds are required urgently to meet the Covid-19 and other expenses in the state.

"I have requested for payment of last year dues in of Rs 11,400 crore. The FM has agreed to give it in instalments. She will start releasing it immediately," Bommai told reporters after the meeting.

Bommai, who is also a member of the GST Council, said the state had received a of Rs 12,000 crore for the 2020-21 fiscal. However, the pending amount was Rs 11,400 crore, he said.

The chief minister also sought early release of GST compensation of about Rs 18,000 crore for the current fiscal and funds for the centrally sponsored schemes.

"She (FM) has promised a lot of help for the agriculture sector through NABARD," he said.

This was his first visit to Delhi after becoming the chief minister.

On the second day of his visit, the chief minister also called on Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi.

He also visited Raj Ghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. He also paid tribute to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his memorial Sadaiv Atal here.

On Friday, Bommai had called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also met Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

He had also met MPs from the state at Hotel Ashoka here.

Bommai, who was elected as the new leader of the BJP legislature party on Tuesday, following B S Yediyurappa's resignation, took oath as the chief minister on Wednesday.

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In a stepping stone for the development of Noida International Airport, a pact was signed between the Uttar Pradesh government's joint venture company and Swiss developer Zurich International Airport AG's special purpose vehicle on Saturday for handing over of the 1,334 hectare land at the project site in Jewar.

The "license memorandum" was signed between UP government's Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL) and Zurich International Airport's SPV Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL) in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, according to an official statement.

The key pact, through which the land has been handed over to YIAPL, was signed at the Lok Bhavan in Lucknow with Civil Aviation Minister Nand Gopal Gupta 'Nandi', NIAL CEO Arun Vir Singh, ACEO Shailendra Bhatia, Director Civil Aviation Bishak, and ZIA's CEO Christoph Schnellmann, among others in attendance.

"The airport will come up in a region which was earlier known for disputes but today it is known for development. Many major incidents took place in the region due to mismanagement. But the state government ensured coordination and dialogue with all residents of the villages because of which 1,334 hectare land could be acquired for the first phase of the project," Adityanath said.

"The Aviation sector is full of opportunities. It not only generates employment but is also a means for economic development. The airport coming up in Jewar will also encourage industrialization, investment and employment in the region, he said, according to the statement.

The chief minister also stressed on completing the development work for the greenfield airport in time.

Civil Aviation Minister Nand Gopal Gupta 'Nandi' said the has for long remained a subject highlighted by other political parties only during election time but is now going to become the "crown" of western Uttar Pradesh.

"With the license memorandum signed today, the construction work would begin soon. The airport holds strategic importance and it is going to become an engine of economic development for UP and India," the minister added.

The airport, billed to be the largest in India upon completion, is coming up in Jewar near Delhi and being developed in four phases. The first phase would be spread in 1,334 hectares and have two runways with an initial annual passenger capacity of 12 million, according to officials.

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On the eve of China's Army Day, Chinese President on Saturday asserted that it is the ruling Communist Party that commands the gun and asked the military to make resolute efforts to become the world's best army by 2027, on par with that of the US.

A key conclave of the Communist Party of China (CPC) headed by 68-year-old Xi last year finalised plans to build a fully modern military on par with that of the US by 2027.

By the year 2027, which marks the centennial of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), China will build a fully modern military on par with that of the US, a goal that is in alignment with the national strength and will fulfil the future national defence need, media reports said after the Plenary session of the CPC held in October last year.

Addressing a group study session of the CPC Political Bureau on Saturday, Xi -- who heads the CPC and the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC), besides the prospects of lifelong tenure in power unlike his predecessors -- called for resolute will and determination to work hard to achieve the goals set for the PLA centenary to be celebrated in 2027.

CMC is the overall high command of the Chinese military.

Reviewing the history of the CPC, which celebrated its centenary on July 1, Xi stressed that "the party commands the gun", upholding the absolute leadership over armed forces, official media here reported.

According to the 14th Five-Year Plan which is being implemented from this year by the PLA's 100th anniversary, the centennial goal of military development should be achieved.

Besides stressing for rapid modernisation of the military through heavy defence budgets, which this year amounted to USD 200 billion, and military exercises in real battle conditions to win wars, Xi has also been emphasising repeatedly, since he took over the leadership of the CPC in 2012, that the PLA must function under the party leadership.

His repeated emphasis has raised eyebrows as the PLA as per the constitutional structure of China functions under the party leadership and not under the government.

Xi shook the PLA, the world's biggest military of two million personnel, by punishing over 50 top generals besides a host of mid-rung officials in the massive anti-corruption drive initiated by him since he came to power.

In his Saturday's meeting, Xi extended regards to officers, soldiers and civilian personnel of the PLA and the People's Armed Police Force, and members of the militia and the reserve service ahead of the 94th birthday of the PLA, which falls on August 1, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Xi noted that achieving the goals is a significant decision by the CPC and the CMC and a critical task concerning China's national security and overall development.

On the historic course of fully building a modern socialist country and achieving the second centenary goal, greater importance should be attached to strengthening national defence and armed forces, Xi said.

Xi said the realisation of the goals is a profound reform vital for the overall construction of the whole army and called for transformation in the development philosophy to ensure high-quality development.

Underlining the necessity of adapting to the global trend of military development and meeting the requirements for strengthening the strategic capacity of the Chinese armed forces, Xi demanded efforts to push forward the reform of the national defence and armed forces, the Xinhua report said.

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has refuted a story based on an upcoming book about Tesla that he tried to replace as CEO.

The book, titled 'Power Play: Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century' by The Wall Street Journal reporter Tim Higgins, claims that Musk reportedly wanted to become the CEO in a 2016 phone call with Cook, who suggested to Musk that the iPhone maker acquire the electric car-maker.

Musk reportedly said that he wished to become CEO, reports The Los Angeles Times, quoting from the book.

In a tweet on Friday, Musk denied that any such conversation ever took place.

"Cook & I have never spoken or written to each other ever. There was a point where I requested to meet with Cook to talk about Apple buying Tesla. There were no conditions of acquisition proposed whatsoever," Musk posted.

"He refused to meet. Tesla was worth about 6% of today's value," the Tesla CEO added.

In a recent interview with The New York Times, Cook had said: "I've never spoken to Elon, although I have great admiration and respect for the company he's built".

Cook replied after Musk in December last year tweeted that he offered Cook to sell his electric car company at one-tenth of its value during the struggling period in 2017 but the Apple CEO refused to meet him.

Musk had said that during the "darkest days" for Tesla Model 3, he wanted to sell the company off.

"During the darkest days of the Model 3 programme, I reached out to to discuss the possibility of Apple acquiring Tesla (for 1/10 of our current value). He refused to take the meeting," Musk had said in a tweet.

--IANS

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Europes plan to phase out combustion-engine vehicles has put the region at the forefront of climate protection. Yet without progress cleaning up poorer nations roads, it wont be enough to keep global warming below dangerous levels.

Take Nairobi, for example. The Kenyan capitals vehicle fleet doubles every eight years and its roughly 4.5 million inhabitants rely on minibus taxis called Matatus to get around. While theyre cheap, they tend to be older and often run on dirty diesel.

While virtually all of the worlds population growth by 2050 is forecast to take place in developing countries, thousands of cities in Africa, Asia and Latin America may stick to fossil fuel-powered vans, buses and motorcycles for decades, said Rob de Jong, who heads the mobility unit at the United Nations environment program. In Kenya, carbon dioxide emissions have roughly doubled since 2005, with the transport sector responsible for much of the increase.

If we only bring to the US and Finland and the Netherlands, we will not meet the targets, DE Jon said in a phone interview. We need low- and no-emission vehicles also to be introduced in low- and middle-income countries.

Most EVs are sold in the US, China and Europe, where state-backed purchasing incentives and investments in charging infrastructure make it easier for customers to abandon combustion cars. Yet in many developing nations, a lack of government spending power and patchy infrastructure present major obstacles to making the switch.

The this month proposed that member states stop selling cars with any emissions no later than 2035 -- a move expected to speed up EV adoption and help the region reduce transport emissions that have climbed by a third since 1990.

Richer nations are responsible for most of man-made warming, with three-quarters of industrial emissions originating in North America, Europe and China, according to University of Oxford research. Africa accounts for just 3% of the total, but its share is expected to climb rapidly due to population growth.

When the Paris climate accord was adopted in 2015, countries pledged to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Researchers now believe a 1.5-degree cap is required to avoid some of the most catastrophic consequences of climate change, putting pressure on the West to also assist poorer nations in their quest to rein in emissions.

Countries including Uganda and Morocco have already introduced rules to raise the quality of the hundreds of thousands of used cars imported from the West every year. Most of these vehicles are between 16 and 20 years old, meaning the industry has contributed to worsening air pollution in the region.





Part of the problem is that global automakers design their cars, vans and motorcycles to win over well-heeled customers in the West, largely ignoring the needs of potential buyers in poorer markets, de Jong said.

We dont want a Tesla Model S -- we need a small $10,000 urban vehicle, he said. We dont want a Harley-Davidson or Vespa -- we want a $1,500 electric motorcycle that is very sturdy and can carry three people and a goat.

Electric Motorbikes

Local EV startups are cropping up across Africa to capitalize on the potential. Demand for battery-powered vehicles is already vastly outstripping supply in nations like Rwanda, where motorbike maker Ampersand is expanding its bike and battery-swap station network.

Chinas BYD Co. is selling its electric vans in Kenya via a local distributor that aims to import as many as 100 units by the end of the year. The Kenyan governments electricity producer has spent hundreds of millions of dollars drawing geothermal energy from the volcanic Rift Valley -- power for the grid that startup ARC Ride plans to use to charge its fleet of electric rickshaws and motorbikes.

Yet without additional institutional backing and the resources wielded by major automakers, scaling up local manufacturing and electrifying auto fleets may remain elusive.

Volkswagen AG, the worlds second-largest automaker, plans to accelerate the rollout of EVs in Europe in a push that could see its namesake brand fading out combustion engines in the region between 2033 and 2035. But the industrial giant also is exploring bioethanol in Brazil and has suggested that in some parts of the world, fossil fuels may stay around longer.

ARC Ride is trying to speed up the shift. The company aims to offer cleaner transportation in several African cities and is currently focusing on Nairobi, where its motorbike fleet has helped deliver for Uber Eats. The startup plans to roll out the vehicles as taxis in Rwanda from next year.

These cities are rapidly growing, and it would be catastrophic for the climate if that growth is carbon-heavy, Chief Executive Officer Joseph Hurst-Croft said. We really can and urgently need to leapfrog whole energy systems to create transport thats cleaner end-to-end.
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) said that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), an agency within the Department of the Treasury, "must" turn over former President Donald Trump's income tax returns to Congress.

The DOJ's Office of Legal Counsel said in an opinion on Friday that the House Ways and Means Committee, which first requested the former president's tax records more than two years ago, had given "sufficient reasons" for requesting the information, and that "Treasury must furnish the information to the Committee", reports Xinhua news agency.

When a congressional tax committee asks for such tax information, "the executive branch should conclude that the request lacks a legitimate legislative purpose only in exceptional circumstances", the opinion said.

The opinion is a reversal from the Office of Legal Counsel's previous position.

In 2019, it agreed with the Trump administration that Congress lacked a legitimate legislative purpose and simply want to try to embarrass Trump.

In a June 2019 opinion, the Office of Legal Council, which was under the Trump administration at the time, said Congress's request for the former president's tax returns "was pre-textual and that its true aim was to make the President's tax returns public, which is not a legitimate legislative purpose".

The opinion on Friday said that 2019 finding "went astray" in suggesting the executive branch should closely scrutinise Congress's stated justifications. That failed to "to accord the respect and deference due a coordinate branch of government".

"Applying the proper degree of deference due the Committee, we believe that there is ample basis to conclude that its June 2021 Request for former President Trump's tax information would further the Committee's principal stated objective of assessing the IRS's presidential audit program - a plainly legitimate area for congressional inquiry and possible legislation," the opinion said.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal, said in a statement in response to the DOJ's latest decision that he has said "for years" that "the committee's case is very strong and the law is on our side. I am glad that the Department of Justice agrees and that we can move forward".

It is not immediately clear whether Trump, who has intervened in the case in his personal capacity, will continue to fight the public disclosure of his tax records through legal channels.

Judge Trevor McFadden has ordered President Joe Biden's administration to give Trump's lawyers a 72-hour notice before giving any of the latter's tax returns to the committee.

That order is currently set to expire August 3.

--IANS

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The Biden administration announced new sanctions on Friday against Cuba's national revolutionary police and its top two officials as the US looks to increase pressure on the communist government following this month's protests on the island.

The Police Nacional Revolcionaria and the agency's director and deputy director, Oscar Callejas Valcarce and Eddie Sierra Arias, were targeted in the latest sanctions announced by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control. The police are part of Cuba's interior ministry, which was already the subject of a blanket designation by the Trump administration back in January.

"We hear the cries of freedom coming from the island. The is taking concerted action to bolster the cause of the Cuban people, President said at the start of a White House meeting with Cuban Americans not long after Treasury announced the sanctions.

The administration says it is considering a wide range of additional options in response to the protests, including providing internet access to Cubans, and has created a working group to review US remittance policy to ensure that more of the money that Cuban Americans send home makes it directly into the hands of their families without the government taking a cut. Biden added that more sanctions were in the offing.

The White House meeting comes almost three weeks after unusual July 11 protests in which thousands of Cubans took to the streets in Havana and other cities to protest shortages, power outages and government policies. They were the first such protests since the 1990s.

The Cuban regime deployed the PNR to attack protesters, the Treasury Department said in a statement. The police were photographed confronting and arresting protesters in Havana, including members of the Movement of July 11 Mothers, a group founded to organize families of the imprisoned and disappeared, according to Treasury.

In Camagey, a Catholic priest was beaten and arrested by the PNR while he was defending young protesters, according to Treasury. PNR officers also beat a group of peaceful demonstrators, including several minors, and there have also been documented instances in which the PNR used clubs to break up peaceful protests across Cuba, Treasury said.

The Treasury Department will continue to designate and call out by name those who facilitate the Cuban regime's involvement in serious human rights abuse, said Andrea Gacki, director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Today's action serves to further hold accountable those responsible for suppressing the Cuban people's calls for freedom and respect for human rights.

Among the Cuban American activists meeting with Biden was Yotuel Romero, one of the authors of the song Patria y vida! which has become a kind of anthem for the protests, said an official.

Others present included L Felice Gorordo, CEO of the company eMerge Americas; Ana Sofa Pelez, founder of the Miami Freedom Project, and Miami's former mayor, Manny Daz, and Sen. Robert Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

White House officials said Biden would discuss the new sanctions as well as ways to potentially establish internet access for the Cuban people.

Internet access is a sensitive issue in In the days before the recent protests, there were calls on social media for anti-government demonstrations. Cuba's government said anti-Castro groups in the have used social media, particularly Twitter, to campaign against it and blamed Twitter for doing nothing to stop it.

Internet service was cut off at one point during the July 11 protest, though Cuban authorities have not explicitly acknowledged that they did it.

Some US leaders, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, have said the White House should do something to maintain internet service in Cuba, including using balloons as Wi-Fi access points for the population.

The Biden administration is also considering proposals put forward by US advocates of trade with that would restore ways for Cuban-Americans to send money to relatives on the island.

Biden and others have rejected the outright restoration of remittances because of a percentage fee of the transaction paid to the government. But under one proposal being considered, the transfer agents would waive that fee until the end of the year, according to proponents.

The proposal would have to be cleared by the Cuban government, however, and it is not at all clear it would agree.

Last week, the US government announced sanctions against the minister of the Cuban armed forces, lvaro Lpez Miera, and the Special Brigade of the Ministry of the Interior known as the black berets for having participated in the arrest of protesters.

organisations have harshly criticized the Cuban government, which has said that while people affected by the country's crisis participated in the protests there were also criminals who took advantage of the situation to create disturbances. At times, the protests turned into vandalism with looting, robbery and confrontations with the police.

Government sympathizers also took to the streets to defend the authorities and the revolution.

So far it is unclear how many people were detained, although the judicial authorities have said there have been 19 trials involving 59 people.

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Representatives of the "Troika plus" comprising the US, Russia, China, and have planned to hold a meeting in Doha next month, to discuss the war-torn situation of

The primary goals of the Afghan settlement at the moment are to achieve a cease-fire, resume inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue, and form an interim coalition government with tasks to carry out constitutional reform and prepare for a general election in a short, preferably two-year term, The Express Tribune reported citing Russian Envoy to Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov.

"The Afghan government should have engaged in talks with the Taliban a year ago when the movement did not have military success, the insurgents would engage with Kabul 'from the position of strength'," Kabulov said.

He also expressed concerns that the terrorist organisations that were driven out of the Middle East could try to re-establish themselves in the country, The Express Tribune reported.

Kabulov was also asked which country has the greatest influence in Afghanistan's situation, he said there was no single most influential state, but rather four, namely China, Russia, the US, and

A few days back, the Afghan government and the Taliban have agreed to expedite the efforts to restore peace in and continue high-level talks.

The two sides issued a joint statement following the two-day talks in Doha as violence rages in Afghanistan

However, the two sides fell short to mention de-escalation of violence or ceasefire. Abdullah Abdullah, the chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation and the head of the 7-member delegation of Afghan politicians in talks with the Taliban, assured the participants of the Afghan government's firm will and commitment to peace and said the two days of negotiations were a good opportunity for both sides to clearly share their position to each other.

Meanwhile, has witnessed a spike in violence in recent weeks. Taliban have stepped up offensive since the foreign forces began to withdraw from the country in May. The and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) forces will complete military drawdown till the end of August.

Taliban is taking control of more and more territory in Afghanistan, while Afghan forces have launched a counteroffensive to thwart the terrorists.

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As Taliban terrorists intensified their offensive across Afghanistan, the called on Islamabad to play a positive role in de-escalating violence, saying it is "not in Pakistan's interest to see in a civil war".

Zed Tarar, a spokesperson for the US State Department said the conflict in the country does not have a military solution.

"We want the future of to be in the hands of the people of We are not abandoning Afghanistan, we will work towards a better future but it is not a military solution. Our diplomatic assistance to Afghanistan will continue," Dawn quoted Tarar as saying,

When asked why US President Joe Biden has not made telephonic contact with Prime Minister Imran Khan, Tarar said: "There is no such thing [snub or oversight]. I would not read such a message into it. If you see our overall relationship, we have several engagements and are constantly in communication. Senior Pakistani officials are talking to their US counterparts and we are announcing that in a transparent manner.

Earlier this month, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke over the phone with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and discussed the importance of continued U.S.- cooperation on the Afghanistan peace process.

The Afghan government-led by President Ashraf Ghani has ratcheted up attacks on for aiding the Taliban, which vehemently denies.

Ghani had lambasted Pakistan for not severing its ties with terrorist organisations groups and said that according to intelligence reports over 10,000 'jihadi' fighters had entered Afghanistan in the last month.

He added that the Imran Khan-led Pakistan government had failed to convince the Taliban to "negotiate seriously" in the ongoing peace talks.

Last week, the Afghan foreign ministry said the Taliban have intensified their violent campaign across Afghanistan and their military offensive was supported by Pakistani notorious spy agency -- ISI.

Pakistan military was reportedly assisting the Taliban in setting up training camps in Eastern provinces of Afghanistan and also in recruitment.

Despite ample evidence that suggests the contrary, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that his country was neither "responsible" for the actions of the Taliban. "What the Taliban are doing or are not doing has nothing to do with us. We are neither responsible nor the spokesperson for the Taliban."

A UN report said that terrorists from a variety of countries and militant groups continue to operate in Afghanistan.

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A U.S. government watchdog on Friday sided with over its decision to pick a single lunar lander provider, rejecting a protest filed by Blue Origin and defense contractor Dynetics Inc.

The companies had challenged the $2.9 billion award to Elon Musk's SpaceX for the lander, arguing was required to make multiple awards. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) said it "denied the protest arguments that acted improperly in making a single award to SpaceX."

Blue Origin, the rocket company founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos, said on Friday it remained convinced that there were "fundamental issues" with NASA's decision, and that GAO was not able to address them "due to their limited jurisdiction."

Blue Origin said it will continue to advocate for two immediate providers as it believes that to be the right solution.

"GAO's decision will allow NASA and SpaceX to establish a timeline for the first crewed landing on the Moon in more than 50 years," NASA said in a statement on Friday, adding that sending American astronauts to the moon is a priority for the Biden Administration.

Dynetics, a unit of Leidos Holdings, said it was disappointed with the decision, but plans to compete for other opportunities announced by NASA in the future.

SpaceX did not comment, but Musk sent a tweet saying just "GAO" with a flexed muscle emoji.

NASA had sought proposals for a spacecraft that would carry astronauts to the lunar surface under its Artemis program to return humans to the moon for the first time since 1972.

In April, NASA awarded https://www.reuters.com/technology/spacex-wins-us-contract-spacecraft-send-astronauts-moon-washington-post-2021-04-16 SpaceX a contract to build such a spacecraft as early as 2024.

Blue Origin had contended NASA gave SpaceX an unfair advantage by letting it revise its pricing.

On Monday, Bezos offered to cover up to $2 billion in NASA costs if the U.S. agency awarded Blue Origin a lunar landing contract.

In a letter to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, Bezos said Blue Origin would waive payments up to $2 billion, and pay for an orbital mission to vet its technology. In exchange, Blue Origin would accept a firm, fixed-priced contract, and cover any system development cost overruns.

"Without competition, NASA's short-term and long-term lunar ambitions will be delayed, will ultimately cost more, and won't serve the national interest," Bezos said.

Bezos' offer came six days after he flew alongside three crewmates to the edge of aboard Blue Origin's rocket-and-capsule New Shepard.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Additional reporting by Nivedita Balu; Editing by David Gregorio, Rosalba O'Brien and Shinjini Ganguli)

(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.)
Chief Minister on Saturday said that so far, 64 per cent of the promises made in the 2018 assembly election manifesto have been fulfilled.

In a review meeting with manifesto committee chairman Tamradhwaj Sahu, MP Amar Singh and members of the council of ministers, Gehlot said that out of 501 promises of the 'Jan Ghoshna Patra', 321 have been fulfilled.

The state government will fulfil the remaining promises, he said, adding that a Cabinet sub-committee is continuously monitoring the implementation of the manifesto.

Gehlot said promises related to farmers, women, youth, unemployed, animal husbandry, needy sections and basic amenities are being fulfilled on priority.

He said that the 'Jan Ghosna Patra' (manifesto) is a policy document of the state government as well as a vision document to accelerate the development of

"The government is committed for time-bound fulfilment of each promise," he said.

In the review meeting, All India Committee (AICC) member Sahu expressed satisfaction over the progress of the state government.

He said that the speed with which efforts are being made to fulfil the promises made in the manifesto is commendable.

Later, Sahu told reporters that apart from fulfilling the promises of the manifesto, the state government has done some additional works and launched schemes in public interest which were not there in the manifesto.

He said that due to the Covid pandemic, there was delay in the execution of some of the promises.

"However, the overall execution is good," Sahu said.

Sahu said that he will prepare a report of the review meeting and submit it to the party high command in next two to three days.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said that the will take place "pretty shortly".

"Pretty shortly," said Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on being asked when the will take place.

He further said that he will be meeting Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today Goods and Services Tax (GST) refund for last year and this year.

"I am meeting Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today regarding the Goods and Services Tax (GST) refund for last year and this year also," said Chief Minister.

Earlier on Friday he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought approval for All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Hubballi-Dharwad.

Bommai also sought approval for an AIIMS-like institute in Raichur, identified as an aspirational district by the NITI Aayog. He also appealed for upgrading the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Medical College and Hospital in Kalaburagi to the Regional AIIMS-like Institute.

Bommai also met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekawat, Lok Sabha speaker Om Prakash Birla, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister for Coals, Prahlad Joshi, Central Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Youth Empowerment Anurag Thakur and held discussions during his visit.

Bommai took oath as the 23rd chief minister of Karnataka on July 28, two days after the resignation of BS Yediyurappa.

(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.)
Microsoft, which cooperated with the US prosecutors in building a 2020 antitrust case against Google, is now facing a subpoena to produce millions more documents at the request of Googles defense team, the media reported.

According to a report in The Verge on Friday, judge Amit Mehta said that "more information was required before the court could give guidance as to how much internal data would be required to produce".

The US Department of Justice (DoJ) filed an antitrust case against in 2020 that focused on anti-competitive behaviour in search and search advertising.

has provided more than 400,000 documents to civil investigative demands from prosecutors.

"In a filing before today's hearing, argued that participation entitles the company to a similar range of documents that might be helpful to its defense," the report noted.

first issued a subpoena to in April, seeking "older documents that will shed light on whether Microsoft was actually restrained from competing with Google, or whether it simply failed to compete successfully on the merits."

"But Microsoft agreed to only eight of the 27 executives to be searched, and drastically limited the search strings to which they would be subject".

Google has now asked for a more powerful court order to compel the production of documents from Microsoft.

In October 2020, the US Justice Department and 11 states sued Google for antitrust violations, alleging that it weaponised its dominance in online search and advertising to kill off competition and harm consumers.

The lawsuit marked the US government's biggest move since its case against Microsoft more than 20 years ago. This came after 15 months of investigation and could be the opening scene of more antitrust actions against other companies.

Google is also facing a new multi-state antitrust lawsuit in the US that accuses the tech giant of abusing its market power to stifle competitors.

The lawsuit, filed by a coalition of 37 attorneys general co-led by New York Attorney General Letitia James earlier this month, alleged that Google is forcing consumers into in-app payments that grant the company a hefty cut.

--IANS

na/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Micro-blogging site has detailed a new bounty competition that offers prizes of up to $3,500 for showing biases in its automatic image crops.

The winning teams will receive cash prizes via HackerOne -- $3,500 for the winner, $1,000 for second place, $500 for third place $1,000 each for Most Innovative and Most Generalisable.

"In May, we shared our approach to identifying bias in our saliency algorithm (also known as our image cropping algorithm), and we made our code available for others to reproduce our work," Rumman Chowdhury, Director, Software Engineering at Twitter, said in a blog post on Friday.

"We want to take this work a step further by inviting and incentivising the community to help identify potential harms of this algorithm beyond what we identified ourselves," Chowdhury added.

According to Chowdhury, they are inspired by how the research and hacker communities helped the security field establish best practices for identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities to protect the public.

"We want to cultivate a similar community, focused on ML ethics, to help us identify a broader range of issues than we would be able to on our own," Chowdhury said.

"With this challenge, we aim to set a precedent at Twitter, and in the industry, for proactive and collective identification of algorithmic harms," Chowdhury added.

For this challenge, said they are re-sharing their saliency model and the code used to generate a crop of an image given a predicted maximally salient point and asking participants to build their assessment.

Successful entries will consider both quantitative and qualitative methods in their approach.

All participants must enroll with HackerOne to make a valid submission; anyone with a HackerOne account may participate in this challenge.

Thr winners will be announced at the DEF CON AI Village workshop hosted by on August 8, where Twitter will invite the winners to present their work.

--IANS

vc/na

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 31 (ANI/NewsVoir): A recent survey of 574 bank customers in India from Momentive.ai (the research company of SurveyMonkey), commissioned by embedded insurance leader Cover Genius, sought to understand how customers of banks, neobanks and other fintech apps would react to embedded insurance offers based on real time transaction data.

It asked the following:

Suppose your bank, with your permission, monitored your transactions and offered a prompt for purchasing protection products based on your purchase history inside of your banking app. Please indicate how interested you would be in allowing them to make these offers.

The findings show that 91% of Indian digital bank customers would be highly interested in receiving embedded insurance offers based on their transaction data, as would 95% of traditional bank customers. 'Convenience' is the primary driver for their interest, stated by 63%.

"The past two years have seen a greater acceleration of digitization than the previous twenty," said Arijit Chakraborty, Managing Director, India and SEA of Cover Genius. "Banks, Neobanks, and Financial Institutions are uniquely positioned to offer their customers hyper-relevant, transaction-based embedded insurance, and add value to the most important purchases their customers make, due to their long history and high level of trust with consumers."

The research mirrors surveys of 3,551 Americans commissioned by Cover Genius published last month, and 12 other countries, which similarly examined 14 life events or activities or major purchases that lead to insurance consideration, such as childbirth, purchases of car, property, pets and expensive items, contracting for a wage and becoming a lessee or landlord. Across the globe, the data points to significant demand for timely and relevant transaction-based insurance offers, with dramatically higher preferences if they've recently had major purchases or life events, or if they used a traditional insurer in the last 12 months, or if they purchased insurance from their bank. The authors note the significant gap between an insurtech approach and the "bancassurance" reality, where traditional banks partner with traditional insurers for offerings that are typically divorced from underlying activities.

The survey of Indian customers also confirms that there's broad support for bank-embedded offers for property insurance such as Renters, Homeowners and/or Landlords (70% of respondents are highly interested), auto insurance (54%), health insurance (53%) and a range of warranties for high value personal and household items (77%).

The role and nature of traditional insurers as a "second step" in the buying process is also examined in the paper. Digital bankers and younger demographics are more likely to purchase insurance, however the data also points to a healthy future for banks as insurance distributors: 95% of Indians who chose a traditional insurer or broker in the last 12 months would prefer bank-embedded offers for next time.

While recent experience purchasing insurance is one way to identify early adopters, another is identifying users of popular fintech apps. The breakthrough findings show that 96% of 468 customers who use mobile wallets, 96% of buy-now-pay-later users, 98% of investing account users, and 97% of accounting software users are highly interested in receiving insurance offers. Interest is also high for small business operators (96%).

"The clamour for seamless servicing has meant we've added partners like eBay and Shopee in transit and retail, several airlines and online travel agents, auto, gig economy and mobility companies like Ola, other fintechs like Intuit, and more," Arijit Chakraborty adds.

Download the full report, "(https://campaigns.covergenius.com/embedded-insurance-global) The Embedded Insurance Report: A consumer-focused case for transaction-based offers from Banks, Neobanks and Fintechs", or the report for India.

Cover Genius is the insurtech for embedded insurance that protects the global customers of the world's largest digital companies including Booking Holdings, owner of Booking.com and Agoda, Intuit, Skyscanner, Ola and Descartes ShipRush. We're also available at Amazon, eBay, Wayfair, and Shopee. Cover Genius' vision is to protect all the customers of the world's largest online companies through XCover, an award-winning global distribution platform for any line of insurance or warranty, and XClaim, an API for instant payment of approved claims that delivers an NPS of +65, a result that has been independently recognized as the highest for any insurance company globally.

Cover Genius co-creates insurance products with partners, enabled by its ability to produce regulated products in 60+ countries & all 50 US States.

This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi [India], July 31 (ANI/NewsVoir): Max Life Insurance Company Ltd. ("Max Life" / "Company"), as part of its digitization journey, aims to drive a robust agency recruitment process in FY22.

The Company has digitized its entire recruitment process, and targets hiring nearly 40,000 agent advisors in current fiscal.

Launched last year, in the backdrop of COVID-19, a new recruitment approach was designed and implemented to enable quick, seamless identification, verification, and onboarding of prospects, digitally. The new process enabled the Company to recruit more than 23,000 agent advisors in FY21, out of which 38 per cent were diverse candidates. Bolstered by the success of last year, the Company now aims to build the agency force with even more efficiencies in place to recruit a record number of agent advisors.

V Viswanand, Deputy Managing Director at Max Life Insurance said, "The digital recruitment journey of our agency workforce has not only helped bring in top-quality talent to the business, but also ensured greater agility, speed and effectiveness in the entire onboarding journey. As a strong advocate for diversity, Max Life also aims to target a more diverse group of people in its recruitment strategies who are more representative of our customers."

Under its digital recruitment push, Max Life initiated a comprehensive Web-to-Recruit Program to enable quality agent recruitment. Built with an always-on approach, the program has enabled the agency with a reliable process of recruitment that has helped establish a healthy agent advisor talent pool. Similarly, mobile-based Smart Banners customized with the recruiter's coordinates have enabled to send out clear communications to the prospect agent and engage with them on one-on-one basis.

Recently, the Company also launched a new training transformation program for its agency channel with the unique 'Max Life Ace Talk' initiative. The talk series aims to showcase inspirational stories by Max Life's agent advisors to a network of upcoming agent advisors, fueling inspiration from personal stories of success and professional journeys driving a culture of heroes & evangelizing the profession.

Max Life Insurance Company Limited is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited and Axis Bank Limited. Max Financial Services Ltd. is a part of the Max Group, an Indian multi-business corporation.

Max Life offers comprehensive protection and long-term savings life insurance solutions, through its multi-channel distribution including agency and third-party distribution partners. Max Life has built its operations over almost two decades through a need-based sales process, a customer-centric approach to engagement and service delivery and trained human capital.

As per public disclosures and annual audited financials for FY20-21, Max Life has achieved a gross written premium of Rs 19,018 crore. As of 31st March 2021, the Company had Rs 90,407 crore of assets under management (AUM) and a Sum Assured in Force of Rs 1,087,987 crore.

For more information, please visit the Company's website at (https://www.maxlifeinsurance.com).

This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], July 31 (ANI/NewsVoir): With more than 16,000+ start-ups getting registered last year, higher return on investments than residential property, and REITs making high-value properties accessible to investors, the commercial real estate market is witnessing a growing demand in India.

Pune, known as 'The most liveable city in India', is now rising to become the commercial real estate hub of India. The increase in IT hiring (12 per cent increment in May 2021) indicates that major IT companies and MNCs are shifting their focus to Pune.

To address the need for world-class commercial spaces, Avishkar & A Advani Realty recently launched their landmark project, The Platinum Towers in West Kharadi, Pune. Designed to cater to every commercial enterprise - back offices, call centres, restaurants, supermarkets, shops, and multi-brand showrooms, the project is just 7 minutes from Nagar Road.

Having IGBC Gold Certification, The Platinum Towers supports sustainability, safety, and environment-friendliness and offers 8000 sq. ft. of open space with 200 trees retained within the vast 2-acre plot. Along with solar panels, onsite sewage water treatment plants, a heat-reducing glass facade, and essential medical facilities, it also promises a host of top-notch amenities.

It has 2.65 lakh sq. ft. of internal saleable space, ensuring that every office has its own attached pantry and toilets and a parking spot for every 1000 sq. ft. of the area they occupy. For those wanting to start their own office, firm, or practice, this offers an excellent opportunity to add a touch of sophistication to the business.

One of the most significant advantages of the project is its location. Being in West Kharadi, it is at the centre of Pune's fastest-growing residential and commercial neighbourhood. Companies are increasingly preferring Kharadi over Hinjewadi, and this shift is expected to continue in 2021.

Kharadi also has great roadways and excellent connectivity and being a residential area, offers a large residential catchment (Viman Nagar, Wagholi, Dhanori, Magarpatta, and Manjari) to corporate occupiers. Sectors like Hospitality and Retail are also seeing massive development in the area.

As Pune's commercial real estate market continues to expand its footprint, The Platinum Towers has emerged as one of the hottest commercial properties of Kharadi. With its Retail Showroom nearing possession and the newly signed Reliance Smart Superstore occupying two entire floors, it is an unmissable investment opportunity for every entrepreneur and investor.

For more information about the project, please visit: (https://www.avishkaradvani.in) or Call: +91 9607987982.

This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A homeowner received a $5,418 Special Needs Assistance subsidy from Citizens Bank and FHLB Dallas to make repairs to her Carthage, Arkansas, home.
The torrential rain in Central Chinas Henan province has damaged 150 cities and 1,663 towns, affecting over 14 million people. So far, 302 people have been killed and 50 are missing, authorities said at a news conference Monday. The village of Wangzongdian in Zhengzhou is among the hardest hit places, where landslides triggered by the heavy rain have turned houses into rubble, resulting in at least eight deaths as of Thursday

Aug 03, 2021 05:33 PM
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FILE - This May 4, 2021 file photo shows a sign outside the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice building in Washington. The Russian hackers behind the massive SolarWinds cyberespionage campaign broke into the email accounts some of the most prominent federal prosecutors offices around the country last year, the Department of Justice said Friday, July 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed designating all Bogue Banks beaches as critical habitat for the rufa red knot, a threatened small sandpiper. (Audubon Field Guide photo)
U.S. Army veteran Rick Cicero speaks at a Capitol Hill news conference opposing new federal rules targeting stabilizing braces for guns. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson)
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I cannot believe that Dr Henry is wielding her power again. I am shocked that this is happening so soon after just reopening. When the Fraser and Vancouver regions were high in Covid numbers earlier this year she shut down the total province and now she is picking regions. Our illustrious mayor told the world we were open so come on in. Everybody knew this would happen considering Kelowna is a big tourist city.

You cannot force people to get vaccinated if they do not believe in it. Find another excuse already. I listened to Dr Henry saying you can mix vaccinations. Thank you very much I may never be able to cruise again and unable to travel to several countries. We may need a booster. Well you know what you can do with your booster.

Is the power wielding Dr Henry going to continue to shutdown and open up whenever she feels like it at her whim? Enough is enough already. Let us live our lives again.

Thank you MLA Renee Merrifield for voicing your concern over this recent mandatory mask issue I am waiting for you to share any information you may receive with us.

Darlene Kalyta
Buena Vista, CO (81211)

Today

Cloudy early, then thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 67F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Localized flooding is possible..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Partly cloudy skies after midnight. Low 49F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Localized flooding is possible.
Tennessee American Water and Whitwell Elementary School held a dedication Friday of the new outdoor classroom, which is also accessible to the public, at the school in Marion County. The space was funded by a Keep Communities Flowing grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation and has been named in memory of Tennessee American Water Charles Junior Atterton, Jr., who passed away suddenly in late 2020.

The Keep Communities Flowing grant program provides community-based grants to support projects that connect with American Waters core focus areas like Water and Healthy Living, Environmental Education and Community Sustainability. The outdoor classroom provides a setting for the school to enrich learning in an inspiring setting. Its also available for community use, located near a walking track and playground.

At Tennessee American Water we believe the importance of being a good neighbor in addition to providing clean, safe, reliable water, said Tennessee American Water superintendent for Sequatchie Valley, Michael Griffith. It means so much to us at Tennessee American Water to remember Junior Atterton in this way. He was so proud of his community. He was a great team member at Tennessee American Water and friend to us all.

Whitwell Elementary School was one of 12 grant recipients awarded by the American Water Charitable Foundation in 2020. Tennessee American Water employees volunteered to plant native flowering plants around the area.
Hamilton County Chief Deputy Austin Garrett with his wife and Tennessee Governor and Mrs. Bill Lee

Third District Congressman Chuck Fleischmann and Legislative Candidate Greg Vital and his wife, Carlene

Chairman Arch Trimble 4th and his wife, Kathryn, with Former City Councilman Manny Rico

About 400 hundred were in attendance for the annual Lincoln Day Dinner at the Westin Hotel on Friday night.

The event was closed to the news media who were gathered outside.

Hamilton County Republican Party Chairman Arch Trimble IV served as moderator of the event that he called a tremendous family affair with standing room only. It was a fantastic night talking about Republican ideals.

Governor Bill Lee was the featured speaker with special guests Lt. Governor Randy McNally and House speaker Cameron Sexton. In brief remarks, Governor Lee said Tennessee is the most fiscally responsible state in the Union.

Governor Lee said teachers in Tennessee will not teach critical race theory/"

Third District Congressman Chuck Fleischmann also spoke about what is going on in Washington. He said he is hoping some bipartisan legislation will come out of the current session.

Jayliene Bonilla with Voices of Lee provided the music. Historian Linda Moss Mines gave closing remarks saying the state of the Republican Party in Hamilton County is very good.

The Lincoln Day dinner is an annual Republican Party event in Hamilton County.

Chattanooga mayor Tim Kelly was also there, and said he also planned to attend the Democratic dinner later this year as well.



A few anti-vaccine protesters were outside, and were against vaccinating children, current school curriculum, and mask mandates. These protesters held signs deriding current Republican leaders such as Governor Lee and Chairman Trimble.




With a boom and a cloud of dust, the Tennessee Valley Authority imploded the 600-foot smokestack of its oldest coal-fired power plant, located in New Johnsonville. The implosion clears the site for future development and a possible generation project that could advance clean-energy technologies.



Im sad to see it go, said Bob Joiner, a TVA retiree who worked at the plant for more than three decades and watched the implosion. That plant was built in the 40s by the greatest generation. They put all that together with nothing but pencils, paper and slide rules, and it was built to last.



Johnsonville generated its first electricity in 1951 and its last on New Years Eve of 2017.



The team set out to honor the Johnsonville legacy by applying the same pride and integrity in the dismantling of the facility that was exemplified in the building, maintaining and operation of it for almost 70 years, said Roger Waldrep, TVA vice president, Major Projects. Safety is our primary mission, and Id like to thank the team who were able to complete this portion of the project without any issues.



Currently, there are 20 combustion turbines at the site, a number of which will be retired as new, more efficient natural gas generation is added to the system. The utility conditionally approved placing advanced light-weight combustion turbinesknown as aeroderivativesat the site pending environmental reviews that will start next year.



TVA is also eyeing Johnsonvilles combustion turbines for a possible carbon-capture demonstration. The project could identify ways to lower the cost of carbon utilization technologies, and potentially help advance future hydrogen generation technologies.



Its an exciting time to be in the utility industry, and technology is rapidly changing, said Jeff Lyash, TVA president and CEO. TVA is a technology leader, and our coal sites can serve as a testbed as we build cleaner energy systems that drive jobs and investment into our communities.



This month, TVA announced it is investing $1 billion to build new lower-emission, natural gas-fueled combustion turbines at shuttered coal plants in Tuscumbia, Alabama, and Paradise, Kentucky.



Businesses and industries are already seeing the value of TVAs focus on cleaner energy.



In the first six months of fiscal year 2021, TVA helped attract or retain more than 45,200 jobs and $3.9 billion in investment to the region, not including recent significant news from LG, Milwaukee Tools and Oracle.



In Tennessee, where TVA is headquartered, nearly 20,000 new companies and corporations flooded the state from January to March, according to the University of Tennessee's Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators Q1 2021 report. Thats a 55 percent jump over the first quarter of 2020, with the fastest growth seen in the state's smallest counties.



Mr. Lyash said TVA is reducing carbon emissions because it plays a significant role in the regions economic development as more job creators, manufacturers and local-power companies are demanding cleaner energy.



"Since 2005, TVA has reduced carbon emissions by more than 60 percent compared to 2005 levels. The utility plans to reduce that number to 70 percent by 2030, 80 percent by 2035 and achieve net-zero emission generation by 2050," officials said..



TVA never stands still, Mr. Lyash said. Building a clean, low-cost energy future is an essential path for our region to compete for jobs in the new clean economy.

In 2005, TVA generated 57 percent of its electricity from coal. Since 2012, TVA has retired six coal plants, which reduced the amount of energy produced by coal to about 14 percent. The utility says it could retire its entire coal fleet by 2035  pending necessary approvals.

As TVA phases out coal, the utility is investing in solar, nuclear and natural gas. It is also exploring advanced clean-generation technologies as well as upgrades to its 109-unit conventional hydro-electric fleet.



According to Mr. Lyash, TVA is a national leader, with 63 percent carbon-free generation  making it the greenest utility in the Southeast with 50 percent more renewable generation than its closest regional peer.



By 2035, TVA plans to add about 10,000 megawatts of solar power. To do this, the utility plans to use natural gas to keep the power system reliable as coal plants retire.



The economic development success of this renewable energy strategy is already evident.



Since 2018, TVAs Green Invest solar program has attracted nearly $2.7 billion in solar investment and procured over 2,000 megawatts of solar on behalf of its customers, including City of Knoxville, General Motors, Jack Daniels, Facebook, Google and Vanderbilt University.



Businesses want clean energy, and we are committed to using our power system to revitalize both rural and urban communities, Mr. Lyash said. Our region is open for business, and TVA is helping make our communities the premier destination for companies that want to achieve their sustainability goals.
Members of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 203 are spending this hot Saturday in front of the Walmart on Highway 153. They are raising money for their benevolent fund which provides medical equipment at no charge to veterans in Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia. That includes wheelchairs, hospital beds, crutches and walkers.

Chapter 203 President Charlie Hobbs said hundreds of pieces of medical supplies have been provided to veterans free of charge. Chapter 203 is the second largest in the United States and is in its 36th year of serving Vietnam veterans and their families.

Chapter members are also signing up new members and will be at the Walmart until 5 p.m. Any Vietnam era veteran is encouraged to join. The chapter meets the third Monday of the month at the Temple Baptist Church off Rossville Boulevard.

The chapter will be fundraising on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 20 and 21 at the Walmart in Lafayette.

Chapter President Hobbs said, Providing this service would be impossible without the outpouring of community support. If the chapter knows of a need and they have the money, the veteran will be taken care of."
A woman called police from Skyzoo Chattanooga, 5709 Lee Hwy., and said she could not locate her cheetah print purse, which contained her personal items and $60 in cash. She said she had gone to Skyzoo around 11 p.m. She said she had been drinking and could not remember some details from the night. She said needed to file a police report for the lost property.

* * *

Officers responded to unknown trouble on Mission Avenue. Officers spoke with multiple people at different addresses on the street and no one mentioned needing police.

* * *

An anonymous caller wished for police to check the welfare of two individuals walking westbound on I-24 EB near mile marker 180. The description provided was the two individuals walking were a white male in a blue and white shirt and a female in a tank top. Police arrived in the area of I-24 EB entrance ramp from Market Street and observed the above described individuals walking in the grass next to I-24 towards the parking lot driving lane of Howard School. Police made verbal contact with both individuals and made them aware the interstate was not for pedestrian travel. The two continued to walk in a westerly direction through the parking lot of Howard School towards Market Street.

* * *

Police responded to suspicious activity at the Residence Inn, 215 Chestnut St. The officer entered the premises through unlocked front doors. The officer found it suspicious, given the doors are usually locked at that hour. Once inside, the officer made contact with a black male sitting on a couch in the lobby asleep. The officer announced his presence and the man awoke. When asked if he had a room at the establishment, he informed the officer that he did not. The officer informed him that hotel staff requested his departure. He apologized repeatedly and left without incident. Police made contact with a woman who was working the front desk at the time. She said she recalled locking the front doors earlier, and when she returned she found the man asleep on the couch. She said when she went to check the doors, she found them unlocked. Police observed no signs of forced entry.

* * *

An officer was dispatched to Faith United Baptist Church, 1800 Mulberry St., for an alarm. Officers located an unsecured door in the front of the church. Officers cleared the building and found no one inside. A responsible arrived on the scene and secured the door.

* * *

A man on Hickory Valley Road said while at work, someone entered his unlocked 2015 GMC Sierra 4 door and rummaged through it. He said even his gym bag was gone through. The only thing taken was $4 from the console. There are security cameras and when IT comes in they will review the security tapes and call if a suspect was caught on tape.

* * *



A man on Chestnut Street said he left his bicycle in the bike storage area of the parking garage of the apartment complex and had secured it with a cable and U-Lock. He said the cable had been cut. He said you need a key fob to get into the garage/storage area, so it had to have been someone who lives there. He did not have the serial number for the bike but will try to get it and add it to the report later.

* **

The owner of Chickamauga Construction had some steel building materials sitting outside in a ditch on Middle Valley Road and they were last seen about three days ago. When he got back there around 8 a.m. he discovered they were gone. He said it would cost about $3,000 to replace them.

* * *

A man said he checked into the Comfort Inn on Shallowford Village Drive and someone had stolen the catalytic converter from the vehicle during the night. The car belongs to TN Baptist Mission Board. He says that he is driving it back to Franklin and will have it repaired there. He didn't know the repair cost. He was unable to get anyone who could review the security video to see if it may have picked this incident up.

* * *

An officer saw a man who appeared to be homeless on Brainerd Road and he was unsteady on his feet. The officer determined the man was not intoxicated. He said he stayed at a hotel in East Ridge and was on his way back there.

* * *

A theft was reported from a building at 5100 Brainerd Road. A man told police his Echo Weedeater was stolen out of the garage. Video revealed the theft occurred at 6:40 a.m. that morning and was committed by a black male with a bald head. Video also revealed the suspect arriving and leaving in a late 90's burgundy Honda Passport. Video quality at Hi-Tech Transmission and Lamplight Package store was not sufficient enough to discern a tag on the suspect vehicle.

* * *

A theft from motor vehicle was reported at the City Cafe, 901 Carter St. A woman told police she had left her car keys in a friend's car when she got there around 7:30 p.m. the night before and she believes they were left in the floor in front of the passenger seat. She said she's not sure if the car was left locked, and when she got back to the car around 10:30 p.m., she discovered that the keys were gone.

* * *

Vandalism was reported at Lakeshore on the Hill Apartments, 5873 Lake Resort Terrace. A man showed police two vehicles he believes were vandalized. It appears that someone had attempted to jump start the vehicles with jumper cables and the cables melted against the vehicles. The man reported finding melted jumper cables nearby. There is no suspect information regarding the incident.

* * *

A man on Mark Twain Circle told police a car had been in front of his address for over a year. He said the vehicle belonged to his former neighbor who moved away about five months ago. Police were unable to locate the owner of the vehicle. Due to the vehicle being disabled and parked in the roadway, police towed the vehicle.

* * *

A woman on Daisy Dallas Road reported her lawn mower stolen. Police responded to the Quality Inn, 4833 Hixson Pike, and found a Cub Cadet lawnmower behind an outbuilding on the property. After inspecting pictures of the lawnmower on the woman's phone, police determined the lawnmower was the one stolen from her. The mower was returned to the woman.

* * *

An employee at Walmart, 490 Greenway View Dr., told of observing a black male selecting and concealing merchandise. The man was stopped by loss prevention and only trespassed from the property at this time.

* * *

A woman said she was moving out of her apartment on Reserve Way and had left the fan outside of her door while she was grabbing boxes. She later noticed her fan was gone. She said she was on the third floor and there was only her apartment 304 and her neighbor's, 302. She suspects her neighbors took her fan while it was outside her door, however there is no evidence.
The 90 Day Fiance series, Darcey & Stacey, is back in all its glory. The drama is just getting started if the first two episodes are anything to go on. In a preview of the upcoming third episode, theres more drama between Darcey Silva and her fiance, Georgi Rusev.

Darcey Silva | Raymond Hall/GC Images

Georgi Rusev has a room in D.C. still

Darcey and her new fiance, Georgi, are no strangers to drama. The premiere of season 2 even starts with drama between these two. Darcey also has concerns about Georgi keeping his room in D.C. even though hes living with her in Connecticut.

Also the fact that Georgi still has a room in D.C. suggests to me that hes holding onto it in case we dont work out, Darcey tells the camera. It makes me feel like hes not taking our relationship seriously.

However, Georgi says, I explain to her until my divorce complete, I cannot move from D.C. because I need to be resident there, thats why I need to keep my room there. She think Im keeping this for different reasons.

Darcey Silva and Georgi Rusev discuss going to Washington D.C. in Darcey & Stacey

RELATED: Darcey & Stacey: Stacey Silva Confronts Florian About a New Video of Him That Was Posted on Social Media

However, once Georgi is finally divorced from his former wife, there is no need for him to keep the room. They talk about it again in episode 2, and Georgi still has the room even though the divorce is finalized.

Darcey asks him, I mean I feel like you still have some things in D.C. What are you going to do about all that? She feels hes scared to let go of the room because hes scared if they dont end up together that hes got nowhere to go.

But Georgi replies, I just need to drive there in rental pick up my stuff. She asks if he will be by himself, and he adds, You can come.

But I can just come, Darcey says. I feel like you dont really want me there. Like you would have thought about us going together. She clearly doesnt feel like hes including her.

Darcey doesnt let it go either. Georgi basically doesnt open up about hardly anything, she tells the camera. I dont know anything about his friends or his ex-wife. You know? Im his fiance, and its not OK.

Are you not wanting to include me cause you dont want me to like meet your friends or? she asks. I know youre saying for me to go, but I dont want it to feel like one-sided.

No come meet my friends, Georgi says. Adding, Yeah we can meet with my friends.

The drama continues in episode 3 of Darcey & Stacey

Darcey also invited her sister, Stacey Silva, and her husband, Florian Sukaj, to go to D.C. with them after Stacey says that sometimes Darcey puts on blinders, and she wants her to make sure she sticks to her guns.

They all go to D.C. in episode 3 according to the preview for it. When Darcey and Georgi go to get Georgis stuff out of the house where he has a room, he tells her she needs to wait in the car. She waits for him outside the house while he moves.

Then Georgis friends arrive at an outdoor venue, and Darcey, Stacey, and Florian are there as well with Georgi. Three of Georgis friends show up, and the party sits down outside.

But the drama isnt far behind. One of his friends says, You guys need to put yourself in Georgis shoes.

Ive been so selfless in this relationship, I just feel like at times Im being taken advantage of, Darcey reveals, which is heavy stuff to bring up in front of strangers.

But Georgi tells her, I quit my f job to move with you. Florian loudly says, Your wife is not happy bro. Your wife is not happy.

If shes not happy she can walk away, Georgi says back.

Well have to see how things play out from here when episode 3 of Darcey & Stacey premieres.
Legendary situation comedy producer Norman Lear recently turned 99. The television icon who revolutionized how sitcoms are done used his shows including All in the Family and Maude to explore topics previously considered shocking. Through comedy and controversy, Lear aimed to entertain viewers and possibly change some long-held beliefs.

And to celebrate his near-century of life, the One Day at a Time producer used the moment while in the spotlight to address an issue near and dear to his heart.

Television producer Norman Lear | Chris Polk/FilmMagic

Lear turned 99 on July 27

In an Instagram post marking his 99th birthday, the Good Times executive producer appeared in a video sitting in the back porch of his scenic vacation home in Vermont. Ive got a question for you, he said. Im 99 years old. I want to know if theres anybody you know or heard of in the history of humankind more fortunate than I. Cant think of any, can you?

Lear received an abundance of good wishes from many actors and television personalities that have worked with the industry legend throughout the years.

Everybody Loves Raymond showrunner Phil Rosenthal congratulated Lear saying, I might be a tiny bit luckier. Not just because of my stupidly lucky life, but because I know you, Norman. Happy Birthday my dear friend  no  family member  and many more. Lets eat!

Aww, Mr. Lear. You are a wonder and a delight, sir. Wishing you a gorgeous new year of your extraordinary life!, filmmaker Ava DuVernay said.

Will & Grace actor Debra Messing wished Lear a happy 99th: Happy Birthday dear Norman!! Im so happy you are surrounded by majestic beauty and loads of love on your special day! Im sending you the biggest hug ever.

What he drew attention to on his birthday

Lear, known for not shying away from making his opinions known whether in person or through a character on Maude, capitalized on his birthday by writing an op-ed piece for The Washington Post recently to shed light on the issue of voting rights.

As I begin my 100th year, Im baffled that voting rights are still under attack.https://t.co/235dUisyrv  Norman Lear (@TheNormanLear) July 27, 2021

In his essay titled As I begin my 100th year, Im baffled that voting rights are still under attack, Lear wrote that he woke up today at the start of my 100th year as a citizen of this beautiful, bewildering country. I am proud of the progress weve made in my first 99 years, and it breaks my heart to see it undermined by politicians more committed to their own power than the principles that should bind us together. Frankly, I am baffled and disturbed that 21st-century Americans must still struggle to protect their right to vote.

The television writer concluded by urging senators and anyone reading his words to protect voting rights and do whats right.

Norman Lears philosophy on mixing comedy and message

As much as those who wouldnt call themselves fans of Lears series might say he tirelessly editorializes, Lear in his memoir Even This I Get to Experience begged to differ.

If you want to send a message, I was told, use Western Union, he recalled being told at the start of his career. To me, laughter lacks depth if it isnt involved with other emotions. At some point, my response to the accusation that I was sending a message changed. I came to realize that, as a longtime observer of the culture, now in my 50s, why wouldnt I have a point of view and care to express it in my work?

I determined that I need not be apologetic and began saying openly, We will write and produce those stories that interest and involve us  and those are usually about something. Our humor expresses our concerns.'

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Ellen Pompeo has been riding high on the wave of Greys Anatomy success since its debut. She is one of TVs highest-paid actors, and her work on the hit show has earned her awards, fortune, and fame. On-screen, Pompeos character Meredith Grey isnt so lucky in love and has even lost two of her loves to death.

(L-R) Chris Ivery and Ellen Pompeo | Venturelli/Getty Images

Although her roles as a wife and mother seem tragic on TV, Pompeos real life is actually a parallel to Meredith. She has a long-lasting marriage to producer Chris Ivery, and they share three beautiful children. Interestingly the pairs love story began in an unconventional place. Find out how the couple met and more about Pompeos producer husband.

How did Pompeo and her husband meet

Pompeo was born and raised in Everett, Massachusetts. Her mother died from an accidental painkiller overdose when the actor was only four. Pompeos husband also grew up outside of Boston, Massachusetts, and the pair reportedly grew up 10 minutes apart. They, however, didnt officially meet until 2003.

Although celebrity couples, especially those in the acting business, tend to meet on sets or premieres, Pompeo and Ivery had less than a glamorous meeting, which perhaps explains the longevity of their relationship. The pair met at a grocery store in 2003 in Los Angeles. They got acquainted and began dating six months later.

According to Closer Weekly, before meeting Pompeo, Ivery had been involved in some legal troubles, including at least 13 convictions. Some of his record offenses included credit card fraud, postal theft, counterfeiting documents, and probation violations. He also served three stints in jail.

The publication notes that Pompeo and her husband were able to bond over their difficult upbringings. After confiding in his future wife, they dated for four years before getting married in 2007 in a private ceremony. The producer proposed on the stars birthday, and they didnt inform anyone of their engagement. The ceremony happened within one three-day weekend, and they got married at New York City Hall.

Ivery changed careers at 50 and knocked it out of the park

Pompeo is a megastar herself, but not much is known about her husband. The Greys Anatomy star doesnt talk about him a lot in media interviews unless the story involves her family but often features him on her social media pages.

Pompeo revealed that Ivery had been actively involved in the music industry for more than two decades before switching careers. During this time, he co-wrote Rihannas 2010 party anthem Cheers (Drink to That), featured in a 2012 episode of Smash. After putting the music industry behind him, Ivery launched a clothing line in 2019 called STLA.

Pompeo noted how proud she was of her husbands achievements, saying, he killed it. I mean, he knocked it out of the park. The couple has two daughters, Stella Luna Pompeo Ivery and Sienna May Pompeo Ivery, and a son Eli Christopher Pompeo Ivery.

Other celebs whove met in relatively normal places

Not every celebrity met their significant other in fancy places or glamorous parties. For instance, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex met through a mutual friend who set them up on a blind date. The pair hit it off from the start, and the rest, as they say, is history. Actor Kate Winslet and her husband Ned Smith met during a house fire.

The couple met while escaping a fire ravaging Sir Richard Bransons Necker Island home and began dating. They even gave their son Bear the middle name Blaze to remember their meeting. The Beckhams met in Victorias words in the Manchester United players lounge when they were hanging out with their respective families.

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The Ice Road is one of Netflixs latest original films. It debuted on the streaming platform in June 2021 and spent some time in the top 10 on the streaming giant, despite some very critical reviews. Its cast included one actor who has made a name for himself in over-the-top action: Liam Neeson. From memes to Netflix originals, Neeson has become synonymous with action. The Irish actor has starred in numerous films, with many of them in recent years especially being somewhat corny action movies with almost ridiculous plot lines. So how much Neeson was paid for The Ice Road? Although theres no real way of knowing, some educated guesses can be made.

The Ice Road starts with a bang

The Ice Road: Liam Neeson as Mike, Amber Midthunder as Tantoo. | Netflix

The Ice Road begins with a mining accident  an explosion  in the frozen reaches of northern Canada, and the only equipment available to dig the trapped miners out needs to be transported along a treacherous ice road. Neeson plays Mike McCann, who would like to retire but needs the money.

In an odd twist, the substantial amount of money the drivers will be paid for the trip will be allocated to the survivors, if any of the drivers die. Add in some unscrupulous mining executives and drivers after all of the money, and its not the ice road thats the treacherous part of the journey.

Initial reviews called it completely unrealistic and even contrived, but that seems to be a common theme for some of Neesons recent outings.

How much did Liam Neeson get paid for The Ice Road?

Netflix picked up the action flick for $18 million, according to Deadline. Apparently, other platforms were interested, but Netflix beat them out in the record deal. They only saw a promo, but with both Neeson and Laurence Fishburne starring, that was perhaps all they needed to see to drop millions of dollars on The Ice Road.

Critics at IndieWire, though, found that The Ice Road was mildly refreshing, but ultimately forgettable. The twists are odd, and the critics found it unfortunate that the actual ice road didnt play more of a role as a man vs. nature antagonist. Instead, the movie rushes toward a confrontation that ultimately, while fun to watch because its Neeson beating up bad guys, isnt what the movie could have been.

Jonathan Hensleigh directed The Ice Road. He previously worked on movies like Die Hard with a Vengeance and Armageddon. Over-the-top action seems to be his genre. The movie also stars Amber Midthunder.

Critics say that Neeson himself is the saving grace of this movie, and its clear the actor enjoys this type of lower-budget, but ultimately fun, action flick. Its impossible to find out exactly how much Liam Neeson was paid for The Ice Road, but with a paycheck of $18 million attached to the film, it wasnt just pocket change.

Neeson himself has a net worth of $145 million, which makes him one of the richest actors alive, according to Wealthy Gorilla.

Neeson has a couple more movies in the pipeline

Neeson turns 69 in 2021. Hes been the lead on movies like The Commuter, Run All Night, and Non-Stop, which are all similar to The Ice Road. With over-the-top action and unrealistic storylines, Neeson has cemented a place for himself as the go-to actor for these types of movies.

Neeson seems to enjoy this type of fun action. He told the Daily Mail that theres a couple more that hed like to do, and that they are in the pipeline. After that, he says hed like to be done. That will probably be it, Neeson says.

It would be the end of an era, for certain, when Neeson does hang it up, but he has treated us to some fun action romps in the last few years.

RELATED: Liam Neeson Plans to Keep Making Action Movies Until He Dies
The dog days of summer are here. Soaring temps might be keeping you inside, but fortunately for Hallmark Channel fans, there are plenty of new movies and shows to keep you entertained while you veg out on the couch.

The channels Summer Nights programming event is still in full swing. The August 2021 schedule includes a new movie starring When Calls the Heart actor Jack Wagner, plus three other premieres. You can also look forward to the premiere of Chesapeake Shores Season 5 and the last-ever episode of Home & Family.

The 27-Hour Day premieres August 7 on Hallmark Channel

Autumn Reeser in The 27-Hour Day | 2021 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Hugh Tull

Regular Hallmark Channel actors Autumn Reeser and Andrew Walker return to the network for The 27-Hour Day. Reeser plays Lauren, the creator of a wellness brand, The 27-Hour Day, dedicated to helping people make their lives more efficient. When an important business meeting goes awry, Lauren heads to a mountain retreat in Montana where shes forced to unplug by handing over all her electronics. Once there, Lauren falls for the retreats owner Jack (Walker), who has to struggle against his inclination not to get involved with a guest.

The 27-Hour Day airs Saturday, August 7 at 9 p.m. ET.

Sealed With a Kiss: Wedding March 6 premieres August 14

The final installment of Hallmarks Wedding March series arrives in August. Curt (Nathan Witte) and Autumn (Caitlyn Stryker) are a high-profile couple looking forward to their low-key wedding at Mick (Wagner) and Olivias (Jodie Bissett) Willow Lake Inn. But whats supposed to be a quiet celebration soon gets out of hand due to Curts celebrity status. Mick and Olivia have to figure out how to pull off the perfect event while also preparing for their own wedding. A last-minute opportunity for Mick further complicates their plans for the future.

Sealed With a Kiss: Wedding March 6 airs Saturday, August 14 at 9 p.m. ET.

A Little Daytime Drama premieres August 21

Daytime TV alums Jen Lilley and Ryan Paevey  who both appeared on General Hospital  star in A Little Daytime Drama, a new Hallmark movie about a writer for a soap opera (Lilley) who must convince her actor ex-boyfriend (Paevey) to return to the show in order to save it from cancellation.

A Little Daytime Drama airs Saturday, August 21 at 9 p.m. ET.

Sweet Pecan Summer premieres August 28

Christine Ko, Wes Brown, and Lauren Tom in Sweet Pecan Summer | 2021 Crown Media United States LLC

Amanda (Christine Ko) is a frustrated employee at a large cosmetic company who feels stymied in her career. When her aunt Carol (Lauren Tom) decides to sell her pecan farm, she turns to Amanda for help. But the mischievous Carol has a secret agenda, and it involves hiring J.P. (Wes Brown), Amandas ex-boyfriend as a broker. At first, Amanda and J.P. find themselves completely at odds, but soon, they begin to rekindle their old romance.

Sweet Pecan Summer airs Saturday, August 28 at 9 p.m. ET.

Chesapeake Shores Season 5 premieres August 15

In addition to new movies, Hallmark Channels August schedule also includes the premiere of Chesapeake Shores Season 5. Series star Jesse Metcalfe has announced hes leaving the show, which also stars Meghan Ory. This season will feature Orys Abby OBrien character moving forward with her life as well as the introduction of a new character, eccentric billionaire Evan Kincaid (Robert Buckley). New episodes air Sundays at 8 p.m. ET.

Finally, Hallmarks long-running daytime talk show Home & Family comes to an end this month. The last episode airs Wednesday, August 4.

[Correction: An earlier version of this article featured an incorrect title for A Little Daytime Drama.]

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Things are starting to look up for John B. (Chase Stokes) after he and Sarah Cameron (Madelyn Cline) reach Charleston. Meanwhile, the Pogues connect with a mysterious Charleston Kook who has information that can exonerate their friend. Find out what happens in the Outer Banks Season 2 episode Homecoming.

[SPOILER ALERT: Spoilers ahead for Outer Banks Season 2, Episode 4 Homecoming.]

MADISON BAILEY, RUDY PANKOW, and JONATHAN DAVISS | JACKSON LEE DAVIS/NETFLIX  2021

The Pogues visit Carla Limbrey in Homecoming

After hitting a few bumps in the road, the Pogues make it to Charleston to learn more about the mysterious letter Pope (Jonathan Daviss) receives from C. Limbrey (Elizabeth Mitchell). Theyve run Charleston for like 300 years, Kiara (Madison Bailey) says as the Pogues arrive at a sprawling mansion.

Pope is greeted by Carla Limbrey, a well-to-do woman with a mysterious gait, and her eerie henchman. To finding the unfindable, Limbrey says. She also mentions her long and tortured past with Ward Cameron (Charles Esten). Previously, they were partners in the search for the Royal Merchant.

Im afraid Big John Rutledge (Charles Halford) is not the only one Ward Cameron double-crossed, she says. Then, Limbrey reveals why shes summoned Pope to her home  she has a recorded phone call stating Rafe Cameron (Drew Starkey) is responsible for Sheriff Peterkins (Adina Porter) death.

While Carla can exonerate John B., she wants something in exchange  Denmark Tanneys key. Pope doesnt know what shes talking about, but Carla believes Popes family has the key.

Outer Banks Netflix legend of Denmark Tanney

Limbrey shares the tale of Denmark Tanney, one of Charlestons most famous ex-slaves. Tanney was a freed man who was wealthy enough to buy the freedom of his three sons. But when he tried to buy his wife, Cecelia, and daughters freedom, Limbreys paternal ancestors refused.

Eventually, Tanneys wife tried to run with the baby. She was chased by hounds and drowned, but the baby survived. Tanney was hanged for abetting a slave, but in reality, he was only trying to gather the remains of his wife.

The key leads to the cross, the cross of Santa Domingo; the real treasure lies at the foot of the angel, Limbrey says in Homecoming. Despite losing the $400 million in gold to Ward, it looks like the Pogues have more treasure to hunt this season.

Homecoming reunites the Pogues in the Outer Banks

After a wild chase scene through Charleston, the Pogues link up with John B. and Sarah. The group manages to escape Limbreys clutches, sailing back to John B.s paradise for a homecoming party.

Stupid things have good outcomes all the time, J.J. (Rudy Pankow) tells Sarah, who thinks its a bad idea to be partying in such a locale. As it turns out, she isnt wrong.

Rafe Cameron struggles knowing John B. is back in the Outer Banks

When Rafe finds out John B. is back home  hes spotted by a Kook while getting beer for his homecoming  he visits Barry (Nicholas Cirillo) for a weapon. You need to go at this s like a freaking soldier, Barry tells him, wary of Rafes erratic ways. But the Cameron money is too tempting and Barry gives him a gun anyway.

what u done country cluuuub pic.twitter.com/OlTqKIodfE  obxnetflix (@obxnetflix) July 11, 2021

RELATED: Outer Banks Fans Appreciate the Shows Ability to Tackle Tough Issues

Together, he and Rafe head to John B.s Pogue compound. Frustrated that he cant find the Pogues hiding in the tree above him, Rafe starts shooting his gun aimlessly, justifying Barrys concerns.

Sarah Cameron confronts Ward and John B. is taken into custody

After avoiding him in the Bahamas, Sarah finally confronts Ward in episode 4. Do you remember the night of the storm? Sarah asks her father. You promised that if I came back, you would tell the truth. Im going to testify against you.

She wants him to convince Rafe to turn himself in. But Ward wont do that. In his opinion, John B. is greedy and the reason Sheriff Peterkin is dead, albeit not the murderer.

By the end of Homecoming, the cops are aware of John B.s location. They swarm his hideout and, after a brief beating, John B. is taken into custody. Like Stokes told Netflix Life, its going to be another wild ride.
Ree Drummond has built quite a life for herself on her Oklahoma ranch. The Food Network star married Ladd Drummond in 1996 and has been living in Pawhuska, Oklahoma ever since. Though Drummond loves her life, she once imagined shed be living in the city  but shes happy her life worked out so differently than she once thought it would.

The Pioneer Woman star Ree Drummond with her husband, Ladd, in 2017 | Monica Schipper/Getty Images for The Pioneer Woman Magazine

The Pioneer Woman star Ree Drummond had to adjust to life on a rural ranch

When Drummond first met her husband, Ladd, she was smitten. The couple crossed paths at an Oklahoma bar, and while it took several months for them to actually start dating, Drummond knew he was the one. Still, shed never pictured herself settling down somewhere so rural; she wanted to be a big city gal and even went to school in California.

However, Drummond was willing to set her city dreams aside in favor of a new dream: Marrying Ladd. When the two tied the knot, Drummond had to adjust to life on the ranch  and she admitted that, while it was worth it, it wasnt so easy. Drummond once even joked about being afraid of serial killers when she first moved in. Plus, she had to wake up before the sun, which is something she still adjusts to even today.

RELATED: The Pioneer Woman: Ree Drummond Once Revealed the 1 Thing She Loves About Owning the Mercantile

Ree Drummond once revealed what she thought shed be doing if she hadnt married Ladd Drummond

Though moving to a ranch was an adjustment, it has certainly proven to be worth it. Back in 2006, Drummond started her Pioneer Woman blog, which has since led to a Food Network show, plenty of cookbooks, and the creation of nothing short of an empire (though she doesnt like to call it that).

Drummond doesnt often think about where shed be if things hadnt turned out the way they had, but she was once asked the question by Cowboys & Indians Magazine. And her response suggested she might have lived out another dream of hers.

My previous boyfriend was from Newport Beach, so I might be a Real Housewife of Orange County, Drummond said, which is funny, since she absolutely loves the Real Housewives franchise. But I dont really dwell on the what-ifs or whys. I live very much in today, and I trust I am where God intends for me to be at this moment. Drummond also added that she tries not to think too much about the future. Theres no way to know what tomorrow brings  But to me, thats the fun part.

The Pioneer Woman star Ree Drummond and family in 2017 | Monica Schipper/Getty Images for The Pioneer Woman Magazine

Though Drummond didnt live out her big city dreams, her kids seem well on their way to doing so. Drummonds oldest daughter Alex recently married Mauricio Scott, and the two have settled down in Dallas, Texas  a far cry from the rolling hills of Pawhuska.

Paige Drummond is still in college, but she seems to love visiting her big sister in Dallas. We wouldnt be surprised if Paige follows a similar route and ends up in a big city. As for Drummonds other kids, its a bit too early to tell.
Yellowstone has featured numerous picturesque locations and breathtaking views during its first three seasons. But the best scenery of all is the Dutton Ranch and their gorgeous cabin in Montana, a property thats been in the family for generations.

The Duttons and their land are fictional, but the Yellowstone shooting locations are very real. In fact, fans can actually book a stay at the real-life Dutton Ranch.

Kevin Costner (John Dutton) and the cowboys of Yellowstone | Paramount Network

Yellowstone shot the first three seasons in Montana and Utah

Yellowstone is set in Montanas Big Sky country, where the fictional Dutton ranch shares a boundary with a local Native American tribe. Theres also another border with Yellowstone National Park. Its touted as the largest ranch in the contiguous United States, which means it covers hundreds of thousands of acres.

But according to the Salt Lake City Tribune, approximately 75 percent of Yellowstones production during the first three seasons took place in and around Park City, Utah. The other 25 percent was in and around the 2,500-acre real-life Chief Joseph Ranch near Darby, Montana.

The Dutton family log cabin is located on the Chief Joseph Ranch

For season 4, Yellowstone moved production entirely to the state of Montana where they filmed in and around the city of Missoula. That means the scenery will change, but the one constant is the familys gorgeous log cabin.

That cabin is a real-life 5,000-square foot mansion that is located at the Chief Joseph Ranch. Filming locations inside the main house include the lodges great room, back porch, front porch, heli pad, and kitchen. On the outside, theyve filmed at the bunkhouse, barns, armory, cabins, corrals, and arena.

But that property isnt just a Yellowstone filming location. The Chief Joseph Ranch is a real-life working cattle ranch, and that cabin is a family home. When Yellowstone isnt in production, the ranch doubles as a vacation spot with cabins for rent.

Yellowstone fans can book a stay at the Dutton Ranch

Fans cant book a stay at the Dutton home. But, they can stay on the ranch in one of the two cabins, which have both been featured on Yellowstone. The Fisherman Cabin  AKA Lee Duttons cabin in season 1 and Rip Wheelers cabin in season 3  is available to rent. As is the Ben Cook Cabin, which was Rips in season 1 before it became Kayces in season 2.

Both cabins sleep a maximum of eight guests and feature a full kitchen and outdoor grill. The ranch doesnt provide meals. But, there is a market close by and several restaurants in the towns of Darby and Hamilton.

Availability is currently limited

Between production for Yellowstone season 5 and guests whove already made reservations, the Chief Joseph Ranch is booked solid through the end of 2021. However, fans can call the property at (406) 821-0894 or visit their website to inquire about availability and get more info.

The Paramount filming schedule for 2022 is not available at this time. Please continue to visit our website for updates and scheduling information, the site reads. Thank you for watching the series and we look forward to making a reservation with you!

What can Yellowstone fans do when they stay at the real-life Dutton Ranch?

The Chief Joseph Ranch requires a minimum three-night stay, and they do allow you to bring your own horses to ride. Guests can spend their time at the ranch hiking through the mountains and enjoying the views of the Bitterroot River Valley. They can also go fishing and horseback riding. Essentially, its the full John Dutton experience, as if you were on the set of Yellowstone.

On the ranch, were actually filming where its actually set. Its almost like the most central character, star Kevin Costner said in an interview with Vanity Fair. You step outside and you see running horses and men working and the weather dictates what you do.

Yellowstone seasons 1 through 3 are available on Peacock. Season 4 is expected to premiere on the Paramount Network in November.

RELATED: Yellowstone Announces Major Cast Shake-Up Amid Season 4 Delay
Laura Ann Spangler Howard, 77 of Laramie, WY was called home to be with her family in Heaven on Wednesday July 21, 2021. She was born on June 3, 1944 in Chickasha,OK to Orby and Mabel Spangler. Ann graduated from Chickasha High School. She married her husband Michel Don Howard on September 2
Fulani herders kill kidnapped pastor; behead father, 7-year-old son

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Fulani herdsmen beheaded a Christian man and his 7-year-old son and killed a pastor they had kidnapped two weeks earlier in two separate attacks in northern Nigeria, according to reports.

Thomas Wollo, 46, and his 7-year-old son, Nggwe Thomas, were beheaded by herdsmen close to their home in Tafigana village in Plateau states Bassa Local Government Area as they were returning from choir practice at about 8:50 p.m. on Sunday, the U.S.-based persecution watchdog group International Christian Concern reported.

Zongo Lawrence, the spokesman for Miango Youth Development Association, was quoted as saying that the herdsmen destroyed a large part of farmland in a nearby village after the attack.

Seventeen of our people have been killed by Fulani herdsmen this year. The international community should come to our aid; we are under heavy siege, Lawrence said.

In Kogi State last Thursday, the Rev. Danlami Yakwoi of the Evangelical Church Winning All died in captivity after being tortured by Fulani herdsmen, Morning Star News reported.

Yakwoi had been kidnapped along with two of his sons and a nephew in Tawari area on July 12, church secretary Musa Shekwolo was quoted as saying.

The news of the pastors death came after one of his children who was kidnapped was released.

Yakwois family paid a ransom for the release of his son, Shekwolo said.

ICC designates Fulani radicals as the fourth-deadliest terror group globally, which has surpassed the Boko Haram terrorist group as the greatest threat to Nigerian Christians.

Many believe that the attacks are motivated by jihadist Fulanis' desire to take over farmland and impose Islam on the population and are frustrated with the Muslim-dominated government that is believed to be enabling such atrocities, ICC warned in May.

The Anambra-based International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law estimated in May that as many as 1,470 Christians were killed in Nigeria during the first four months of 2021, the highest estimate in the first four months of any year since 2014. The number also surpasses the estimated number of Christians killed in 2019. The report estimated that as many as 300 people had been killed in Kaduna in the first four months of 2021.

In the first four months of this year, the organization estimates that at least 2,200 Christians were abducted. Kaduna state recorded the highest number of abductions at 800.

The Global Terrorism Index ranked Nigeria as the third-most affected country by terrorism and reported over 22,000 deaths by acts of terror from 2001 to 2019.

Advocates, including U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Commissioner Gay Bauer, have warned that Nigeria will move relentlessly toward a Christian genocide if action is not taken. The U.S. State Department recognizes Nigeria as a "country of particular concern" for tolerating or engaging in severe violations of religious freedom.

Islamic extremism, notably carried out by groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province in northeast Nigeria, has led to thousands of deaths and millions displaced in recent years.
Georgia megachurch, UMC conference enter mediation amid threat of separation, asset seizure

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A Georgia megachurch seeking to leave the United Methodist Church and the regional church body that recently seized its assets have begun a mediation process to resolve the tenuous situation.

Mt. Bethel UMC of Marietta, which has about 10,000 members, and the UMC North Georgia Conference jointly announced Wednesday that they are looking to resolve their differences.

Mt. Bethel UMC and the UMC's North Georgia Conference have jointly agreed to use their best efforts to resolve an ongoing dispute through a mediation process and will refrain from public comment on this matter until the mediation process has concluded, reads the statement.

The joint statement also explained that Mt. Bethel Christian Academy, a private school overseen by the megachurch that serves kindergarten through 12th grade, will also be included in the mediation process.

In April, Mt. Bethel leadership unanimously voted to begin a process of discernment for leaving the UMC, citing as reasons the reassignment of lead pastor Jody Ray and what they considered the overall direction of the mainline Protestant denomination.

UMC pastors are usually assigned to a congregation for one year at a time, with the possibility of being sent to another congregation or a different role occurring annually.

Given the recent actions of our bishop and the direction of the United Methodist denomination, both the leadership and members of Mt. Bethel Church strongly believe it is time for us to part ways with the denomination, a church spokesperson told The Christian Post in April.

We believe this process could be accomplished in a matter of months if the Bishop and the North Georgia Annual Conference are willing to enter into an amicable and orderly disaffiliation.

The church went on to state that its members simply want to continue serving in this great community and making our church a beacon of hope for all Gods people.

Mt. Bethel also filed a complaint before the UMC Southeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops. The church accused North Georgia Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson and a local district superintendent of Disobedience to the Order and Discipline of The United Methodist Church and Haupert-Johnson of Relationships and/or Behaviors that Undermines the Ministry of Another Pastor.

Haupert-Johnson wrote a pastoral letter defending the decision to reassign Ray to another position, saying it was not done out of spite.

The placement of a pastor is not done as a form of punishment. The reassignment of a pastor is not designed to persecute, wrote Haupert-Johnson in April.

Instead, the process is begun with the goal of matching the gifts and graces of a particular pastor with the ministry needs of a particular congregation and community in a particular season.

Ray maintained that he wasn't consulted about the reassignment to a position in the conference on racial reconciliation.

On July 12, the conference announced that it had seized control of the church's assets, explaining in a statement that it did so out of love for the church and its mission." The conference cited exigent circumstances for the decision.

Given this determination, all assets of the local church have transferred immediately to the Conference Board of Trustees of the North Georgia Conference, stated the conference at the time.

These conference agencies have taken action to preserve the legacy of the Mt. Bethel church and its longstanding history of mission and ministry.

Mt. Bethel leadership disputed the claims of exigent circumstances, pointing to examples of the contrary, such as the church having a vibrant congregation, financial stability and adhering to Book of Discipline rules on clergy.

Despite an unresolved formal complaint, Mt. Bethel has agreed to accept appointed clergy under protest given that said proposal has been approved by the North Georgia Conference and is now official, stated the church on an FAQ page entry.

Mt. Bethel has not violated the Discipline by hiring its preaching pastor, nor has it allowed uncredentialed use of the Pulpit."
Baptist association missions leader resigns over 'inappropriate behavior' with teenager Crossroads Baptist Association says misconduct 'fell far short of sex or sexual abuse'

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A Baptist association missions leader in central Missouri has resigned after confessing to inappropriate behavior involving a female teenager several years ago.

Mark Carter, who has been employed as director of missions in central Missouri for the Crossroads Baptist Association since 2017, recently stepped down from the role he has held since 2017.

Crossroads Baptist Association, which includes a network of 29 churches affiliated with the Missouri Baptist Convention, said in a statement shared with The Christian Post that the organization was only recently made aware of Carter's past actions. Following the discovery, the association immediately acted to notify local law enforcement and state authorities about the facts surrounding Carter's involvement with the then-teen.

It is not immediately clear what the age of the teenager in question was at the time.

In an email, the association confirmed that as far as they know, "there have been no legal charges."

"The parties have agreed that the conduct of texting and touching was inappropriate, especially for a minister, but, the misconduct fell far short of sex or sexual abuse," the email stated. "Legal authorities do not believe there was a crime, and so legal charges were not filed and are not expected."

The association added that volunteers are "assisting with the associational operations until a decision about a replacement for director of the association is made."

The Missouri Baptist Convention released a statement through its news publication, The Pathway. Crossroads Baptist Association stressed that the convention's statement "clearly expresses the heart of the Crossroads Baptist Association."

The Missouri Baptist Convention said it grieves to learn that a Carter has engaged in inappropriate behavior toward a young person  "specifically, texting, emails, and inappropriate touching."

The convention also said the leaders of the Crossroads Baptist Association continue to love and minister to the young person and others impacted by Carter's "sin."

The convention reminds all churches to report any troubling or offensive conduct by anyone at church or related activities and notify appropriate local and state authorities immediately.

"We join the association's leaders in gratitude that the young person came forward, and in grieving the harm caused by leader's sin," the convention's statement reads.

"We also stand with the churches of the association in stating clearly that inappropriate behavior of any kind is not tolerated and will be addressed immediately, including the immediate reporting to all appropriate authorities. We know that all sin grieves the heart of God. He has given His followers responsibility for ensuring that our churches are the safest places for people and families to gather and worship."



Rob Phillips, the director of ministry support and apologetics at Missouri Baptist Convention, told CP in an email that the convention can't mandate training but has "long encouraged our affiliated churches to train their members in matters of church security and sexual abuse prevention."

"This includes 'Stewards of Children' conducted by Missouri Baptist Childrens Home and 'Caring Well' an initiative of the Southern Baptist Convention," Phillips explained.

He noted that the convention can't "answer for every church" since Southern Baptist churches are "independent and affiliate voluntarily."

"However, we know that our churches are experiencing a heightened sense of awareness with respect to sexual abuse and are taking positive steps to address this," he assured. "Many of our churches tell us they are going beyond standard background checks to ensure they are taking the greatest care to make our churches the safest possible places for people to gather and worship."

Such additional steps, he said, include participation in churchwide training offered by the MBC and the Southern Baptist Convention and other available resources.

"All of us have a sacred responsibility to protect the most vulnerable among us. Awareness, prevention, diligence, church discipline  all of these are essential elements in ensuring that the children Jesus welcomes into his arms are equally safe in ours," Phillips stated. "The body of Christ always suffers when Gods people sin. And as we address these sins, we need to keep our focus on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12:2)."
Christian CEO fired over views on marriage wins religious discrimination case

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A court in Scotland has ruled in favor of a Christian CEO who they said was unjustly fired by the countrys biggest grant-making trust because of his Christian views on marriage.

Kenneth Ferguson was unlawfully discriminated against by The Robertson Trust and its Chairwoman Shonaig Macpherson for believing that marriage is exclusively between a man and woman, an Employment Tribunal has ruled.

The Christian Institute, which supported Ferguson, announced the ruling in a statement on Friday.

Ferguson is an elder of Stirling Free Church, which holds traditional views on marriage and abortion.

The Christian CEO was dismissed from the Glasgow-based Trust last March after Macpherson objected to the church hiring the Barracks Conference Centre, a Trust property, for its Sunday services.

But the Trust reportedly cited performance issues as the reason for his firing.

I was told by two members of my senior management team that Shonaig Macpherson went ballistic and was almost unable to speak because she was so angry, Ferguson said previously, according to The Herald.

She kept asking why the Trust had rented to the Stirling Free Church. One colleague told me that Shonaig had said definitely not the Free Church, anyone but the Free Church, they dont believe in same-sex marriage. They said she was incandescent with anger.

The Tribunal observed that Macpherson appeared to be seeking to find reasons to justify firing Ferguson prior to March 2020.

The issue of the beliefs of the claimant and Church with which he was associated had been on the mind of Macpherson throughout the whole procedure, the ruling said.

It added that Fergusons beliefs on marriage were protected and that it was trite that it is lawful to hold such beliefs and to express them.

Im just relieved this is over, Ferguson was quoted as saying after the ruling. Its been a very difficult time for me and my family.

He added, I was treated by The Robertson Trust in a way I had never been treated before in my whole professional life. But Im satisfied that justice has been done. The Tribunal has ruled that they were wrong to behave that way and Im grateful.

The Christian Institutes Deputy Director for Public Affairs Simon Calvert called the ruling a welcome re-statement of the principle, upheld again and again in the courts, that the Christian belief that marriage is between a man and a woman is a belief protected by equality law and worthy of respect in a democratic society.

Calvert said it was a just outcome and one which sounds a warning to those who think they can mistreat Christians in the workplace.

Although the church had hired the property in June 2019 for one year, it was asked to quit for not complying with the Trust policy.

The court's next step is to hold a hearing to decide the amount of damages which The Robertson Trust will have to pay Ferguson.
RZIM leader Vince Vitale announces resignation in wake of Ravi Zacharias scandal

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Vince Vitale of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries has announced his decision to step down from the organization, effective next week, along with his wife, Jo, who also works for the ministry.

In a letter, they said they had undergone a time of repentance following a devastating report last December into alleged sexual misconduct by the ministry's founder, the late Ravi Zacharias.

"Thank you for allowing us a few minutes of your time. We have sought to spend this season lamenting, listening, and learning from others rather than speaking," the Vitales said.

The couple said that since the publication of the report, they had sought to live with "three very strong convictions."

"One of these convictions was that God was leading us to take seriously what we personally needed to repent of  to spend far more of our prayers, thoughts, and words on our own mistakes and failures than on those of anyone else," they said.

"Another conviction, this our most pressing, was that RZIM's response to the grave abuse that occurred was critically important  most crucially for the survivors, and also for the mission and witness of the wider church in sober recognition of the need to do far better to ensure that the vulnerable are seen and heard and valued and safe."

The couple then said they stayed with the organization until now because they wanted to be able to speak into "significant decisions" about RZIM's future and its response to victims in the months that followed the release of the report.

"The third conviction we have lived with since December has been that once we had done what we could to encourage a victim-centered response, it would be important for us to step into a substantial season of reordering," they said.

"This is why we are resigning now  in order to embrace the time and space needed to allow ourselves to be deeply formed by all that we have been humbled by and wrecked over in the last year."

Looking to the future, the Vitales said they wanted to spend the next season in a period of introspection.

"One challenge we want to wrestle with is to what extent subconscious desires, for example to be thought well of or to preserve relationships, might have contributed to some of the ways we acted and failed to act," they said.

The letter ends by expressing their desire to do better going forward.

"We will always deeply grieve the suffering and the ways in which we contributed to it, but it is our prayer that the grief we carry from this will serve as a lasting reminder of our duty to care for the many whose wounds are far deeper than our own," they said.

Originally published by Christian Today
Rep. Chip Roy slams Pelosi over House mask mandate, ignoring COVID spike at migrant facilities

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A Republican congressman accused House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democrats of hypocrisy after a mask mandate was reintroduced for vaccinated representatives while the Biden administration continues to transport COVID-19 positive migrants across the country without notifying local health authorities.

During remarks on the House floor Wednesday, Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, lamented that We have a crisis at our border and were playing footsie with mask mandates.

Roys comments followed the re-introduction of mask mandates for members of the House as well as updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control stating that vaccinated Americans are to wear masks indoors in parts of the country and advised children to wear masks at school.

Roy detailed the situation at the United States southern border with Mexico, which he described as people spilling across the border who are clearly testing positive for COVID.

We have a hotel in La Joya, Texas, that is literally filled right now with individuals who are heavily testing positive for COVID, he added.

The border town of La Joya is one of many Texas communities trying to manage the influx of migrants, some of whom need treatment for COVID-19. The La Joya Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Monday (followed by a press conference on Tuesday) that a La Joya police officer was waved down by a [concerned] citizen" at a Whataburger who was worried that a COVID-19 positive family was in the restaurant and not wearing face coverings to protect others from getting infected.

The citizen explained to the officer that she had observed a family group who were not being observant of proper health guidelines. She stated that the family was coughing and sneezing without covering their mouths and were not wearing face masks.

Upon talking to the family, the officer learned they had been apprehended by Border Patrol days prior and were released because they were sick with Covid-19. He also discovered that they were staying at the Texas Inn Hotel in La Joya.

A manager for the hotel said Catholic Charities of The Rio Grande Valley had booked all the rooms in the hotel to house undocumented immigrants that were detained By Border Patrol, the department added.

In the Facebook post, the La Joya Police Department added that Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley did not inform the La Joya Police Department that people that had symptoms or were sick with Covid-19 were going to be placed in the Texas Inn Hotel.

During his speech on the House floor, Roy said he received a text message from the sheriff of Uvalde, Texas, stating that the city council planned to pass an "emergency declaration" stating that migrants would not be allowed to be released in the city unless they had tested negative for COVID-19.

Roy maintained that congressional Democrats are going to do nothing, literally nothing to address the absolute travesty at the border. He further accused Democrats of mixed messaging regarding the seriousness of the coronavirus pandemic.

The American people are fed up. They want to go back to life. They want to go back to business; they want to go back to school without their children being forced to wear masks," Roy said.

The speaker comes down here at 10 in the morning saying weve got to wear masks in the peoples House while weve got thousands of people pouring across our border and Democrats dont do a darn thing about it, heavily infected with COVID, he asserted.

Roy added that he agreed with the characterization of the new CDC guidelines as some serious nanny state stuff that will only breed resentment, suggesting that imposing restrictions on the American people while none are placed on immigrants entering the country illegally will only worsen that resentment.

The Texas congressman's concerns about COVID-infected migrants crossing the southern border were shared by two federal whistleblowers who filed a complaint Wednesday alleging that at a Texas facility set up to care for migrant children  ... masks were not consistently provided to children, nor was their use consistently enforced.

At the Fort Bliss facility, located near El Paso, Hundreds of children contracted COVID in the overcrowded conditions, the whistleblowers said.

The whistleblowers' complaint, filed on behalf of Arthur Pearlstein of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and Social Security Administration lawyer Lauren Reinhold, stated that COVID was widespread among children and eventually spread to many employees.

Both federal employees were stationed at Fort Bliss to help with the migrant surge. Despite the coronavirus outbreak, the complaint said that every effort was made to downplay the degree of COVID infection at the site, and the size of the outbreak was deliberately kept under wraps.

The filing added: At a town hall meeting with detailees, a senior U.S. Public Health Service manager was asked and refused to say how many were infected because if that graph [of infections] is going to The Washington Post, its the only thing well be dealing with and politics will take over, perception will take over, and were about reality, not perception.

At the beginning of his impassioned speech on the House floor, Roy mentioned Title 42, a policy implemented by the Trump administration amid the coronavirus pandemic that would allow border officials to turn away those seeking to enter the U.S.

Upon taking office, the Biden administration tamped down enforcement of Title 42 and gutted the Migrant Protection Protocols, which required those seeking asylum in the U.S. to remain in Mexico while their asylum claims were adjudicated.

Critics of the Biden administration blame the abandonment of the aforementioned policies for the astronomical number of border crossings that has continued to increase each month that President Joe Biden has been in office.

According to Customs and Border Protection, there were 188,829 encounters between law enforcement officials and migrants at the southwest border in June, an increase of more than 8,000 from the previous month.

By contrast, in February, Bidens first full months in office, there were 101,095 encounters between law enforcement officials and migrants. With three months to go in fiscal year 2021, 1,119,204 encounters have occurred thus far, more than double the 458,088 that took place in all of fiscal year 2002.
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I often struggle with fear. It isnt a run-of-the-mill fear. Its a fear of the man in the white cravat. A man who smokes a pipe and wears a smoking jacket often wears a cravat (sometimes called an ascot). It is a type of silk handkerchief that sits like a small puffy pillow in place of a tie. When Charles Spurgeon spoke of the preacher who sees one of these upper-class folks in his congregation, he said, A preacher is all on a quiver because a person [is wearing] a white cravat...

I often see the man with the white cravat as I am about to open my mouth to preach open-air. He stands out in the crowd. He isnt really wearing a white cravat, but his clothes show me he might as well be. He is tall. He is dressed impeccably. He carries a genuine leather briefcase. His demeanor intimidates me. When I begin to speak, I imagine that he is thinking thoughts of condescension.

When I am about to witness one-to-one, he usually whispers in my ear that I should keep my faith to myselfor at least have the decency to wait until people ask me about it.

But when the woman at the well asked Jesus why He had spoken to her, He didnt say, Because I was thirsty. Thanks for the drink. Have a nice day. Instead, He injected eternity into the temporal. That was His agenda, so He took the initiative. He didnt keep it to Himself.

Make the first move

The Great Commission is not: Wait until people come to you. It is: Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. So, when I see someone who I suspect is unsaved, I make the first move...no matter how much it scares me.

When Mr. Cravat intimidates me, I think, If this person dies in his sins, he will go to Hell for eternity. Do I care about him or about myself? Am I ashamed of Jesus Christ? If I am, I am a shame to Him.

Let me share with you a few days of my life and my constant battle with the man in the white cravat.

Day 1

It was near midnight. Kirk Cameron and I had just returned to our hotel in Wichita, Kansas, after speaking at the opening sessions of a conference. The receptionist was a male in his early twenties. He was wearing two metal studs inside his nostrils. They sat like two shiny rocks at the entrance of two small caves. Christians dont usually wear studs on the inside of their noses, so I put out a feeler to see where he was spiritually. I asked him if he was going to the conference.

Things werent right between him and God, so we gently spoke to him about eternal matters. He was very open and sincerely thankful that we had taken the time to reason with him about his eternal welfare.

Day 2

Kirk left early the next day for Los Angeles. I left eight hours later, and as I walked into the airport, I saw a police officer hold up a Million Dollar Bill tract and say to an airport worker, Kirk Cameron gave it to me. I smiled as I thought about how Kirk was ignoring the man in the white cravat.

As I walked behind a tall, slow-moving, and cool-looking black youth, I thought, Hes walking so slowly that I think I can witness to him before we part at the end of this hallway. I ignored my fears, caught up to him, and said, How are you doing? As he responded with a cool, Wassupp? I handed him a Million Dollar Bill and said, Did you get one of these? Its a gospel tract. Have you had a Christian background? He had. Do you think you are a good person? He did. So I went through the Ten Commandments and into grace, repentance, and faith. He was very thankful that I had spoken to him about eternal things, and I left him with a booklet called Save Yourself Some Pain.

Even though the flight to Los Angeles was almost full, the seat next to me was empty. An Asian woman wearing glasses sat one seat over from me. As I sat in my seat, I could see three obvious reasons not to witness to this woman. First, she might not speak English. Second, she was sitting one seat over, so there could be no real depth of conversation. She might as well have been on the other side of the Grand Canyon. And third, she was wearing glasses, so she must be an avid readerobviously well versed in the things of the world and therefore extremely intelligent and highly educated to a point where she would be condescending toward the things of God. There was no doubt about it: she was wearing a white cravat. Fear was back.

However, if she was unsaved, she would die in her sins and go to Hell for eternity. I struck up a conversation with her and found that she had a Christian background but wasnt baptized. I then asked her if she thought that she was a good person. She said she was, so I took her through the Ten Commandments and explained the love of God in the cross as well as the necessity of repentance and faith. She listened to every word, was very humble in attitude, gratefully took Save Yourself Some Pain, and immediately read it from cover to cover. She then leaned forward and closed her eyes in silent prayer for a few moments. I was so pleased that I hadnt listened to my fears and had instead injected eternity into the temporary.

Day 3

The next day I had to meet a termite inspector at our house. He checked for termites, and as we walked to the gate, I gave him a copy of 101 Things Husbands Do to Annoy Their Wives and inquired if he had had a Christian background. He said he was Catholic, so I asked him if he considered himself to be a good person. He did, but after we had gone through a few of the Commandments, he held up both hands and headed for his car. He said that he didnt want to hear anymore and almost ran away from me. I was disappointed that I didnt even get to share the cross, and I was tempted to think that I had failed. But God is the best judge of what is success and what is failure. I prayed for him and went back to our ministry.

Minutes after I arrived, two police officers were ushered into my office. A week earlier Kirk and I had rented an orangutan for a day for our TV program on the subject of evolution, and the officers had posed for pictures with Bambam. They had now come back to pick up the pictures.

As we made small talk, I began feeling that I should witness to them. Suddenly these men looked like two giants wearing white cravats. It was their uniforms that were intimidating me! I reminded myself that they were ordinary men in special clothes, and if I cared about them, I would ignore my negative thoughts. One was a Christian, so I gently zeroed in on the other officer. It was a little awkward as he (an officer of the law) admitted to being a lying thief. Nevertheless, he thanked me for speaking to him about eternity and took some literature.

That night I read where Charles Spurgeon said:

No sinner looks to the Savior with a dry eye or a hard heart. Aim, therefore, at heart-breaking, at bringing home condemnation to the conscience and weaning the mind from sin. Be not content till the whole mind is deeply and vitally changed in reference to sin.

Injecting eternal in the temporal

Think for a moment about the late President Kennedy. One moment he was sitting in his limo with his wife, smiling and waving to adoring crowds. The next moment he was in eternity. A small piece of fast-moving metal sent him there in a split second of time. Imagine you were taken back in time to the moment before he got into the limo. You cant stop the assassination, but you can talk to him for a few moments about eternity. Are you intimidated by his status to a point of silence? Of course you arent. You know what will happen to him! You look beyond the white cravat. You look into his eyes. You see the frailty of his humanity and think how, in a moment of time, he will be blasted into death.

All around us, people are smiling and waving at each other. They arent thinking about eternity. They dont see the invisible. They have no concept of the eternal. You do. You know what awaits them. Death is snatching them every minute of every day. Please dont be intimidated into silence. Dont dawdle while they sink into Hell. Take the initiative. Seize the moment for eternity.

While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18).
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If you've been to Cracker Barrel lately, you might have noticed something new and different on the menu: alcohol.

Recently, my wife Kim and I went to Cracker Barrel and enjoyed a wonderful home-cooked-style meal. Afterward, Kim asked for a slice of apple pie. "I'm sorry," said our server, "but Cracker Barrel no longer serves apple pie." I replied, "Young lady, you're just the server at this establishment, and I know you're not responsible, but I want you to take a message back to management for me." She said, "Certainly, sir."

I then proceeded to say:

"I find it disturbing a restaurant such as Cracker Barrelone that my family has enjoyed for yearsone that celebrates tradition, hard work, and core American values, finds it more important to have alcohol on its menu than to continue serving good ole American apple pie! I suppose the change reflects current trends, but it doesn't speak well of Cracker Barrel. Does alcohol have to be everywhere? Is there no respite for families who choose not to drink and would prefer to go somewhere on occasion where it isn't served?"

Within only minutes, the manager of Cracker Barrel was at our table. I repeated my concerns. She was very gracious and said she understood completely and would pass my concerns along to corporate headquarters in Lebanon, Tennessee.

Well, I don't intend to wait for her to do it. I'm going to speak to corporate myself. I plan to be courteous when I talk to them, but I want them to know the Cracker Barrel that sold apple pie and not booze, is the one many customers such as me preferred.

It just doesn't seem like Cracker Barrel anymore when I look at the table next to me and see numerous empty beer cans. Moreover, it's not comforting to know the folk at that table just left and got back on the highway.

Of course, many will respond by saying people are free in this country and should be able to purchase alcohol if they want it, whenever they want it, and wherever they want it.

Granted, America is free, and thank God for it. But freedom is real only in so far as its proper relationship to others. Freedom should be restricted at the point where the rights of another begin. So please don't talk to me about one's freedom to drink or any establishment's right to sell alcohol when those of us who dont drink have to pick up the tab for the sky-high social costs of drinking. Where is our freedom? We're chained to it whether we choose it or not.

How high are these social costs? Verywellmind.com correctly says alcohol use and abuse is estimated to cost this country more than $249 billion each year. That amounts to at least $807 per citizen or roughly $2.05 per drink. That's a price tag everyone pays.

Verywellmind.com further states:

"The CDC believes that the $249 billion in annual costs is largely underestimated, in part because many injuries and alcohol-related health problems remain either reported or undiagnosed. Moreover, many of the workplace lossessuch as those related to absenteeismcannot be measured directly, making it difficult to place a dollar value on such losses. "To complicate matters even further, the $249 billion in alcohol-related expenses do not include $193 billion lost to illicit drug use, a figure described in the Surgeon General's 2016 Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health. Since people can use alcohol and drugs at the same time, some of the $193 billion attributed to drug use may be partially caused by alcohol."

I don't mean to be sanctimonious. Still, some of us, I think, are sick of alcoholsick of its signage everywhere, sick of our youth's exposure to it, sick of the light-hearted jokes and attitude about it despite the pain it causes, and the death and the carnage. Most of all, some are sick and tired of the lack of respect for those of us who choose not to drink.

Bring back the apple pie. Forget the beer, wine and mimosas. It ain't fittin' I tell ya. The alcohol sold at Cracker Barrel doesn't match the store and restaurant's theme through the years. Moreover, it was nice when folks like myself could go there and not have it shoved in our faces.

I'll be calling Cracker Barrel about this; if you feel the same way, you might want to contact them, too.

Ahh  they got no apple pie, but they got booze!

Preposterous!
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A famous movie phrase is: If you build it, they will come. But Christians have built over 350,000 churches but there isnt much evidence that millions in the emerging generations will come back to church.

A recent Christian Post article predicted that, More than 25% of regular churchgoers have no plans to go back just yet based on a recent AP-NORC poll.[1] Their reasons for staying home range from COVID concerns to convenience. To many of these Christians, it may seem easier to stay home and worship online. Others will probably miss church altogether. Hebrews 10:25 makes it clear the attending church is not optional.

An important question is whether the younger generations will ever come back to church. At Probe Ministries, we have been studying this issue and doing surveys for more than a decade. A previous survey, the 2010 Probe Culturally Captive Christians survey, was limited to born-again Americans ages 18-40. The latest Probe Survey of Religious Views and Practices surveyed more than 3,100 Americans ages 18 to 55. The responses allowed us to make meaningful comparisons with our 2010 results while also comparing the beliefs of born-again Christians with those of other religious persuasions.

Religious affiliations of young adults

The most dramatic change is the increase in the percentage of those who do not select a Christian affiliation. Some select another religion. Most considered themselves unaffiliated (those in this group are often referred to as the nones because they select atheist, agnostic, or nothing in particular on a survey).

Looking at General Social Survey (GSS)[2] data for those ages 1829, the percentage has grown from 20 percent of the population in 1988 to over 45 percent of the population in 2018. Some of this is due to embracing another religious faith (7 percent to 10 percent). Most of this is due to becoming unaffiliated. In fact, the unaffiliated almost tripled from 13 percent to 35 percent of the population.

Will the unaffiliated return to Church?

One of the assumptions many Christians have made in the past is that young people who leave the church will eventually return when they marry and have children. We do know that upon high school graduation, a significant portion of young people take a break from church as they head to college, the military, or the workforce. Some Christian leaders have tried to assure us that this emerging generation will once again return to church.

The best way to determine if these maturing, young adults will return to church is to look at two related metrics:

1. As a generational cohort ages, is the number of unaffiliated rising or falling? If it is falling, then possibly some are returning to the faith of their youth.

2. As the same generational cohort ages, is the number of born-again Christians[3] rising or falling? If it is rising and the unaffiliated are falling, then some are returning to faith or new people are accepting faith.

By combining these two metrics, we can accurately determine whether young adults are returning as they mature. If metric one is falling and metric two is rising, then some significant portion of these young people are returning. If metric one is rising and metric two is falling, then we can be confident that there is no significant movement to return to Christian beliefs and practices.

Are the unaffiliated rising or falling as young adults age?

Looking at the chart above, we find that 26 percent of those in their twenties were unaffiliated in 2010, growing to 30 percent of those in their thirties in 2018. This result means that more of the people in their twenties became unaffiliated in their thirties. They arent returning to church to raise their families. They are leaving the church (becoming unaffiliated).

It is also worth mentioning that millions in the emerging generation never went to church in their youth. It is even less likely they will return to church since that assumes they ever attended religious services in the first place.

Some have proposed that it might be possible that many of the unaffiliated are actually involved Christians who do not want to affiliate with an evangelical viewpoint. Our surveys show that very few of the unaffiliated state that they have Christian beliefs and practices.

Are born-again Christians rising or falling as young adults age?

Our survey analysis shows that the percentage of born-again Christians is continuing to fall as young adults age. To show this trend, lets look at four different metrics:

Affiliate as Christian and have had a born-again experience

Born-again Christians who attend church multiple times in a month

Born-again Christians who read their Bible at least once a week

Born-again Christians who ascribe to four key biblical beliefs addressing the nature of God, the way to salvation, the reliability of the Bible, and the life of Christ

For each of these metrics, we want to look at the percent of the 18- to 29-year-old population in 2010 and the percent of the 30- to 39-year-old population in 2020. What we found is:

In 2010, we found 27 percent of those ages 18 to 29 who classify as born-again Christian. In 2020, the same age cohort ten years later, now ages 30 to 39, shows the percentage of born-again Christians has dropped to 22 percent of the age group. [4]

Attending church multiple times a month: drops from 17 percent to 9 percent of the population.

Reading their Bible at least once a week: drops from 14 percent to 10 percent of the population.

Ascribing to four key biblical beliefs: drops from 12 percent to 5 percent of the population

Based on our survey, we can confidently report that fewer people are holding to a born-again Christian belief set and practices as the young adult cohort ages.

The data is clear. The unaffiliates are rising and born-again Christians with an active faith are declining. Thus, we can deduce maturing, young adults are not returning to faith as they move into their thirties.

How can we respond?

Pastors should not assume that their congregation holds to basic biblical beliefs. They need to teach basic theology. And the problem isnt always with the pastor. We have done surveys inside churches only to find that even when the pastor is teaching biblical doctrine and principles, the congregation does not have a biblical worldview.

We also need to prepare our young people for a hostile, secular world. Consider sending high school students to the Probe Ministries Mind Games camp to equip them to confront the false teachings they will encounter at college and in society at large.

Young people today need church preaching and teaching that applies biblical truth in a relevant way to their lives. Some outside the church may be hostile to the Bible and Christianity. But most young people are just apathetic about going to church. They dont think it has any relevance to the way they live their lives. We need to help them make those connections.

Young people today also say they are looking for authenticity. Often that is a buzzword, but it is a way of expressing a desire to know that people they meet are real and authentic. We also need to model that within the church congregations.

The emerging generation has been living in a world with a pandemic, then lockdowns, then race riots, then political polarization, and now economic uncertainty. They may not be looking to churches for answers, but if they believe the biblical teaching has answers and biblical fellowship provides community, they will come.

The Probe survey results and reports can be found at www.probe.org

[1] Leonardo Blair, More than 25% of regular churchgoers have no plans to go back just yet: poll, July 1, 2021, https://www.christianpost.com/news/some-churchgoers-still-have-no-plans-to-go-back-just-yet-poll.html

[2] General Social Survey data was downloaded from the Association of Religion Data Archives, www.TheARDA.com, and were collected by the National Opinion Research Center.[3] We define a Born Again Christian as one who answered the questions: (1) Have you ever made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important in your life today? Answer: YES, (2) What best describes your belief about what will happen to you after you die? Answer: I will go to heaven because I confessed my sins and accepted Jesus Christ as my savior.

[4] Using GSS data for 2010 and Probe data for 2020 (but we also looked at GSS data for 2018).
Rig activity slowed as July came to a close.

Oilfield services firm Baker Hughes and data analytics firm Enverus reported Friday the US rig count slipped by three to 488 for the week. At the same time, thats 237 more rigs than the 251 at work in July 2020 as the rig count was dropping to record lows.

There were 385 rigs seeking crude, down two for the week but 205 more than the 180 at work last year. There were 103 rigs drilling for natural gas, down one for the week but 34 more than the 69 drilling for gas last July.

Texas added two rigs for 230 at work statewide, 126 more than the 104 at work last year. New Mexico reported 74 rigs down one for the week. North Dakota, Ohio and Pennsylvania joined Texas as producing states showing slight gains for the week while Colorado, Louisiana and Utah joined New Mexico in showing declines.

The Permian Basin added one rig this week for 243 drilling regionwide, 119 more than the 124 at work last year.

Lea County, New Mexico, remains the most active county in the Permian with 45 rigs, down one for the week. Midland County and Eddy County, New Mexico, follow with 28 rigs each, unchanged for Eddy County and down four for Midland County  the steepest decline among Permian counties for the week.

Reeves County followed close behind with 27 rigs, down one for the week. Martin County recorded 26 rigs, up three for the week and the sharpest rise among Permian counties for the week. Howard County also gained three rigs for 17 at work within county lines. Loving County had 15 rigs, unchanged, while Upton County added a rig for 14 rigs.

Enverus Rig Analytics, which has a different timetable and criteria than Baker Hughes, said the US rig count fell five to 559 as of July 28. The number of active rigs is up 3 percent on the month and up 94 percent year over year. The last week did not see particularly notable changes in major plays.

Major plays rig counts are up 50-250 percent year over year, with the DJ Basin and Gulf Coast Basin up the most. Up 250 percent year over year, there are 14 rigs running in the DJ. Its a story of single-rig operators and there are just more of them now at 14 compared to four on July 28, 2020.

On the Gulf Coast, the play has gone from 17 active operators a year ago to 45 currently. EOG has added the most rigs year over year at three, with a total of four running. With no rigs running last July 28, BP, Dunn Exploration, Penn Virginia and Venture Oil & Gas have added two rigs year over year. Tied with EOG as the most active operator in the play, ConocoPhillips is running four rigs as it was a year ago.

Last year at this time, there were zero rigs running in the Powder River Basin. As of July 28, there are 10 rigs running by seven operators. The most active drillers are Anschutz Exploration, Continental Resources and EOG Resources at two rigs each. Continental made its PRB debut in late April after closing on its acquisition of Samson Resources II on March 4.
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP)  Chinese-Canadian pop star Kris Wu has been detained by Beijing police on suspicion of rape, police announced Saturday, following an accusation the former member of the Korean boy band EXO lured young women into sexual relationships.

Wu, 30, earlier was accused by a teenager of having sex with her while she was drunk. Wu denied the accusation.

The teenager said seven other women contacted her to say Wu seduced them with promises of jobs and other opportunities. She said some were under 18 but gave no indication whether they were younger than China's age of consent of 14.

Wu has been criminally detained" on suspicion of rape "in response to relevant information reported on the internet" including that he repeatedly lured young women to have sexual relations, the police statement said. It gave no other details.

The pop star had previously denied the accusations. There was no groupie sex! There was no underage! Wu wrote last month on his social media account. If there were this kind of thing, please everyone relax, I would put myself in jail!

The news was trending as the no. 1 most searched topic on Weibo on Saturday night, and some users online started commenting on Wu's social media account, telling him to Get out of China!"

Wu is a Canadian citizen, according to the police statement.

The official paper of the Communist Party, the People's Daily, weighed in on the case, saying in a short opinion post online that "Having a foreign nationality is not a protective talisman, and no matter how big the name is, there is no immunity.

The teenager publicized her accusations on social media and later in an interview with the internet portal NetEase. A day after that interview appeared, at least 10 brands including Porsche and Louis Vuitton broke off endorsement and other deals with Wu.

According to the interview, she thought she was meeting Wu for a career opportunity. Instead, his staff who was present forced her to drink. As someone who did not go to bars, she said her tolerance was low and she was drunk after two drinks. The next day, she woke up in Wu's bed. That morning, he was kind to her and promised to take care of her, she said.

The teenager said that was the beginning of what she had thought was their relationship. This was the case until March, when he stopped returning her messages.

At first, she said she felt sorry for herself. But after she learned that there were other women who had been treated similarly, she said she felt there were others who were worse off.

I don't believe this is just my own personal matter. You can even say that this is a problem with the atmosphere in China's entertainment circle," she said in the NetEase interview.

Wu said that he had met the young woman on Dec. 5, 2020, but I didnt force her to drink, and there was not this sort of details she describes.

I didnt expect my silence to encourage these rumors, and I couldnt stand it! Wu previously wrote. There were a lot of people there that day who can bear witness.

In an unexpected twist to the story, police said last week they had arrested a man who attempted to defraud both parties. The man, surnamed Liu, pretended to be a victim who'd had a similar experience with Wu in order to elicit personal information from the young woman.

The teenager and Wu both said they had asked authorities to investigate.

Saturday's statement didn't mention that case and gave no information about the status of that investigation.
Saint Arnold just added tours back earlier this month, and the Houston brewery is working to make them even more accessible for the city's beer lovers.

Starting July 31, Saint Arnold will host two brewery tours entirely in Spanish on the last Saturday of each month.

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"Making the tours more accessible to a more diverse crowd was a priority for us," the brewery wrote in a statement. "With Spanish being the second most spoken language in our community, a clear idea emerged."

Tour attendees will get to see where Saint Arnold makes its beer and learn about the brewery's history and craft beer (presumably by tasting some).

The Spanish tours will take place at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on July 31, Aug. 28, Sept. 25, Oct. 30, Nov. 27, and Dec. 26 (a Sunday) through 2021.

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Spanish-speakers attending other tours will also be able to scan a QR code at the brewery entrance to access a Spanish guide about the brewery.

Saint Arnold brewery tours are free, and you don't need to make reservations to go. Those under 21 can also attend the tour but must be accompanied by an adult.
Ive got a handful of unpopular opinions  recently, I scandalized an entire room of people by telling them that, while I acknowledge his immense talent, I dont love Princes music  but my most unpopular one, by a mile, is that I dont like In-N-Out Burger very much.

Especially in Los Angeles, I can practically hear the record scratch every time I say it.

Maybe its because Im not from the West Coast, so I didnt grow up with it. Maybe its because my first In-N-Out was in Dallas, in the middle of an exhausting cross-country drive. Maybe its because I try to avoid overprocessed, unhealthy fast food whenever I can.

But despite my taste preferences, I cant resist a quirky roadside attraction, especially a historic one, like the In-N-Out Museum. What I learned there was that, despite its 350-plus quick service locations across the country today, In-N-Out isnt really fast food  not, at least, the way I had been thinking about it.

So more accurately, up until last week, I didnt like In-N-Out very much. This week, well, I just keep thinking about Double-Doubles.

by Julie Tremaine

The In-N-Out Museum in Baldwin Park, in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County, is a recreation of the very first In-N-Out location, started by Harry and Esther Snyder in 1948. Its only open for a few hours in the middle of the day, and just a few days a week, but its a popular (and free) attraction. In the time I was there, which wasnt all that long  like I said, its tiny  two other groups came by to tour the inside kitchen space and take photos in the drive-through window.

When I arrived, a friendly woman named Lydia greeted me, dressed in the same In-N-Out uniform employees still wear after more than 70 years. She gave me a mini-tour of the hamburger stand, which took about two minutes since the space can hold about four people max, and that would be cramped. Along one wall, theres about 3 feet of prep counter, 3 feet of griddle, and 3 feet of assembly area, where today there are toy burger patties, buns and toppings for kids to put together.

Turn around  but keep your feet planted  and youll be right up against a normal-sized refrigerator, a reach-in cooler for soda and a sink that is definitely smaller than the one in your kitchen. (Seriously, I tried to take photos of the inside and all I could get was one tiny area at a time.) By the front window, where the server would normally hand you your food, theres a small night table that served as the first cash register. Now it holds a guest book. That days entries included a man who signed his name, then left a note saying he had worked at that location in the early 1960s.

by Julie Tremaine

Thats it. Thats everything. And from that grew an empire that has made the Snyder family worth more than $3 billion.

The companys success, Lydia said in the kind of reverent tone I usually hear Disneyland employees use when theyre talking about Walt Disney, is because of what she described as an unusually high commitment to quality and transparency. None of the food In-N-Out serves is ever frozen, which is why the company will never have East Coast stores, since theyd be more than a days drive from their meat processing plant in Baldwin Park.

She gestured to a cast iron thing mounted on the wall that I had overlooked: a french fry press. You raise the lever, place one potato inside, and press down. Fries come out the bottom. Then those cut fries were placed in water to keep them from turning brown, and dried using a washing machine behind the building that was modified to be a giant salad spinner that would take off all the excess water before the potatoes went into the fryer.

by Julie Tremaine

It was a little more arduous than the current procedure because of the old equipment, Lydia said, but the process is still fundamentally the same today. Up until that minute, I hadnt thought about where the food came from. I just assumed that fast food was fast food, and that In-N-Out was supplied by the same yucky factories where fast food conglomerates treat their food with a million chemicals that make their burgers look basically the same, even after 24 years sitting in a bag.

I was totally wrong. The vegetables arrive in 50-pound bags to each store every day and get prepped in-house, day-of. Those heavy bags, Lydia said, were the reason In-N-Out didnt hire women until the 1970s, assuming women couldnt do that kind of heavy lifting. I smelled some BS on that one but left it alone. I was too transported by the soundtrack of Elvis and The Chiffons playing through the tiny radio on top of the fridge.

by Julie Tremaine

I took some photos in the drive-through window with a fake hamburger toy thats for sale next door at the In-N-Out Company Store, then walked around the outside of the building. That giant red and white sign stood tall over the little store, which was really nothing more than a driveway and a kitchen likely smaller than yours at home. The other thing Lydia pointed out: how many windows there are on the building. At least half of what would be walls in any other fast food restaurant were windows there. When you have nothing to hide, she said, you put it on display.

Then, it was time for lunch. I stopped into the company store, then walked over to restaurant No. 1, as close to eating at the original location as you can get. As I stood at the counter to order, I watched the open kitchen behind the cashier. I never really noticed before that you can see everything happening in there in a way you dont really see in other fast food joints.

by Julie Tremaine

As I stood there, processing what I now knew about the quality of the food and the cleanliness I was seeing in the kitchen, I realized that maybe my problem was in how I was ordering. The two times I had eaten In-N-Out before, I had ordered a Double-Double animal style, because I assumed thats what the in-the-know people did, with a side of plain (and lets face it, underwhelming) fries. But both times, it was hard to concentrate on the burger because there was so much other stuff. All I could taste was the toppings, especially the extra helping of spread, which the internet says is a combination of ketchup, mayonnaise and sweet relish.

This time, instead of ordering something I knew I didnt like and hoping Id like it more than last time, I opted to go with the classic: just a regular Double-Double, with two meat patties, two slices of American cheese, a slice of onion between them, and lettuce, tomato and spread, in a much more reasonable quantity, underneath. Because Id never tried them that way, I got the fries animal style, which for fries means cheese is melted on the freshly cut fries, then theyre topped with sauteed onions and spread.

by Julie Tremaine

Without all the distractions, I could really taste the burger in all its fresh, cheesy goodness. And it was so good. Im sure it had something to do with nostalgia and something to do with the novelty of ordering from store No. 1, but I was so much happier with my meal than I had been the other times, especially after I dug into the animal style fries. Those fries definitely benefit from the addition of cheese and sauteed onions, but next time, Ill hold the spread.

It turns out its not that I dont like In-N-Out, its that I hadnt found my order yet.
TIRANA, Albania (AP)  Albania is repatriating five Albanian women and 14 children from Syria's troubled Al Hol camp who were related to Albanians who joined Islamist extremist groups fighting in Syria and Iraq, the country's prime minister said Saturday.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Interior Minister Bledi Cuci were in Beirut meeting with Lebanese Gen. Abass Ibrahim, who has played a key role in the repatriating efforts, together with intelligence services from other countries.

The good news is the 14 children and five women (have been taken out) from the hell camp, said Rama. I am here to take the children and women and turn them back to our homeland tomorrow.

Rama said that Albania's Interior Ministry and other intelligence institutions are closely cooperating with Lebanese authorities and countries on the repatriation. He did not specify if the women's husbands were alive or dead or if any of the women will face terrorism charges upon their return.

Up to the last Albanian, we shall do our utmost to turn them back to their homeland, he said.

This is the third effort repatriating Albanians from the fighting territories in Syria. In October last year, five Albanians were repatriated and an Albanian child was repatriated a year earlier.

A few hundred Albanian men joined the Islamic State and other groups fighting in Syria and Iraq in the early 2010s. Many were killed, and their wives and children are stuck in Syrian camps.

Relatives in Albania say about 30 other Albanian children and women are in the Syrian camps. But Rama doubted that could be the exact number, because the information is updated daily."

___

Follow Llazar Semini at https://twitter.com/lsemini
ISTANBUL (AP)  Panicked tourists in Turkey hurried to the seashore to wait for rescue boats Saturday after being told to evacuate some hotels in the Aegean Sea resort of Bodrum due to the dangers posed by nearby wildfires, Turkish media reported.

Coast guard units led the operation and authorities asked private boats and yachts to assist in evacuation efforts from the sea as new wildfires erupted. A video showed plumes of smoke and fire enveloping a hill close to the seashore.

The death toll from wildfires raging in Turkeys Mediterranean towns rose to six Saturday after two forest workers were killed, the countrys health minister said. Fires across Turkey since Wednesday have burned down forests and some settlements, encroaching on villages and tourist destinations and forcing people to evacuate.

The Russian news agency Sputnik said more than 100 Russian tourists had been evacuated from Bodrum and relocated to new hotels.

In one video of the Bodrum fire filmed from the sea, a man helping with the evacuations was stunned at the speed of the fire, saying this is unbelievable, just unbelievable. How did this fire come (here) this fast in 5 minutes?  He was not named in the video.

The minister of agriculture and forestry, Bekir Pakdemirli, said Saturday that 91 of the 101 fires that broke out amid strong winds and scorching heat have been brought under control. Neighborhoods affected by the fire in five provinces were declared disaster zones.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited some affected areas Saturday, inspecting the damage from a helicopter.

Speaking from the town of Manavgat, Erdogan announced that the Turkish government would cover the rents for people affected by the fire and rebuild their homes. He said taxes, social security and credit payments would be postponed for those affected and small businesses would be offered credit with zero interest.

We cannot do anything beyond wishing the mercy of God for the lives we have lost but we can replace everything that was burned," he said.

Erdogan said the number of planes fighting the fires had been increased from six to 13, including planes from Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, and that thousands of Turkish personnel as well as dozens of helicopters and drones were assisting the firefighting efforts.

In a speech from Marmaris on Saturday night, Erdogan said one of the fires there had been started by children and other investigations were ongoing.

At least five people have died from the fires in Manavgat and one died in Marmaris. Both towns are Mediterranean tourist destinations. Tourism is an important source of revenue for Turkey, and business owners were hoping that this summer would be much better than last year, when pandemic travel restrictions caused tourism to plummet.

Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said 400 people affected by the fires in Manavgat were treated at hospitals and released, while 10 others were still hospitalized for fire injuries. In Marmaris, 159 people were treated at the hospital and one person was still undergoing treatment for burns.

In southern Hatay province, flames jumped into populated areas but were later apparently brought under control.

Wildfires are common in Turkeys Mediterranean and Aegean regions during the arid summer months.

Meanwhile, a heat wave across southern Europe, fed by hot air from Africa, has led to wildfires across the Mediterranean, including in Italy and Greece.

Firefighters on the Italian island of Sicily on Saturday battled dozens of blazes fueled by high temperatures, prompting the regions governor to request assistance from Rome. Some 150 people trapped in two seaside areas in the city of Catania were evacuated late Friday by sea, where they were picked up by rubber dinghies and transferred to Coast Guard boats.

In western Greece, a wildfire that broke out Saturday forced the evacuation of four villages and people on a beach by the Fire Service, the Coast Guard and private boats.

The fire was in a mountain forest 30 kilometers (19 miles) east of Patras, Greeces third-largest city, Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis said late Saturday. Aided by strong winds, the fire raced down the slopes and threatened seaside villages.

The Civil Protection Agency sent text messages to the residents of four villages  two in the mountains and two by the sea  to evacuate. Local media said some villagers refused to leave and were trying to fight the fire with garden hoses.

Temperatures in Greece and nearby countries in southeast Europe are expected to climb to 42 degrees Celsius (more than 107 Fahrenheit) Monday in many cities and towns.

___

Robert Badendieck in Istanbul, Colleen Barry in Milan and Demetris Nellas in Athens contributed.

___

Follow all AP stories on climate change issues at https://apnews.com/hub/Climate.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)  Florida reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, the states highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic, according to federal health data released Saturday, as its theme park resorts again started asking visitors to wear masks indoors.

The state has become the new national epicenter for the virus, accounting for around a fifth of all new cases in the U.S. as the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus continues to spread.

Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has resisted mandatory mask mandates and vaccine requirements, and along with the state Legislature, has limited local officials ability to impose restrictions meant to stop the spread of COVID-19. DeSantis on Friday barred school districts from requiring students to wear masks when classes resume next month.

The latest numbers were recorded on Friday and released on Saturday on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website. The figures show how quickly the number of cases is rising in the Sunshine State: only a day earlier, Florida reported 17,093 new daily cases. The previous peak in Florida had been 19,334 cases reported on Jan. 7, before the availability of vaccinations became widespread.

The state reported 409 deaths this week, bringing the total to more than 39,000 since its first in March 2020. The states peak happened in mid-August 2020, when 1,266 people died over a seven-day period. Deaths usually follow increases in hospitalizations by a few weeks.

DeSantis has blamed the surge on a seasonal increase  more Floridians are indoors because of the hot weather with air conditioning circulating the virus. About 60% of Floridians 12 and older are vaccinated, ranking it about midway among the states.

The Florida Hospital Association said Friday that statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations are nearing last years peak, and one of the state's largest health care systems, AdventHealths Central Florida Division, this week advised it would no longer be conducting nonemergency surgeries in order to free up resources for COVID-19 patients.

Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld on Saturday became the latest theme park resorts in Florida to again ask visitors to wear masks indoors, with Universal also ordering its employees to wear face coverings to protect against COVID-19, which has been surging across the state.

All workers at Universals Florida park on Saturday started being required to wear masks while indoors as the employees returned to practicing social distancing. The home to Harry Potter and Despicable Me rides also asked visitors to follow federal and local health guidelines by voluntarily wearing face coverings indoors.

The health and safety of our guests and team members is always our top priority, Universal said in a statement.

Health officials on Friday announced that coronavirus cases in Florida had jumped 50% over the past week with COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state nearing last years peak.

SeaWorld on Saturday posted on its website that it was recommending that visitors follow recently updated federal recommendations and wear face coverings while indoors.

The change in policy this week at the theme park resorts came after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that everyone wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status.

Crosstown rival Walt Disney World started requiring employees and guests older than 2 to wear masks on Friday, but it also went a step further. The Walt Disney Co. said in a statement that it will be requiring all salaried and non-union hourly employees in the U.S. who work on site to be fully vaccinated.

Disney employees who arent already vaccinated will have 60 days to do so and those still working from home will need to show proof of vaccination before returning. Disney said it was discussing the vaccine requirements with the union, and added that all new hires will be required to be fully vaccinated before starting work at the company.
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP)  The owner of a private hospital in Afghanistan said the Afghan air force bombed the facility on Saturday, killing one person and injuring three others. He said the hospital was targeted because the military erroneously believed Taliban fighters were being treated there.

Dr Mohammad Din Narewal, the owner of the 20-bed Afghan Ariana Specialty Hospital, told The Associated Press that provincial government officials informed him his hospital in Lashkar Gah was targeted based on the information from the defense ministry.

But there were no Taliban in the hospital, said Narewal. The defense ministry did not immediately respond to multiple attempts by the AP to contact them.

I was told there had been a mistake because they had been given the wrong information that Taliban were inside the hospital, he said, explaining that the Taliban were in fact receiving treatment in another hospital in the city.

Provincial council chief Attaullah Afghan confirmed that the hospital was struck by the Afghan air force, and that one person was killed.

The air strike came as the Taliban made a push for the southwestern city, waging fierce battles with the Afghan National Security and Defense Forces. Residents reported see-saw battles in several neighborhoods.

Narewal said doctors had performed two surgeries a day earlier, but as fighting intensified the hospital had reduced their staff to a minimum. Currently two patients are still in the hospital along with several nurses and attendants for the patients.

Late on Saturday, Afghan security forces reportedly pushed the Taliban out of the city, with reports of heavy air attacks on their positions.

In recent weeks the Taliban have stepped up their pressure on several cities, including Herat in western Afghanistan, where a United Nations office was attacked as battles raged nearby. One guard was killed and the United Nations is investigating who was responsible for his death.

The Taliban onslaught went into high gear following the announcement in mid-April that the last U.S. and NATO forces would withdraw from Afghanistan, ending America's longest war. The Taliban have overrun dozens of districts and now control roughly half of all 421 districts and district centers in Afghanistan.

They also have control of key border crossings with Tajikistan, Iran and Pakistan.

Even as the withdrawal of U. S. and NATO troops is all but done, America. is providing air support to Afghanistan's beleaguered ground troops, who have been struggling to hold on to territory. The U.S. has launched air strikes in support of Afghan forces in Herat, and in southern Kandahar province.

The withdrawal has put increased burden on Afghanistan's air force.

All of the Afghan Air Forces (AAF) aircraft platforms are overtaxed due to increased requests for close air support, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance missions, the U.S. watchdog on American spending in Afghanistan reported this week.

The Afghan air force is flying its aircraft at least 25% over their recommended scheduled-maintenance intervals., Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction John Sopko said in his report.

As a result troops are not getting reinforced and resupplied, as aircraft are being used to aid ground forces overwhelmed in relentless battles with the Taliban.

Meanwhile calls are being issued from Beijing to Washington for both sides in the conflict to sit and negotiate an agreement that would see a reduction in violence and an interim administration that would negotiate an all out cease fire. Until now the prospects for peace seem distant.

____

Gannon reported from Islamabad
NEW DELHI (AP)  Top Indian and Chinese army commanders met Saturday after a gap of three months to discuss the expeditious disengagement of thousands of forces in a bid to ease the 15-month border tensions and clashes.

Indian army spokesman Col. Sudhir Chamoli said the meeting started on Saturday on the Chinese side of the border in the eastern Ladakh region but gave no other details.

The meeting was expected to end later Saturday and both sides were likely to issue statements on Sunday.

The 12th round of army-level talks appears to have been pushed by a meeting of the foreign ministers of India and China in Tajikistan on July 15. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that the military standoff was profoundly disturbing their ties. He also warned that any unilateral change in the status quo by Beijing was unacceptable.

In February, both sides pulled back front-line troops and weaponry from the Pangong Tso sector. The focus now was on disengaging troops from Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang areas.

Both countries have stationed tens of thousands of soldiers backed by artillery, tanks and fighter jets along the de facto border called the Line of Actual Control, or LAC. Last year, 20 Indian troops died in a clash with Chinese soldiers involving clubs, stones and fists in a portion of the disputed border. China said it lost four soldiers.

Chinas Foreign Ministry said after the foreign ministers' meeting that the standoff benefited neither side and that China wanted to resolve the situation through dialogue.

The Line of Actual Control separates Chinese and Indian-held territories from Ladakh in the west to Indias eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims in its entirety. India and China fought a deadly war in 1962.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  A broad coalition of Indigenous leaders in New Mexico called for the resignation Friday of the director of a legislative agency on public education, arguing undisclosed comments made by the top official were disparaging toward Native Americans.

At a rally and news conference convened by the All Pueblo Council of Governors, Native American leaders and advocates condemned comments made at least two years ago by Rachel Gudgel. Gudgel is the director of the Legislative Education Study Committee, which provides education research and guidance to legislators.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Russian hackers behind the massive SolarWinds cyberespionage campaign broke into the email accounts of some of the most prominent federal prosecutors offices around the country last year, the Justice Department said Friday.

The department said 80% of Microsoft email accounts used by employees in the four U.S. attorney offices in New York were breached. All told, the Justice Department said 27 U.S. Attorney offices had at least one employee's email account compromised during the hacking campaign.

The Justice Department said in a statement that it believes the accounts were compromised from May 7 to Dec. 27, 2020. Such a timeframe is notable because the SolarWinds campaign, which infiltrated dozens of private-sector companies and think tanks as well as at least nine U.S. government agencies, was first discovered and publicized in mid-December.

The Biden administration in April announced sanctions, including the expulsion of Russian diplomats, in response to the SolarWinds hack and Russian interference in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Russia has denied wrongdoing.

Jennifer Rodgers, a lecturer at Columbia Law School, said office emails frequently contained all sorts of sensitive information, including case strategy discussions and names of confidential informants, when she was a federal prosecutor in New York.

I don't remember ever having someone bring me a document instead of emailing it to me because of security concerns, she said, noting exceptions for classified materials.

The Administrative Office of U.S. Courts confirmed in January that it was also breached, giving the SolarWinds hackers another entry point to steal confidential information like trade secrets, espionage targets, whistleblower reports and arrest warrants.

The list of affected offices include several large and high-profile ones like those in Los Angeles, Miami, Washington and the Eastern District of Virginia.

The Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, where large numbers of staff were hit, handle some of the most prominent prosecutors in the country.

New York is the financial center of the world and those districts are particularly well known for investigating and prosecuting white-collar crimes and other cases, including investigating people close to the former president, said Bruce Green, a professor at Fordham Law School and a former prosecutor in the Southern District.

The department said all victims had been notified and it is working to mitigate operational, security and privacy risks caused by the hack. The Justice Department said in January that it had no indication that any classified systems were impacted.

The Justice Department did not provide additional detail about what kind of information was taken and what impact such a hack may have on ongoing cases. Members of Congress have expressed frustration with the Biden administration for not sharing more information about the impact of the SolarWinds campaign.

The Associated Press previously reported that SolarWinds hackers had gained access to email accounts belonging to the then-acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf and members of the departments cybersecurity staff whose jobs included hunting threats from foreign countries.

___

Suderman reported from Richmond, Va.
BOSTON (AP)  CONNECTICUT

The state Department of Public Health on Sunday issued an alert that strongly recommends all Connecticut residents over 2 years old wear face masks in indoor public spaces, whether they're vaccinated or not, given the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks because of the Delta variant.

The warning came as all but one of the state's eight counties were classified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control as having substantial transmission" of COVID-19. The state's only county with moderate transmission, Litchfield County, has a high likelihood of meeting the substantial threshold soon, the state department said.

DPH on Sunday also urged both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents at high risk for complications of COVID-19, such as individuals with diabetes, compromised immune systems, pregnancy, obesity and asthma, to avoid large indoor gatherings that could include a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

The agency stressed how vaccination remains the most important defense against illness and hospitalization. More than 59% of the population of Connecticut has been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus with more than 64% having received at least one shot of a vaccine.

Thats according to statistics released Wednesday by the state.

___

MASSACHUSETTS

The number of new cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts are skewing toward younger adults, according to data released by the state.

The age group with the largest number of newly confirmed cases during the past two weeks were those aged 20-29 who had more than 1,200 new cases of COVID-19.

The group with the next highest number of new confirmed cases were those aged 30-39, who reported just over 1,000 newly confirmed cases during the past two weeks.

The numbers fall off dramatically with those aged 40-49 reporting 594 new cases in the part two weeks and those aged 50-59 reporting 617 new cases.

The number of cases among older residents was significantly less.

Those aged 19 and under also showed far fewer new cases.

___

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Democratic lawmakers in New Hampshire are praising the decision of the U.S. Department of Justice to file a brief Friday in a federal appeals court supporting their efforts to press Republican House Speaker Sherman Packard to require the House to provide them with remote access to sessions.

A group of seven Democratic lawmakers say their health conditions make them particularly vulnerable to complications from COVID-19.

They sued Packard arguing that holding in-person sessions without a remote option violates the Americans with Disabilities Act and the state and federal constitutions, and forces them to either risk their lives or abandon their duties as elected officials.

A federal judge ruled against them, saying the House could proceed with in-person sessions. But the Boston-based 1st Circuit Court of Appeals in April sent the case back to the judge with instructions to hold further proceedings to determine if the plaintiffs are persons with disabilities within the meaning of the ADA or the federal Rehabilitation Act.

House Democratic Leader Rep. Renny Cushing, the lead plaintiff in the case, said the filing by the Justice Department represents strong support of the position of the plaintiffs in this case, and firm rejection of the position of Speaker Packard that he is permitted, by virtue of his office, to ignore the duties and responsibilities of federal statute.

___

RHODE ISLAND

Democratic Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee and state health and education officials are recommending the use of masks in schools to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

McKee said in a statement Thursday that the state is urging schools align their policies with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommending universal mask use within school settings.

As Rhode Island has done previously, we will continue to follow the CDCs most recent update to its guidance for schools. We strongly recommend that school districts set a policy that requires masking in schools this fall regardless of vaccination status in direct correlation with CDC guidance, McKee said in joint statement with Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green, and Director of the Department of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott.

"We also know that vaccinations are the most powerful tool we have as we work towards a full return to in-person learning in the fall. With the start of the school year several weeks away, now is the time for eligible staff and students to get vaccinated, they added.

___

MAINE

As of Sunday, the total number of reported COVID-19 cases in Maine stood at just over 70,400.

Of those, about 51,400 are confirmed cases and about 19,000 are listed as probable cases.

The number of deaths since the start of the pandemic stands at 900, while the cumulative number of hospitalizations comes in at more than 2,100.

The highest number of deaths by far have been among those aged 80 and over.

___

VERMONT

Nearly 80% of Vermont residents aged 12 and older have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to state health officials.

The most vaccinated populations are the oldest in the state with 99.9% of those aged 70 to 74 having received at least one shot and 95.5% of those aged 75 and over having received at least one shot.

There is a disparity by race, with 77.5% of white residents having reported receiving at least one shot compared to 67.5% of Black residents.

About 82% of females 12 or older have reported receiving at least one shot, compared to 77.2% of males.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)  The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has approved killing up to four uncollared wolves in eastern Oregons Baker County, where officials say the Lookout Mountain wolf pack attacked four cows in 14 days.

The state has confirmed that wolves killed or hurt the cows from July 14 to July 26, and it approved a kill permit for the affected livestock producer, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported.

State rules allow for the lethal removal of wolves when repeated attacks present a significant risk to livestock and when nonlethal methods such as electric fencing or hazing havent stopped the attacks.

A kill permit authorizes the livestock producer or their agents to shoot a wolf from the ground. Fish and Wildlife staff may also help and may shoot from the air. Agency spokeswoman Michelle Dennehy said she doesnt know yet if the state will be assisting with this permit.

She said lethal removal has been approved about a half-dozen times since 2009 when the wolves were first re-established in Oregon. The last time the state-authorized a kill permit was in June 2018, after the Pine Creek wolf pack killed two calves and injured four others in Baker County.

The area authorized for lethal removal is northeast of Durkee and includes private and public land where the affected livestock producer has a grazing permit.

Dennehy said her agency found the livestock producer whose cows were attacked has been using non-lethal measures for years.

Both adult wolves in the Lookout Mountain pack have radio collars for state tracking, and neither is eligible for lethal removal. The breeding pair had two pups last year, Dennehy said, and the state documented another seven pups in May.

As of April, the state had 173 wolves in 22 identified packs.

Conservation groups are critical of state policies allowing the killing of wolves and argue gray wolves still need protection as the species is still recovering. Earlier this year, five wolves were found dead in eastern Oregon, and Fish and Wildlife reported nine wolf fatalities statewide last year, including three illegally poached.

Gray wolves were removed from the federal Endangered Species List in January, allowing Fish and Wildlife to take over the management of their population.

On Thursday, a coalition of 70 groups filed a formal petition to re-list the gray wolf as an endangered species throughout the West.

Erik Molvar, executive director of Western Watersheds Project, one of the groups that filed the petition, said his group is especially concerned about state-level rules in Idaho and Montana that call for killing a large portion of existing wolf populations.

Wolves remain completely absent from suitable habitats or perilously close to extinction in many western states, Molvar said. In order to return the wolf and restore the balance of nature, it is necessary to apply federal protections that supersede anti-wolf state politics that push wolf populations toward extinction rather than recovery.
BOISE, Idaho (AP)  The National Park Service has added some additional public land to a national reserve site in Idaho known for its rock climbing opportunities.

The agency added 22 acres of public land to the City of Rocks National Reserve south of Burley, thanks to an acquisition of private land that was already included in the reserve. The tract of land, known as the Gibson property, features the Dungeon, Crystal Cow and Electric Avenue rock formations.
GARNER, N.C. (AP)  A 24-year-old man was shot and killed Friday night in a drive-by shooting on a North Carolina highway, police said.

Garner police Capt. Lorie Smith said Kyree Deron Dickerson was a passenger in the front seat of a Mercedes on U.S. Route 70 near Interstate 40 in Garner when he was shot multiple times, news outlets report.

Dickerson was taken to Wake Medical Center Garner where he died from his injuries, police said. The driver of the car was not injured in the shooting, Smith said.

The shooting doesnt appear to be a random incident, Smith said, but she declined to comment on whether a suspect or motive had been identified.
DENVER (AP)  Gov. Jared Polis has announced that state employees who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 will have to be tested twice a week for the coronavirus and continue to wear masks indoors in public spaces.

The Colorado Sun reports Polis made the announcement Friday, citing the rise of the extremely contagious Delta variant of the virus and similar direction for federal workers announced by President Joe Biden on Thursday.
LESLIE, Mich. (AP)  The remains of a mid-Michigan soldier killed in combat during the Korean War will be returned to his hometown for burial after military scientists identified them seven decades after his death.

The remains of U.S. Army Sgt. William Cavender, 20, were among more than 55 boxes of remains of U.S. servicemembers North Korea turned over to the U.S. in 2018.
PICKENS, S.C. (AP)  A South Carolina man is in custody accused of killing his mother by setting her house on fire, authorities said.

Eric James Harmon, 34, was arrested Friday and charged with murder and arson first-degree, Chief Deputy Chad Brooks with Pickens County Sheriffs Office told WYFF-TV. He remains behind bars at the Pickens County Detention Center. It was unknown if he has an attorney who could speak on his behalf.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP)  West Virginia State University's president has resigned after facing pressure from school officials to leave office.

Nicole Pride resigned on Friday, less than a year after becoming the historically Black college's first woman president.

Earlier this month, five members of her senior Cabinet asked the schools Board of Governors to remove her to allow for an investigation, The Gazette-Mail of Charleston reported.

Pride's resignation letter was read near the end of a special meeting Friday. The Board of Governors had met for more than four hours in executive session before that.

The push for Pride's removal came after cabinet members wrote a letter of no confidence to the board. The letter was obtained by the newspaper.

The cabinet members complained of condescending and abusive dialogue by Pride and retaliatory practices.

Her harassing dialogue and bullying behavior have contributed to a hostile work environment, the letter said. Her executive leadership team has continued to dwindle as a result of a psychologically unsafe and chaotic work environment.

Board members unanimously voted to grant vice president and chief of staff Ericke Cage operational control of the university, pending the boards appointment of an interim president.

Pride was not present Friday, and could not be reached afterward for comment.
MARC has been a premier resource center for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities living in the Permian Basin since 1959. In response to a growing need for services, coupled with outdated facilities that no longer adequately support clients or staff, the MARC board of directors launched its $7 million capital campaign, Building Inspiration in December of 2018. According to the Texas Workforce Investment Council, there are an estimated 23,591 individuals diagnosed with cognitive disabilities in the Permian Basin alone. Even still, there are fewer than a dozen organizations in the Permian Basin area that support individuals with such disabilities and their families.

The Building Inspiration campaign will meet this community need head-on. Erection of a new, 16,000-square-foot Anwar Family Inspiration Center will become the hub of MARCs daily operations. Improvements will include larger, more private clinic space, dedicated staff training space, a new board room, conference room and executive conference room. MARC will also debut a brand-new day use building. This 2,500-square-foot facility will provide an enriching environment for individuals with severe autism and other profound disabilities more suited to their specialized needs. Demolition and reconstruction of the Inspiration Park, previously called the MARC Opportunity Park, is set to complete in the summer of 2022. This inclusive park will feature all-new play structures, equipment, a music area and a pavilion. The Inspiration Park will be accessible to children of all abilities.
WASHINGTON - Republicans in Congress have dismissed the need for an investigation into what happened on Jan. 6 and in the days and weeks before the Capitol was overrun. They claim there's nothing of value left to learn. However, new revelations about former president Donald Trump's effort to overturn the election show there is likely much more that still needs unearthing.

For months, Trump has been on a political jihad. It began the night of the election and has never ended. The latest disclosures offer a reminder that it was the president himself who was doing the most to corrupt the election results. The House select committee and other investigations are one way to begin to hold him more accountable.

PROTEST NATION: Rep. Jackson-Lee arrested at voting rights protests at Capitol

These revelations are from notes kept by then-acting deputy attorney general Richard Donoghue, top aide to then-acting attorney general Jeffrey Rosen, including a conversation the two men had with Trump on Dec. 27. The documents were provided by the Justice Department to Congress and released publicly on Friday.

Post journalists Devlin Barrett and Josh Dawsey had reported on Wednesday the existence of the notes, describing Trump as in regular, almost daily, contact with DOJ officials as he pressed them to investigate and prove various (false) claims of election irregularities. In that Dec. 27 conversation, Trump was told that the information he had about fraud claims was not accurate. Trump replied, according to the notes: "You guys may not be following the Internet the way I do."

Trump was told further that the department would not and could not simply "snap its fingers" and change the outcome of the election. Trump said he understood but nonetheless wanted the department to "just say the election was corrupt + leave the rest to me and the R. congressmen," according to Donoghue's summary of the conversation.

These revelations are like others that have been made public, the rantings of an angry losing candidate. They spark momentary outrage but then seem to fade. After all, the system held. But every such piece of evidence that comes to light adds to the pattern of a president obsessed with having lost the election and willing, even determined, to undermine the integrity of the election process - of democracy itself - to retain his power.

Trump waged a public campaign of lies and falsehoods and, as the DOJ notes underscore anew, a behind-the-scenes campaign to pressure federal, state or local officials, hoping someone in an official capacity would offer a patina of credibility to those unproved or often disproved claims of fraud.

Trump's goal was to delay or disrupt the final stage in the post-election vote-counting process. That last step was to take place on Jan. 6 before a joint session of Congress, with Vice President Mike Pence presiding. That was the day Congress was to affirm the electoral college vote count, sealing the victory of Joe Biden and closing the last door on the defeated incumbent.

Trump's strategy to force a postponement ultimately failed. Congress completed its work in the early hours of Jan. 7, but not before the deadly attack on the Capitol by armed supporters of the president.

Trump's efforts to hector election officials has dribbled out over a period of months, revelations produced by dogged reporting by journalists, by comments from public officials and by reports contained in the new books about Trump's last days in power that have been published this summer. They all show a desperate president, flailing about as power slipped from his grasp.

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In the weeks after the election, Trump had pressured Rosen's predecessor, William P. Barr, who eventually said publicly the department had investigated various allegations and found no evidence of fraud big enough to change the election results (and has since been reported to say it was all a crock). Barr resigned as attorney general just before Christmas, leaving the department in the hands of Rosen and Donoghue.

Trump's efforts weren't limited to the Justice Department, as everyone knows. He publicly upbraided Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp for certifying the election results in that state after multiple recounts. He was critical of Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey for doing the same. Just before Christmas, he called the lead election investigator in the office of the Brad Raffensperger, Georgia's Republican secretary of state.

One of Trump's most blatant interventions came Jan. 2, when he pleaded with Raffensperger to find enough votes to turn an 11,779-vote loss into a victory. "I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have," he said. "Because we won the state." The Post's Amy Gardner obtained an audio recording of the conversation the next day.

Trump did not stop once he was out of office. He has repeatedly promoted a disputed review of the ballots in Arizona's Maricopa County, ordered by the Republicans in the state Senate and conducted by an outside contractor. The review, nearing its conclusion, has been hobbled by controversy. Trump was in Arizona last week and predicted the results would prove his claims and lead to more such reviews. "This is only the beginning of the irregularities," he said.

Just as Justice Department officials pushed back, not all Republicans have been receptive to Trump's pleadings. He criticized Republican legislative leaders in Wisconsin for not ordering the kind of ballot review that has taken place in Arizona. Those legislators pushed back. Some Republicans in Michigan, another state Trump has complained about, have also given him the brushoff. But he gives no indication that he will cease. Raffensperger repeatedly stood up to Trump and now faces a Trump-endorsed primary challenger.

The notes about Trump's conversation with Rosen and Donoghue that were released Friday are intriguing. What did Trump mean when he said, "Leave the rest to me and the R. congressmen." What did Trump have in mind, beyond trying to bend Pence to act beyond his constitutional authorization and send the vote counts back to states, which Pence refused to do?

The Justice Department said last week that it would not assert executive privilege for Rosen, Donoghue and other former officials in the Trump administration to prevent them from testifying before congressional committees. The two former Justice Department officials are likely to be called to testify relatively soon. Others who served Trump will likely face subpoenas from the House select committee, though challenges could drag out the process.

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The broad outlines of Trump's effort to subvert the election are known and have been known. A substantial portion of the Republican base believes Biden did not win. Many congressional Republicans voted to challenge some of the electoral college results hours after the Capitol had been attacked. They say it's time to move on.

As with so much of Trump's presidency, much of what he did to attack the institutions of democracy after the election was there for all to see. The new information is a reminder, however, that not everything he did was done in plain sight. How much more is there?

The value of a full investigation into what happened leading up to and including Jan. 6 is to tell the story whole. It is a story that begins not with the marauders who overwhelmed law enforcement officials at the Capitol. It begins long before and with Donald Trump. If it were not for him and what he did to try to subvert the election, it is doubtful the Capitol would have needed defending on Jan. 6.
A. The once-a-week designation was only supposed to be temporary. It's ok to return to twice-a-week.

B. Watering allowances should be more fluid and seasonal depending on rain amounts and droughts.

C. Only those going over their watering limits should have to water less.

D. Florida has a major overconsumption problem, and people need to get used to watering less. Once-a-week needs to stay put.

E. Whatever is done, all citizens need to have equal rules.

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Martha Koch, 63 of Clinton, passed away Tuesday, July 27th at her home. Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. The Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 30)  The national government will distribute cash aid to poor families in Metro Manila once the National Capital Region is back in lockdown from August 6 to 20, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Benhur Abalos confirmed on Friday.

The 17 local chief executives in the National Capital Region agreed to place Metro Manila under hard lockdown if the national government can provide cash aid to poor families and allocate more COVID-19 vaccines. Abalos, who coordinates between the COVID-19 task force and Metro Manila mayors, said the government has approved their request.

"It goes without saying na pinyagan na rin po ito ng ating pamahalaan. Nagkaroon po sila ng paraan kaya pinayagan ang ECQ," he told CNN Philippines.

[Translation: This was approved by the government. They found a way so they allowed ECQ.]

The government will release details on the amount, qualifications, and mode of distribution.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday ordered concerned agencies to "source for funds" for those affected by the lockdown, according to his spokesperson Harry Roque.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Chua said the Philippine economy stands to bleed 105 billion, with almost half a million Filipinos losing their jobs for each week the region is under the strictest lockdown.

Duterte on Friday approved the recommendation of the government's pandemic response task force to place Metro Manila under general community quarantine with "heightened and additional restrictions" until Aug. 5, and for a shift to ECQ the following week to stop the spread of the more contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus.

Abalos said vaccinations will continue during the ECQ period.

DTI chief assures sufficient supply of goods during ECQ in Metro Manila

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said there is enough supply of goods in the market amid the looming ECQ in Metro Manila.

"We assure the public of adequate supply of goods in supermarkets and groceries because agriculture and manufacturing activities shall continue," he said in a statement Friday.

Lopez reiterated that while the economy, especially the micro, small and medium enterprises, can no longer afford another lockdown, this move is "inevitable" amid the threat of the Delta variant.

"What is important is that even in the ECQ, we should allow the dominant portion of the production sector - agri industry services - to continue to operate so we save Jobs and income," Lopez said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 31)  Guidelines for the COVID-19 vaccination drive during the hard lockdown in Metro Manila will be out before August 6, the National Task Force Against COVID-19 said Saturday.

Metro Manila will revert to the enhanced community quarantine for the third time on August 6 -20. It is now under general community quarantine with more restrictions, including a ban on indoor and outdoor dining.

"Iyong mga detalye po rito ay lalabas (The details will be released) before August 6," task force spokesman Restituto Padilla said during a 'Laging Handa' briefing.

The national government approved the request of Metro Manila mayors to receive four million more COVID-19 vaccines to ramp up immunization while mobility is restricted, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.

Padilla said Metro Manila so far received 30% of vaccine supply, followed by Calabarzon with 7.5%

The task force said as of July 30, the country received 33,860,700 doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 31)  The Department of Health is verifying reports a family of five from Bulacan died due to the highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus.

"Titingnan natin 'yan at iimbestigahan (We will look into it and investigate)," Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a Laging Handa briefing Saturday, when asked whether the reports were true.

Vergeire said based on the DOH's tally, Bulacan has one confirmed case of the feared Delta variant, but she did not elaborate.

The country has detected a total of 216 Delta variant cases, including eight deaths: two returning Filipinos, one from Ilocos Norte, one from Bataan, one from Antique, two from Cebu, and one from Manila.

The DOH earlier admitted that the number of Delta cases could be higher than reported, as only samples from areas with clusters of infection or case spikes undergo genome sequencing, which determines the type of variant a coronavirus-hit individual has.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 31) Newly installed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino on Saturday vowed to push for a stronger, reliable military posture and support programs that will help protect the country's territory and sovereign rights.

Faustino made the statement during the change of command ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, as he formally took the reins from Gen. Cirilito Sobejana.

"The AFP's overall military disposition, condition of readiness and strength, shall be fine-tuned to respond to the challenges we are now facing  the country's internal and external security issues, the present COVID-19 pandemic, and of course, natural disasters," Faustino said.

"The AFP must also support socio-economic development programs that will protect our territory and sovereignty," he added.

Faustino plans to establish a Center for Self-Reliant Defense Posture, which he said will protect the country's interests from foreign control, and will promote "limited dependence on outside support" for the country's defense needs.

"Without this capability and self-reliance, our country's defense efforts should be forever dependent on foreign nations' generosity and intentions when it comes to the defense of our territory," he noted.

Prior to his stint as AFP chief, Faustino held various posts in the military. He was commander of Joint Task Force Mindanao, acting Army chief, and commander of the AFP Eastern Mindanao Command.

Faustino  a member of the Philippine Military Academy "Maringal" Class of 1988  is the 10th AFP chief appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte.
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Columbia, MO (65201)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. High 79F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable.
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PAGE TITLE Authentic ancient jewelry and artifacts - Big Sale up to 50% off DESCRIPTION Big Sale. Authentic ancient jewelry and artifacts. As a collector discover ancient secrets revealed to you through these mysterious and desirable ancient artifacts. Guaranteed to be authentic and from the period stated. Worlds largest selection of statues KEYWORDS Big Sale, Authentic ancient jewelry, artifacts, statues, swords, coins, rings, necklaces, OTHER KEYWORDS



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Bonnie Jane Grantham, 81, went to be with her Lord on July 27, 2021 in Panhandle, Texas. Bonnie was born on April 12, 1940 to Ethlyene and Tim Grantham in Eureka, Texas. After graduating from Mildred High School, she went to Texas Women's University in Denton, Texas. After graduating, she ac
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But we can blame the writers for the wider circumstances. Which leads us to ask the following questions, about how we could ALL have been saved headaches if the writers just lowered some needless hoops and let characters get on with things.

Blockbusters are full of dumb stuff, and we often have fun ripping apart the decisions characters make. "They could have solved everything much more easily, if they didn't act so dumb!" we say. When nitpicking like this, we do have to accept the world of the movie. We can blame characters for their decisions but not for their wider circumstances.

4 Why Couldn't The Rise Of Skywalker Gang Just Know Where Palpatine Was?

The obstacle:

Where is the Emperor? Somehow, Palpatine has returned, and our heroes need to find him to destroy him once and for all. Rumor says he's on a planet named Exegol, but no one knows where that is. They have to find this mysterious Exegol, located somewhere in the vast galaxy.

Walt Disney Pictures The planet itself is an area larger than you could search in a lifetime, but never mind that.

The movie's solution:

They find a thing that points them to a thing that points them to a thing that points them to Palpatine. It makes zero sense and takes up the entire movie.

It makes so little sense that even mocking it is no fun. If it made a little sense, we could put on our plot hole spectacles and write an article asking, "In real life, could a dagger ever be precise enough to point to a single room in wreckage the size of a moon?" Instead, we find ourselves asking, "WTF is this? Why would anyone ever send directions this way? Are we supposed to find any of this engaging? A scavenger hunt isn't a story. We might as well watch Rey play Tetris for 30 minutes."

Walt Disney Pictures "And isn't it unlikely that we should happen upon the Blade of Ochi of Bestoon, right here!"

"Honestly, I don't even care at this point."

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But what if instead ...

I've heard various suggestions for streamlining the plot, from cutting out one destination planet to save time, to having the heroes just zip straight to the Death Star remains, since they guess it's a spot filled with clues. I want to go further than that. How about they know where Exegol is, from the very start of the story?

This movie is about Palpatine having a giant secret army with the power of a hundred death stars. The heroes, meanwhile, are few and weak. The rebels are the ones facing impossible odds. There's no need for Palpatine to hide.

And I know, the movie writes in a reason, something about him still being exactly 15 hours and 31 minutes from achieving FULL POWER. I'm saying they shouldn't have bothered with that. Anyway, he seems to have all those scary planes in play during the final battle, so it doesn't look like showing up early cut him off from anything. So, lose the entire story about having to track him down. Just have the heroes go confront him as soon as they're ready.

Walt Disney Pictures Allowing for more scenes with that character who got shafted, Babu Frik.

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What should the writers do with all the time we save this way? Why, anything they like. Maybe they could write a plot of some kind, where events lead to consequences, instead of quest markers leading to new quest markers. Maybe characters could exchange dialogue. What an opportunity, getting to write a whole movie that's not Rise of Skywalker.

Slashing so much would improve this particular movie, because this particular movie was terrible throughout; even its most passionate defenders agree on that. But in general, anytime we can trim these bloated blockbusters, we should do it. For example ...
Venom is the goo monster in love with Tom Hardy, who is Spidey's archnemesis or best friend depending on when exactly it is, but originally Venom  was a girl. Yes, the goo monster transitioned; congratulations, everyone will continue to misgender you, but at least you can eat their heads, so that's something!

No, originally, the plan for Venom was that the symbiote suit, after Spider-Man dumped it, went and found a woman who had lost her family in a battle involving Spider-Man -- basically the same backstory that Zemo had in Captain America: Civil War, except with a cool living suit.

Except her backstory was  a bit weirder.

She was originally going to be a woman who -- okay, hold on for a second and just pictured the wildest reason someone could be mad at Spidey. Because he takes attention away from their astronaut son? Because their dad likes him more? Because you really wanna bang his aunt, and he won't stop being a cockblock? All of those reasons are, on the whole, fine compared to Venom's original motivation, which was...

Her husband got hit by a cab. Her husband got hit by a cab, and she blamed Spider-Man.

Seriously, a cab driver got distracted by Spider-Man fighting a supervillain, then hit her and her husband (which does cause her to lose a baby), and because of that, she decides that's it for Spider-Man. The pitch was rejected because it was a ridiculous idea and would make her one of the most unsympathetic villains and hysterically tragic ones since -- Oh. Sorry, no, it was rejected because the higher-ups didn't think kids would buy a woman going toe to toe with Spider-Man.

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This was after the Invisible Woman, Scarlet Witch, Ms. Marvel, Nebula, and his Aunt May had all at one time or another beaten, out-smarted, or broken him. But a super-powered infused pseudo alien with all of his powers couldn't because she had cooties.

Cooties, but ... that's my one weakness?!

So the story didn't get that far before they changed Venom to Eddie Brock, who would later -- perhaps in an idea that stuck around from when it was a woman being Venom -- give birth to Carnage, who would later give birth to Toxin (like Carnage but a cop, but like one of those nice superhero cops, not the ... like actual ones). Eventually, there would be a She-Venom, and even a Gwenom (Spider-Gwen infused with Venom hero), but this poor woman who was originally going to be one of Spider-Man's biggest foes, was never seen or heard from again. Which is honestly good because, boy, would Tom Hardy've gotten into hot water for trying to play her.
When and where you need it! 786 Hwy. 7
State health officials are advising nearly all Connecticut residents to again wear masks indoors as the COVID levels continue to rise.

Fairfield, Windham and Tolland counties were added Friday to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions list of areas with substantial COVID spread. The list now includes all Connecticut counties except Middlesex and Litchfield.

In the counties where there is substantial spread, there have been more than 50 cases per 100,000 people over a seven-day period.

The state Department of Public Health advised Friday that anyone over the age of 2 who lives, works or travels through the affected counties should wear a mask in indoor public settings.

State residents with underlying medical conditions that put them at risk from the virus, or people who live with people at high risk, should wear masks indoors, the agency said.

This includes vaccinated family members who live with young children who are not yet eligible for vaccination, the statement said.

Connecticuts upward trend of COVID cases and hospitalizations continued Friday. The state numbers showed a daily positivity rate of 2.72 percent as 491 new infections were diagnosed out of 18,025 tests. Four more patients increased the states hospitalization total to 116.

Gov. Ned Lamont has so far resisted issuing a renewed statewide mask mandate. A Lamont spokesperson said Friday the governors stance has not changed and referred to the DPH guidance recommending people wear masks indoors in the affected counties.

Only unvaccinated people are required to wear a mask indoors statewide. Masks are required in some public settings, such as state courthouses, municipal buildings, health care facilities, public transit and transportation hubs.

But some venues and cities have started to reinstate universal masking as a result of the new CDC guidance.

Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling said Friday he was reinstating a mask mandate at all city properties for everyone  vaccinated or unvaccinated  beginning Monday.

The delta variant and other variants of concern have changed the trajectory of the pandemic and our understanding of this virus, Rilling said in a statement. While it remains likely that those who are fully vaccinated will be protected from severe illness from COVID-19, they may still have the potential to transmit it to others.

In Hartford, residents received a voice message from Mayor Luke Bronin urging them to mask up indoors.

If you go to a restaurant, grocery shopping or the store follow the CDCs guidance and wear your mask, Bronin said. He also urged people to get vaccinated, calling it the only way to beat this pandemic.

The Connecticut Science Center in Hartford said in a Facebook post Friday that it has reinstated a universal mask policy until further notice. Anyone over the age of 2, including staff and visitors, must wear a mask regardless of whether theyve been vaccinated, the post said.

In a statement Friday, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky said the agencys new guidance released this week was partly based on data from a recent outbreak in Cape Cod, the majority of which involved fully vaccinated people.

Some 469 infections were linked to large public events in a Massachusetts town in Barnstable County, the report said. Of those, 74 percent involved fully vaccinated people. The report said testing showed the delta variant was found in 90 percent of 133 infected people.

Cases of delta comprise more than 73 percent of Connecticut cases sequenced in the past three weeks, according to the latest data from the Yale School of Public Health. The alpha strain, previously dominant in Connecticut and elsewhere in the country, comprised only around 10 percent of cases sequenced during the same time period.

In the majority of Connecticuts 169 municipalities, vaccination rates are above 60 percent, according to the latest state data released Thursday.

But in Mansfield, Sterling, Thompson, Hartford, New Britain and Plainfield, less than half of residents have started vaccination, according to the states data.

Along with the rest of New England, Connecticut still has among the most vaccinated populations in the nation.

Nearly 70 percent of all Connecticut residents had started vaccination as of Thursday, according to the CDC. About 63 percent are now considered fully vaccinated, the data shows.

Weekly vaccine administrations have slowly risen over the past two weeks, but still hover below 40,000 doses per week  far below the peak of more than 315,000 weekly doses in early April.

In some communities, nearly everyone is vaccinated. In Salisbury, Lyme, Old Saybrook and Kent, more than 80 percent of residents have started vaccination, the data shows.
NORTH BRANFORD  Sandy Ragozzino and her family planned to celebrate an anniversary Friday evening.

It wasnt just any anniversary. July 30, 2021, marked 40 years since Ragozzino, 61, underwent a kidney transplant at Yale New Haven Hospital.

The average living donor kidney lasts 15 to 20 years, according to the National Kidney Foundation. But Ragozzino has been living with hers twice as long.

Every day I wake up, I feel lucky, said Ragozzino, who grew up in Wallingford and lives in North Branford. I cant believe it.

Dr. Margaret Bia, a Yale transplant nephrologist who served as Ragozzinos longtime care provider before she retired in 2017, said that when kidneys last 10 to 20 years, its considered a good run.

Bia had other patients live 40 years with a transplant, but not many, she said.

Its very unusual to have a kidney last (40 years), and its usually with the kidneys that are the very best match, she said.

Ragozzinos transplant has become a part of family lore, according to Ragozzinos daughter, Amy Russo.

Its like a big story to tell each year, she said. We just have a get together each year and really just celebrate the life that shes gotten.

For the 40th anniversary, Ragozzinos brother, Stanley Swidock, was visiting from Florida. The family would get together for a picnic to kick off the weekend.

Earlier in the week, Ragozzino described how the transplant changed her life.

Her health problems began when she was in high school.

They came to light during a health class.

When Ragozzino and other students were learning to take blood pressure, hers turned out to be high.

She went to the doctor and learned her kidneys were failing.

Over the next several years, Ragozzino was in and out of the hospital. She received dialysis three days a week in five-hour sessions, according to her mother, Vincenza Swidock.

It drained her, Stanley Swidock said.

He recalled how his mother changed her cooking because his sister had to limit her salt intake.

I remember Sandy was dying to have a piece of pizza, the ah-beetz from New Haven, he said.

But having to forgo the local specialty was far from the most serious consequence of Ragozzinos condition.

Though she managed to keep a job at an insurance company, her illness kept her from having a social life  she was too tired when she got home at the end of the day.

I was tired, you know, nauseated.  You felt like a train hit you, Ragozzino said of that time. It was hard to do anything.

One time, Stanley Swidock remembered, his sister got so sick they were afraid she would not make it.

It was touch and go, Swidock said. (But) she got better and then was able to do the transplant a little while later.

It would be Swidock who gave his sister a new kidney.

Though Ragozzino initially had been hesitant about getting the transplant, she said, if I didnt have a transplant, I figured, I probably wouldnt live.  Thats why I decided, I gotta do something.

Still, she worried about the surgery.

There are people that have a transplant and like, sometimes it doesnt take, you know, like maybe it might last a couple of months and thats it, she said. I would hate for my brother to donate his kidney and two months later they have to remove it and thats the end, (because) I know that happens to people.

But the transplant was successful, and Ragozzinos kidney lasted more than a couple of months  two decades, and counting.

Her experience has taught her the value of donating organs.

If people could donate, they would save a lot of lives, Ragozzino said. Even signing up to be an organ donor in the event that you die is so important  theres so many people on waiting lists.

Whats Ragozzino most grateful to have experienced over the past four decades? Family.

She went on to have four children  two daughters and two sons. She has grandchildren now, too.

As Ragozzinos children grew up, she went to all their sporting events and school activities like nothing ever happened, she said. I really did live a good life after my transplant.

Shes gotten a second chance to live a normal healthy life, and were grateful for that, said her daughter. Its quite a miracle that shes had this one kidney for so long ... and of course to have your mom there for all of your first life experiences.

Ronald Ragozzino, Sandy Ragozzinos son, knows that by all odds, he probably shouldnt exist.

Im lucky to be alive, he said. I shouldnt even be here right now

Sandy Ragozzino doesnt complain, but life post-transplant hasnt always been easy. The medication she began taking after her transplant just tears down your body, her mother said.

Bia said transplant recipients take medication to keep their bodies from rejecting the foreign tissue. The regimens can cause a number of side effects, including cancer, infections and cardiovascular disease, according to Bia.

(Ragozzino) was such a trouper in terms of being able to take the side effects of the medications and still try to have a normal life, Bia said of her former patient. The fact that she did it with so much grace and so much dignity, you know, I would just consider it such a privilege to take care of her.

Ragozzino has faced other health problems. She is recovering from a stroke she suffered earlier this year, she said, and is awaiting knee surgery.

Though the stroke was mild, she said, it took a little toll on my body.

Ragozzino doesnt seem to let it get her down.

I consider myself lucky. I mean, I really do, because all these things happen to me, and you know, knock on wood  I come through, she said. I dont know what it is. I guess Gods on my side.

Ragozzinos optimism and determination impress her own mother.

Shes always upbeat. She never gives in. She fights it, you know, and just takes one day at a time, Vincenza Swidock said of her daughter. I marvel at her.

meghan.friedmann@hearstmediact.com
SAN DIEGO (AP)  Two organizations tapped by the Biden administration to recommend which migrants should be allowed into the United States to seek humanitarian protection said Friday that they are halting their work with the government and demanding an end to the Trump-era ban on asylum imposed during the coronavirus pandemic.

The withdrawal of the International Rescue Committee and HIAS from a consortium of groups assisting the Biden administration is a blow to the government's effort to join advocates in helping those deemed particularly vulnerable as they wait in Mexican border cities, including women with children and LGBTQ people.

Both groups had been part of a consortium chosen by the Biden administration to refer a limited number of asylum-seekers waiting along the Mexican border to U.S. authorities so they could be exempted from a public health order that former President Donald Trump put in place in March 2020.

Under the order, nearly all single adults and many families at the border are quickly expelled from the United States without a chance to seek asylum. Despite pressure from advocacy groups that say the emergency measure is not justified on public health grounds, the Biden administration has deferred to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and kept it in place except for children who are traveling alone.

The organizations said the agreement was that they would help until July 31, when the administration was expected to eliminate the Title 42 restrictions, named for a 1944 public health law. But the groups said they have not received word that is happening.

The administration has not given any justification for keeping Title 42 in place, so we dont want to be supporting a system that violates international human rights law, said Bill Swersey, a HIAS spokesman.

HIAS, whose withdrawal was first reported by CNN, said it will work with the government until Aug. 31 to allow time to complete the work it started. The group said it has assisted 4,842 asylum-seekers as of July 23.

The International Rescue Committee said it has helped 1,070 migrants as of July 27 and estimates the number will reach up to 1,500 when the final cases are processed. It led the consortium's efforts in Nogales, Arizona, and its work will end Saturday.

The reason IRC agreed to be engaged in this at all to begin with was we recognized the humanitarian crisis at the border due to the backlog of cases, said Meghan Lopez, the groups regional vice president for Latin America.

But the intention was never for exemptions to the public health order to become the long-term solution. She said Title 42 does not protect public health because asylum-seekers are required to be tested for the coronavirus before entering the United States and the policy is forcing thousands of people to be stuck in dangerous Mexican border cities, putting them further at risk.

We would like Title 42 to end," Lopez said. We believe people should seek asylum as a right given to them under domestic and international laws.

The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement Friday that its relationship with nongovernmental organizations was fluid and that the humanitarian exceptions were to safely process people in its "phased approach to rebuilding our nations immigration system.

The administration, however, has intensified efforts to put Central American families on a fast track for deportation if they are picked up at the border and dont claim fear of persecution, a move that has alienated asylum advocates. On Friday, Homeland Security said it resumed deportation flights to Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador for families subject to expedited removal, a legal measure to remove people from the country without seeing an immigration judge.

Meanwhile, HIAS has led efforts in El Paso, Texas, since early May, and it recently expanded to San Diego, according to Ursela Ojeda, policy adviser for the Womens Refugee Commission, which has been monitoring developments.

This is a process that never should have had to happen in the first place, Ojeda said. There are certainly many folks stuck in Mexico, migrants and asylum-seekers without any ability to seek protection.

The American Civil Liberties Union is on a similar but separate track, forwarding requests from advocacy groups along the border for up to 35 families a day. The ACLU said in May that about 2,000 people were admitted through the efforts to settle a lawsuit it filed against the government. ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt said the Biden administration wont allow a more recent number to be released.

"The exemption process has been critical for desperate families but was never intended to be a substitute for ending Title 42, nor could a limited exemption process run by NGOs ever be an adequate substitute for a legal asylum process, Gelernt said Friday.
I tuned in to Facebook Live to watch my brother give a sermon last Sunday. He preaches at Dudman Springs Church, a non-denominational gathering set in some of the prettiest farmland in southwest Missouri, where we grew up.

Dan is a bit of an institution back home. He played football for the local high school. He never forgets a name or a conversation. These days, he is a charismatic preacher, and popular referee and umpire for the sports that form the backbone of my hometown. If youve seen Robert Duvalls movie, The Apostle, thats my brother, only to my knowledge hes never swung a baseball at any one.

In this time and in that place, my brother is the tip of the spear. We are white evangelicals, and during this pandemic, some people in our pews have acted as human roadblocks to the country reaching herd immunity against the deadly COVID virus. They refuse to get vaccinated and sometimes even kick up dust against wearing masks.

Freedom, and all that.

In fact, in June, the Kaiser Family Foundation said the groups least likely to get the COVID vaccine are, in order, rural residents, Republicans, and white evangelicals.

My brother is all three. And on Sunday, in simple and convincing terms, he did a brave thing: He implored his flock to get the vaccination.

I am starting to believe that no amount of shouting or sneering from those of us on the coasts will turn the tide for the souls in Missouri, Kentucky, in Ohio who have a hard time wrapping their minds around the importance of the vaccine.

Yes, it boggles the mind that people would still question, and well be years parsing out why thats happening. In the meantime, we just may move through this crisis because of the quiet efforts of people like my brother, saying what he said on Sunday, that getting vaccinated goes beyond politics, that if you want to protect your family and yourself, youll get the vaccine.

Down the road, he said into the camera on Sunday, well look back at our resistance to this and wonder what precisely we were fighting against. Or for. Honest to God, if I was in Missouri, Id hug him around the neck.

No one was surprised when COVID vaccination rates leveled out after the initial rush to get shot. Early on in Connecticut, people stayed up late to enroll online, and then they cheerfully stood in line for the jab.

At least, I did.

But we are at about 64% fully vaccinated now - high compared to the rest of the country, but we could do better, especially as the number of new cases and hospitalizations are rising. Nationally, health officials recently reported 51,000 new cases a day - more than four times the average of just last month. The vaccine would quell the spread of every variant of the virus.

We have enough vaccines to do the job, but we have too many people who believe nonsense and propaganda. Hospitals say 99.9% of all new cases are the unvaccinated. It is, say officials, a pandemic of the unvaccinated. Theyre ruining it for the rest of us.

In some areas of the country, the increase in COVID cases has contributed to an uptick in vaccination rates, but people arent moving fast enough. Near my brothers church, officials at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Mo., opened a third COVID ICU unit, while people are flocking to the super-spreader event that is the Ozark Empire Fair, where one estimate said 6 out of 10 people who crowd onto the rides and into the lines for fried dough are unvaccinated.

Last week, St. Louis health officials announced theyd reinstate a mask mandate, and Missouris attorney general (and U.S. Senate candidate) Eric Schmitt vowed to fight it. He did the same when Kansas City officials reinstated an indoor mask mandate, because in this time and in that place, it is politically expedient to do the unthinkable and rail against science. (Please pray for Missouri, who along with Schmitt counts among her Senate candidate that St. Louis attorney who with his attorney wife, aimed guns at peaceful protesters in their fancy neighborhood. Evidently, attorney Mark McCloskey believes that if he can gain national attention by being a gun nut, he can serve in the U.S. Senate.)

Here in Connecticut, in addition to protests from members of the anti-mask/anti-vax/anti-science club, we are drowning in misinformation pumped into our homes on social media. The swill is so thick that earlier this year, Attorney General William Tong joined 11 other attorneys general to write the heads of Twitter and Facebook to ask that those platforms stop allowing the spread of misinformation about the vaccine and the efficacy of masks. Twitter, at least, has in their rules and policies a ban on misinformation about COVID-19 which may lead to harm.

But the waters of ignorance are deep and some of our fellows are drowning in it. So, in keeping with my brothers sermon:

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Well, thats your business.

Are you vaccinated out of a love of your neighbor? Well, thats ours.

Love your neighbor. Get the shot.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)  More than a dozen high-risk Missouri residents who were vaccinated against COVID-19 were among those who died amid a surge of cases that has led the University of Missouri to reinstate a mask mandate and some St. Louis restaurants to permit only the immunized to eat indoors.

High risk, immune compromised and sadly couldnt muster an immune response, tweeted Steve Edwards, president and CEO of CoxHealth, in announcing Thursday that there had been six COVID-19 pneumonia deaths among vaccinated patients at its hospitals in southwest Missouri.

An additional eight fully vaccinated Mercy Springfield patients have died since June 1, spokeswoman Sonya Kullmann said in a text. That amounts to 12% of the 68 total deaths at that hospital during that time.

They all had other serious health conditions, she wrote, adding that seven of the patients were over the age of 75 and one was over the age of 65.

COVID-19 vaccines greatly reduce the chance of severe illness and death and remain effective against the variants, including the delta variant. Like many other vaccines, they are less effective in people with weakened immune systems and frail elderly.

Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at Johns Hopkins University, said the deaths were partially a reflection of the level of COVID-19 spread.

The state ranks fourth nationally in the number of new cases per capita in the past 14 days. And the seven-day rolling average of daily deaths in Missouri has risen over the past two weeks from 12 per day on July 13 to 17.29 per day on Tuesday, according to data from John Hopkins University.

Health officials are blaming low vaccination rates and the fast-spreading delta variant for sending hospitalizations in the state soaring.

There are so many cases that you are going to see more breakthroughs, Sharfstein said. That is why you are seeing them in Missouri because you have so many cases."

Just 47.7% of Missouri residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine, far lower than the national rate of 57.1%, state and federal data shows. Many counties in southwest Missouri have vaccination rates that are less than half the state average.

I do think that scenario that we are hoping for is that if enough people get vaccinated, then the virus will find it much harder to move around in the population and that will protect everyone, including children and people who dont respond to the vaccine," he said.

Meanwhile, health officials in St. Louis County said in a news release that they had documented more than 600 cases in which vaccinated people tested positive for COVID-19, and they stressed that the total is likely higher. They said Thursday that they would release more details soon.

The issue of breakthrough cases and masking has gotten more attention after the Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced that it now recommends that even vaccinated people wear masks indoors in places where the coronavirus is surging. Under the guidance, those recommendations would apply to all but three of the states counties.

The University of Missouri-Columbia said Thursday that all students, faculty, staff and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear masks in classrooms and meeting spaces where social distancing isn't possible starting Aug. 2.

Some restaurants in the St. Louis area have announced plans to limit indoor dining to vaccinated customers only, seating unvaccinated customers outdoors.

Given the events of the last 18 months, our businesses can not afford the threat of unvaccinated individuals are exposing our staff and guests to unnecessary health risks, wrote Bengelina Hospitality Group, which runs Elaia, Olio and Nixta restaurants, in a Facebook post. It also said the restaurant group was only hiring vaccinated people.

Apotheosis Comics and Lounge also announced that beginning Thursday, only customers who can show proof of vaccination against the coronavirus will be allowed to sit at the in-store bar.

The restrictions go a step further than what is required under mask mandates that took effect this week in St. Louis County and St. Louis city. They demand that even the vaccinated wear masks if they 5 or older, but include exceptions for people who are seated in a restaurant or bar eating and drinking.

The St. Louis area mandates have been hotly contested, with Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt suing and the St. Louis County council voting to overturn the county mandate. St. Louis County Executive Sam Page insists the mandate remains in effect, but Schmitt said it isn't. He tweeted that his office is seeking a court order to halt enforcement.

Schmitt also has threatened to sue over a Kansas City mask mandate that is set to take effect this coming Monday.
SEATTLE (AP)  Endangered killer whales received new habitat protections from the U.S. government Friday.

The National Marine Fisheries Service finalized rules to expand the Southern Resident orcas critical habitat from the Canadian border down to Point Sur, California, adding 15,910 square miles (41,207 square kilometers) of foraging areas, river mouths and migratory pathways.

Seattlepi.com reports that the total protected area now encompasses more than 18,000 square miles (46,620 square kilometers).

These critically endangered orcas are finally getting the federal habitat protections they desperately need, said Julie Teel Simmonds, an attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity.

Environmentalists praised the action. But they also called for habitat protections for salmon to aid in the orcas recovery.

While this action helps ensure the orcas ocean home will be protected, more action is urgently needed to restore wild salmon populations the orcas depend on, Ben Enticknap, a senior scientist with Oceana, said in a statement.

There are currently 75 southern resident orca whales in the three resident J, K and L pods. The whales have in recent years been at their lowest numbers since the 1970s,
BRIDGEPORT  Is it over?

During the past 10 months federal authorities, who have been scrutinizing Bridgeports Democrat-dominated government since at least early 2018, have charged five municipal officials in a smorgasbord of scandals.

First, then-police chief Armando Perez and then-personnel director David Dunn were charged in September for conspiring to help the former cheat to get the job. The two were convicted earlier this year and are now serving time behind bars.

Then, in May, state Sen. Dennis Bradley and school board member Jessica Martinez were charged for allegedly trying to fraudulently obtain state public campaign financing. And, this past Wednesday, City Councilman Michael DeFilippo was charged for alleged illegalities involving absentee or mail-in ballots.

And, after each indictment, observers have been left wondering, are investigators done?

Theres got to be something else going on here, said former state Rep. Christopher Caruso, who had a reputation as a good-government policymaker during his 20-year tenure in office, this week following DeFilippos arrest.

The U.S. Attorneys office did not return a request for comment and has a policy of not discussing pending cases.

When people dont know the answer to whats the end game that means the systems working, said Michael Clark, a retired FBI agent who is a senior lecturer with the University of New Havens criminal justice department. He emphasized the importance of confidentiality and secrecy surrounding his former responsibilities.

Clark said all five of the recent Bridgeport arrests meet the mission objective of the FBIs anti-corruption program.

The publics faith in elections has been shaken. So the FBI absolutely should be looking at election fraud, Clark said. It absolutely should be looking at if a police chief cheated on an exam. Thats public trust matters. ... Thats what the FBI is looking to restore, to ensure.

In fact in February 2015 the U.S. Attorneys Office in Connecticut announced the creation of a special, multi-agency anti-public corruption task force and followed that up with a handful of billboard advertisements  including in Bridgeport  promoting the effort and a tip phone line.

Two private attorneys with insight into the inner workings of federal probes  Stanley Twardy Jr. and Christopher Mattei  said it is not unusual for authorities to start with one area of interest, and eventually branch out to others.

(U.S.) Department of Justice investigations are often far reaching and go down several paths if the evidence leads in multiple directions, said Mattei, formerly chief of the financial fraud and public corruption unit for the U.S. Attorneys Office in Connecticut. This is especially true when individuals who are cooperating with the investigation provide information about criminal activity that may be unrelated to the investigations primary focus. The department is duty bound to investigate all such leads and bring charges where appropriate.

They turn a rock over, uncover something and follow up with it, said Twardy, a former U.S. Attorney for Connecticut. Once you get in there and start uncovering things, you just keep going with it. .

In terms of how the chain of events got started in Bridgeport, what is known is that in late 2018 city officials received an anonymous letter alleging cash from municipal scrap metal sales was being misappropriated and contracts rigged within the public facilities department. In early February 2019, federal authorities subpoenaed City Hall for three years worth of records involving scrap metal sales and public facilities contracts.

In early April 2019 Hearst Connecticut Media reported the FBI was also looking at the 2018 search for a police chief which resulted in Ganim making friend and then-acting chief Perez permanent top cop.

While there have so far been no arrests related to scrap metal and/or public facilities contracts, on Sept. 10, 2020, Perez and Dunn were indicted for conspiring to help the former cheat to become a finalist for chief. Both men resigned, pleaded guilty and in late May began serving their respective prison terms.

During the course of that investigation the city hired private attorneys to represent Ganim, his chief-of-staff, Daniel Shamas, Perez and Dunn, but no charges have been brought against the mayor and Shamas.

The same week Perez and Dunn reported to jail, on May 25, Bradley and Martinez, Bradleys campaign treasurer, were arrested for allegedly attempting to fraudulently obtain $179,850 in state campaign grants in 2018.

While investigators do not reveal what prompts them to open a case, City Council member Maria Pereira raised questions about Bradleys 2018 Senate campaign finances and fundraising in a complaint filed with the State Elections Enforcement Commission.

In the case of DeFilippo, the federal charges against him were directly related to a very public, nearly 4-year-old court battle over the September 2017 Democratic Party primary he won. The losers challenged the results, alleging voting improprieties, and Superior Court Judge Barbara Bellis ultimately ordered one do-over election for November 2017 and then, after concluding it too had been tainted, another for April 2018. DeFilippo prevailed each time.

Bellis had also ordered a transcript of that second ruling for a third primary, issued Nov. 30, be sent to the Chief States Attorney, the Secretary of the State and to federal authorities.

The fact that none of the three cases seem to be related is not unusual, Clark said. He said there does not have to be this one conspiracy or one big racketeering enterprise.

Theyre working off of whether witnesses are giving them information or citizens or people who are jammed up giving them information, Clark said. Saying, Okay, you got me. But you should be looking at this guy, too. That helps them (defendants) when it comes to sentencing.

And, Twardy noted, in his experience, The larger the city, the more money. The more money, the more temptations. The more temptations, the more people cross the line.

The last time the FBI made national headlines in Bridgeport was during Ganims previous administration. He first ran the city from 1991 until 2003 when he was convicted of running a pay-to-play operation out of City Hall. Ganim served seven years in federal prison, waged a successful comeback for his old job in 2015 and was reelected in 2019.

Ganim has not commented on DeFilippos arrest  the councilman was sometimes a vocal critic of his  and did not respond to questions for this article about his thoughts on the five indictments. The mayor does have on his payroll one of the retired FBI agents who investigated him two decades ago, Edward Adams, who endorsed Ganims comeback and was hired as an aide.

Adams also did not respond to a request for his own view of federal investigators strategy in Bridgeport.

Clark said from his own experience with the FBI, there will never be a point when the agency announces it has exhausted all avenues of inquiry.

Youll never see the wagon train kind of leave town, Clark said. The U.S. Attorneys Office and FBI, their policy is to neither deny nor confirm investigations. When its over, itll be over. No one will know. Only a couple of people, and theyre not going to be talking.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP)  Floridas coronavirus cases jumped 50% this week, the state Health Department reported Friday, continuing a six-week surge that has seen it responsible for 1 in 5 new infections nationally, becoming the outbreak's epicenter.

The release came shortly after Gov. Ron DeSantis barred school districts from requiring students to wear masks when classes resume next month.

More than 110,000 new coronavirus cases were reported statewide over the past week, up from 73,000 last week and 11 times the 10,000 reported the week of June 11, six weeks ago. Case numbers are now back to where they in January, just before vaccinations became widely available.

The Florida Hospital Association also said Friday that statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations are nearing last years peak. More than 9,300 patients are hospitalized, up from 1,845 a month ago and nearing the record 10,179 set on July 23, 2020. On a per capita basis, Florida now has more people hospitalized than any other state.

The state reported 409 deaths this week, bringing the total to more than 39,000 since its first in March 2020. The states peak happened in mid-August 2020, when 1,266 people died over a seven-day period. Deaths usually follow increases in hospitalizations by a few weeks.

DeSantis has blamed the surge on a seasonal increase  more Floridians are indoors because of the hot weather with air conditioning circulating the virus. About 60% of Floridians 12 and older are vaccinated, ranking it about midway among the states.

DeSantis said his executive order barring mask mandates at schools will improve students' experience and make it easier for them to focus on learning.

I have (three) young kids. My wife and I are not going to do the mask with the kids. We never have; we wont. I want to see my kids smiling. I want them having fun, DeSantis said at a news conference in southwest Florida a few hours before he signed the executive order. DeSantis is seeking reelection next year and has been positioning himself nationally for a possible 2024 presidential bid.

DeSantis also contended there is no evidence masks prevent outbreaks at schools, which is at odds with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines recommending universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status.

His critics say his unwillingness to mandate mask wearing endangers the health of students and staff.

We know that masks are a simple and effective way to help prevent virus spread, and from a medical perspective it makes absolutely zero sense to discourage their use, said Dr. Bernard Ashby, head of Florida's progressive Committee to Protect Health Care. "DeSantis power grab will put the health of kids and teachers alike at risk.

DeSantis' decision came after the Broward County school board voted to require masks and other districts and colleges across the state were considering it.

We will have to change our policy, Broward board member Debbi Hixon told the South Florida SunSentinel. I am not looking to defy the governor. I believe it is an irresponsible decision but if it is the law, I will agree to follow it.

The Florida Education Association, the state's teachers union, said DeSantis should leave the decision to local officials rather than impose a statewide edict  a position he once held. When the pandemic began in March 2020, DeSantis said local officials should control the response, that the business closures and mask mandates imposed in Miami, Tampa and other big cities wouldn't work in small, rural counties.

Gov. DeSantis continues to think that Tallahassee knows best what all Floridians need, union President Andrew Spar said in a statement. We reject that kind of thinking. Instead, we ask Gov. DeSantis to allow all Floridas citizens to have a voice by empowering the elected leaders of cities, counties and school districts to make health and safety decisions locally.

Meanwhile, Publix, the state's largest supermarket chain, announced Friday that employees will again be required to wear masks and several hospitals said they are postponing elective surgeries and limiting visitors.

At Tampa General Hospital, the 90-plus patients hospitalized with COVID already exceeds the previous high of 86, said Dr. Seetha Lakshmi, medical director of its Global Emerging Diseases Institute. She said the hospital, like many, can't hire enough staff and it is leaving those working exhausted.

It feels like we are getting hit by a train, the pace is so fast and uncontrolled, Laskshmi said. I just dont have any words anymore. This is awful, just awful and it is going to be awful."

She said last year, her patients' median age was in the 70s. Now, it is just over 50, with the younger patients getting sicker than in the past.

She pointed to a patient in his early 30s whose lungs sound like Velcro being pulled apart. A father of young children, he will likely have permanent damage and might need a transplant eventually, she said.

She said 83% of Tampa General's COVID patients are unvaccinated while the others have immune-deficiency issues that prevented the vaccine from working.

___

Gomez Licon reported from Miami.

___

Follow APs coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is vowing he won't let grass grow under our feet as the department begins to implement the new vaccine and testing directives. But Pentagon officials on Friday were scrambling to figure out how to enact and enforce the changes across the vast military population and determine which National Guard and Reserve troops would be affected by the orders.

The Pentagon now has two separate missions involving President Joe Biden's announcement Thursday aimed at increasing COVID-19 vaccines in the federal workforce. The Defense Department must develop plans to make the vaccine mandatory for the military, and set up new requirements for federal workers who will have to either attest to a COVID-19 vaccination or face frequent testing and travel restrictions.

Austin said the department will move expeditiously, but added that he cant predict how long it will take. He said he plans to consult with medical professionals as well as the military service leaders.

Any plan to make the vaccine mandatory will require a waiver signed by Biden, because the Food and Drug Administration has not yet given the vaccine final, formal approval. According to federal law, the requirement to offer individuals a choice of accepting or rejecting use of an emergency use vaccine may only be waived by the president, only if the president determines in writing that complying with such requirement is not in the interests of national security.

Mandating the vaccine prior to FDA approval will likely trigger opposition from vaccine opponents, and drag the military into political debates over what has become a highly divisive issue in America.

Military commanders, however, have also struggled to separate vaccinated recruits from those not vaccinated during early portions of basic training across the services in order to prevent infections. So, for some, a mandate could make training and housing less complicated.

Military service members are already required to get as many as 17 different vaccines, depending on where they are based around the world. Some of the vaccines are specific to certain regions. Military officials have said the pace of vaccines has been growing across the force, with some units seeing nearly 100 percent of their members get shots.

According to the Pentagon, more than 1 million service members are fully vaccinated, and another 233,000 have gotten at least one shot. There are roughly 2 million active duty, Guard and Reserve troops.

A vaccine mandate will also raise questions about whether the military services will discharge troops who refuse the vaccine.

National Guard officials said initial guidance suggests that Guard troops who initially refuse the vaccine once its mandatory will receive counseling from medical personnel. If they still refuse they would be ordered to take it, and failure to follow that order could result in adminitrative or punitive action.

On Friday, Guard officials said leaders were still nailing down legal recommendations on which citizen soldiers would be affected by the new requirements and who would not. Officials said it appears the bulk of the Guard would eventually have to get the vaccine, when it is mandated.

Guard troops on federal active duty would be given the vaccine in their units wherever they are deployed, and others would get it when they report to their monthly drill weekend or annual training. The system, according to Guard officials, would resemble any other vaccine requirement.

Guard members who are on state active duty would not be subject to the requirement initially because they are subject to state laws. But once they return to a monthly drill, the order would apply to them. Guard officials spoke about the new vaccine process on condition of anonymity because procedures are still being finalized.

While the number of COVID-19 deaths across the military has remained small - largely attributed to the age and health of the force  cases of the virus have been increasing.

As of this week, there have been more than 208,600 cases of COVID-19 among members of the U.S. military. Of those, more than 1,800 have been hospitalized and 28 have died.

Earlier this year, the number of cases and hospitalizations had been growing by relatively small, consistent amounts, and the number of deaths had stalled at 26 for more than two and a half months. In recent weeks the totals spiked. The number of cases increased by more than 3,000 in the last week alone, and those hospitalized grew by 36. Two Navy sailors also died in the last week.
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Pamela Powell is a film critic located in Bourbonnais and a member of the CFCA and the CCA and is a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic. Writing reviews for 10 years, Pamela can be found on WCIA TV in Champaign. She can be contacted at pampowell5@att.net.
Timeline: Federal eviction moratorium extended several times

March 27, 2020

The CARES Act eviction moratorium began. It ended on July 24, 2020, though no evictions could be filed until Aug. 23, 2020.

Sept. 1, 2020

CDC issues temporary national moratorium on most evictions for nonpayment of rent with Dec. 31 expiration date

Oct. 9, 2020

CDC issues guidance creating new burdens for renters to seek eviction protection

December 2020

Federal eviction moratorium extended through Jan. 31, 2021, as part of an emergency COVID-19 relief package

Jan. 29, 2021

CDC extended the moratorium until March 31 as a result of a presidential executive order

March 29, 2021

The Biden administration extended the moratorium through June 30, 2021.

June 24, 2021

CDC extended deadline to July 31, announces it would be the last extension.

June 29, 2021

Supreme Court refuses to lift the moratorium and said congressional action would be needed to extend its end date

July 29, 2021

The Biden administration announces it will allow moratorium to expire on Saturday
Elizabeth City, NC (27909)

Today

Overcast with rain showers at times. High 76F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Localized flooding is possible..

Tonight

Rain this evening with thunderstorms by morning. Low 68F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected. Localized flooding is possible.
Elizabeth City, NC (27909)

Today

Cloudy with periods of rain. High 77F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Localized flooding is possible..

Tonight

Rain and thunderstorms. Low 68F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch. Localized flooding is possible.
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Ashland, KY (41101)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Some clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds light and variable.
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:
Today our society takes a dangerous step towards semi-official censorship of opinions. In this case it is my opinions but once we accept this in our midst, it will affect everyone elses.

The Mail on Sunday today publishes a correction of something I wrote in my column about facemasks.

This is mandated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), to which this newspaper belongs and whose rules I am pledged to follow.

Most people in British journalism accept, as I do, that the existence of IPSO is preferable to the state regulation which the growing legion of enemies of freedom wish to see. We at this newspaper strive very hard to abide by its code.

But that does not mean that we cannot criticise it or say that it is mistaken. Now, many people disagree with my opposition to the compulsory wearing of masks.

But this is a claim that my expression of opinion is a false or inaccurate statement.

This is a giant pole-vaulting leap in IPSOs function and powers. Once it has been accepted as just, no opinion is safe.

I said (in a tiny passing reference in an article about something else on December 13) that a major study had shown that facemasks were useless. This was plainly an expression of opinion.

No news account of such a matter in this newspaper or any other would use a word as broad and critical as useless. And it was an expression of opinion which referred to factual accounts of the matter I and others had given some weeks earlier.

Interestingly, no complaint has been made or upheld about my factual report of the Danish Mask Study, on November 22

Interestingly, no complaint has been made or upheld about my factual report of the Danish Mask Study, on November 22. I will republish this account on the Peter Hitchens Blog for those interested.

Read it and see if you think facemasks are useful. I will also discuss there the strange claim that the study was inconclusive.

For there is a fascinating paradox here. My November 22 article, and a news item by my colleague Stephen Adams in The Mail on Sunday of the same day, were as far as I know the only reports in UK national newspapers or broadcasters of the outcome of this extremely important study.

I think this is an astonishing and frightening fact. These people, whose job is to report the news, did not think that you, the reader, were even entitled to know that this major event had taken place. It is as if you were living in China and if we, at this newspaper, had not done as we did, you might as well have been.

It is my opinion (please note, IPSO, my opinion) that the rest of the UK media failed to report on the Danish Mask Study because it had come up with a result they did not like.

But there is no body such as IPSO to which the public can complain about newspapers which keep vital information from their readers.

In fact, the Danish study had great difficulty in getting published in any scientific journal either and, I believe, it was much-modified before it was eventually released.

My guess is that those modifications weakened its impact but without access to the original I cannot say this for certain.

I should say at this point that several of my colleagues on this newspaper disagree with me totally about the facemask issue.

And I am delighted that their views and arguments have been published prominently and freely in our pages, alongside my differing opinions. That is the sort of newspaper we are, open-minded and fair.

I strongly dispute their interpretation of the facts. But if any attempt were made to condemn their articles, as mine has been condemned, I would rush to their defence.

It is my opinion (please note, IPSO, my opinion) that the rest of the UK media failed to report on the Danish Mask Study because it had come up with a result they did not like

That is how liberty works, though it seems to me that an increasing number of people in this country have forgotten that, or do not care.

Heedless greed of Big Dope

The resemblance between the Big Dope lobby and Big Tobacco is astonishing. Both share a heedless greed which allows them to ignore the terrible illnesses associated with their products, as long as they bring in the cash.

Both use doctors to claim that harms are exaggerated or even that these things can be good for you. So no big surprise that British American Tobacco has revealed it is moving into marijuana, something the BBC idiotically described as a less harmful product in a report last week.

I am endlessly fascinated by the way people who eat vegan burgers, prefer bikes to cars, buy organic milk, hate fast-food and soft-drink billionaires, are so often also keen supporters of Big Dope, the worst and cruellest greed lobby in modern human history.

Why does cannabis, increasingly associated with the miseries of lifelong mental illness and with violent, crazed crime, get this free pass?

Russias ruled by e-scooters

A friend living in Moscow wrote to her UK MP pointing out that e-scooters have more or less taken over the pavements of the Russian capital, making life very worrying for anyone walking with small children. She warned that if we legalise these things in Britain, as the Government seems to want to do, this will happen here too. Her MP promptly wrote to Transport Minister Rachel Maclean. After emitting a lot of official boilerplate, the Minister told my friend that she might want to raise particular instances of dangerous e-scooter use with her local police force. Has Ms Maclean ever met the Moscow police?

Boriss chain gang idea is just criminal

Why has no modern British politician ever actually thought about crime and policing? It takes a few hours of study to find that preventive police foot patrols, plus deterrent sentences for those convicted a second time, hugely suppress crime and disorder.

What has happened in this country since the 1950s is that more people have seen crime and bad behaviour as a minor risk, so the numbers committing crime have gone up enormously. The police have responded by waiting for them to commit crime, chasing about wildly and then giving up.

Meanwhile, our liberal prisons fill up with undeterred multiple repeat offenders, most of whom dont much mind being there, because they largely run the show.

But all our Eton and Oxford-educated Premier can come up with are populist gimmicks a child could see through  chain gangs and dedicated police officers to soothe us once we have become victims, far too late. Think, man, think. Read up on it. If you did, you might actually do some good.

Were still on wrong track

Here we see the latest alleged plan to save the planet lorries hooked up to power cables like trolleybuses. If the authors of this scheme actually follow their logic, they will eventually invent the railway train, the most brilliant plan for clean, green transport ever devised, yet in this country endlessly neglected and mismanaged where the lines have not actually been closed.

Heres the point. Friction between a steel wheel and a steel rail is vastly less than that between a rubber tyre and a road surface. Electricity delivered by overhead cable is hugely more efficient and reliable than in an expensive heavy battery.

If anyone in government is seriously interested in the green faith they claim to follow, then a huge building plan for electrified railways, reopening all the ones we closed in the Sixties and more besides, would actually make more difference than any other policy.

If you want to comment on Peter Hitchens click here
I was lucky enough to go on holiday to Florida with my family just a few weeks ago.

Attractions such as Universal Studios were packed and the weather was uncomfortably hot, yet after just the first day there I had an odd feeling. My jaw was positively aching from smiling.

And the reason? Despite the continuing worry about Covid-19, real life was taking place.

There were plenty of coronavirus safety measures in place, but the requests and instructions were discreet. There were no plastic screens, no one-way signs. No hectoring.

The restaurants had real menus to choose from. In the shops you could pay with cash  no one in Florida is going to get in the way of a good tip.

Yet if the Sunshine State is doing pretty well with Covid-19, the truth is that Britain is doing even better.

Our vaccination rate is among the best in the world. More than 90 per cent of adults have antibodies. Infections are falling and even Professor Lockdown, Neil Ferguson, says the end is in sight.

Why, then, is Britain so gripped by continuing fear? Why do we continue with doom-laden public announcements, with the pingdemic and with extreme and economically damaging restrictions?

The money involved in the safety industry is vast. Fear of Covid has made some people very rich indeed and they arent going to let go of that in a hurry. Police officer are seen walking through Waterloo Station on July 19

We can see it all around us  the colleagues who refuse to return to the office; the older people still terrified to leave the bottom of their drive; the clubs, choirs and sewing circles that have collapsed because no one dares take the risk of meeting human beings.

Most troubling of all is the growing  and disastrous  acceptance that fresh restrictions might be needed for the autumn and winter ahead. A recent IPSO/Mori poll even suggested that almost a fifth of people favour a permanent 10pm curfew!

This is partly because the Government has done its best to spread fear, terrifying the life out of ordinary Britons.

Early in the pandemic it was recognised that the UK was the most Covid-scared nation in Europe. We were not compelled to keep children inside for weeks like the Spanish, but it turns out many of us did, just the same.

We werent ordered to wear masks in the street like the French were, but many of us did.

Brits have gone far beyond the mandated restrictions and have done so with vigour.

Is it because our Government did such a good job of scaring us that we are still genuinely afraid? Perhaps.

But I worry that there is a deeper reason  that the firm hand of the nanny state is one that too many of us enjoy. And that, today, many millions of us have come to believe in a new normal.

A dangerous division is emerging  between those of us who want our freedoms back as soon as possible and those who believe in a new, more regulated life with spells of home imprisonment whenever our medical scientists become concerned. Which is often.

Facemasks are the most obvious sign of this. Wearing them is no longer compulsory, aside from in specialist locations such as packed carriages on the London Underground. Even the repeated assertions that masks work are open to challenge, to put it no more strongly. (The Government spent many months insisting that they dont, remember.)

The divide caused by Brexit is nothing to this new rupture  between those eager to return to the world as we knew it and those who are fighting hard to buoy up our new, Covid-conscious world, not to mention all the opportunities that come with it. Festival-goers dance at the Kaleidoscope Festival in London on July 24th

Yet millions of us continue to wear masks, even in situations where they cannot possibly be effective  in the park, on the beach.

Some are truly frightened, I accept that. Some, particularly the frail and immuno-compromised  those undergoing cancer treatment for example  would have good reason to be careful even without coronavirus. Others are happy to have spent more time at home and rather hope it will continue.

It is no surprise that people who have bought lovely homes in the countryside, many miles from the office, would now like to abolish the commute.

I am most troubled that the comfortable liberal voices  such as those dominating Radio 4s Today programme (to which I am a devoted listener)  seem genuinely thankful we are governed not by a functioning parliament but a star-chamber of medical scientists whose lives are dedicated to suppressing disease at almost any cost. In this new land of the worried well, the happy-to-be-frightened, mask wearing is no mere precaution but a badge of honour.

The divide caused by Brexit is nothing to this new rupture  between those eager to return to the world as we knew it and those who are fighting hard to buoy up our new, Covid-conscious world, not to mention all the opportunities that come with it.

Just think of the mask and sanitiser sales, the army of people involved in Test and Trace, the battalions who fit out offices with Perspex screens and new ventilation systems

I was lucky enough to go on holiday to Florida with my family just a few weeks ago. Attractions such as Universal Studios were packed and the weather was uncomfortably hot, yet after just the first day there I had an odd feeling. My jaw was positively aching from smiling

The money involved in the safety industry is vast. Fear of Covid has made some people very rich indeed and they arent going to let go of that in a hurry.

The threat to our way of life is serious  and has been coming for some time. It has been fed by a dangerous mix of US-style litigation culture and a growing belief that government can protect against all known harms. Or compensate us should it fail.

As a stepmother and mother of four boys, I have seen how nervous people have become.

A few years ago I read an article that spoke about free-range parenting as something unusual. Risk is a condition of life, yet allowing our boys to explore the world around them, as we have done, is now considered to be dangerous.

Covid has taken this creeping excess of caution and added rocket boosters. Today, the advertisers tell us not just to clean our clothes but to sterilise them free of germs.

Companies are obsessed by reassuring us that safety is their Number One Priority.

Yet we cannot outlaw death and nor should we try if the result is to ban the very humanity that keeps us alive.

My late mother had cancer on and off for 25 years. Numerous bouts of chemotherapy meant she often could not see people or go out and about without risk because her immune system was suppressed.

But Mum was also much more deaf than she admitted, and blind in one eye following the removal of a brain tumour.

So I know she would have found it almost impossible to communicate with people in masks. And I am convinced she would also have found the idea of forcing her grandchildren to cover-up in school  supposedly for her protection  quite appalling.

She bore her illness with stoicism, never using it as an excuse to break a date or let anyone down.

If we all go round in masks for fear of being thought uncaring, we will end up in a world where people forget how to do the most caring thing in the world  and that is smile.

Covid is a horrid disease. I have seen it up close and personal. It can be a killer and many people have been taken before their time.

But that is no reason to restrict human contact for the months and years ahead.

The worst is well behind us. We must go back to kisses, hugs and polite handshakes. Greetings from humans to human.

It is time for us to take responsibility for our own health. To get back to the office, back to our lives, back in our swimsuits.

Yet, lets learn some lessons  eat healthily, exercise and lose weight. Lets wash our hands and sneeze into a tissue.

But lets learn this lesson, too: togetherness and human contact are essential. Without them we are gravely diminished.

For the great majority of us who are safe, it is time to take off the masks. And smile.
The investigative skills of the World Health Organisation team looking into the origins of the outbreak of Covid in China are, unfortunately, more akin to the abilities of the Keystone Cops than to the crack sleuths of TVs CSI.

Initially, after being carefully guided around Wuhan by Chinese government officials, they declared that a laboratory leak was extremely unlikely and would not be investigated further.

Worryingly, too, some of the original investigation team are among the Wests most ardent friends of China.

One member, Peter Daszak, is a former business partner of the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and, for years, worked with its bat-borne coronavirus expert Dr Shi Zhengli.

Not that Mr Daszak thinks there was anything dangerous in what they were doing in such research.

Last year, he spent months deriding as conspiracy theorists those asking legitimate questions about the Wuhan labs potential role in the origins of Covid.

He organised a letter to a scientific journal claiming that scientists had not yet accepted any explanation as feasible.

To the Beijing regime, any idea of questioning its official narrative or any suggestion that its laboratory safety protocols warrant scrutiny is not just unreasonable but insulting (Pictured: President Xi Jingping)

Several theories have accused the Wuhan lab in China (pictured) of accidentally leaking the Covid-19 virus

Security guards keep the media at bay outside the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China

In view of this lobbying  and, perhaps, I suggest, in an effort to placate the Chinese  he was appointed to the WHO investigation team.

The big question remains: is the Chinese Communist Party hiding something?

If Covid-19 was truly the result of the transmission of a virus from animal to human, surely, any responsible government would welcome urgent investigation to examine all the available evidence. But no.

Instead, the deputy chief of Chinas National Health Commission has said he was shocked that any inquiry should be looking at whether anyone in his country had violated laboratory procedures, causing virus leakage.

To the Beijing regime, any idea of questioning its official narrative or any suggestion that its laboratory safety protocols warrant scrutiny is not just unreasonable but insulting.

This is not the first time Chinese officials have blocked even the perfunctory WHO examinations.

It is now clear that they knew about the human-to-human transfer of Covid as early as November 2019 and that Beijing spent the latter part of the following month suppressing scientists who tried to warn of this fact and of the dangerous nature of Covid.

When China finally alerted the WHO in late December, it said it was just a small flu outbreak.

For its part, and equally irresponsibly, the WHO declined at first to declare an international public health emergency two days before 56 million people in Hubei province were put into lockdown.

Shockingly, it wasnt until March 11 that the WHO declared a global pandemic.

Scientists at work at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (file photo) in China

While China has insisted the virus originated elsewhere, some academics, politicians and media have contemplated the possibility it escaped from the Wuhan lab- raising suspicions that Chinese officials simply hid evidence of the early spread

During the delay, the virus had spread around the world. The WHOs poodle-like participation in Chinas Great Covid Cover-Up continued.

When its team of investigators were finally allowed to visit Wuhan  having repeatedly not been given the necessary visas and permits  they were fobbed off with an inaccurate assessment of Covids first victims.

Indeed, the information supplied to the WHO team has now been thoroughly discredited by journalists, and the Chinese themselves have admitted that it was inaccurate.

And yet the gullible WHO departed, having accepted the Chinese version of events.

A very revealing comment on this sorry state of affairs came recently from Liang Wannian, head of the Chinese experts on the WHO-China team, who said: Just to protect the privacy of patients, we did not agree to provide original data, nor did we allow them to copy it or take photos.

He also claimed that the international experts also fully understood this.

Based on its utterly unsatisfactory track record, it seems increasingly obvious that any meaningful attempt by the WHO to ascertain Covids origins will be blocked again and again.

As such  without freedom to determine the evidence it sees or what hypotheses it might explore, or where it may visit  this is a perversion of the word investigation.

Instead, we are witnessing an exercise that has helped China in further muddying the waters as to its culpability.

Not surprisingly, US President Joe Biden has, in effect, given up on the WHO investigation and asked the US intelligence community to come up with its own verdict.

Sadly, the British Government remains muted about Chinas responsibility for this global debacle.

The fact is that Ministers have form on placating Beijing  refusing to impose import controls on Chinese products suspected to have been made using slave labour.

I am sorry to say, but I, like many others, believe this is a policy of appeasement  of the kind which, in the 1930s, cost the world much in human terms.

Governments across the globe  many in the media, too, with the notable exception of this newspaper  seem to have given up on trying to get to the truth about Covid and understand how our world was turned upside down.

I am surprised, for example, how BBC News has reported very little on the subject.

Had the cause of this tragedy been the responsibility of any other nation, I wager that scarcely a day would have gone by without loud calls for the perpetrator to be held to account.

Also, it was very wrong that when Australia bravely called for an inquiry, China retaliated by imposing punitive sanctions on its wine and barley exports  and most other governments failed to back Australia.

Meanwhile, independent research continues into the viruss origins. A Southampton University study has found that if the authorities in Wuhan had intervened earlier, the number of cases could have been reduced by up to 95 per cent.

As millions continue to mourn those who have died, it is only fair to ask: Why do the WHO, other global institutions and governments continue to kow-tow to China, a secretive and repressive regime that breaks all the norms of decent behaviour?

A regime that commits genocide on its own people, suppresses freedom of speech, human rights and the rule of law and now covers up its own guilt over the death of so many beyond its own borders?
They've finally come for Ken Loach.

After standing candidates against Ed Miliband in 2015, dismissing Labour antisemitism as 'mood-music' concocted by Jeremy Corbyn's critics and demanding Labour MPs challenging it be 'kicked out' of their own party, the octogenarian film director is about to get the boot himself.

Loach's membership of Labour Against The Witchhunt will reportedly see him 'auto-excluded', after Keir Starmer moved to purge the hard-Left faction.

According to one Starmer ally, 'under Corbyn, those from the far-Left fringes with poisonous beliefs and warped world views were welcomed into the party.

Keir is right to stamp out antisemitism and toxic extremism and get the party back into the decent mainstream of Labour values'.

Which would be great. If that was actually what Labour's leader was doing.

They've finally come for Ken Loach. After standing candidates against Ed Miliband in 2015, dismissing Labour antisemitism as 'mood-music' concocted by Jeremy Corbyn's critics and demanding Labour MPs challenging it be 'kicked out' of their own party, the octogenarian film director is about to get the boot himself, writes DAN HODGES

Take the pledge to 'stamp out antisemitism'. Kicking racists out of the Labour party doesn't require any rule changes.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission report was clear. The problem wasn't a lack of rules but an absence of the political will to enforce them.

'We found specific examples of harassment, discrimination and political interference in our evidence,' the report concluded, 'but equally of concern was a lack of leadership within the Labour Party on these issues.'

Yet the person who was responsible for that leadership vacuum  Jeremy Corbyn  was readmitted to the Labour Party last November.

So, if the real purpose is 'stamping out antisemitism', Corbyn has to be thrown out with the same alacrity as Loach.

Of course, it may be that the focus on antisemitism is just a smoke-screen.

The primary reason for the expulsions could indeed be to cast out those extremists who swarmed into Labour's ranks at the moment of Jeremy Corbyn's election.

But again, if that's the objective, it's hard to see how kicking out Loach will achieve that.

In addition to Labour Against The Witchhunt, Starmer has moved to proscribe Resist, Socialist Appeal and the Labour In Exile Network.

Until they were banned, I'd never heard of those last three.

And in briefings to the press, it was estimated maybe 1,000 members would be ejected as a result of the move.

But Labour's total membership remains more than 400,000. So Starmer's Great Purge is set to see the removal of no more than 0.25 per cent of his party's base.

Loach's membership of Labour Against The Witchhunt will reportedly see him 'auto-excluded', after Keir Starmer moved to purge the hard-Left faction

And if you think that represents the extent of the hard-Left infiltration that occurred under Corbyn, I've got a Greek fisherman's cap to sell you.

If Starmer genuinely wants to move against the Corbynites who have hijacked his party, everyone knows which organisation he needs to proscribe.

On Election night, as the scale of Labour's latest implosion became apparent, Alan Johnson didn't furiously exclaim: 'I want them out of the party! I want Labour In Exile Gone!'

He correctly identified the plastic Marxists of Momentum as the architects of his party's defeat. If Starmer is serious, that's who he needs to target.

Momentum are the real party within a party. That's where the plot to reclaim and recast Labour in Corbyn's name is being hatched.

Ken Loach is an irrelevant Bennite relic. It's Momentum who have the numbers, resources and network to bring Starmer down.

Not to mention the will  unless he deals with them first.

But even if he does, that would only represent half the battle. Because the Corbynites aren't the only group of crazed ideologues within Labour who are intent on undermining Starmer's efforts to realign his party with the electorate.

In 2019, Labour lost for two reasons. Corbyn's alienation of Labour's working-class base. And the Remainers' alienation of Labour's working-class base.

Labour's stance on Brexit was as damaging to the party in its Red Wall seats as Corbyn was.

According to one Starmer ally, 'under Corbyn, those from the far-Left fringes with poisonous beliefs and warped world views were welcomed into the party. Pictured: Jeremy Corbyn

But there is little evidence that Starmer is prepared to confront his equally toxic  and obsessive  Follow Back Pro Europe (FBPE) faction.

If Starmer did move successfully against the Corbynites, at that moment the balance of power would shift decisively in favour of Labour's militant pro-Europeans.

The Corbynites were wrong about almost everything. But they did at least retain a healthy wariness of the zealotry of the FBPE crowd.

But with the Corbynites purged, those who see politics solely as a forum for replaying the 2016 referendum would be in the ascendancy.

At that moment, they would begin agitating for some form of 'rejoin' policy platform.

And even if those efforts were rebuffed, they would insist any Election campaign was fought on the basis of telling the British people 'we were wrong to leave, admit it'.

If you speak to Starmer's allies, they privately claim the move to eject Loach is about sending a signal that Labour has changed.

They also say it's only the first step in a broader process of internal party reform. 'Wait till we get to conference,' one Starmer ally tells me. 'He's going to go further.'

Maybe he will. But the reality is that while his Great Purge is using up internal political capital, it's providing a minimal political dividend.

If Starmer wants to signal his party is changing, he needs to shout it from the rooftops, not whisper it as part of some horse-trading in the corridor outside of Labour's National Executive Committee meeting.

Ken Loach's impending expulsion may have the Labour WhatsApp group buzzing but the aisles of Hartlepool Asda haven't come alive with shoppers excitedly exclaiming: 'Have you heard! Starmer's expelling the director of those gritty urban dramas Kes and Cathy Come Home.

'It's Labour all the way for me!'

Labour needs to show it's serious about antisemitism? Fine. Get rid of Jeremy Corbyn, the man who presided over his party's descent into the antisemitic cesspit.

Labour wants to show it's serious about purging the hard-Left entryists? Easy. Chuck out Jon Lansman, and proscribe Momentum, the parasitic vehicle he founded.

Labour has to communicate to voters in its former heartlands it's listening to them and learning? No problem.

Turf out Alastair Campbell or Andrew Adonis, or any of the other high-profile pro-Europeans who insist on telling Red Wall voters they were duped, and the 48 per cent were right all along.

But to do that would involve an actual fight. And Starmer doesn't want to fight to get his party back into shape.

He wants to fix and manoeuvre and nudge Labour back into electoral contention.

It won't work, though. Starmer doesn't have sufficient time. Slow, incrementalism won't be enough.

Turf out Alastair Campbell or Andrew Adonis, or any of the other high-profile pro-Europeans who insist on telling Red Wall voters they were duped, and the 48 per cent were right all along

His enemies are already preparing. Labour's surprise victory in Batley upset their plans momentarily. But they are regrouping.

And when they judge the moment is right, they will strike. And, unlike Labour's leader, they will not do so incrementally.

Ironically, there is a template for Starmer to follow. Before the 2019 Election, Boris also needed to send a signal his party had changed.

He also had to show Theresa May's tortuous attempts to split the difference between her party's pro- and anti-Brexit wings were a thing of the past.

So he threw the pro-Europeans out. Winston Churchill's grandson. Two former Chancellors. Dozens of former Ministers.

All cast into the political wilderness on the eve of a General Election.

'It's madness,' one Tory Minister told me at the time. 'It'll split the party and we'll get hammered in the Election.' Instead the party rallied round and Boris romped home with a majority of 80.

But Keir Starmer does not have that political foresight, or courage, or ruthlessness. Yes, they've finally come for Ken Loach. But it's too late.
Professor Sir Jeremy Farrar is a distinguished epidemiologist, a member of the Sage scientific committee, the director of the Wellcome Trust health research charity and an influential government adviser. He is also the most hawkish of lockdown hawks, and he has written a book with journalist Anjana Ahuja, called Spike. It is a revealing read.

Spike is basically about Farrar himself: how he saw it all coming, how he personally forced the Chinese government to release the genetic sequence of the Covid-19 virus that allowed scientists to develop a vaccine, how he warned the world of imminent doom, how the Government could have saved lives by treasuring his words more, and how he risked assassination by the Chinese (If anything happens to me, this is what you need to know, he told friends).

The talk is all of wars, battle plans, and people heading for precipices. All this is a bit melodramatic and self-obsessed for my taste. but Farrar is a distinguished scientist who means well. He is terrifyingly sincere and really does have the interest of mankind at heart. Therein lies the problem.

Professor Sir Jeremy Farrar's views about how governments should deal with public health crises are broadly the same as those of Dominic Cummings. Both men are frustrated autocrats who believed that from Day One we needed a command-and-control structure

There are few more obsessive fanatics than the technocrat who is convinced that he is reordering an imperfect world for its own good.

If Spike is largely about its author, it also tells us much about those who have been in charge of our lives through Covid-19.

Farrar represents most of what has gone wrong. His main target is the British Government. But he actually agrees with nearly everything they have done.

Farrars complaint is that they did not do it quickly or brutally enough when he suggested it, and stopped doing it before he gave them the all-clear.

His views about how governments should deal with public health crises are broadly the same as those of Dominic Cummings. Both men are frustrated autocrats who believed that from Day One we needed a command-and-control structure. He speaks well of Chinese methods of disease control.

Panic was called for, in March 2020, he says at one point. At another, he tells us that at a time when governments were panicking all over Europe, there was not enough panic in Britain.

This is all very odd. It does not seem to have occurred to Farrar that the jerky, ill-considered and inconsistent improvisations that passed for policy-making in the Johnson Government, and which he rightly criticises, were the direct result of the panic that he recommends.

Farrar represents most of what has gone wrong. His main target is the British Government. But he actually agrees with nearly everything they have done

The great object is of course to ensure that the science is applied. No ifs, no buts and no delay. In Farrars world, this is easy as there is only one science, namely his own.

He is convinced hes right and the Government should listen to no one else. Challenge from other scientists is normally regarded as fundamental to scientific advance. But for Farrar disagreement is a hurdle. It just gets in his way.

So, serious scientists such as Professors Carl Heneghan, Karol Sikora and Sunetra Gupta, who have had the temerity to offer opinions differing from his own, are dismissed as being responsible for a number of unnecessary deaths, although Farrar has had a great deal of influence on Government policy and they have had almost none.

This kind of attitude to colleagues is, frankly, unworthy of a scientist of Sir Jeremys eminence.

Anders Tegnell, the Swedish state epidemiologist, is dismissed in a brief footnote, although Sweden is a standing repudiation of much that Farrar stands for. Sweden has avoided a lockdown, yet has done much better than the UK.

Like many technocrats, Farrar believes in coercion. Otherwise, people might not do what he wants. You cannot tell people to stay at home only if they feel like it, he says.

This is an obtuse misunderstanding of the argument against coercion. The point is that people differ widely in their vulnerability to Covid-19. It causes serious illness among the old and those with severe underlying conditions, but the symptoms are mild for nearly everyone else.

We therefore have to be able to make our own risk assessments. It is simply untrue that the vulnerable would ignore advice if they felt like it. People have a basic sense of self-preservation.

This was Sages consistent advice right up to the first lockdown. Farrar denies it, but the record speaks for itself.

On March 10 and 13, the minutes record that Sage advised guidance on isolation, selectively directed to the old and vulnerable.

On March 13, they said that the public should be treated as rational actors, capable of taking decisions for themselves and managing personal risk. Farrar participated in both meetings.

Of course, selective coercion would be impractical, as he points out. But universal coercion is pointless, inefficient and wasteful.

It treats people as if all were vulnerable, when only some are. Instead of spending several times the cost of the NHS on paying young, healthy people who were at negligible risk not to work, we should have been pouring resources into protecting the vulnerable.

Interestingly, Farrar accepts that lockdowns only push infections and associated deaths into a future period after they are lifted.

He also appears to accept it would have been intolerable to lock down the whole population until a vaccine was developed and everyone had received it, which would have taken at least 18 months and possibly never happen.

His preferred course seems to be a series of lockdowns starting each time that we look like approaching the intensive care capacity of the NHS. In other words, very much what we have had. However, Farrar has wagged his finger every time that restriction has been lifted.

In theory, we can switch lockdown on and off like a malfunctioning internet router, but in practice it seems that the time is never ripe. We only have to look around us to see that lockdowns have failed to halt the virus, either here or anywhere else in the world. The problem is in the concept, not the application.

This brings me to the most remarkable feature of this book, which is Farrars brushing aside of the appalling collateral consequences of lockdowns: other illnesses which go untreated such as cancer or accelerate like dementia, impacts on education, equality and public debt, not to speak of the worst recession in 300 years.

Farrar regards all this as a regrettable but unavoidable result of desirable measures, and not as reasons for questioning whether they were ever desirable in the first place.

In keeping with this blinkered approach, he refers to the collateral disasters as consequences of Covid-19. They are not. They are man-made consequences of the policy responses he has been advocating.

I shall resist the temptation to apply to him the criticism he gratuitously and unfairly applied to Messrs Sikora, Heneghan and Gupta.

Entirely missing from Farrars worldview is any conception of the complexity of the moral judgments involved. Of course public health matters, but it is not all that matters.

Interaction with other human beings is a fundamental human need. Criminalising it is a sustained assault on our humanity. Doing so without assessing the wider consequences is irresponsible folly.

Sir Jeremy Farrar adopts the current habit of using libertarian as a word of abuse.

But I am proud to be a libertarian. Personal autonomy is a basic condition of human happiness and creativity. I am a libertarian because the opposite of liberty is despotism.
One of those memories popped up on my iPhone the other day. It was a picture of my mother, dressed head-to-toe in orange, sitting at the cafe in our local square in Turin. The date: October 2019.

Normally those things annoy me  I dont want my mobile dictating my emotions. But this one stopped me in my tracks because it reminded me that the autumn of 2019 was the last time I saw her.

Ive been trapped in the UK while she  along with my dad  has been stuck in Italy.

I had hoped to go and see them later this month. In fact, I was in the throes of planning a long-overdue family reunion.

Distant memory: The picture Sarah Vine took of her mother in 2019, when she last saw her

After all, we have a lot to catch up on. My daughter has finished school, my son now towers above me  and there have been one or two changes in my life too. For their part, my father hasnt been all that well and both have lost several very dear friends to Covid. But now, with all the endless uncertainty over the dreaded traffic-light system, I cant risk it.

The thought of Italy turning red while Im out there and having to quarantine in some squalid box with the kids at a cost of almost two grand a pop just makes it unfeasible.

Quite apart from anything else, I think that if I found myself being carted off down that dreaded red channel at Heathrow like a criminal, I might become insensible with rage and wake up in a holding cell (although at least then I wouldnt have to pay for the privilege of being banged up).

Because, quite honestly, the way the Government has handled foreign travel over the past few weeks is enough to make even the most mild-mannered, most law-abiding citizen lose their composure.

Thing is, I dont mind sticking to the rules if I know what they are. But this constant chopping and changing, this endless back-pedalling every time Chris Whitty so much as sneezes is maddening.

Instead of doing everything possible to make travel viable, not just for peoples wellbeing but for the wellbeing of the travel industry and business in general, the Government seems determined to make it as difficult as possible.

It is not a crime to want to leave the country, either for work or pleasure  and yet that is how we are being made to feel.

Clarity is whats needed. Clarity and consistency.

Instead of doing everything possible to make travel viable, not just for peoples wellbeing but for the wellbeing of the travel industry and business in general, the Government seems determined to make it as difficult as possible, writes Sarah Vine (file photo)

Really, how hard can it be? If I had my way (which I rarely do), I would make it very simple: whatever rules you leave under are the same ones you come back with  provided you return within a limited time period, say 21 days.

In other words, if I go to Italy when its on the amber list, as long as I return within three weeks I can come back on that basis, even if it turns red in the meantime.

That way I can plan ahead and enjoy my trip instead of spending the whole time in a state of near panic. It would also stop the inevitable stampede for tickets when guidance changes. So many of these cut-off points are arbitrary anyway.

For example, why 4am on a Saturday instead of 2.30pm on a Thursday? Its not as though the virus can tell the difference. And provided you had a clear limit on a persons window of travel, would it really make that much difference to infection rates?

The thought of Italy turning red while Im out there and having to quarantine in some squalid box with the kids at a cost of almost two grand a pop just makes it unfeasible, writes Sarah Vine (pictured above)

I doubt it. Especially since so many of us have been vaccinated.

In any case, the bottom line is this: we have to live with this disease, and that means opening up travel alongside everything else.

What we have currently is a messy, frustrating shambles that is driving everyone up the wall. My solution may not be perfect; but then nothing ever is.

George Clooney has been helping locals near his home in Italy after Lake Como was hit by heavy flooding. I guess every cloud

Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock was snapped looking appropriately grim-faced as he removed the last of his possessions from the family home.

But the creature I really felt for was the family dachshund who gazed at him forlornly as he loaded his chattels into his car. Lets hope his new squeeze Gina Coladangelo is a dog lover.

Matt Hancock pictured with the family dachshund, who gazed at him forlornly as he loaded his chattels into his car

Knives and forks are racist, according to some Canadian food writer no ones ever heard of, as they are an echo of European colonial powers looking to tame the wildness out of the people they controlled.

On that basis, then, so it sanitation, running water and modern medicine. People talk such rot these days, dont they?

What I love about the Olympics is that you get a wholly different calibre of athlete from the overpaid egos who normally dominate sport.

People like Bethany Shriever (gold in the BMX racing), who began on a 150 second-hand bike and crowdfunded her Olympic bid while working part-time as a teaching assistant; Lauren Williams (silver in taekwondo), who aged 13 lived in a caravan outside Manchester to be closer to her training ground; Tom Hughes (two swimming golds), whose mother Jacquie used to take him to training every morning at 5am before work.

Just ordinary people with a passion for their sport and no airs and graces.

Women's Individual gold medallist Bethany Shriever of Britain celebrates alongside Men's Individual silver medallist Kye Whyte of Britain

The writer of HBOs new cartoon series about the Royal Family, starring Prince George as a petty, insecure tyrant obsessed with his weight, has defended his creation, saying: Its never meant to be anything thats mean.

Sorry? Shredding the character of an eight-year-old child for the sake of a few cheap laughs is not only the definition of mean, its also the actions of a bully.

I understand that  in large part thanks to Prince Harrys constant attacks on his family  its open season on the Royals in America, but this crosses a line.

Grime superstar Stormzy has announced funding for 30 more scholarships at Cambridge, open to UK students of black or mixed-race parentage.

I find his philanthropy laudable, but imagine the outraged reaction if someone set up a similar scheme for poor students from white working-class backgrounds (the social group with the worst outcomes in Britain today).

Why does it have to be about skin colour? Why cant it just be about opportunities for all young people from deprived backgrounds, regardless of what they look like?

The Education Secretarys new wheeze is that he wants children in state schools to learn Latin so the subject is not reserved for the privileged few.

Given the level of general illiteracy among children these days, I think he should start by nailing basic English.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson speaking to MPs in the House of Commons on July 6

Staycation and social distance were recently added to the OED. Id also like to propose a new word: wokecreep.

This describes the use of woke terminology in a way that implies the concept it expresses is accepted fact and not a totally batty notion to which only a tiny minority subscribe.

For example, last week the London Evening Standard, once a sensible newspaper, referred to hospitalised pregnant people in an article about pregnancy and Covid. Pregnant people are, of course, better known as women, and have been for ever.

What fresh idiocy is this: two academics have accused Geoffrey Chaucer of being a rapist, based on a 14th Century legal document that exonerates him from some sort of assault against a woman called Cecily Chaumpaigne.

Im all in favour of justice for victims of sexual harassment  but surely even the most avid #MeToo evangelist would admit this is taking things a bit far?

Winner of the cats and dogs fight

The price of new puppies has fallen as people turn to cats instead, prompting that age-old question of cat vs dog (file photo)

Having soared during lockdown, the price of new puppies has fallen as people turn to cats instead, prompting that age-old question of cat vs dog and which is the superior companion.

Cats dont chase squirrels, pee on your curtains or eat their own vomit; then again, dogs dont leave dead mice in your shoes or, as I discovered my cat doing the other day, climb up on the piano and deliberately push all the picture frames over (I thought we had a ghost).

Personally, I would say its an impossible choice, a bit like comparing steak with strawberries, which is why I have both. Sometimes, when I watch TV with my daughter in the evenings and all the animals come to sit with us, we talk about which ones we would save if the house was on fire.

To which the answer is, easy: the dogs. The cat would already be long gone  very possibly having torched the house in the first place.
Few British families have had the grasping ambition of the Boleyns. Not only did they rise from merchants to members of the extended Royal Family in just three generations, they also changed the course of British history forever.

There's a reason we're obsessed with Henry VIII and his second wife Anne Boleyn. It's a story that has it all: lust, adultery, betrayal, politics, religion and murder. But as a new three-part documentary shows, at the heart of it is Thomas Boleyn, Anne's father, whose ambition led to the destruction of almost his entire family.

'There's a thin line between great ambition and lunacy,' says Gareth Russell, a historian who appears on the series The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family.

'To understand Anne's rise and fall you need to know about her power-hungry family. They're an extraordinary example of hubris and pain.'

The Boleyn family's hunger for power is revealed in new three-part series, The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family. Pictured: Anne Boleyn as shown in the documentary

Thomas Boleyn's grandfather Geoffrey climbed from apprentice hatter to Lord Mayor of London, amassing a fortune along the way as a merchant. Thomas's father William married into the Irish aristocracy, giving the family a passage into a more rarefied world.

Thomas married well too: his wife Elizabeth, Anne's mother, was the Duke of Norfolk's daughter. Elizabeth's brother Thomas Howard, who inherited the dukedom, was one of the most important aristocrats in the land and it is through this connection that Thomas Boleyn was introduced to the royal court.

Yet having his brother-in-law as a patron wasn't always beneficial.

'Thomas Howard has been described as one of the most unpleasant men of the 16th century, which is quite the horse race to win,' says Gareth.

'It was not a century that produced cuddly, likeable figures. He wasn't quite as stupid as some people assume, but nearly every member of his family hated him. He was physically abusive to his wife, and he felt overlooked because he was arrogant but a man of mediocre talent, and that can be dangerous in anyone.'

While Thomas Howard was getting plum roles at court, Thomas Boleyn climbed his way up using his wit and charm. He first became a diplomat, and when he befriended Archduchess Margaret of Austria Anne was sent, aged about 12, to be her maid of honour.

Historian Gareth Russell claims Anne saw the after-effects of how Mary was treated when her affair was over and arguably had no interest in the same happening to her. Pictured: Anne's father Thomas, as shown in the documentary

When Thomas was made ambassador to France, he won Anne a place at the even more dazzling French court, where she was maid of honour to Queen Claude.

When Henry VIII's attentions fell on Thomas Boleyn's married daughter Mary and she was forced into becoming his mistress, the king made Thomas a viscount.

It was rumoured that two of Mary's children were fathered by the king, yet when the affair was over and her husband died of the 'sweating sickness', she was left penniless and was later banished from court.

'Mary was an unhappy mistress as the fling negatively impacted on her marriage,' says Gareth.

'It also meant that once it was over she had no influence at court. Anne saw the after-effects of Mary's treatment and you could argue she had no interest in that happening to her.

'So when the king's eye fell on her she knew that if she didn't play her cards right she too would be sent packing to the Shires.'

Gareth said letters written by Henry are quite cloying and obsessive, but obsessive love and intense hatred aren't separated by much

Anne was different though. She had style and grace picked up at the French court, and she knew how to handle men. When the king turned his attention to her she initially rejected him.

This only served to make him keener  and she was advised on how best to play the situation by her father and her uncle Thomas Howard.

The series dips into fascinating letters written by the main protagonists, including love letters written by Henry.

'They're quite cloying and obsessive, there are lots of letters in which he's pleading with her,' says Gareth.

'They also betray an element of self-loathing. He can't understand why he loves her so much, but obsessive love and intense hatred aren't separated by much.'

To facilitate the marriage, the king broke with Rome and even his great adviser Thomas Wolsey, who the Boleyns and Thomas Howard argued was taking too long to force through Henry's divorce from first wife Catherine of Aragon. But the payback was brutal.

Anne and her brother George were beheaded for allegedly having an incestuous affair. Pictured: Portrait of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn's first meeting

Wolsey's man Thomas Cromwell had once been Anne's champion, but when her family crossed him he moved against her.

'They underestimated Cromwell and they certainly didn't see their downfall coming,' says Gareth.

'The whole family was blindsided. But when you put all these personalities and powers into one place people get hurt.'

The Boleyn story ends, as we know, with death and ignominy for the family, but not for their line. Anne was beheaded, as was her brother George for allegedly having an incestuous affair with his sister.

But Anne's daughter Elizabeth went on to become one of England's greatest monarchs.

As a footnote, Thomas Howard later secured another of his nieces, Catherine Howard, a place at Henry's court and in 1540, at the age of 17, she became his fifth wife. Yet she too lost her head for treason just over a year later.

The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family will be shown in August on BBC2.
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If you fancy rolling out of bed bleary-eyed to have a perfectly brewed Italian coffee waiting for you, then it might be time to upgrade your coffee machine.

In partnership with Amazon, Lavazza has released the first ever coffee machine with built-in Alexa, so you can prepare your cappuccino, latte, macchiato or espresso without lifting a finger.

With one simple command - 'Alexa, make me a coffee' - the Lavazza A Modo Mio Voicy will get to work brewing you a customised drink at your preferred temperature.

Lavazza has released the Lavazza A Modo Mio Voicy, which is the first-ever coffee machine that you can control via Amazon's Alexa voice assistant or via an app

So whether you're at your home work desk, getting the kids ready for school, or lying in bed after hitting snooze for the third time, you can request your coffee from afar and let the machine do its job.

If you want to go one step further, you can download the Piacere Lavazza app, which allows you to connect the Voicy coffee machine to your smart devices to control them directly with voice commands.

This means that as well as ordering coffee, the Lavazza A Modo Mio Voicy can make and receive calls, send messages to and from Echo devices, and play music from Amazon Music, Spotify and Deezer.

The coffee machine and app combo may be a dream for gadget fans, but you don't have to be terribly tech savvy to use it. You can save personalised espresso preferences within the app so they can be recreated on command without faffing around with buttons.

With one simple command - 'Alexa, make me a coffee' - the Lavazza A Modo Mio Voicy will get to work brewing you a customised drink at your preferred temperature

As well as ordering coffee, the Lavazza A Modo Mio Voicy can make and receive calls, send messages to and from Echo devices, and play music from Amazon Music, Spotify and Deezer

So whether you want a standard espresso lungo ready for your morning meeting or an extra-hot ristretto to lift you out of the afternoon slump, the Voicy has you covered.

You can even give your favourite coffee a name and link it to your voice for an extra-personalised experience.

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Voicy works with both the Alexa and Piacere Lavazza apps to monitor capsule stock and place new orders so you never run out, and it will also record daily coffee consumption.

It's currently on available to buy at both Lavazza.co.uk and Amazon for 249, or you can purchase the machine as part of Lavaza's A Modo Mio coffee subscription service for just 50, alongside a capsule subscription.
Carrie Symonds hid her growing baby bump with a series of clever styling tricks, a stylist has revealed.

The Prime Minister's wife, 33, revealed on Instagram today that she is expecting a December birth after suffering a miscarriage at the start of this year that left her 'heartbroken'.

The normally lowkey mother-of-one has been in the spotlight during the last few months, having joined her husband at the G7 summit in June and Euro 2020 matches in July.

Celebrity stylist Rochelle White told FEMAIL she had managed to keep her pregnancy under wraps thanks to a series of subtle styling hacks, revealing: 'I would say that Carrie has selected busy patterns and bold colours to also help disguise her growing bump.

'With bold patterns and colors, they are a great distraction for the eye, drawing attention away from growing bellies.'

Carrie Symonds hid her growing baby bump with a series of clever styling tricks including floaty dresses and oversized blazers, a stylist has revealed (pictured left, May 6, and right, June 11).

Celebrity stylist Rochelle said Carrie had chosen 'bold patterns and colors' on recent appearances which have acted as 'a great distraction for the eye' (pictured at the G7 summit on June 12)

The mother-one-one is at least three months into her first pregnancy - suggesting that she fell pregnant around mid-March.

Rochelle said Carrie had been 'selective' with her outfit choices over the last few months to conceal her bump.

While her baby bump will not have been visible, Carrie has been careful to avoid fuelling speculation by keeping her tummy firmly covered.

She made her most high profile appearances to date when she attended the G7 summit alongside Boris in June.

The stylist said Carrie has been wearing floaty maxi dresses in recent months to keep her figure under wraps (pictured on June 8)

Eco-conscious Carrie hired multiple pieces for the event in Cornwall - two collections from dress hire companies My Wardrobe HQ and Hurr Collective were delivered before the summit.

Meeting with President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden, Carrie donned a scarlet 325 LK Bennett gown.

The vibrant red dress was described online as inspired by the 'glamour of the chic 1930s'.

Meanwhile she also opted to wear a similar 990 cobalt blue two-piece from Amanda Wakeley for a trip to the theatre.

Rochelle said Carrie had worn floaty maxi dresses during appearances to keep her figure under wraps.

She said: 'Carrie has been wearing loose fitting dresses, blazers and shirts. She keeps it as casual and to her style, with a few subtle changes. '

She also revealed how the Prime Minister's wife had used bold patterns and bright colours to distract the eye during the early months of her pregnancy.

Rochelle said Carrie had cleverly layered different items on recent outings, mixing multiple patterns which help to add as a 'visual distraction' (pictured on July 11)

The mother-of-one opted for a host of bright, colourful dresses while attending her most high profile appearances to date at the G7 summit in June, which Rochelle suggested could have helped her hide her growing baby bump (left, June 10, and right, June 11)

Meanwhile the celebrity stylist pointed to her recent choices to wear oversized blazers with loose fitting trousers, adding: 'When she has selected trousers and shirt combo, they have loose fitting and tailored, so it could look like she is wearing oversized.

'It is all very flattering to her body shape and style.'

She said Carrie's decision to layer blazers and loose shirts, such as her outfit choice when she attended the Euro 2020 final at Wembley on July 11, also helped distract from any hint of a bump.

Rochelle revealed: 'Items can be layered and mixed multiple patterns can also be added for extra visual distraction.

'Styles don't need to be overly busy, so, I would recommend to stick to a similar color family, or use one pattern to dominate and the other to accent.

'Wearing more form-fitting clothing and slowly adding in layers can help trick the eye.'

The mother-one-one is at least three months into her first pregnancy - suggesting that she fell pregnant around mid-March (pictured on 29 June)

Rochelle said Carrie had selected loose fitting and tailored trousers and shirts, so her garments appeared oversized

Carrie has become one of the biggest profile advocates for hiring clothing, with the mother-of-one marrying the Prime Minister in a rented dress.

She has been hiring her designer outfits, rather than buying them outright, for years.

In 2019, it was reported she pays 9.99 a month membership to the website My Wardrobe HQ, which allows her to supplement her day-to-day high-street outfits.

The service has been described as a private members club for the fashion world.

At the time, a source close to My Wardrobe HQ said: Carrie loves eco fashion so borrowing clothes for special occasions means they arent just left hanging in her wardrobe and rarely worn. One dress can go a long way.

Carrie announced she is expecting today with an emotional Instagram post.

The post announcing the pregnancy to social media followers was accompanied by a picture of a small blue pram

Carrie broke the news that she was expecting a second child to followers on Instagram today

In a message to followers, the environmental campaigner wrote: 'Hoping for our rainbow baby this Christmas. At the beginning of the year, I had a miscarriage which left me heartbroken.

'I feel incredibly blessed to be pregnant again but Ive also felt like a bag of nerves. Fertility issues can be really hard for many people, particularly when on platforms like Instagram it can look like everything is only ever going well.

'I found it a real comfort to hear from people who had also experienced loss so I hope that in some very small way sharing this might help others too.'

Downing Street said the Prime Minister had been due to work this weekend from his official country residence Chequers in Buckinghamshire, although it is not known if the couple are there together.

She and Mr Johnson, 57, welcomed their first baby, Wilfred, at the end of April last year
Being pregnant in the middle of a global pandemic never worried Stacey Knights much. The 27-year-old, from Middlesbrough, assumed from what shed been told  and read  that if she did contract Covid, shed have nothing worse than a bout of bad flu.

Midwives never really spoke to me about Covid, or told me being pregnant meant I was at risk or anything, says Stacey, a social worker. Im not old or sick, so if I got it I thought Id be totally fine.

But in January, three months into her pregnancy, she contracted the virus at work. A few days later she was taken to hospital by ambulance. I was terrified, she says. I felt like I had been hit by a train. I was vomiting all the time and my temperature was sky-high.

While her breathing remained stable, tests showed that Staceys immune system had gone haywire. She had developed a dangerous kidney infection and was at risk of a potentially fatal clot  pregnant women are already five times more likely to develop a serious blood clot compared with the average person.

Doctors administered an emergency dose of intravenous fluids and blood-thinning drugs, as well as steroids to stop her immune system going into overdrive. She avoided intensive care, but doctors kept her in for three days to monitor her and the baby.

When I was discharged I had to keep injecting steroids for a month, which made me sick and exhausted, she says. I was so scared for my baby, but thankfully it looks like shes stayed healthy. I never expected Id get so ill.

In the dark: Stacey Knights, 27, from Middlesbrough, says she wasnt advised to get the jab despite her terrifying Covid ordeal

Worryingly, despite Staceys ordeal, shes opted against having a Covid-19 jab to protect her against another infection, mostly due to what she terms a lack of long-term data on unborn babies.

But her midwives didnt advise her to reconsider. In fact, they barely advised her at all. Not one midwife, health visitor or antenatal consultant reassured me, she says. They all seem to be adamant you should get other vaccines when youre pregnant, like for the flu and whooping cough. Whereas with Covid vaccine, its all very blase and Oh, its up to you. Theyre very relaxed about it.

The midwife even said that if I was planning to breast-feed I should probably wait until after the baby had been weaned to have a Covid test, which put me off even more.

Staceys story is becoming all too familiar with doctors up and down the country, as soaring numbers of pregnant women are admitted to hospital, critically ill with Covid.

On Thursday, a University of Oxford analysis of hospital figures showed the number of pregnant women admitted with Covid has jumped seven-fold since May  from 28 per week to 200.

Last week, Dr Kevin OKane, a consultant in acute medicine at a Central London hospital, said he recently had six pregnant women on his Covid ward. Other intensive-care doctors have told this newspaper that roughly ten per cent of their patients are pregnant women who are otherwise healthy.

The numbers are rising quickly, says one intensive-care doctor in the Midlands. The babies often have to be delivered prematurely by emergency caesarean because the mother is so ill.

And 99 per cent of these Covid victims are unjabbed, according to an analysis of NHS data by University of Oxford researchers.

Fewer than one in 12 pregnant women have come forward for their jabs.

Now experts and campaigners have accused NHS maternity staff of spreading misinformation about vaccines and underestimating the risk of the virus to pregnant women  who, in fact, are ten times more likely to be hospitalised than the average person.

Raised risk: Specialist nurse Mary Agyapong was 35 weeks pregnant when she died after contracting Covid-19 at work

This, they say, explains the soaring numbers of hospitalised expectant mothers and premature, ill newborns.

Professor Adam Finn, a paediatrician and member of the Governments Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), says: Midwives have been hesitant to tell their patients to get the vaccine. They are naturally cautious and want to protect the unborn baby. Many worry that we dont yet know about the effect on the child, not realising we have enough data from other vaccines to know its unlikely to be a problem.

Meanwhile, some women have reported comments from maternity staff that border on anti-vaccination propaganda.

The Mail on Sunday has learnt of pregnant women whose midwives have advised them to avoid the vaccine because it could be another thalidomide  the now-banned morning sickness drug that caused disability in children in the 1960s. Others have been told it could increase the chance of miscarriage.

COVID FACT More than a third of pregnant women who were hospitalised with Covid in the past three months also developed pneumonia. Advertisement

Joeli Brearley, founder of the maternity charity Pregnant Then Screwed, said: We get lots of women saying its their midwives, health visitors or GPs putting them off. Some of the things pregnant women are being told by NHS staff are shocking.

There is a lot of misinformation out there, sadly, and we are hearing that health professionals just dont have the facts on hand to be able to give accurate information.

A survey of 9,000 pregnant women in the UK carried out by Pregnant Then Screwed found that more than three-quarters said health staff had failed to recommend vaccination during appointments. These results, seen exclusively by this newspaper, come as Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, the Chief Midwifery Officer for England, has penned a letter to all midwives and GP practices urging them to encourage pregnant women to get the jab.

Last night, Gill Walton, chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives, said that staff must keep up to date with official advice and guidance and provide women with evidence-based facts and not their own personal beliefs.

Much of the vaccine hesitancy is likely to be rooted in the fact that, initially, the JCVI advised that only pregnant women who were at high risk from Covid should get the jab.

Pregnant women were not included in the vaccine safety trials  as is standard. But when data later came through from 130,000 pregnant women in the US that showed the jab to be safe and effective, the JCVI changed its guidance that mothers-to-be should be offered the vaccine at the same time as everyone else in their age group.

Experts say this initial delay planted the first seed of doubt in the minds of pregnant women and those caring for them.

A University of Oxford analysis of hospital figures showed the number of pregnant women admitted with Covid has jumped seven-fold since May  from 28 per week to 200

In countries such as the US and Israel, pregnant women were allowed to choose to have the vaccine if they wanted from very early on, says Dr Teresa Kelly, a consultant obstetrician at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. The JCVI took a more cautious approach. But it has backfired because what women heard first was that they shouldnt have the vaccine. You can understand this might make some think there was something wrong with the jab.

But when the JCVI guidance did change, in April, the UKs main maternity health bodies  The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) were slow to update their advice.

Until last week, RCOGs official recommendation was that pregnant women should strongly consider vaccination. However, following the worrying rise in hospitalisation in pregnant women, this was changed to recommends.

Joeli Brearley says the changing advice has confused mothers-to-be. Its only been in the past few days that weve seen the bigger organisations come out and say, we recommend now that pregnant women have it. With the information and guidance changing so quickly, its really difficult for [pregnant women] to keep on top of all that information.

COVID FACT Pregnant women who contract Covid are 76 per cent more likely to develop the potentially deadly condition pre-eclampsia. Advertisement

Asma Khalil, professor of obstetrics and a spokesman for RCOG, told The Mail on Sundays Medical Minefield podcast: We are now getting safety data on vaccines and pregnancy. We know that the vaccine causes no increased risk of stillbirth and miscarriage, so its absolutely the right time that we should have a clear message.

Some experts say the risk to pregnant women from the virus itself has been underestimated since the start of the pandemic.

Dr Viki Male, an immunologist at Imperial College London who is studying Covid infections and vaccines during pregnancy, believes expectant women should have been considered vulnerable and given vaccine priority. That would have been a good idea, she says. It should have been treated as if you had asthma.

Last spring, official guidance suggested Covid presented no increased risk to pregnant women. NHS England leaflets stated there was currently no evidence that pregnant women who get coronavirus are more at risk of serious complications than the general population.

The leaflet, which was written in partnership with RCOG, added that there was no proof that Covid increases the risk of miscarriage. Pregnant women were identified as a vulnerable group, but campaigners say the risks were not clearly communicated via NHS staff.

Marian Knight, Professor of Maternal and Child Population Health at the University of Oxford, has been tracking hospitalisations in pregnant women since the beginning of the pandemic.

She says: Weve known for quite a while, as early as June 2020, that pregnant women are vulnerable to complications from Covid-19, whether thats complications to the pregnancy or to the womans wellbeing. When the Alpha [formerly Kent] variant arose in the winter, the problem became more evident, and now, with the Delta [Indian] variant, it has become even more of an issue.

Until last week, RCOGs official recommendation was that pregnant women should strongly consider vaccination. However, following the worrying rise in hospitalisation in pregnant women, this was changed to recommends (file photo)

Prof Knight says there was a good case for prioritising pregnant women for the Covid vaccine before non-vulnerable adults. I presented data to Sage before the JCVI decision and said the risk of pre-term births should be considered in the decision, she says.

Countries such as Israel and Canada had already taken note of this danger and had decided to prioritise pregnant women. But the JCVI primarily based its call on individual mortality rates, which thankfully are low in pregnant women.

According to Prof Knight, less than one per cent of pregnant women hospitalised with Covid die. Though she adds: But the long-term consequences of recovering from intensive care while also caring for a newborn is something no one should be put through.

Many will remember the death of Mary Agyapong, who was 35 weeks pregnant when she died in April 2020. The 28-year-old contracted Covid at Luton and Dunstable Hospital, where she worked as a specialist diabetes nurse, before she became critically ill and was forced to undergo an emergency caesarean section to save her baby  later named Mary.

Been (wrongly) put off the jab? Write and tell us at health@mailonsunday.co.uk Advertisement

After being admitted to intensive care, she suffered a cytokine storm  where the bodys immune system attacks its own cells  which led to a cardiac arrest. She never held her child.

According to her husband, trainee barrister Ernest Boateng, his wife was never told she may be vulnerable. If we had known there was even the slightest risk pregnancy would make her more likely to be sick, she wouldnt have set foot in that hospital, he says.

At the inquest into her death in March, Mr Boateng says doctors noted the link between severe Covid illness and late stages of pregnancy. He says: Doctors said the pregnancy and then her caesarean caused the immune system to go haywire, which is one of the reasons she spiralled so quickly.

In March, data from more than 41,000 pregnant women with Covid found they were twice as likely as non-pregnant women to end up in intensive care. While the risk of death is low, studies have shown that they are nearly three times more likely to have a premature baby or suffer a stillbirth. The majority needing hospital treatment are in the third trimester of their pregnancy, when the pressure on their bodies is at its highest.

Joeli Brearley says: Pregnant women have been given the wrong advice from the very start.

Many still dont know theyre more likely to get very ill if they get Covid. If it was communicated properly by healthcare professionals and the Government, lives would have been saved.

Both Ms Brearley and Mr Boeteng hope instructions from Englands top midwife will force maternity staff to deliver the right messages. But it will be a challenge.

Much of the vaccine hesitancy is likely to be rooted in the fact that, initially, the JCVI advised that only pregnant women who were at high risk from Covid should get the jab (file photo)

When the trust has gone, how do you convince people you know the way forward? says Mr Boeteng.

Were in a very difficult place right now. I guess Id just tell people, Ive lost my wife, and now Im left with two children all alone. I wish I had all the knowledge I do now.

And I wish Mary had the chance to take the vaccine.

In a statement, Gill Walton, head of the Royal College of Midwives, said: A midwifes first duty is to protect the health and wellbeing of the pregnant women they care for.

All maternity staff should be aware that they need to be advising women that vaccination against Covid-19 is safe in pregnancy and while breast-feeding.

Since the start of the pandemic the RCM, together with the RCOG, have been producing advice and guidance for both maternity staff and pregnant women about how best to protect themselves. This also included recommendations to get the vaccine as soon as they were able to.
I am due to have an MRI scan but I get very claustrophobic, so much so that I walked out of the last one. Would you recommend a mild sedative to help me cope?

Before doctors prescribe a medicine, they weigh up the risks and benefits to the patient. The same applies to investigations such as scans and tests.

If a patient is reluctant to have a particular scan, doctors should first ask: do they really need it, and would it make any difference to their course of treatment? Other types of scan may do the job just as well.

An MRI, which uses radio waves to take detailed pictures of the organs and is often used to diagnose breast and prostate cancers, involves a patient lying inside a tube for at least 15 minutes but often longer. Although MRI scans are painless and safe, they are very noisy and claustrophobic. For this reason, people sometimes opt out.

An MRI, which uses radio waves to take detailed pictures of the organs and is often used to diagnose breast and prostate cancers, involves a patient lying inside a tube for at least 15 minutes but often longer (file photo)

For those who are claustrophobic, if the MRI is deemed essential a doctor may offer a sedative. Usually this is a drug called lorazepam. It can also help with keeping the body still  essential for good MRI pictures.

But doctors often need patients to be responsive while having the scan  asking them to move certain body parts, for example. This is why strong sedation isnt really possible.

A sedative would be prescribed on an individual basis by a GP or consultant. It would depend on the patients medical history and any other medications they might be taking. And its worth noting that those who take sedatives shouldnt drive after the scan.

I am 64 and for the past year, havent been able to swallow food properly. Its as if there is something stuck in my throat. Internal scans found no obvious cause. What can it be?

Lots of people go through periods where they find it difficult to swallow food and drink. Its a problem doctors refer to as dysphagia. It affects people in different ways: some find it makes them cough or choke, while others have a feeling of their food coming back up to their throat, or even into their nose. However it presents, dysphagia should always be discussed with a doctor.

Doctors might try a number of tests to look for the underlying cause. An endoscopy, where a thin camera is passed down the throat and into the food pipe, can help to spot problems in the oesophagus and stomach.

Lots of people go through periods where they find it difficult to swallow food and drink. Its a problem doctors refer to as dysphagia, writes Dr Ellie Cannon (file photo)

This is an important first port of call to rule out throat and oesophageal cancer. Another test can tell doctors what happens inside the body when you swallow different types of food. This is called videofluoroscopy. Similar swallowing tests can also be done with a speech and language therapist.

One test is often not enough to identify the problem  sometimes patients need a combination of many. A common cause of dysphagia is inflammation in the lining of the food pipe, and conditions such as acid reflux or oesophagitis. As the act of swallowing is controlled by nerves, a neurological disease may be the root cause. This would include Parkinsons, multiple sclerosis and perhaps the complications of a stroke.

A condition called pharyngeal pouch, where a bulge develops in the food pipe, affecting the ability to swallow, might be to blame, but this is seen only in older people. Doctors might also consider a problem with the muscles, such as a condition called achalasia, which stops muscles being able to effectively push food into the stomach.

In most cases, acid reflux disease will be the culprit, although it wont necessarily show up on scans. A range of effective treatments for this are available via prescription and over the counter, such as drugs that limit the amount of acid in the stomach, called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Sometimes, if theres no obvious cause, doctors may prescribe a course of PPIs to see if that helps.

I have an embarrassing problem with dryness in my groin  but I am only in my early 40s and not yet menopausal. Could this be early menopause? I have no other symptoms. It is making intimacy with my partner agonising.

It is extremely common for women to experience vaginal dryness at some stage in their life. But women all too often suffer needlessly because the problem can be easily resolved.

Menopause is one cause of dryness. Typically, it begins between the ages of 47 and 53, but some peri-menopausal changes may occur earlier.

If a doctor suspects early menopause, they may offer a blood test to check a womans level of a sex hormone called FSH which rises as reproductive cycles begin to tail off.

Write to Dr Ellie Do you have a question for Dr Ellie Cannon? Email DrEllie@mailonsunday.co.uk Advertisement

The female hormone oestrogen is responsible for maintaining the lubrication of the vaginal and vulval area. But during the menopause, oestrogen drops dramatically, causing the dryness. Some women find the same happens when they breastfeed, as post-pregnancy fluctuations in hormones cause oestrogen to drop too.

This type of dryness responds well to oestrogen creams and vaginal moisturisers, both of which can be prescribed by a GP.

Vaginal dryness can also happen as a side effect of medications such as contraceptives and cancer treatments. Perfumed soaps or body washes are another common culprit.

The yeast infection thrush can cause irritation, soreness and stinging during sex. It is very simple to treat using over-the-counter products.

It is worth trying a lubricant or vaginal moisturiser to ease pain during sex. I recommend a brand called Sylk, available at most high-street pharmacies.

As for washing, stick to plain water or a soap substitute called aqueous cream.

If theres no obvious cause of the dryness, and over-the-counter treatments arent working, you should see your GP.

Dementia worries? There is help

Official NHS data released last week showed that 50,000 patients havent been diagnosed and are struggling on without help (file photo)

I had a hunch that Covid-19 restrictions had caused thousands of dementia cases to go unnoticed  and now there is proof. Official NHS data released last week showed that 50,000 patients havent been diagnosed and are struggling on without help.

In June I replied to a readers request for advice on what to do about his wife, who he suspected had developed the disease. Since then the letters have kept coming, with many telling me that local memory clinics  which I mentioned  are still closed due to Covid restrictions.

In these situations I highly recommend contacting the charity Dementia UK, one of the few to offer face-to-face appointments with specialist trained nurses  they have been doing so throughout the pandemic. The charity offers support for everything from diagnosis to financial problems.

Visit dementiauk.org or call 0800 888 6678.

Good riddance to this pointless Covid theatre

Weve known since the very beginning that the machines, which monitor skin temperature, tell us basically nothing about someones Covid status, writes Dr Ellie

One of the highlights of my week was walking in to my local hospital to see that it has axed my most-loathed anti-Covid measure: temperature checks.

They are what I call Covid theatre: measures that appear protective, but are actually pointless.

Weve known since the very beginning that the machines, which monitor skin temperature, tell us basically nothing about someones Covid status. Yet businesses across the country continue to install them, falsely believing that putting in a temperature monitor makes their premises Covid-secure.

Last week, the UKs medicines regulatory body, the MHRA, issued yet another warning that temperature-checkers cannot be used to detect a person with the virus. Many on the market, it said, arent even capable of taking an accurate reading.

Business owners: stop wasting your money on farcical temperature tests and instead install proper ventilation systems, which blow away stagnant viral particles in the air.
Elderflowers smell to me like summer. Well elderflower cordial does, diluted with sparkling water.

Im addicted to the stuff  its my favourite fizz. I know, I know, its probably full of sugar and bad for me. But I barely drink alcohol these days, so I think Im allowed a few vices. And theres still a pandemic to get through.

I bought a bottle of it just the other day while I was pottering around the local shops with my new friend Monika. I say shes my friend. In fact, shes my carer.

That word. Awful. I hate the term, and when the idea of getting one was first floated, I just thought: Oh God. I like doing my own thing. I walk Bennie, my dog, and go to Waitrose most days to get something for dinner.

I used to drive, but I cant bloody do that any more. As regular readers might remember, I had to hand in my licence a while back, after I lost the car while out shopping, and then having found it I got lost while driving back home.

I bought a bottle of elderflower cordial just the other day while I was pottering around the local shops with my new friend Monika. I say shes my friend. In fact, shes my carer

After being diagnosed with Alzheimers  which I call The A-Word  in 2017, my memory has gradually worsened. And so this year I finally admitted defeat: I was no long able to drive.

Its not the end of the world though, not having a car. I have my shopping trolley, and Im very happy with it.

But a carer? OK, its not easy living with dementia. But I still feel like I can take care of myself.

The idea of getting help had been tabled a few months ago, by my daughters and long-suffering husband Chris. But I flatly refused. Carers are for doddery old ladies, and Im not a doddery old lady. Not just yet. Slowly, though, I came round to the idea.

In all honesty, things have been getting harder for Chris. Im forgetful  obviously. So, I suppose I do need a bit of assistance. Im not talking about eating or dressing or anything  I am perfectly capable of all of that thank you very much.

But Im always losing things and forgetting what day I have to do this or that, or forgetting a conversation Ive just had.

Stuff like working the dishwasher, doing the laundry and cooking just seem to discombobulate me.

Until now, all this has been left to Chris. Then he had to have an operation at the start of July for trapped nerves in his back. He had to self-isolate before he went into hospital, for two weeks, and recovery has left him out of action. Hell also have to be back and forth to the hospital for follow-up appointments.

Our daughters come by and do as much as they can, but they have full-time jobs. And I hate the idea of relying on my children.

And so, I admitted defeat. A carer was the only practical solution. I think maybe I resisted because part of me found the idea of being cared for a bit embarrassing.

The idea of getting help had been tabled a few months ago, by my daughters and long-suffering husband Chris, writes Bonnie Estridge (pictured above)

Covid Q&A: Will virus no longer be a problem by Christmas? Q: Will Covid no longer be a problem by Christmas? A: Daily Covid cases dropped steadily over the past two weeks, sparking optimism  but this didnt last long. On Friday, the UK reported nearly 30,000 cases, up from 25,000 on Tuesday. Scientists have urged caution, as they say the effect of Freedom Day on July 19 has not yet been seen in infection numbers. Nevertheless, experts are hopeful that the sudden and highly unexpected dip in cases last week signals the beginning of the end for the Covid pandemic in the UK. It suggests case numbers will not reach the worrying heights that were predicted before the July 19 unlocking, and instead will continue to rise and fall at sustainable levels. If this is the case, then the number of patients in hospital will remain at a manageable rate, while more people receive both their vaccines. This will reduce the viruss ability to spread and make people seriously unwell. Professor Neil Ferguson, epidemiologist at Imperial College London and Government modeller, had predicted that 100,000 new cases a day was inevitable. But on Tuesday, he said: By late September, October time, we will be looking back at most of the pandemic. Well still have Covid with us, well still have people dying from Covid, but well put the bulk of the pandemic behind us. Scientists say a booster jab campaign, due to begin in September for over-50s, will be key to keeping infections and, crucially, hospitalisations down in the winter months. Advertisement

But we have a cleaning lady  like many people  and theres no shame in that.

Is there such a big difference? Hollywood stars have personal assistants and managers and chefs and all sorts. Ive decided to see Monika in the same way.

It was Chris who found her. Wed employed council carers to look after Chriss elderly dad, years back, and that was hopeless, so wasnt ever going to be an option for us. He contacted a few agencies that he found online, but they were very expensive and also couldnt guarantee the same person would come to see me regularly.

In the end, we went with a recommendation from a friend of a friend  an independent registered healthcare visitor who also cares for an autistic child.

Monika is nothing like the horrible, matron-like woman I imagined, and the doubts I had disappeared once we met. That first day, we went for a get-to-know-you walk, and I managed to persuade her to go to the shops with me. I think we were out for a couple of hours in the end, having a great time.

Chris, naturally, assumed Id got lost. By the time we got home he was frantic  and about to send out a search party.

Monika is in her 40s, and Polish, which I like as my Dad was from Poland. At the moment she comes in twice a week for a few hours at a time. And I really look forward to seeing her.

She puts the shopping away, loads the washing machine and comes out for walks on the common with Bennie and me, that kind of thing.

And rather than taking away my independence, as I feared, shes actually given me some of it back.

Chris and I dont sit together all day long. He has his own things he likes to get on with. And he never had the patience to hunt for bargain designer clothes at TK Maxx with me anyway.

Now, with Monika, I can do just that. I can do what I want again, and wherever I want.

We chat about films and set out my plans for the day  and we never stop laughing.

I honestly dont feel at all sad about this new development.

For now, having her come for four or five hours a week is enough.

But Im slowly making peace with the fact that, in the future, as this illness gets worse, I might need her more.

I also realise I am lucky to have a big house, so if we need a live-in carer, they can come and stay here, so I wont need to move into a (dare I say it) residential home.

But Im not thinking about that yet. I still have plenty more bargain hunting to do.
Having wisdom teeth removed could super-boost your tastebuds.

Scientists at Penn University in the US performed blind taste tests on more than 1,200 patients shortly after tooth removal, then 20 years later.

While there was little difference in taste detection immediately after surgery, two decades later those who had the operation outperformed their peers by up to ten per cent.

Those with no wisdom teeth were better able to detect sweet, salty, caffeine and bitter tastes than those with wisdom teeth intact.

The scientists suggest this could be the result of scar tissue from the surgery becoming hypersensitive.

Those with no wisdom teeth were better able to detect sweet, salty, caffeine and bitter tastes than those with wisdom teeth intact

App that looks after your liver

An app that lets doctors keep tabs on liver-disease patients also keeps sufferers out of hospital, according to a new study.

Patients at the Royal Free Hospital in London took a range of daily measurements including blood pressure, weight, and scores on a memory test, and logged the results on a smartphone app.

Liver specialists at the hospital led by Professor Raj Mookerjee were granted instant access to the results, meaning they could remotely monitor patients and spot early warning signs of deterioration.

The early trial of 20 patients showed that only a quarter were admitted to hospital over a period of 12 weeks, compared with 40 per cent of a group of patients who were not using the app.

Patients who did go to hospital were discharged a week earlier, on average, than those who didnt use the app.

Patients at the Royal Free Hospital (file photo, above) in London took a range of daily measurements including blood pressure, weight, and scores on a memory test, and logged the results on a smartphone app

Almost a third of UK working adults have ignored a health issue because of the Covid-19 pandemic, new research suggests.

A study from healthcare provider Benenden Health found that as many as 31 per cent of Britons had not sought medical support for a health issue or had delayed doing so as a result of the pandemic.

Of those who put off a visit to the doctor, a quarter did because they were worried about catching Covid.

More than a third said they thought the NHS would not have time to see them, while another quarter believed their health issue was not that important.

More than half the 2,000 respondents had developed a mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression.

A study from healthcare provider Benenden Health found that as many as 31 per cent of Britons had not sought medical support for a health issue or had delayed doing so as a result of the pandemic (file photo)

Meanwhile, GPs have seen a 500 per cent surge in demand for mental health support for youngsters since the pandemic began, one of the UKs biggest private healthcare firms has warned.

More than two-thirds of cries for help come from teenagers and young children. In 90 per cent of cases, the problems arose because of the pandemic.

Akea Life managing director Ben Paglia said: We are staggered at the number of calls we are taking on mental health issues relating to Covid and lockdown. The pandemic is having a significant impact on schoolchildren.
Once it does recur, those who take pill see life extended by average of two years

A daily pill that blocks the production of cancer cells is set to transform the lives of thousands of NHS patients with the deadliest type of blood cancer, keeping the disease at bay for at least five years.

The drug will be offered to patients shortly after diagnosis, doubling the average time the cancer takes to return, according to stunning new results from British medical trials.

Once the disease does recur, those who take the pill see their life extended by an average of two years. Health chiefs recent approval of the pill, called lenalidomide, marks the end of a lengthy battle by charity Myeloma UK and specialists to get it green-lighted for patients newly diagnosed with myeloma, one of the deadliest forms of blood cancer.

Professor Graham Jackson, oncologist at Newcastle Hospitals Trust who has studied the drug, described the decision by regulator NICE as a massive step forward for treatment of the disease, which kills more than 3,000 Britons every year.

Precious time: Stephanie Evans, 44, with husband Mark. She was one of the first patients to be given lenalidomide after it was approved for people newly diagnosed with myeloma

Weird science Take your brolly... it's raining fish It might not literally rain cats and dogs  but it can rain fish. Every year in Honduras a shower of tiny fish  including sardines  fall from the sky. People in the central American country have traditionally believed such incidents were a sign from the heavens, but there is a logical, scientific explanation. The incidents follow a tornado, after fish on the surface of the water have been whipped up by the wind, pulled into the storm and launched high into the sky. As the speed of wind gradually decreases, the creatures begin to fall. Scientists report roughly 40 fish rain incidents each year. Advertisement

Roughly 5,700 people are diagnosed with myeloma each year. The condition, which causes malfunctioning white blood cells and can destroy the immune system, is incurable. Sufferers often have bleaker prognoses than those with the two other blood cancers  leukaemia and lymphoma. Only half of those diagnosed with myeloma will survive for five years.

The condition develops when plasma cells, a type of white blood cell vital for producing immune system antibodies, multiply uncontrollably. These cells crowd out healthy ones, resulting in the bodys ability to fight infection failing.

When diagnosed, most patients are given a combination of drugs, including potent chemotherapy.

More than a third of them  mostly younger or healthier older patients  will be deemed suitable for a stem cell transplant, formerly known as a bone marrow transplant.

If its successful, patients go into remission which means there is no detectable cancer in their blood.

Prolonging the disease-free stage before relapse is considered crucial for ultimate survival, says Dr Charlotte Pawlyn, haematologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Head of the Myeloma Biology team at the Institute of Cancer Research.

Once patients have relapsed, the cancer cells become resistant to some treatments and it can be harder to get the disease under control.

Now, patients treated with a stem cell transplant and also those who do not qualify for one will be offered lenalidomide, keeping them in remission for longer.

The drug is whats known as a targeted therapy  designed to work specifically on the unique make-up of myeloma cells.

The daily pill will be offered to patients shortly after diagnosis, doubling the average time the cancer takes to return, according to new results from British medical trials (file photo)

Your amazing body Did you know that youre at your tallest first thing in the morning? During the day, when were standing or sitting, the pressure of gravity squeezes the cartilage between the joints and bones in the spine, making us appear slightly smaller. But at night, when we lie down, the tissue decompresses, adding volume between the vertebrae. Studies show that the first time someone stands up in the morning, they are roughly 1cm taller than they were before bedtime the previous night. Advertisement

Once in the bloodstream, it attacks proteins within the cancer cells that are crucial for its survival, so they die. This is different to chemotherapy  used commonly to treat blood cancer  which obliterates all white blood cells, including healthy ones, causing a slew of nasty side effects. Lenalidomide, however, has been linked to mild side effects such as nausea and a slight increased risk of infections.

Stephanie Evans, 44, from Bridgend, South Wales, was one of the first patients to be given lenalidomide after it was approved for people newly diagnosed with the disease. The mother-of-three, who works in insurance, was diagnosed with myeloma in September 2019. She had a stem cell transplant in July 2020 and began taking the drug in January this year.

She said: Of course, I want to live until Im 100. But its more about getting my boys to adulthood. Hopefully this will buy me more time before I relapse, and theres always the possibility new treatments will come which could extend my life further.

There is further hope on the horizon for newly diagnosed myeloma patients from another drug, carfilzomib. Researchers have found that giving it in combination with three other drugs before a transplant could delay the time it takes for the cancer to return.

In a trial funded by Cancer Research UK at multiple UK hospitals, including the Institute for Cancer Research in London, 65 per cent of patients given twice-weekly intravenous infusions of carfilzomib, as part of combination therapy, had not seen their cancer progress after three years.
Hymn

Almeida Theatre, London Until August 13, 1hr 30mins

Rating:

Bagdad Cafe

The Old Vic, London Until August 21, 1hr 30mins

Rating:

Anyone who saw Adrian Lester in the musical Company knows that he can sing  he won an Olivier Award in the lead role. Now we know he can spin on his bottom, breakdancing in this belter of a play that involves a load of enviably cool dad-dancing.

Written by Lolita Chakrabarti, Hymn is the story of two 50-year-olds who meet at a funeral and discover a secret family connection. The Temptations hit Papa Was A Rollin Stone is a clue to the plays big revelation, while Bill Witherss Lean On Me is its emotional anthem.

Both actors are on blazing form. Danny Sapani plays Benny  all wary and wounded; Lester is the eloquent, besuited Gil with a recently deceased father he never pleased. The two men join forces in a designer stationery business that ends in tragedy.

Both actors are on blazing form in Lolita Chakrabarti's Hymn. Danny Sapani plays Benny  all wary and wounded; Adrian Lester (above) is the eloquent, besuited Gil

Directed by Blanche McIntyre, this sorrowful bromance often junks dialogue in favour of showing us the characters feelings through the natty moves of two getting-on-a-bit actors. It sounds contrived  and it sort of is  but it really works. The joy of it is that you whoop way more than you wince.

Bagdad Cafe is based on the quirky 1987 film about a scuzzy truck stop diner/motel in the Mojave desert. A German tourist, Jasmin, is abandoned by her husband. It is her inspirational spirit which then transforms the cafe, sorting out its grumpy, sad owner Brenda (Sandra Marvin) and her family in the process.

Patrycja Kujawska is pure sweetness as the Bavarian incomer, and clever director Emma Rice combines comedy illusions and puppetry in her wacky, hand-made style. Its very inventive and community-minded  but plotless.

Long on charm, short on yarn.
Jungle Cruise Cert: 12A, 2hrs 7mins

Rating:

The Suicide Squad Cert: 15, 2hrs 12mins

Rating:

The Sparks Brothers Cert: 15, 2hrs 20mins

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The important thing to know about Jungle Cruise is that its based on a Disney theme-park ride. So what, you might say? So was Pirates Of The Caribbean, and that spawned a film franchise that was pretty decent for a long while. Jungle Cruise, by contrast, is derivative, puddle-deep and good only for filling the inevitably rainy family summer holiday afternoon.

I lost track of the number of movies it reminded me of. Given that its about a spirited Englishwoman heading up the Amazon in a rickety old boat skippered by a grumpy American just as the First World War breaks out, The African Queen springs instantly to mind. Quite right too; the Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart classic was an acknowledged influence when the theme-park ride was designed back in the 1950s.

But as the immaculately vowelled, be-jodphured Lily Houghton (Emily Blunt) escapes the male chauvinism of London to journey in search of the tears of the moon  legendary tree petals that might cure all ills  other old favourites hove into view. Doubly so, given the formulaic presence of Frank the Skipper (Dwayne Johnson)  he maddeningly nicknames her Pants because she wears trousers  and her loyal but preening brother, MacGregor (Jack Whitehall). Indiana Jones, obviously.



Jungle Cruise, starring Emily Blunt and Jack Whitehall (above), is derivative, puddle-deep and good only for filling the inevitably rainy family summer holiday afternoon

Romancing The Stone, also obviously, along with Pirates Of The Caribbean once a familiar supernatural element materialises. Then theres The Mummy, Tomb Raider, The Lost City Of Z I could go on. Weve seen this sort of topee-topped thing many times before, and done better, too.

Blunt is perfectly good, and Whitehall offers game support, but the visual effects are so-so and Johnson is simply miscast as Frank. The former wrestler always brings an amiable presence and can deliver a funny line, but he really cant do romantic or sexual chemistry to save his life. Its film-making by theme-park-ticket numbers and makes you long for Michael Douglas.

James Gunn struck gold when he wrote and directed Guardians Of The Galaxy, the film that finally breathed some comedy and fun into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Now, with The Suicide Squad, he tries to do the same for the rival DC Universe, and comes horribly unstuck.

Without Will Smith as Deadshot and Jared Leto as The Joker, this sequel to 2016s Suicide Squad feels distinctly second-string, despite Margot Robbies return as the always-watchable Harley Quinn. But as a new gang of easily forgettable misfits is dispatched to an island off South America to find out what lurks inside a towering laboratory originally built by fleeing Nazis, other problems emerge.

Despite the arrival of Idris Elba as Bloodsport, The Suicide Squad turns out to be pointlessly over-complicated, lacking in a commanding lead and ultimately too silly, both for its own good and certainly for grown-ups.

Far more suitable is The Sparks Brothers, an affectionate and meticulously assembled documentary made by Edgar Wright  he of Shaun Of The Dead and Hot Fuzz fame  celebrating the long creative careers of Ron and Russell Mael, the brothers behind the pop group Sparks.

With the flamboyant Russell singing and deadpan Hitler lookalike Ron playing keyboards and writing the songs, they had hits such as This Town Aint Big Enough For Both Of Us in the early 1970s and just kept going. Five decades later theyre still making music. At two hours plus, Wrights documentary is certainly long, but its huge fun. The number one documentary all over heaven, apparently.
An Ugly Truth: Inside Facebooks Battle For Domination

Sheera Frenkel and Cecilia Kang The Bridge Street Press 20

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Since founding Facebook in 2004, Mark Zuckerberg has achieved the kind of power that few on the planet can rival, and none could imagine before the internet. Its mission, in Zuckerbergs words, is to connect the world. Its been credited with driving the Arab Spring and the Womens March, but it is also implicated in the rise of populism and even the spread of genocide. With 2.85 billion monthly users, it has twice the population of China. Heads of state, unable to control it, court it instead.

There are a few rival theories about how Zuckerberg ascended to this extraordinary position. Some regard him as a genius programmer. Others, including Sheera Frenkel and Cecilia Kang in this book, point to his exceptional ruthlessness: whenever a rival has threatened Facebooks dominance, Zuckerberg has moved fast to snap them up (it now owns Instagram and WhatsApp, leaving Googles YouTube as its only serious competition). But perhaps the main reason for Zuckerbergs success is that he is a preternaturally boring person.

From a business perspective, his relentless focus on the task at hand is an advantage. From a storytelling point of view, its a drag. Other tech moguls have used their wealth to fund eye-popping eccentricities. PayPal co-founder and Facebook investor Peter Thiel has his zeal for libertarian politics and unstinting pursuit of grudges (which eventually destroyed the website Gawker). Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos have their obsession with space flight. Even nerdy Microsoft founder Bill Gates has a hinterland, according to recent divorce hearings which have raised a history of questionable behaviour.

Since founding Facebook in 2004, Mark Zuckerberg has achieved the kind of power that few on the planet can rival, and none could imagine before the internet

The most interesting detail that can be summoned about Zuckerberg in An Ugly Truth is that he gets sweaty when nervous  negotiations for key interviews and appearances in front of congressional committees include the stipulation that the air conditioning be set to frigid. Hes married to his college sweetheart, he lacks any obvious vices, and he doesnt even appear to have an underpinning philosophy (he took an interest in Ayn Rands theories under the influence of Thiel, but more because he was easily swayed than out of conviction).

Facebook is undeniably important to the future of democracy, security and personal relationships everywhere. But its hard to build a compelling narrative when your leading man is so completely charisma-free. To counteract that, Frenkel and Kang bring in Sheryl Sandberg, who has served as Facebooks chief operating officer since 2008. A committed feminist (she wrote the book Lean In) who has been the public face of one of the worlds most morally dubious companies for more than a decade, Sandberg is a slightly more complex figure

Her interpersonal skills and political connections made her an asset to the company, but they also set her apart from the coders who are its backbone. This leads to a rift in the company, with her people being referred to internally as FOSS (Friends of Sheryl Sandberg). Ultimately, though, theres no power struggle for Frenkel and Kang to dramatise, because Facebook is so entirely under Zuckerbergs control. All Sandberg can do is try to keep up and run damage control after the fact.

Its hard to build a compelling narrative when your leading man is so completely charisma-free. To counteract that, the authors bring in Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg

And theres plenty of damage. In the early years, the main questions about Facebook focused on its fast-and-loose attitude to users personal data. When it introduced the news feed in 2006, people were shocked to see details of their personal lives suddenly in full view. But Zuckerberg reasoned that users would come to accept the change, and he was right: the protests were short-lived, and the social networks growth went on unabated.

That tendency to act first and address the consequences later has remained a part of Facebooks culture. The company has prioritised engagement and expansion over anything else  in the words of Frenkel and Kang, it was designed to throw gas on the fire of any speech that invoked an emotion, even if it was hateful speech. That led to Facebook acting as a radicalisation ground in Burma, spurring the genocide against the Rohingya population. Because the company didnt employ moderators with local languages, it was powerless to act.

Was that a terrible accident or the product of an ethos? The books title is taken from a statement by a senior Facebook executive, who said in 2016: The ugly truth is that we believe in connecting people so deeply that anything that allows us to connect more people is de facto good  even if that means connecting bullies to victims or terrorists to each other. But that year, the election of Donald Trump led to more serious scrutiny of online misinformation and Facebooks role in promoting it. The companys practices had unwittingly made it the perfect vehicle for attempted Russian interference.

All this suggests that theres a strong argument for either breaking up Facebook, or setting limits on it. But theres little chance of that happening to a company which is, as Frenkel and Kang put it, as powerful as a nation state. Despite its cavalier treatment of other peoples data, Facebook is highly protective of information about itself, so its impressive that An Ugly Truth has as much detail as it does. Unfortunately, thats still not enough to make this book a gripping read, even if it is an important one.

The Woman They Could Not Silence

Kate Moore Scribe 10.99

Rating:

In 1860 two doctors burst into Elizabeth Packards bedroom and carried her  literally  to the local railway station, before dumping her on the next train for Jacksonville. A crowd of townspeople had gathered to protest against the kidnap of their ministers wife, but there was nothing they could do. According to Illinois law, the Rev Theophilus Packard was free to dispose of his property however he wanted, and that included Elizabeth, his wife of 21 years.

Within a few hours, 43-year-old Mrs Packard was under lock and key in Jacksonville Insane Asylum, where she would stay for the next three years. All it had taken was for the Reverend to declare that his wife was slightly insane.

If anyone asked Packard for evidence of Elizabeths insanity, he could point to the fact that she had recently started to disagree with him on religious matters which, for a man in his position, was deeply shaming. And on the topic of slavery, which was currently tearing the country in two, Mrs Packard was an abolitionist, while the Rev Packard supported the status quo. What all this boiled down to, according to the asylums director, Dr Andrew McFarland, was that Mrs Packard was suffering from excessive application of body and mind. Basically, she was too clever by half.

One is left feeling that Elizabeth Packard (above) was a more complex woman than the one who emerges from Kate Moore's The Woman They Could Not Silence

For the next three years, Elizabeth fought to secure her release and to make sure no other married woman ever had to endure the same thing. After numerous cruel setbacks, Elizabeth got her freedom and started an ambitious campaign to reform Americas entire judicial system. Thanks to her, married women could no longer be put in an asylum on the say-so of their husbands.

Next, she turned her attention to married womens rights, managing to get the law changed in several states so that a wife now had equal access to both her children and her property. She also kept up an energetic writing schedule and made enough money to buy a house in Chicago, where she could live with her six children. She even supported her by now impoverished husband.

It is a thrilling story, and Kate Moore tells it using language that borders at times on the melodramatic. Slightly worrying, too, is the way she glosses over details that are inconvenient to her heroines story. What are we to make of the fact that Elizabeth had been in the asylum as a teenager? And why did she write a love letter to married Dr McFarland, a man whom she later pursued through the courts? These arent deal-breakers, but one is left feeling that Elizabeth Packard was a more complex woman than the one who emerges here.

Kathryn Hughes
With MPs tasked to reduce annual road casualty figures, a new study has revealed that almost three quarters of drivers would back lower speed limits on motorways during wet weather to improve safety.

Britain statistically has some of the safest roads in the world. However, annual death numbers have remained consistent for almost a decade, with pressure mounting on the Government to trigger a fresh decline in fatality figures.

One way of achieving this could be to lower speed restrictions on the nation's fast-moving routes - a move that is more viable with the inception of smart motorways with variable limits.

Ministers also announced earlier this month lowered 60mph limits on motorway sections identified as having illegally-high levels of air pollution.

Could Britain be getting lower motorway speed limits in the rain? Almost a quarter of drivers have backed the introduction of a slower limit during inclement weather, as is already used in France

Of the 2,100 motorists polled in a new study by the RAC, 72 per cent backed the idea of cutting the standard 70mph speed limit on motorways when roads are wet.

A third said the limit should be reduced to 60mph when it rains, while 7 per cent think it should be cut to 65mph.

Surprisingly, 17 per cent want an even lower limit of 55mph or even 50mph, while 14 per cent would like to see the limit cut but arent sure by how much.

Having flexible limits based on the weather wouldn't be unique to Britain.

Currently, France uses a system where motorway speed limits are lowered during inclement weather - though it is the only country in Europe to do so.

The 130kmh (80mph) limit is reduced to 110kmh (68mph) when motorway tarmac is sodden. That means traffic is moving 12mph slower when the roads are deemed wet enough to impact safety.

With the expanding network of controversial 'smart' motorways across Britain, making swift adjustments to the speed limit and then enforcing them is easily achieved.

While the decision to remove hard shoulders is a contentious one - especially since it has been deemed the causing factor for deaths involving collisions with stranded motors - the use of overhead digital gantries to inform drivers about a change to the maximum limit and cameras already in place that adjust to these variable speed limits set, smart motorways has the technology to introduce and police wet-weather rules.

And such a move could make a serious dent in Britain's road casualty stats.

A third of motorists polled said the limit should be reduced to 60mph when it rains, while 7% think it should be cut to 65mph. Surprisingly, 17% want an even lower limit of 55mph or even 50mph

There were 1,752 reported road deaths in 2019, latest figures state.

Official records show that 105 people were killed on motorways in Great Britain in 2019, another 701 seriously injured and a total of 6,603 sustaining some form of injury in collisions on the fastest roads in the country.

Around a 30 per cent of those killed and seriously injured (246) occurred when the road surface was damp, wet or flooded  a figure higher than four years earlier (208).

Government-held stats also show that wet roads and drivers travelling too fast for the conditions were respectively the cause of between 259 and 242 motorway collisions in 2018.

If those numbers can be cut, it will spark the first significant decline in road fatalities since 2012 (1,754 killed, which is two more than in 2019).

MPs are already looking at ways to improve road safety, with the Transport Select Committee recently hearing evidence for a graduated driving licences scheme for newly qualified motorists.

However, the notion of imposing restrictions on new drivers - such as curfews, limits on vehicle engine size and the number of passengers in a car - was widely voted down, with industry saying it would be almost impossible to impose and police effectively.

The latest full-year government statistics show that 1,752 people were killed on Britain's roads in 2019 - a figure that has remained consistent since 2012. Pressure is now mounting on MPs to trigger a fresh reduction in annual deaths

While motorways have the fewest casualties of all road types, reducing those numbers would spark the first significant fall in deaths and serious injuries for a decade

Of the reasons given by drivers who advocate lower motorway speed limits in the wet, 78 per cent said they felt lower limits would encourage some drivers to slow down, while 72 per cent believed it might save lives, so is worth trying.

Two-thirds (65 per cent) said slower speeds might improve visibility with less spray from moving vehicles, and half (53 per cent) felt it would reduce overall vehicle speeds, even if some people ignored the lower limit.

Among the fifth of drivers (21 per cent) who are against the idea of a lower motorway speed limit in bad weather, a majority said it was because most drivers already adjust their speed to the conditions (54 per cent), or because there would be difficulty in defining when the new limit should apply (60% per cent)  for instance, whether it would apply whenever the road surface was damp, or only while rain was actually falling.

Two-in-five (42 per cent) said many drivers choose to ignore existing speed limits anyway and a similar proportion (41 per cent) thought drivers wouldnt obey a lower motorway limit.

Two-thirds of the 2,001 drivers polled said slower speeds might improve visibility with less spray from moving vehicles

Commenting on the study, RAC data insight spokesman Rod Dennis said: 'Statistically, the UK has some of the safest motorways in Europe but its also the case that there hasnt been a reduction in casualties of all severities on these roads since 2012, so perhaps theres an argument for looking at different measures to help bring the number of casualties down.

'Overall, our research suggests drivers are broadly supportive of lower motorway speed limits in wet conditions, as is already the case across the Channel in France.

'And while most drivers already adjust their speed when the weather turns unpleasant, figures show that driving too fast for the conditions and slippery roads are still among the top 10 reasons for motorway collisions and contribute to significant numbers of serious injuries and even deaths every year.'

Dennis warned that the overall success of such a scheme would depend on sufficient numbers of motorists reducing their speed, but even just a proportion reducing their speed in the wet would be likely to improve the safety of the UKs motorways.

Our research suggests drivers are broadly supportive of lower motorway speed limits in wet conditions, as is already the case across the Channel in France Rod Dennis, RAC

'There would also be a number of practical hurdles to be overcome such as deciding what that lower limit would be, updating the Highway Code and fitting roadside signage to inform drivers of the new limits,' he added.

Highway Code Rule 227 states that stopping distances in wet weather are at least double those required for stopping on dry roads.

This means the typical stopping distance at 70mph in dry conditions of 96 metres (315 feet) is extended to at least 192 metres (630 feet) in the wet, the equivalent of 48 car lengths.

Earlier this month, Highways England announced that speed limits will be reduced to 60mph on at least eight sections of the motorway across England as part of new efforts to lower harmful levels of pollution.

The government agency responsible for the country's network of trunk roads identified 30 areas across the country where levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exceed the legal limit of 40 micrograms (g) per cubic metre.

As a result, specific sections of motorway will now have lower 60mph limits to limit the emissions impact of road transport in those areas.

Speed limits will be reduced from 70mph to 60mph on at least eight sections of the motorway across England, Highways England announced earlier this month

The move comes just a year after a trial project, introduced by Highways England, was implemented across four areas of the UK in order to assess the impact of slower moving traffic on roadside air quality.

Among the areas to see the new 60mph speed limit are the M1 from junctions 34 to 33 near Rotherham, the M6 near junctions 6 to 7 in Witton and the M602 near junctions 1 to 3 in Eccles.

The M4 in Harlington from junctions 2 to 4, the A1 in Blaydon Gateshead, the M621 at junctions 6 to 7 in Leeds and the M32 from junctions 1 to 3 have also seen a reduced speed.

The M5 from junctions 1 to 2 in Oldbury is also set to see a 60mph speed limit.

In their findings, Highways England found that a section of the A3 near Guilford had nitrogen dioxide that were double the legal limit while the A34 west of Oxford registered levels of 69 g per cubic metre in 2020.

They have proposed a 9.3 metre high barrier to be implemented on the A3 in an effort to tackle the levels of pollution.

As part of its plans, Highways England is also set to create diversion routes for HGVs on two sections of the A500 to junction 15 of the M6 during off-peak hours.
Few organisations operating in the key areas of consumer protection and consumer information have performed as poorly in recent years as Action Fraud, the police's national fraud reporting service.

However, Smart Energy GB  the smug voice of smart meter world domination  has given it a good run for its money. It has wasted millions of pounds pushing consumers into installing smart meters that soon became obsolete or failed to work properly.

But given the importance of Action Fraud's role in 'helping' victims of fraud, its uselessness has caused much more consumer pain. Never has the word 'action' been so wrongly applied. Inaction Fraud more like.

Finger on the button: Given the importance of Action Fraud's role in 'helping' victims of fraud, its uselessness has caused much more consumer pain

Thousands of readers have contacted this newspaper to complain about their disappointing experience with Action Fraud  having dutifully reported an incident of fraud, getting a crime reference number, only for their case then not to be acted upon. Understandably, they have felt let down and invariably left seriously out of pocket.

A brilliant piece of undercover journalism by The Times in 2019 highlighted the contemptible way in which fraud victims were treated and viewed by Concentrix, the American company responsible for the day-to-day running of Action Fraud.

Fraud victims were misled into believing their cases would be investigated when they weren't  and were privately mockingly referred to as 'morons' by staff.

Thankfully, the Government has now conceded that Action Fraud is not fit for purpose  although it's taken a while for it to draw such a conclusion. Last year, a review of fraud policing commissioned by the Home Office and conducted by Sir Craig Mackey  former deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police  concluded that fraudsters operated in the UK with 'impunity' and called for 'radical change'.

A year and a half later, the Government has decided that Action Fraud should be scrapped. Yet, rather worryingly, it's a little woolly about what should replace it. Last week, as part of its 'beating crime plan', it said Action Fraud would be replaced by an 'improved national fraud and cybercrime reporting system'  albeit run by an outside contractor (hopefully not Concentrix).

It also said an additional force dedicated to cybercrime would be set up within the National Crime Agency to investigate more complex and serious fraud cases. Greater support for victims, more arrests and prosecutions, and more resources employed into investigating fraud, were all promised.

While all this is welcome, I fear the Government's measures to tackle the cancer of fraud will not go far enough. What is required is a more fundamental overhaul.

Currently, too many cases fall between the cracks  rejected as not worthy of follow-up, either by Action Fraud or the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau which decides which crimes should be passed on to police forces to investigate.

Even when cases are given to the police, a lack of resources and expertise means convictions are more of a rarity than the norm. As few as one in 200 police officers have any expertise in investigating fraud, despite the fact that financial crime now accounts for more than 40 per cent of all criminal offences  and costs the economy 4.7billion a year.

As part of our Nail The Scammers campaign, The Mail on Sunday believes the best way to tackle the avalanche of financial crime is to set up a dedicated, properly resourced police unit. One that could be funded in part by the profit-rich big banks, internet providers and mobile phone providers.
Tony Hetherington is Financial Mail on Sunday's ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below.

D.J. writes: My 84-year-old disabled wife needed a tooth extraction, which was carried out at Mydentist.

Following this, she suffered pain and returned to the practice where she discovered the dentist had also removed the cap on the tooth next to the one extracted, exposing the root. A new dentist said she needed a root removal at hospital, but because of lockdown this took six months to arrange.

She then went back to Mydentist to replace the capped tooth, only to be told the original dentist had left the country, and she now faces costs of over 2,000 for repair work.

Cover: All dentists are required to have insurance in case there are problems

Tony Hetherington replies: You have told me that when you asked whether the missing dentist was insured against making dental problems worse instead of better, Mydentist replied that it did not have records of his insurance cover. You also gained the impression that Mydentist, which has branches all over the country, does not actually employ its dentists but simply provides premises and equipment.

Armed with a legally binding consent letter from your wife, allowing the company to discuss her treatment, I approached IDH Group Limited, the Manchester business behind the Mydentist chain. But extracting information was a bit like, well, pulling teeth from an unwilling patient.

Mydentist refused point blank to talk about your wife. It told me: 'Unfortunately, we are unable to share specific details about a patient's treatment or dental history, even with their consent.' The company later conceded that it would share those details if you hired a solicitor to do battle with it, but there was no way it would talk to me.

It did tell me that under General Dental Council rules, all dentists are required to have their own indemnity insurance and are personally responsible for the treatment they provide. And it added that it was not correct to say that the company does not employ its dentists, and simply rents out premises.

So does this mean that Mydentist employs all the dentists at its branches? Actually no, it does not. It finally told me it has both employed and self-employed dentists. So where does this leave your wife and her hope that she could claim under the missing dentist's insurance policy?

Mydentist sidestepped the issue of whether its departed dentist was properly insured, but after a lot of pressure it issued a statement, saying: 'We have thoroughly investigated this issue and want to ensure the patient's concerns are quickly addressed. As a gesture of goodwill, we will therefore be completing the patient's current course of treatment at the practice at no extra cost.'

Since Mydentist refuses to talk about what went wrong with your wife's original extraction, or about her current treatment, I have to assume that her latest spell in the dentist's chair is aimed at putting right whatever went wrong so many months ago, and that she will not be charged for this. If any of this is wrong, please tell me and I shall be glad to return to the problem in print, no matter how much Mydentist squirms and tries to hide what really happened.

What's the point of this Utility?

R.S. writes: My gas and electricity accounts were switched from Utility Point to a cheaper company while the accounts were 607 in credit.

Utility Point said I would be refunded within ten days, but no refund came. I contacted the firm again and was told payment was not possible as it was inundated with refund requests.

Twice since then I have received the same reply.

Tony Hetherington replies: I asked Utility Point to comment, hoping for an explanation as to why it was too busy to handle refund claims. I was told to expect a response within seven working days, but none came.

However, when I told Utility Point we would be going ahead with publication of your complaint, it suddenly burst into life, telling you (rather than me): 'We sincerely apologise for the delay in issuing your refund; this is due to a large influx of refund requests which the finance department are working through as quickly as possible.'

A fortnight later the refund landed in your bank account, together with an extra 30 to make up for the delay. Bad customer relations, followed by bad press relations, do make me wonder about the company's management.

WE'RE WATCHING YOU The Financial Conduct Authority hopes to have squeezed a further 25million out of Toby Scott Whittaker, the man behind the collapsed Park First scheme which sold car park spaces to 4,500 investors. The watchdog has already secured 33million from the sale of the company's car park at Luton Airport, but even if the latest deal with Whittaker is honoured in full, investors will still be left well out of pocket. Victims of the scheme, which the FCA has condemned as illegal, have lodged claims for around 150million, but sources close to the scandal say total losses may well exceed 200million. Action: Toby Scott Whittaker whose victims are claiming 150million Sales of the car park spaces began in about 2014, with investors told to expect yields of ten to 12 per cent. The FCA ruled that it was actually a collective investment scheme, similar to a unit trust, and was being operated without the regulator's approval, which is a criminal offence. The watchdog also claims that marketing material included 'false or misleading statements'. Penalties for operating an unauthorised investment scheme can be up to two years in prison. But in 2017, the FCA decided not to prosecute the promoters if they allowed investors to reclaim their money or switch to a similar but legal contract which the FCA and Park First put together. And in what Park First admitted to me was a secret agreement, the watchdog allowed the company to delay refunds as long as it could. The business collapsed into administration in 2019 after failing to keep pace with demands for refunds. Investors will now be asked to approve a company voluntary arrangement, allowing Whittaker to pay 25million in instalments. If they approve, Whittaker and fellow director John Slater will admit they acted illegally. If investors reject the deal, the FCA plans to go to court next year, seeking compensation for investors. But there are no plans to prosecute anyone.

If you believe you are the victim of financial wrongdoing, write to Tony Hetherington at Financial Mail, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TS or email tony.hetherington@mailonsunday.co.uk. Because of the high volume of enquiries, personal replies cannot be given. Please send only copies of original documents, which we regret cannot be returned.
Ministers have been ordered by Britain's statistics watchdog to reveal the data that justifies any decisions to move countries to amber or red status for foreign travel.

Holiday bosses were enraged last month when France was moved to 'amber plus' status  meaning fully-vaccinated travellers still have to quarantine on return to the UK.

There are now fears that Ministers will put European hotspots on a new 'amber watch list', meaning they could go straight on the red list. Families would then face compulsory hotel quarantine on their return at 1,750 per person.

Confusion: Holiday bosses were enraged last month when France was moved to 'amber plus' status

Mary Gregory, at the Office for Statistics Regulation, said the Government 'did not make clear' which data informed decision about France's status.

In a letter to the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC), which advises the Government on Covid measures, Gregory said there was also confusion about how data on cases of the South African Beta variant in France were analysed. Gregory wrote: 'The lack of clear signposting to data sources... falls short of our expectations on transparency. In future we would like to see key information clearly signposted and published more promptly.'

Manchester Airports Group, supported by major airlines including Ryanair, EasyJet and British Airways owner IAG, sued the Government in June over a lack of transparency around its decisions to grade countries red, green or amber.

The High Court ruled in the Government's favour. The airport plans to appeal. Chief executive Charlie Cornish said: 'The confusion around France's amber-plus status is yet another example of the problems caused by the Government's refusal to be open and transparent about traffic light decisions.
Patriotic: When it comes to our investments, a home bias is not always the best strategy

When it comes to our groceries and soft furnishings, many of us prefer to be patriotic and buy British. But when it comes to our investments, a home bias is not always the best strategy.

Investing in UK-listed companies is common among investors. Recent research conducted by asset manager Quilter found that nearly two thirds of those it surveyed had more than a quarter of their portfolio invested in the UK stock market.

Some were even more wedded to home bias, with 46 per cent holding more than half of their investments in UK companies and around 8 per cent having all their investments in UK investment funds or shares.

It's easy to understand why UK companies end up as the bedrock of so many investors' portfolios. 'People like to invest in companies they know and, for UK investors that happens to be UK companies,' says David Henry, investment manager at Quilter. 'You see exactly the same home bias among investors in other countries too.'

A desire for income also fuels UK investors' home bias. Chunky dividends are a characteristic of many large UK companies, which makes them a popular choice for anyone looking to top up their income.

Home bias also helps to limit currency risk.

'Most UK investors have their liabilities in sterling so it makes sense to have their investments in the same currency,' says Daniel Casali, chief investment strategist at Tilney Smith & Williamson. 'Currency movements can make a huge difference to returns: holding assets in sterling removes this additional layer of risk.'

Although there are plenty of good reasons why home bias exists, investing close to home can increase risk, potentially transforming safe, well-known investments into performance draining holdings.

In particular, you can miss out on the benefits of diversification. Spreading your investments as broadly as possibly, ideally globally, means you're not tied to the fortunes of one country. Instead, if a country or region performs badly, it's likely that another will be seeing stronger growth, helping to stabilise your overall returns.

Sticking rigidly to your home market also means you miss out on sector diversification. The UK stock market is weighted towards sectors such as energy and financials. So, if you only invest in the UK, you'll miss out on growth in some other sectors.

A prime example of this is technology, as Quilter's Henry explains.

He says: 'Many technology companies have experienced huge growth over the past few years. Indeed, you only need to look at the latest upbeat results published last week from the likes of Apple and Alphabet to see that the technology investment theme remains a dominant one.'

He adds: 'But the UK stock market has only a 1.93 per cent weighting in the tech sector. So, if you had only invested in UK companies, you would have missed out on this profitable investment theme. Part of the reason geographical diversification works is because it gives you exposure to every sector.'

The risks of a home investment bias come into sharp focus when you consider just how small a part of the global stock market the UK represents. The UK accounts for just 3.7 per cent of the constituents that make up the MSCI All Country World Index. In comparison, the US makes up 59 per cent, with Japan at 5.9 per cent and China at 4.9 per cent.

Our standing in the world indices might make you want to rush off and sell most of your UK holdings to replicate that 3.7 per cent weighting. But Ed Monk, associate director of personal investing at Fidelity International, argues that having a home bias doesn't necessarily mean you're overexposed to the UK stock market.

'It can work in your favour,' he explains. 'If you're familiar with the names of the companies you invest in, perhaps as a customer, it can help you make a more informed decision.'

Particular features of the UK stock market can also help reduce the risk associated with home bias. Some of the companies listed on the UK stock market are global giants, earning their money from all around the world. In fact, across the FTSE 100 Index, as much as 70 per cent of company earnings are made overseas.

As an example, take consumer goods company Unilever. Although it's part of the FTSE 100  and can trace its roots back to William Lever's Sunlight soap in Victorian Merseyside  it has customers in 190 countries around the world.

For an investor, this means that when you buy shares in Unilever, you're actually getting exposure to the growth of economies in many other countries too. Having a home bias might not be as bad as it initially sounds, but the risk of missing out on growth around the world means it's prudent to diversify and shift into more international holdings.

Fidelity's Monk says investors should always aim for a balance of exposure to different geographic regions, even if an element of home bias is natural. He advocates having an allocation of between 5 per cent and 10 per cent of investment to the UK.

If your portfolio is considerably more biased to the UK than this, and you'd like to take advantage of more diversification, Susannah Streeter, senior investment and markets analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, has the following advice: 'Don't panic. You don't need to move everything in one go. It's about trimming your portfolio rather than pulling it out at the roots.'

A global investment fund can provide an instant hit of diversification, giving you exposure to everything from US technology shares to European pharmaceutical companies. But it's also worth checking exactly where such funds are invested as, in spite of the global name, many also have a home bias of their own.

As an example, Monk points to Invesco Perpetual Global Equity Income fund, which has a UK weighting approaching 13 per cent. He says: 'This is probably due to the fund's focus on income, which is easier to come by in the UK than in many other markets. Other global funds tend to have lower UK exposure. For example, the successful Fundsmith Equity fund, managed by Terry Smith, has just over seven per cent exposure to the UK.

'But do check the allocation to British companies in any global fund, especially if you're thinking of adding some specialist UK funds to sit alongside them.'

Building a portfolio around a solid global fund can keep some of the fun out of investing. One of the key reasons for home bias is our familiarity with leading UK companies: watching the performance of a global fund can be less exciting than seeing your favourite sausage roll company do well on the back of its latest product announcement.

Quilter's Henry is a big fan of this approach. 'I'd never discourage anyone from buying companies whose products they like, provided they don't make these types of investment more than between 5 per cent and 10 per cent of their portfolio,' he says.

'It can act as a behavioural release, giving you the excitement of investing while the bulk of your portfolio is tucked away in a global fund and ticking along nicely.'

Another reason not to rush into losing the home bias you might have in your portfolio is that the UK's fortunes may be about to change. After a few years of lagging behind global peers as a result of the pandemic and the fallout from the EU referendum, the fundamentals for the UK stock market now look more positive.

Global equities overall are quite expensive compared to their long-term average. This can be seen in the recent interest from private equity firms for UK companies such as supermarket chain Morrisons and construction company John Laing.
John Morgan is 65, an age at which many wealthy entrepreneurs start to think about retirement. Not Morgan. Still at the helm of Morgan Sindall, the construction group he founded in 1977, he shows little sign of slowing down.

Last week, Morgan told investors that results for 2021 were likely to be significantly ahead of expectations  the group's third upgrade this year. Interim figures are out on Wednesday, but the firm has revealed that pre-tax profit will be around 53million, some 46 per cent ahead of the comparable period in 2019, before Covid struck.

There is plenty of cash on the balance sheet and the firm has a secure workload valued at more than 8billion.

Brokers now expect that annual profits will almost double to 121million, while some analysts have pencilled in a near-40 per cent rise in this year's dividend to 85p.

Busy workload: Morgan Sindall consists of five divisions, ranging from long-term inner-city regeneration to half-day jobs

Some of the success reflects a rebound, following a tough start to 2020 but, as Morgan highlights, the business is doing well even compared to 2019. Encouragingly too, much of the strong performance stems from the company's particular culture and approach.

Morgan Sindall consists of five divisions, ranging from long-term inner-city regeneration to half-day jobs, such as repairing electrics at housing association properties. Straightforward construction is in there too, alongside big infrastructure projects, such as the Tideway Super Sewer in London and office and retail refits.

Thousands of jobs are completed each year. Morgan Sindall prides itself on paying subcontractors more promptly than rivals and on always trying to find better ways of working (such as creating a phone app that allows customers to track when a workman is coming to deal with a repair at their home).

This focus on fair deals for suppliers and clever deals for customers has helped Morgan Sindall to increase its market share steadily over the past few years  a trend the group expects to continue as the economy recovers.

Midas recommended Morgan Sindall in 2017 when the shares were 14.10. When we looked at the firm again, it was February 2020, pandemic jitters had already started and the stock had just fallen by 10 per cent to 17.54.

Last week, they closed at 23.40, with many followers expecting the price to move even higher over the next few months and beyond.

The group pays a decent dividend too, putting the stock on a yield of 3.6 per cent.

Midas verdict: At 23.40, Morgan Sindall shares have soared by 66 per cent in the past four years and are likely to trend higher in the months and years ahead. The business is well run and operating in an industry that is expected to continue expanding as the pandemic recedes. A strong hold.

Traded on: Main market Ticker: MGNS Contact: morgansindall.com or 020 7307 9200
Another twist emerges in the tumultuous takeover of tech firm Telit Communications.

Last month, this column revealed that shareholder and former boss Oozi Cats was holding out against the 2.29p-ashare bid from AIM listed private equity firm DBay Advisors.

That takeover was approved by shareholders last week but City sources said Swiss chip company U-blox had made a last-ditch effort to mount a 320million-plus counter-offer.

Crossed wires: Why the U-blox approach was not disclosed to the market by Telit or the Swiss firm remains a mystery

They said U-blox, which is advised by Credit Suisse, offered 2.60 a share in cash for Telit shortly before the vote.

Why the U-blox approach was not disclosed to the market by Telit or the Swiss firm remains a mystery.

With 75 per cent of Telit's shareholders approving the Dbay offer, it appears a done deal.

Still, an outside chance remains it could be blocked at the court hearing to sanction the scheme of arrangement.

Telit declined to comment and U-blox did not respond.

Hut Group shares keep falling

The Hut Group had a barnstorming stock market debut last autumn, but the shares have tumbled 27 per cent this year, closing at 5.86 on Friday.

Now Swiss hedge fund Psquared Asset Management has become the first short-seller betting against the stock since flotation, with a 1 per cent short position.

The fund last year successfully shorted fellow e-commerce specialist Boohoo. Could this be another savvy retail purchase?

Investors await HSBC dividend news

HSBC will round off the bank reporting season tomorrow with investor eyes keenly trained on its dividend intentions.

Britain's biggest bank returned to paying divis in February but didn't declare its usual quarterly payout in April.

Chief executive Noel Quinn has indicated that the board would consider an interim dividend.

The bank generates most of its profits in Asia, which has recovered more rapidly than the West from Covid, and City scribblers are pencilling in annual earnings of $14.9billion against $8.8billion a year ago.

But the shares have underperformed against fellow British lenders and shareholders will hope Quinn can strike an upbeat note on the outlook for global economies.

New suitor for Sanne Group?

There's chatter that FTSE 250-listed Sanne Group may have attracted a new suitor.

The fund administration firm agreed to discuss a takeover approach from private equity firm Cinven at 8.75 a share, valuing it at 1.4billion, after rejecting earlier overtures.

Talks have been ongoing for months but Cinven may be facing competition.

Sources say one potential interloper could be SS&C Technologies, the world's largest hedge fund and private equity fund administrator.

Sanne shareholders may now be eagerly hoping for a higher bid. Sanne declined to comment. SS&C did not respond.
Santander has been plunged into a leadership crisis after the shock departure of the banker who had been lined up as its next boss.

The sudden and unexplained exit of Tony Prestedge has left the bank in turmoil just five months before current boss Nathan Bostock is due to stand down.

Prestedge joined Santander last September in the senior position of deputy chief executive on the understanding that he would succeed Bostock this year, sources said.

On his bike: The sudden and unexplained exit of Tony Prestedge has left the bank in turmoil

His mysterious exit after just 11 months was last night being kept shrouded in secrecy by the bank, which also failed to release a formal statement.

The Mail on Sunday questioned Santander UK repeatedly over the abrupt departure, but the bank steadfastly refused to comment.

The deafening silence will prompt questions in the City over what happened behind the scenes at one of Britain's biggest lenders.

Crucially for Santander, Prestedge's exit has left the bank without any obvious internal candidates to take on the top job.

Susan Allen, chief executive of retail and business banking, had been seen as a leading contender before Prestedge joined, but she has just left the bank.

The Mail on Sunday understands that her old role has been scrapped as part of a cost-saving overhaul.

Before joining Santander, Prestedge served as chief operating officer of the Test and Trace scheme, working with former Talk Talk boss Baroness Dido Harding. He had previously worked at Nationwide Building Society for more than a decade, serving as deputy chief executive in his last role.

A source close to Prestedge said: 'Tony gave up a brilliant job at Nationwide and turned down another brilliant job at another big bank to take the Santander role.

'All big organisations always have politics. Coming in from the outside, the probability of not fitting in with the culture or for the culture to reject you is always quite high.'

One former Santander banker said there were worrying signs for Prestedge in April when chairman William Vereker announced a 'process' to find the next boss  suggesting his promotion to chief executive was not a foregone conclusion.

Prestedge had been appointed under Santander UK's previous chair, Baroness Shriti Vadera. Vereker took on the role as chairman last November, two months after Prestedge had started.

The turmoil comes ahead of a bigger shake-up that will see the bank work more closely with its European operations  including its Spanish parent. The banking group is led by Ana Botin.

As well as scrapping the position of chief executive of retail and business banking, some of Santander's senior UK bankers now report directly to Europe in addition to the UK chief executive. Santander UK will also begin to share more resources  such as contact centres  with the European business.

Santander's European boss, Antonio Simoes, also sits on the board of the UK bank. He was seen as a potential chief executive of HSBC until he joined Santander last September.

The move to align the UK bank more closely with the rest of Europe has raised questions over the independence of the UK business, which has long been viewed as a tough market for the Spanish group despite its recent strong performance.

Last week, the group's earnings showed that the UK was one of its best-performing markets this year, boosted by the surging demand for mortgages. The UK bank reported that pre-tax profit was up more than 400 per cent to 751million, compared with the same period a year ago.

Botin has always strongly defended the UK operation and its presence on British high streets.

She was chief executive of the UK bank until 2014 when she became chairwoman of Santander Group after her father died.

The Spanish bank arrived in the UK in 2004 when it acquired Abbey National. It snapped up Alliance & Leicester and part of Bradford & Bingley in 2008 after the building societies ran into serious trouble during the financial crisis.

The bank  then run by future Lloyds Bank boss Antonio Horta-Osorio  was seen as the biggest challenger to Lloyds, NatWest, HSBC and Barclays. However, the Big Four still dominate the market.

Santander has also struggled to expand its corporate banking arm and it failed twice to buy Williams & Glyn, the business bank hived off from NatWest.
A raft of well-known firms will collapse when Rishi Sunak turns off the financial taps this autumn, a corporate loans guru has warned.

Mia Drennan, founder of loans agency Glas  which has worked with a string of household names including Virgin Atlantic and Thomas Cook  said some large UK companies were 'zombies' surviving only thanks to the Chancellor's financial support schemes.

End of the road?: Some large UK companies were 'zombies' surviving only thanks to the Chancellor's financial support schemes

Insolvencies have stayed low so far during the pandemic due to state-backed loans, tax holidays, grants and the furlough scheme.

Just 3,116 companies registered for insolvency between April and June. While this was the highest level since the start of lockdown last year, it was still down by about a quarter on pre-pandemic levels.

Drennan said: 'There were a lot of firms out there before the pandemic classed as zombie companies. They were really just ticking over and should have been shut or sold but that never happened because of the pandemic.

'At some point, all the Government loans and support will come to an end. I suspect there will be a lot of corporate collapses. There has to be. There are a lot of high street white elephants that have to be resold or rebranded.'

Under the furlough scheme, the Government had paid up to 80 per cent of staff wages. This was cut to 70 per cent in July. Today, it falls to 60 per cent. The scheme will close at the end of September.

Glas is a middleman loans arranger which sources funds from third-party investors in return for a flat fee. It manages 100billion worth of assets.
Small banks could be given a boost under Bank of England plans to relax tough rules.

Since the financial crisis, lenders have been forced to hold a bigger capital safety net once they reach a certain size, in case they collapse.

Seeing the light?: In a letter to 11 banks, the Bank of England said it is considering ditching a rule that requires banks with at least 40,000 current accounts to raise the extra capital

The aim is to avoid taxpayers footing the bill, but small banks including TSB and Metro have complained that the rules are making it harder for them to grow.

In a letter to 11 banks, seen by the MoS, the Bank of England said it is considering ditching a rule that requires banks with at least 40,000 current accounts to raise the extra capital.

It said: 'There may also be scope for the bank to significantly raise or even remove the indicative transactions accounts threshold. We propose to work closely with you... to assure ourselves that this would be a feasible prospect before making any decision to change or remove the transactions account threshold.'

One bank boss said ditching the requirement would make Britain a more attractive place for start-up banks to grow.
Former MP Norman Baker says he earned every penny of the 95,000 salary he was paid as Minister of State at the Home Office, because he had to 'put up' with Theresa May.

In a provocative interview, Baker, 64, also told DONNA FERGUSON that had he been interested in money, he would have sat as a Conservative MP, not a Liberal Democrat. He believes it is 'unfortunate' that many of the MPs who rule Britain, including the Prime Minister, have never had to struggle or live on a tight budget.

His book And What Do You Do? What The Royal Family Don't Want You To Know examines the finances of the Royal Family and is out in paperback.

'Unfortunate': Norman Baker says most MPs, including the PM, have never had to live on a tight budget

What did your parents teach you about money?

My father died when I was eight. So he didn't teach me much at all. My mother taught me not to spend more than you earn. She was a nurse at a hospital before giving up work when she got married.

Our family wasn't well off, particularly after the death of Dad who had been a sales rep. My mother went back to work and we lived on a tight, basic budget. We always had enough money for food, but I remember having to go to school with clothes that were patched rather than new  and getting picked on by other boys for that. We never went on holiday except to stay with relatives.

My upbringing means I've always been, I think, responsible with money, and aware of how much I've got in the bank versus how much I'm spending. I wouldn't say I'm mean with money, but I am careful.

How did that influence your politics?

Coming from a poor background, I recognised and valued what the State provided me with: a brilliant education from a grammar school and free healthcare from the NHS.

The State was there for me as a safety net. I became conscious of that and feel immensely grateful. I think perhaps now, we have gone backwards and children in my situation don't have the same chances.

Have you ever struggled to make ends meet?

Yes. After university I went into the music business and ended up as a regional director for a big chain of record shops. But then, in 1990, I became a Liberal Democrat candidate for Parliament and the local council. If you do that, you have to devote a huge amount of time to getting elected.

I sacrificed my job and ended up scrambling around, teaching English as a foreign language and working in a petrol station to make ends meet.

For seven years, I lived on not very much at all  probably about 15,000 a year  in order to make sure I had time for campaigning.

If I hadn't got elected as an MP in 1997, I would have had to give up because I couldn't have afforded to carry on in that way. I hadn't any money to do anything. It was a valuable experience for me as an MP. You see some people in Parliament who have never had to struggle or live on a budget. Our Prime Minister is probably one of them.

He has always been able to buy what he wants without thinking about it. That's not been my situation and that's not the situation of many people.

Most people have to think about what they are spending, but some of the people who rule us don't have that experience. I think that's unfortunate.

Have you ever been paid silly money?

No. At most I've been paid about 1,000 for an after-dinner speech, nothing to write home about. I don't care about earning silly money. If I was interested in money, I wouldn't have sat as Liberal Democrat  I'd have sat as a Tory. It's more important for me to have a conscience than to sell my soul.

What was the best year of your financial life?

It was 2013 and 2014 when, in the Coalition Government, I was Minister of State at the Home Office. I earned between 90,000 and 95,000 a year. I had to put up with Theresa May as the Secretary of State, so the job was well worth that salary  I had to earn my money for that.

What is the most expensive thing you bought for fun?

It was a 1946 Wurlitzer jukebox which plays 78 rpm records. I bought it for 10,000 with some money I inherited when my mother died in 2004. It's probably gone up in value but I don't really care. The sound of the records is lovely.

What is your biggest money mistake?

Spending a lot on legal fees, unnecessarily, when I got divorced. We had to split our assets including our home. Now I'm renting because I cannot afford to buy a house in my home town of Lewes in East Sussex. I'm hoping house prices will fall so I can take a lump sum from my pension and buy a small place, which I can then pass on to my daughter when I die.

Sound investment: He bought a Wurlitzer for 10,000

The best money decision you have made?

Getting on the property ladder in 1981. I bought a one-bedroom flat in Islington, North London, for 19,500, sold it for 47,500 three years later and moved up the ladder. I'm not terribly well off today, but I am in a secure financial position and it's all thanks to buying that Islington property. It's not work that's got me here. It's property.

Do you save into a pension?

No. I have a final salary pension as a former MP which is generous, but it will have to be split due to my divorce.

I currently work part-time for the Campaign For Better Transport, and it contributes to a pension on my behalf. I suppose it is important to save for a pension.

But I have to say that I have always found pensions deeply dull and boring. I glaze over if I even hear the word pension. I don't really understand how they work.

Do you invest directly in the stock market?

No, I have never had the money or the inclination. I do own one  yes just one  share, and that's in British American Tobacco. An anti-smoking group gave it to me some years ago so I could go along to the annual general meeting and make a noise and complain about its policies  which I duly did. It was a hostile environment.

If you were Chancellor what would you do?

I would close all the tax loopholes that very rich people use to avoid paying tax and use the money to increase spending on foreign aid. I think it's pretty disgusting that the country has cut back on funding for things like education and basic water supply for people in developing countries.

It's really unethical that has happened, while in overseas British territories, money is being shovelled away by rich people who don't pay proper amounts of tax.

Let's get people who are very rich and not paying their taxes to help those in need.

Do you donate money to charity?

I do sometimes, but not regularly. I prefer to donate according to the issues that are topmost in my mind. I will, however, give charities my time and raise money for them. For example, I'll do whatever I can to help Free Tibet. I've been involved with that campaign for 30 years. Tibetan culture is wonderful  it's something we ought to celebrate and it's being extinguished by the Chinese government.

What is your number one financial priority?

To somehow afford to buy a house of my own in Lewes. It's a British thing, I suppose, to want to own your own house.
It's commonly claimed that the UK has the most paltry state pension among rich countries, based on one of the most cited measures.

That OECD comparison, which looks at how far the state pension goes in replacing an average salary in different countries, does not tell the whole story but is frequently used to justify calls for a more generous annual increase.

The controversy has intensified lately because temporary wage distortions caused by the Covid-19 crisis could mean a bumper rise for pensioners next spring under the triple lock.

We look at how the UK state pension, and retirement income more generally, actually stacks up against what elderly people receive abroad.

Looking abroad: People often say the UK has the most paltry state pension among rich countries - we look at how it stacks up

How does the state pension measure up against retirement income in other countries?

Bottom of the league: How far the state pension goes in replacing an average salary in different countries (Source: OECD)

The UK state pension comes bottom in a league table of net (meaning after tax) replacement rates for average earnings at just 28 per cent, according to an influential global pensions report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

This compares with a 59 per cent average across the 36 members of the international organisation of rich democratic countries analysed in its latest report, which was published in 2019.

At the top end, the net replacement rate is 90 per cent or more in Austria, Luxembourg, Portugal and Turkey, according to the OECD report.

But it is important to note that this just covers mandatory pension saving schemes, so does not represent a true picture of what UK pensioners retire on compared to their salaries.

While in other countries mandatory saving is the dominant system - and in some cases rolls state and workplace pensions into one system - in the UK most people rely on a combination of state and workplace pension schemes (while many use personal pensions as well) and the UK's non-state pensions are deemed voluntary by the OECD.

Auto-enrolment has changed this somewhat and would drag the UK up the pecking order in future but people can still opt out

(Source: HoC Library)

Chris Noon, partner at pension consultant Hymans Robertson, points out that while auto enrolment into your work scheme is not strictly mandatory, because you can opt out, the ultimate impact is not dissimilar in practice.

The opt-out rate is low, and the few who do shun work schemes have to be periodically put back into the system by employers and actively leave again, he points out.

This not-quite-voluntary system of saving, on top of mandatory saving via National Insurance payments towards the state pension, adds significantly to our actual replacement rate, explains Noon.

How the UK state pension stacks up

Poll Should the Government honour the triple lock, if it means a huge rise in the state pension Yes No Should the Government honour the triple lock, if it means a huge rise in the state pension Yes 17337 votes

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The House of Commons Library, an impartial research and information service for MPs and their staff based in parliament, took a closer look at how the UK pension system stands up in a report published in April this year.

It says the OECD prefers to group pension arrangements into three tier.

These depend on whether participation is mandatory or voluntary, or whether they are managed publicly or privately: mandatory public saving; mandatory private saving; and voluntary private saving.

'In practice, countries vary greatly in terms of the reliance placed on each pillar or tier,' it says.

'The UK is near the lower end of the scale in terms of the proportion of pensioner income (excluding earnings) coming from "first-pillar" state pensions and benefits.'

In the UK, the 'first pillar' includes means-tested pension credit, which tops up incomes to a guaranteed minimum level just below the full new state pension, currently 179.60 a week.

The HOCL says that while the UK has an overall net replacement rate of 28.4 per cent from mandatory pensions for an average earner, well below the OECD average of 58.6 per cent and the EU average of 63.5 per cent, when voluntary provision is included as well, the UKs net replacement rate rises to 61 per cent.

That is still below the OECD average of 65.4 per cent and the EU average of 67.0 per cent.

(Source: HoC Library)

Attempts to compare the UKs state pension plus means-tested benefit system with those of other countries are complicated by their fundamental differences, says the HOCL.

'The data reflects the structural diversity of pension systems. In some countries (such as Australia and Iceland) public provision contributes very little to pension replacement rates for an average earner  in other countries (such as France and Italy) it accounts for the whole amount.'

The HOCL summarises the systems in broad terms as follows.

- Earnings-related: The level of pension is determined by the earnings on which a pensioner paid social contributions, with a ceiling to cap expenditure and a floor to protect low earners. This model is used in France, Germany, Italy and Sweden.

- Means-tested: The state guarantees a minimum pension but takes into account a claimants other income and assets. Australia uses this system.

- Flat-rate: State pensions are paid at a flat rate, depending on either a pensioners contribution record or their history of residence. Ireland and the Netherlands take this approach.

The HOCL says Ireland, the Netherlands and Denmark arguably offer a good comparison with the UK system, although there are still differences which complicate the issue, and they need to be considered in the context of each country's pension system as a whole. See below for how they shape up.

Currency conversion rates as at 6 April 2021 - the day the new UK State Pension rate came into effect (1 to 1.17 and DKK 8.71). Average wage percentages are based on 2019 pension amounts for each country (Source: HoC Library)

'It should be borne in mind that Denmark (40 years), Ireland (48 years) and the Netherlands (50 years) all require a longer record of qualifying years for the full amount than the UK does (35 years in the new state pension system),' says the HOCL.

It adds that while state pensions in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands are underpinned by 'pay as you go' contributions from workers and employers, in Denmark they are fully financed out of general taxation.

In the UK, the means-tested pension credit is funded by taxes.

The HOCL says another way to look at this is how much countries spend on state pensions and pensioner benefits as a percentage of GDP.

The OECD last analysed this in 2017, when the figure was 4.7 per cent in the UK, below the OECD average of 6.5 per cent.

In six countries, expenditure was more than 10 per cent of GDP - Greece, France, Italy, Finland, Portugal and Austria.

The HOCL also looked at pension ages in different countries, since when payments kick in is relevant to what people receive overall.

The UK has equalised state pension ages between men and women and raised them both to 66 from September 2020. The next rise to 67 is due between 2026 and 2028, and the following one to 68 has been brought forward and is now expected between 2037 and 2039.

See below for a comparison with pension ages in EU countries.

(Source: HoC Library)

So how generous is the UK state pension?

The UK state pension is not as mean as the stark 'net replacement rate' of average earnings figure from the OECD often leads people to believe.

Once adjusted to take into account voluntary as well as mandatory saving - with the caveat that you are never completely comparing like with like - it still undershoots the average in other wealthy countries, but not by a huge margin.

The current debate about whether the triple lock should be honoured, even if this year's earnings figure is warped by the Covid crisis, tends to revolve around what is fair to different generations, or affordable to the country, or what has been 'promised' to pensioners.

These are all important considerations, but another is whether or not the state pension currently provides enough support to the poorest older people in the UK.

Noon says he is in favour of the triple lock because over the long term it provides a real increase in the state pension.

'Quite a lot of pensioners are living in poverty. Some 16 per cent are in poverty and that is not changing at all. For me, the triple lock is about changing that position over the long term.'
A simpler and quicker system to set up power of attorney could be on the way, but experts warn it must include safeguards against abuse of older and vulnerable people.

Lasting power of attorney is a legal failsafe that allows people to appoint someone they trust, usually a family member or friend, to take control of their affairs if they fall ill.

The Government is consulting on proposals to modernise the process, including a fast-track to grant LPAs to those who need them urgently, removing the requirement for a witness, and a digital checking service.

Legal protection: Lasting power of attorney lets loved ones take control of your affairs if you fall ill

Registrations of LPAs have surged in recent years to cover around five million people, but this still involves paperwork under a system that originated more than 30 years ago.

Legal and financial experts have welcomed the overhaul, but say going fully digital could mean more people are targeted for fraud or coercion, and point out some of the elderly do not have access to a computer or smartphone.

Justice Minister Alex Chalke says: 'An LPA is not just a piece of paper. It is a legal agreement that allows a person to set out their wishes and preferences and have peace of mind that these will be followed.

'The protections that exist in the LPA are based on decades, if not centuries, of tradition and legal case law. They're based on known and trusted paper-based social conventions, such as signing and witnessing.

'However, the world is changing and people increasingly want to access services digitally. The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated this demand.'

Lasting power of attorney helps families keep control if illness or accident strikes Why you need this and how to set it up. Read more here. What happens if you or a family member fall ill without an LPA in place? Read more here.

The consultation will include the following issues.

- The role and value of witnessing LPAs, and whether this should be done remotely or simply abolished.

The Government says: 'Our preferred option is to replace the witness with new safeguards that perform the same function.'

- The application process, how to reduce the chances of rejections, and the benefits of reducing or keeping the current delay between execution and registration of an LPA.

The Government says it would like to see LPAs digitally checked as they are being made, and sent for registration as soon as they are executed.

- Changes to the role of the Office of the Public Guardian, which oversees the attorney system and deals with any complaints against people holding this important power.

This could include widening its remit to verify people's identity, and stop or delay an LPA's registration if it has concerns, and to make it the first stop for objections to an LPA.

The Government says it wants to allow people to object to an LPA from the time the donor starts creating it to the point it is registered.

- A dedicated, quicker service for people who need an LPA urgently, and whether this would have any benefits over making the service faster for everyone.

But the Government adds: 'Our preferred option is not to introduce a dedicated service, as we do not believe it's possible to create a faster service with a high enough level of safeguards that is not also overly complex.'

A digital process for setting up LPAs could make it simpler but also raise significant risks, according to Holly Chantler, director of Solicitors for the Elderly and head of private client at Morrisons Solicitors.

Holly Chantler: 'A fully digitalised platform could mean more older and vulnerable people being targeted for fraud, coerced or abused'

Chantler, who represents SFE in a group providing feedback and advice to the Government, says it's important that safeguarding measures are put in place to protect older and vulnerable people.

'Modernising the process could offer a more simplified and user-friendly platform. It could also make creating an LPA more affordable and encourage a greater number of people to consider making one, which is undoubtedly a good thing.

'However, simplifying the process also carries greater risks, including vulnerable people making mistakes in their application, as well as leaving them more open to abuse of power and fraud.

'You should always speak with an experienced lawyer who will be able to understand your circumstances and ensure that your LPA is well drafted, clearly setting out what you want and ensuring it will be approved.'

Chantler adds: 'Digitalisation is happening worldwide and offers a fantastic opportunity to improve many legal services, but a fully digitalised platform could mean more older and vulnerable people being targeted for fraud, coerced or abused.'

Emily Deane, technical counsel at the STEP trade body of inheritance professionals, says: 'The modernisation of LPAs is something we strongly welcome.

'Society is becoming increasingly digital and we are seeing an accelerated evolution of the digital LPAs platform because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

'It is right that the system keeps pace with these changes. However, it is important that the Government gets the proposed reforms right if it is to achieve its aim of empowering and protecting ordinary people acting as donors in the LPA process.

'For example, it is crucial that the reforms include advanced identity checks for donors, which will act as a safeguard against identity theft and fraud, particularly against those who are incapacitated or vulnerable.

'To achieve this, any new online system should be securely piloted within the LPAs industry before it is implemented.

'Additionally, even in our highly digital society, there is still small demographic of mainly elderly people who do not have access to a computer or smartphone.

'We will be calling on the government to ensure these groups are not neglected as it pushes forward with its reforms.'

Kim Jarvis, technical manager at Canada Life, also welcomed modernisation plans saying: 'The number of registered LPAS has increased drastically in recent years to more than five million, but the process of making one retains many paper-based features that are over 30 years old.

'This is already an unsustainable process in today's society and will become increasingly outdated in years to come.

Currently there is a delay of about 12 weeks for people to get LPAs registered and this consultation will assess the possibility of creating a digital fast-track service for families who need to quickly set up an LPA for a relative who has suffered a sudden change in their health.

'It will also look at making the process of objecting to an LPA simpler, as well as introducing new safeguards to protect against fraud and abuse.'
Spot (pictured) is a robotic police dog being employed by several police departments across the world

If you're homeless and looking for temporary shelter in Hawaii's capital, expect a visit from a robotic police dog that will scan your eye to make sure you don't have a fever.

That's just one of the ways public safety agencies are starting to use Spot, the best-known of a new commercial category of robots that trot around with animal-like agility.

The handful of police officials experimenting with the four-legged machines say they're just another tool, like existing drones and simple wheeled robots, to keep emergency responders out of harm's way as they scout for dangers.

But privacy watchdogs - the human kind - warn that police are secretly rushing to buy the robots without setting safeguards against aggressive, invasive or dehumanizing uses.

In Honolulu, the police department spent about $150,000 in federal pandemic relief money to buy their Spot from robotics firm Boston Dynamics for use at a government-run tent city near the airport.

'Because these people are houseless it's considered OK to do that,' said Jongwook Kim, legal director at the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii.

Honolulu Police Acting Lt. Joseph O'Neal demonstrates a robotic dog in Honolulu on May 14

'At some point it will come out again for some different use after the pandemic is over.'

Acting Lt. Joseph O'Neal of the Honolulu Police Department's community outreach unit defended the robot's use in a media demonstration earlier this year.

He said it has protected officers, shelter staff and residents by scanning body temperatures between meal times at a shelter where homeless people could quarantine and get tested for COVID-19. The robot is also used to remotely interview individuals who have tested positive.

'We have not had a single person out there that said, 'That's scary, that's worrisome,' O'Neal said. 'We don't just walk around and arbitrarily scan people.'

Police use of such robots is still rare and largely untested - and hasn't always gone over well with the public. Honolulu officials faced a backlash when a local news organization, Honolulu Civil Beat, revealed that the Spot purchase was made with federal relief money.

Late last year, the New York Police Department starting using Spot after painting it blue and renaming it 'Digidog.' It went mostly unnoticed until New Yorkers starting spotting it in the wild and posting videos to social media.

Spot quickly became a sensation, drawing a public outcry that led the police department to abruptly return Digidog to its maker.

Police officials experimenting with the four-legged machines say they're just another tool, like drones or simpler wheeled robots, to keep emergency responders out of harm's way

'This is some Robocop stuff, this is crazy,' was the reaction in April from Democratic US Rep. Jamaal Bowman. He was one of several New York politicians to speak out after a widely shared video showed the robot strutting with police officers responding to a domestic-violence report at a high-rise public housing building in Manhattan.

Days later, after further scrutiny from elected city officials, the department said it was terminating its lease and returning the robot. The expensive machine arrived with little public notice or explanation, public officials said, and was deployed to already over-policed public housing.

Use of the high-tech canine also clashed with Black Lives Matter calls to defund police operations and reinvest in other priorities.

The company that makes the robots, Boston Dynamics, says it's learned from the New York fiasco and is trying to do a better job of explaining to the public - and its customers - what Spot can and cannot do.

That's become increasingly important as Boston Dynamics becomes part of South Korean carmaker Hyundai Motor Company, which in June closed an $880 million deal for a controlling stake in the robotics firm.

'One of the big challenges is accurately describing the state of the technology to people who have never had personal experience with it,' Michael Perry, vice president of business development at Boston Dynamics, said in an interview.

'Most people are applying notions from science fiction to what the robot's doing.'

For one of its customers, the Dutch national police, explaining the technology includes emphasizing that Spot is a very good robot - well-behaved and not so smart after all.

'It doesn't think for itself,' Marjolein Smit, director of the special operations unit of the Dutch national police, said of the remote-controlled robot.

'If you tell it to go to the left, it will go to the left. If you tell it to stop, it will stop.'

'It doesn't think for itself,' Marjolein Smit, director of the special operations unit of the Dutch national police, said of the remote-controlled robot

'This is some Robocop stuff, this is crazy,' was the reaction in April from Democratic US Rep. Jamaal Bowman. He was one of several New York politicians to speak out against Spot

Spot is seen picking up clothing and putting it in a laundry basket in a test run by Boston Dynamics of the robot's capabilities

Earlier this year, her police division sent its Spot into the site of a deadly drug lab explosion near the Belgian border to check for dangerous chemicals and other hazards.

Perry said the company's acceptable use guidelines prohibit Spot's weaponization or anything that would violate privacy or civil rights laws, which he said puts the Honolulu police in the clear.

It's all part of a year-long effort by Boston Dynamics, which for decades relied on military research grants, to make its robots seem friendlier and thus more palatable to local governments and consumer-oriented businesses.

By contrast, a lesser-known rival, Philadelphia-based Ghost Robotics, has no qualms about weaponization and supplies its dog-like robots to several branches of the US military and its allies.

'It's just plug and play, anything you want,' said Ghost Robotics CEO Jiren Parikh, who was critical of Boston Dynamics' stated ethical principles as 'selective morality' because of the company's past involvement with the military.

Earlier this year, her police division sent its Spot into the site of a deadly drug lab explosion near the Belgian border to check for dangerous chemicals and other hazards

'Don't send a man to do a robot job' a patch reads on the Dutch National Police uniform (pictured)

Parikh added that his company doesn't market its four-legged robots to police departments, though he said it would make sense for police to use them. 'It's basically a camera on a mobile device,' he said.

There are roughly 500 Spot robots now in the wild. Perry said they're commonly used by utility companies to inspect high-voltage zones and other hazardous areas. Spot is also used to monitor construction sites, mines and factories, equipped with whatever sensor is needed for the job.

It's still mostly controlled by humans, though all they have to do is tell it which direction to go and it can intuitively climb stairs or cross over rough terrain. It can also operate autonomously, but only if it's already memorized an assigned route and there aren't too many surprise obstacles.

There are roughly 500 Spot robots now in the wild

'The first value that most people see in the robot is taking a person out of a hazardous situation,' Perry said.

Kim, of the ACLU in Hawaii, acknowledged that there might be many legitimate uses for such machines, but said opening the door for police robots that interact with people is probably not a good idea.

He pointed to how Dallas police in 2016 stuck explosives on a wheeled robot to kill a sniper, fueling an ongoing debate about 'killer robots' in policing and warfighting.

'There's the potential for these robots to increase the militarization of police departments and use it in ways that are unacceptable,' Kim said.

'Maybe it's not something we even want to let law enforcement have.'
A diver who captured this amazing poignant footage of Kostis, a seal which became the mascot for a Greek island, has spoken of his grief over the creature's brutal death.

Nikos Vardakas was delighted to be joined by the friendly young monk seal playing happily with him underwater as he and a small group were diving on an ancient wreck near the island of Alonissos earlier this month.

But tragically, the stunning video  shown here for the first time by MailOnline  would be the last time Kostis was filmed, as a few days later, he was callously killed by a fisherman's spear gun, sending shockwaves among his fans around the world.

A police hunt has now been launched for the culprit and a reward offered by Greek marine conservation charity Mom, which nurtured the pup after he was separated from his mother during a violent storm, Cyclone Zorbas, in 2018 -- and rescued by a fisherman named Kostis.

Diver Nikos Vardakas was with friends when he captured the final footage of the beloved monk seal Kostis (pictured) days before he was 'deliberately killed' off the coast of Alonissos island

Kostis (pictured) was rescued from a violent storm in 2018 and became well-known for his friendly demeanour leading to islanders on Alonissos adopting him as their unofficial mascot

Kostis became well known and was adopted by the islanders of Alonissos as their unofficial mascot. He captured their hearts in much the same way as the octopus in the hit Netflix documentary My Octopus Teacher, showing the remarkable bond between a film-maker and the undersea creature living in a South African kelp forest.

Diving instructor Nikos, 46, who is also an actor in films and on Greek TV, said he'd never heard of Kostis when he and three friends were 25m under the sea on an ancient wreck near the island of Peristera, near Alonissos, a fortnight ago.

'I was at the back of the group and I suddenly felt something touching my calf,' he recalled. 'I turned round and there was this seal, coming round the other way.

All smiles: Kostis the monk seal who has since been killed, sparking a police investigation

'I've made over 5,000 dives and I've never had an experience like it. Dolphins can be friendly, and normally seals are quite shy, but this one was very keen to play and wanted me to respond.

'At first, I wasn't sure if I should push him away, but I honestly felt there was a deep connection. Sometimes he hugged my leg with his flippers, and at one point we took a selfie together!

'It was like playing with my dog, but the initial approach all came from him.

'Then my dive buddy Zoe Pristouri, a novice diver, came back towards us and Kostis (as I later discovered his name to be) was playing with her, but very gently, never being aggressive.

'I've never seen a seal behaving in this way before and it really felt magical.

'I want people to see the film of Kostis so they too can see he was an animal, with a soul, who was trying to connect with humans in a way that, tragically, humans don't seem able to understand.'

The remarkable underwater encounter lasted for 20 minutes, and even after the divers returned to the boat, Kostis surfaced to say hello and put his head on the stern of the vessel.

Later Nikos learned that Kostis was known to seek out interaction with swimmers and snorkellers and sailors around the island.

But after Nikos returned home to Athens, a friend drew his attention to the devastating news about Kostis' demise  thought to be at the hands of a fisherman.

Kostis was known to seek out interaction with swimmers and snorkellers around the island

People release orphaned monk seal Kostis into the wild after being treated at a rescue centre

'I was so upset when I heard he was dead,' said Nikos. 'Some of my friends were saying, well, he's just an animal, but that's missing the point. We connected on a deep level and you cannot just dismiss that so easily.

'To me it felt like a relationship with a kid who hadn't quite grown up and was maybe a little bit insecure, looking for love. I can't help wondering if that innocence made Kostis more vulnerable to whoever killed him.'

Monk seals  which grow to about 280kg when mature  are extremely rare and therefore a protected species, but fishermen blame them for damaging their nets and eating their catch.

There are believed to be fewer than 700 Mediterranean monk seals in the wild.

MOm has vowed to sue the person responsible for Kosti's death while the charity's Facebook pages have been flooded with hundreds of comments calling for the seal's killer to be brought to justice.

The news of Kostis' demise was reported across Europe, as well as in the US and Australia.

MOm condemned his death as they offered a 12,000 reward for information about the culprit.

MOm condemned his death as they offered a 12,000 reward for information about the culprit

Monk seals like Kostis (pictured) are extremely rare and therefore a protected species

They said in a statement: 'Unfortunately, yet again, it is proven that human wickedness and stupidity have no limits!

'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 residents and visitors of Alonnisos who had the luck to admire 'Kostis' from close by.

'We call upon the relevant authorities to take immediate action in order to bring the person(s) responsible for this barbarous act to justice.

'Any citizen who has any information about the incident should contact the Port Police authorities immediately.'

To donate to the work of MOm, visit: https://www.mom.gr/home
On March 16, 1986 a young television journalist named John McCarthy set off for a months assignment for Worldwide Television News (WTN) in the divided city of Beirut.

At Heathrow he reassured his tearful girlfriend Jill Morrell: Its only a month, Jilly. They were planning to buy a house and get married.

Soon after John arrived in Beirut, two British teachers  Leigh Douglas and Philip Padfield  and an Irish teacher named Brian Keenan were kidnapped.

The British ambassador urged British citizens to leave. John, with a few days of his assignment remaining, had a nagging feeling that things were closing in around him.

1986

April 17

John is pulling out of Beirut. He is being driven to the airport to catch his flight home to London when a Volvo screeches to a halt in front of them and a tall bearded man brandishing a Kalashnikov gets out. He pulls John along the road and on to the floor of his car.

This is just like a movie, John thinks, almost laughing at the unreality of it all. John tries to get up but the man hits him on the head with his knuckles, which brings him back to reality.

When the car stops, John is blindfolded and led down a staircase and into a tiny cell. A metal door clangs behind him. The room is just a few feet wide and the ceiling is only just above Johns head.

There is no end in sight to his solitary confinement in the tiny cell. Johns day has a regular routine  once a day the guards take him blindfolded to a squalid bathroom and when he returns, basic food is laid out

The cell contains a filthy mattress and a bowl full of excrement. John lights a cigarette: I had two cartons in my suitcase, I thought that they would easily see me through until my release.

The phone rings in Jills flat. A boss at Johns employers, WTN, tells her that hes been kidnapped.

What I need from you is a photograph, so that ITN can put it on the lunchtime news, he says.

The bodies of Leigh Douglas and Philip Padfield are found on the streets of Beirut. They have been shot in the head.

Late April

Initially John thinks his kidnappers will realise they have made a mistake. He has only been in the country a month and hes not politically significant. Im nothing, he thinks.

But there is no end in sight to his solitary confinement in the tiny cell. Johns day has a regular routine  once a day the guards take him blindfolded to a squalid bathroom and when he returns, basic food is laid out. Each day he uses a spoon to scratch a line on the wall to mark time passing.

In more than three months, neither John nor Brian has had a haircut. They ask their guard for some scissors and, to their surprise, he obliges  and brings a mirror taken from a bicycle, then insists on being the barber.

May 28

There has been no word from the kidnappers. Johns friends and family have had to endure hoax reports of his execution. His mother Sheila records an appeal to the kidnappers to be shown on Lebanese television.

To avoid sympathetic looks, she rarely visits her local village. Sheila wrote to Jill: Each morning when I wake up, I dont know how Im going to get through the day.

Meanwhile, John sits alone in his cell and, when not worrying about the strain his disappearance will be having on his mother, he thinks about food and craves school puddings such as apricot crumble and custard.

Early June

John can hear that there are other prisoners in the building. Every day the guards beat up a young Arab man; John listens to his screams echoing down the corridor.

One day the beatings culminate in a gunshot and then silence. The man has been killed.

John reaches out and places his hand on his cell wall in the direction of the young Arab and thinks: Im so sorry for you. Whoever you are, to have died here, far away from anyone who can help or comfort you.

The execution makes him feel more vulnerable than ever. He starts to look back on his life and how he has wasted it, pledging to put that right when he gets out.

June 25

After 65 days alone in his cell John is led blindfolded into a van; he hopes that this means release, but he also fears execution.

Hes taken into a building and then a large room. John is about to take his blindfold off when he senses there is someone else there.

He tentatively looks and sees a pair of shoes, a pair of jeans and a hand also taking the blindfold off. The man is a mass of hair. John raises his blindfold. F**k me! Its Ben Gunn! he exclaims, recognising the face of Brian Keenan, the kidnapped Irishman, who closely resembles the marooned sailor from Treasure Island.

Brian stares at him for a long time and then says: Who the f**k is Ben Gunn?

The two men talk excitedly to each other, but neither can fully understand each others accents. Will you stop talking like Gerry Adams! I will, if you stop talking like Prince Charles!

They share Johns last cigarette.

John can hear that there are other prisoners in the building. Every day the guards beat up a young Arab man; John listens to his screams echoing down the corridor

July

In more than three months, neither John nor Brian has had a haircut. They ask their guard for some scissors and, to their surprise, he obliges  and brings a mirror taken from a bicycle, then insists on being the barber.

The hostages become hysterical with laughter at their new haircuts. John later said of Brian: Before he had looked wild. Now he looked insane.

November 27

John and Brian have discovered to their horror that their jailers are Islamic Jihad, Iranian-backed experienced kidnappers who are known to be prepared to hold hostages for a very long time.

The two have bonded quickly, talking non-stop, playing dominoes, and acting out scenes from their favourite films. Today is Johns 30th birthday and the guards hold a bizarre party for him with cakes, fruit and sweets and they sing Happy Birthday.

John, who is always blindfolded in their presence, says to the guards: I wish I could thank you face to face. I have only ever seen your feet, but they look like good feet and I hope you are good men.

December 14

The policy of the British government is not to negotiate with kidnappers. Foreign Secretary Geoffrey Howe describes the policy as not easy . . . but right.

Jill flies to Damascus with Nick Toksvig  brother of comedian Sandi  who is an old friend of Johns and an editor at WTN, to try to find out information about John and his kidnappers. At WTN, Johns name is still on the rota on the wall, marked simply as Away.

December 25

Brian and Johns cell is often overrun with cockroaches and mice taking shelter from the cold. In a gesture to Christmas, Brian and John are taken to the guards room and given tea and nuts.

They are told to take off their blindfolds so they can watch a recording of the television local news. Johns mother Sheila appears on the screen, making an appeal for his release. John is distressed to see how his captivity is affecting her.

Anguish: Jill Morrell holds up a picture of her boyfriend John McCarthy on the first anniversary of his kidnap

1987

January 20

The Archbishop of Canterburys envoy, Terry Waite, has come to Beirut to negotiate the release of the hostages. He himself is taken prisoner by Islamic Jihad and thrown in an underground cell. Terry makes three resolutions: No regrets, no false sentimentality, no self-pity. When Jill hears the news of his capture, she is distraught: Terry had been her only hope.

March

John and Brian are moved to a new location and chained to a wall. Brian is furious: I am a human being, not an animal! he rages at the guards.

They are often beaten for no reason. A radio is tuned to static and hung outside the cell door on full volume for weeks.

April 16

Its a year since John was kidnapped. Jill is trying to drum up media interest in the first anniversary. Together with friends she has organised an all-night vigil at St Brides in Fleet Street, the journalists church.

A permanent display and a photograph of John is placed on an altar. Johns mother Sheila says she was excited on the way to the vigil because I felt as if I was going to see John.

Two days later one of Johns guard shows him a photograph from the vigil  Jill holding a picture of him. John looked into her eyes, wanting to reassure her that I was fine, that I would be coming home.

Late October

Brian gently challenges a guard named Abed to explain why as Muslims they take innocent men hostages.

The following day Abed returns and beats Brian viciously all over his body and feet with a pole, as he chants Bismillah, irahman, iraheem (In the name of God, the most gracious, the most merciful).

Brian has difficulty walking for days. He said later: Bruises go away, humiliation doesnt, which is why I never allowed them to humiliate me.

John once asked their jailers why they took Brian hostage, since Ireland hasnt done anyone any harm. After a long pause they admit: Brian was a mistake.

1988

February

Brian is very ill, enduring vomiting and diarrhoea while John looks after him.

The hostages are being constantly moved, sometimes in fridges, cardboard boxes or sacks. The sound of packing tape being pulled is the prelude to a nightmare journey.

This time John and Brian are taped from head to foot like Egyptian mummies and placed in a metal box. They are taken to an apartment in an unfinished building; although they are still chained, the room is large and clean.

April 17

To mark the second anniversary of his kidnap, the newly-formed Friends Of John McCarthy hold An Evening Without John McCarthy at the Camden Palace in London.

The Communards and Everything But The Girl perform, and a new comic called Harry Enfield takes the stage: I dont know who this John McCartney is and I dont care! Coz I got loadsamoney! The evening raises 15,000 for the cause.

Meanwhile in Beirut, John and Brian are watching a tiny television in their cell when they see on screen footage of the event in London.

They dare not turn up the volume, so Brian  who is closer to the set  listens, while John watches in elation. It is glorious proof that they havent been forgotten back home.

May 15

John and Brian are moved yet again, this time to an underground cell. As large chains are fixed to their ankles they hear American voices.

When the guards leave they lift their blindfolds and discover their new cellmates are journalist Terry Anderson, academic Tom Sutherland and teacher Frank Reed. They begin to tell each other their life stories.

Late October

The hostages have been given a radio by the guards. One evening they hear on a local radio station that Terry and Tom are to be executed. A guard arrives and Terry Anderson says to him: Morituri te salutant  those who are about to die salute you.

John is amazed that Terry can be so cool in the face of death. But the radio report is wrong and Terry survives  for now.

December

The hostages have nicknamed their cell The Pit. The guards search the cell and strip it of items precious to the hostages, including Johns photo of Jill and their home-made cards and games.

John is taken upstairs. Its the first time hes been out of the cell for seven months. The guards show him a video of his parents appealing for news of their son, and a message from Jill sending love and support.

1989

February 14

Irans spiritual leader Ayatollah Khomeini issues a fatwah against Salman Rushdies novel The Satanic Verses.

Jill goes to the House of Commons to hear the Foreign Secretary Geoffrey Howe speak and is dismayed by his hostility to Iran  she knows good relations between Britain and Iran are vital if the hostages are to be freed.

Diplomats are withdrawn in London and Tehran. John later reads a chilling line in an old copy of Newsweek: The Rushdie affair cannot help but set back hopes for an early release for the Western hostages in Lebanon.

Once again Brian and John are alone, as Frank Reed, Terry Anderson and Tom Sutherland were moved at the end of last year.

March

Jill is in a meeting with leading advertising executive John Hegarty of Bartle Bogle Hegarty to discuss starting an advertising campaign.

She is trying not to be distracted by the fact that he is sitting on a toy sheep. Hegarty promises to help.

The result is a powerful cinema campaign, the slogan Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind and a newspaper advert: Close your eyes and think of England. John McCarthys been doing nothing else for the past three years. Newspapers print it for free.

July 8

In Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge, Johns mother Sheila dies of cancer. Her last words are: Its all right. A few weeks ago, she had made a final heartfelt plea to her sons captors.

Johns done nothing to deserve such punishment. I, his mother, do not deserve such punishment. Give me back my son.

Jill wrote later: I wanted somebody to pay for all that shed been made to suffer and for letting her die with such sadness in her heart.

October 10

Brian and John are bound with tape and placed in sacks. They are to be moved yet again. John pleads not to be transported in a metal box in the bottom of a truck.

The last time was a terrifying experience; the metal coffin filled with diesel fumes and John, with his face bound up in tape, was petrified that he would vomit and choke.

Having asked his jailers to avoid that torture, John is furious with himself for showing weakness.

He and Brian are squashed in a car boot, then carried to a room and dumped on the floor.

This is their seventeenth home in three and a half years. How much more will they have to endure?
A baby aged just 11 months has died in Fiji from coronavirus as the pandemic wreaks havoc on the small island nation.

The country recorded 1,163 new cases and six deaths on Friday, including that of the 11-month-old boy.

Fiji's Health Secretary James Fong confirmed the child's death came as a result of the virus in a press conference.

'The doctors overseeing this baby's care confirmed that he did die because of Covid-19,' Dr Fong said. 'And we know that once a very high level of infections are reached in the community, these rare events do occur.

'It is an absolute tragedy when the most vulnerable in our community, our babies, become victims of this awful disease.'

A baby aged just 11 months has died in Fiji from coronavirus as the pandemic wreaks havoc on the small island nation

Fiji, whose population is barely over 900,000, is reporting an alarming number of new Covid cases per day with 1,163 on Friday and a further 1,301 on Thursday.

The country is going through a healthcare crisis as its hospital system attempts to come to grips with the spread of the highly-infectious Indian delta strain.

Two pregnant women died last week after suffering from complications from coronavirus, leading to doctors having to perform emergency caesarean sections to save both children.

Just 12 per cent of the population have been fully vaccinated. Australia has been exporting AstraZeneca doses to Fiji.

'While we await these vaccines for the younger age group we also need to remind you that every time you vaccinate, you also help to protect those not eligible for vaccination - including our children,' the nations' Health Secretary said.

Fiji, whose population is barely over 900,000, is reporting an alarming number of new Covid cases per day with 1,163 on Friday and a further 1,301 on Thursday

Fiji's Health Secretary James Fong confirmed the child's death came as a result of the virus in a press conference

Dr Fong also confirmed a frontline healthcare worker had died, the second nurse to pass away as a result of the virus this week.

'This is another frontline colleague we knew and loved and our sympathies are extended to their families and to all families who have lost a loved one,' he said Friday

'She was not vaccinated. In line with government policy, she was on leave at the time she became infected.

'As previously announced we have set our personal protective equipment (PPE) distribution program to ensure that the large stocks we have are always readily available to all health care workers at the front-line, especially those who work in Critical Care Units and Emergency Departments.

'By ensuring that our healthcare workers are fully vaccinated, well trained in PPE use and are diligent in helping each other to maintain PPE discipline in the workplace, we will be able to maintain health worker numbers in all our health facilities.

'To date nobody has died in Fiji from Covid-19 after being fully vaccinated, we know that this is the very best protection we can provide for our colleagues.'
Walmart is requiring that all workers at its headquarters as well as its managers who travel within the U.S. be vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 4.

The world's biggest retailer based in Bentonville, Arkansas, is also reversing its mask policy for its employees working in stores, clubs, distribution facilities and warehouses. Going forward, they will be required to wear masks in areas with high infection rates, even if they have been vaccinated.

The moves are part of a series of sweeping measures the nation's largest retailer and private employer announced on Friday to help curb the spread of the virus and drive more of its workers to get the shot in the arm.

Given Walmart's outsized influence on the economy, more companies could make similar announcements in the coming days.

Walmart Inc has made it mandatory for its retail workers in COVID-19 hotspots to wear masks and said it required its corporate staff to be vaccinated against virus

In fact, following Walmart's announcement, the Walt Disney Co. said Friday it's requiring all salaried and non-union hourly employees in the U.S. working at any of its sites to be fully vaccinated.

It said workers who aren't already vaccinated and are working on site will have 60 days from Friday to complete their protocols. Those who are still working from home will need to provide verification of vaccination before their return.

Disney also said that all new hires will be required to be fully vaccinated before starting employment.

'Vaccines are the best tool we all have to help control this global pandemic and protect our employees,' Disney said in a statement. Disney has about 200,000 employees but it is unclear how many of them are affected.

As for its stores and theme parks there will be mandated mask requirements beginning July 30 for all guests while indoors regardless of their vaccination status.

Grocery chain Kroger announced Friday that it will be encouraging all customers, workers and suppliers, including those who received the shot, to wear masks at its stores. But the company said it will not be issuing a vaccine mandate for its employees.

Disney is also to require salaried and nonunion employees in U.S. to be fully vaccinated within the 60 days. The Magic Kingdom in Orlando is pictured from December 2020

In Florida, Publix, the state's largest supermarket chain, announced Friday that employees will again be required to wear masks as several hospitals said they are postponing elective surgeries and limiting visitors.

On Thursday the tech giant Apple reinstituted a mask requirement for shoppers and staff at most of its U.S. retail locations.

In terms of the world's biggest retailer, Walmart's vaccine mandate excludes frontline workers, who the company says have a lower vaccination rate than management. But it's hoping that managerial employees, who represent just a fraction of its 1.5 million workers, will serve as inspiration.

Publix supermarket chain ended mask requirements for fully vaccinated shoppers and store employees on May 15 but workers are now once again required to wear masks

'We're hoping that will influence even more of our frontline associates to become vaccinated,' Walmart spokesman Scott Pope said.

Pope declined to break out the vaccination rate for frontline workers and the rest of Walmart's employees.

Walmart is also encouraging customers to wear masks in stores located in areas with surging cases and will be adding back signs at the entrances. It will also bring back so-called health ambassadors who will be stationed at the entrances and hand out masks.

The company is also doubling to $150 the incentive it is offering to workers in stores, clubs, as well as other facilities like distribution centers, to get the vaccine. Those who already received the $75 incentive will receive another $75 in their paycheck dated August 19.

On Thursday the tech giant Apple reinstituted a mask requirement for shoppers and staff at most of its U.S. retail locations

The steps come three days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed course on some masking guidelines, recommending that even vaccinated people return to wearing masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the delta variant of the coronavirus is fueling infection surges.

Walmart's move to require vaccinations of its workers at its headquarters follows Google's steps announced earlier in the week that it's postponing a return to the office for most workers until mid-October and rolling out a policy that will eventually require everyone to be vaccinated once its sprawling campuses are fully reopened.

In officers, Google's announcement was shortly followed by Facebook, which also said it will make vaccines mandatory for U.S. employees who work in offices. Exceptions will be made for medical and other reasons.

Various government agencies already have announced demands for all their employees to be vaccinated, but the corporate world so far has been taking a more cautious approach, even though most lawyers believe the mandates are legal.

Delta and United Airlines are also requiring new employees to show proof of vaccination

Delta and United Airlines are also requiring new employees to show proof of vaccination.

Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley are requiring their workers to disclose their vaccination status, but are not requiring staffers to be vaccinated.

Ken Perkins, president of the retail research firm Retail Metrics, said that Walmart's move could serve as a 'green light' to other companies to require vaccines, given its massive following and its location.

'It's based in the middle of the country,' Perkins said. 'They speak to the lower-, middle-income shoppers and workers.'

Walmart's dramatically shifting policy reflects the growing worry about the rising infection rates.

'We continue to watch with deep concern the developments of the pandemic and the spread of variants, especially the delta variant,' wrote Donna Morris, Walmart's chief people officer, in the memo circulated to employees that was shared by the company. 'We know vaccinations are our solution to drive change. We are urging you to get vaccinated and want to see many more of you vaccinated.'

In a separate memo sent to employees who work at the company headquarters, Doug McMillon, president and CEO of Walmart Inc., wrote, 'The virus is not over, and the delta variant has led to an increase in infection rates across much of the U.S.'

The retailer has seen a 'positive response' to the first financial incentive and is anticipating the sweetened perk will drive a similar response from workers, Pope said.

He stopped short of saying that office workers who declined to be vaccinated would be terminated but said that Walmart is working through the process. He noted that the exceptions would be those who can't get vaccinated for medical or religious reasons.

Google on Wednesday informed its more than 130,000 employees that they would all be required to get vaccinated against COVID-19 when they return to the office in mid-October. The image above shows Google's Mountain View, California headquarters

Facebook will require employees to be vaccinated before returning to the office

When asked why frontline workers won't be required to get the vaccine, Pope said that its approach with its large number of workers in frontline facilities has been 'to inform them, encourage them, make it easy and to reward then financially for choosing to receive the vaccine.'

Walmart said it is also implementing a new process for verification of vaccine status for U.S. workers. It says it will share those details in the future.

A few days after the CDC eased mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people back in May, Walmart, along with a slew of other retailers, said it wouldn't require vaccinated shoppers to wear a mask in U.S. stores, unless state or local laws said otherwise. Walmart also said that vaccinated workers could go maskless.

At that time, Walmart said that customers wouldn't be asked but rather held to an 'honor system' regarding their vaccination status. Walmart workers who didn't wear masks also had to confirm they were vaccinated by filling out a daily questionnaire, though it was not requiring proof.
Joe Rogan called gay and transgender people the 'most vicious' upholders of cancel culture in a rant on his podcast.

Rogan, 53, claimed on his July 21 episode of the Joe Rogan Experience that gay and transgender people have 'been bullied' and are now coming after people who are not members of the LGBTQ community, as spotted by Mediaite.

'You know what the thing that's going on with the left - a lot of it is, they're being bullies and a lot of the people that are progressive, that are really like open-minded, unfortunately, there is a lot of people on the left that were bullied by a**holes when they were young,' Rogan said on the July 21 episode of his podcast.

Comedian Shane Gillis, who joined Rogan on his show, admitted he had been a bully himself but 'not a mean one.'

Joe Rogan went on an anti-transgender and homophobic rant on a recent episode of his podcast, calling gay and transgender people the 'most vicious' champions of cancel culture

Comedian Shane Gillis, who joined Rogan on his show, admitted he had been a bully himself but 'not a mean one'

'So now they have serious resentment and want to go after the people,' Rogan said.

Gillis then made comments about 'nerd rage' calling it 'the meanest and saddest rage.'

'It's also people that - they don't have a lot of love in their life. If they do have love, it's like, very conditional and it's very precarious,' Rogan said.

He then admitted he was making 'mass generalizations about huge swaths of people' but called it a 'personality trait that they have' slamming gay and transgender people, particularly on the left, as 'completely uncompassionate.'

'Most of those people have experienced deep pain in their life. It's that old expression hurt people hurt people. That's why the cancel culture coming from the left is so vicious,' Rogan said.

He added: 'The most vicious shit is coming from like transgender people or gay people.'

'Yeah, they're all fired up. What are they all fired up about?' Gillis then said.

'They've been bullied. They're angry. They've been picked on. So, when something happens - they come for you,' said Rogan.

Rogan has been known to make comments offensive to the LGBTQ community.

In a March episode with comedian Jim Breuer, Rogan ripped into the motivations of people who transition - claiming that the 'problem' is that people 'get praised for transferring your gender.'

'Then it gets exciting for people to talk about, and then you get chastised for even discussing it in any weird way,' Rogan said.

He added: 'And then people who were marginalized for being - like, generally dumb people, if they transfer over and become another gender, then they get praised.'

'There are a lot of people who are idiots, but then they become trans, and now all of a sudden we think they're amazing.'

In 2013, Rogan referred to MMA fighter Fallon Fox - a transgender female who transitioned in 2006 - whom he called a 'f***ing man.'

'She calls herself a woman but ... I tend to disagree,' Rogan said on his podcast in according to Bleacher Report.

'She used to be a man but now she has had, she's a transgender which is (the) official term that means you've gone through it, right? And she wants to be able to fight women in MMA. I say no f***ing way.'

He continued: 'I say if you had a dick at one point in time, you also have all the bone structure that comes with having a dick. You have bigger hands, you have bigger shoulder joints.'

'You're a f***ing man. That's a man, OK? I don't care if you don't have a dick anymore.'

The broadcaster recently came under fire for telling young people not to get a COVID vaccine and even conceded he is 'not a respected source of information' and branded himself a 'f**king moron' while walking back those comments.

The former Fear Factor host had said on an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience - the most popular podcast in the world on Spotify - that young adults should not get the vaccine.

He has also worked as a longtime UFC interviewer and color commentator, and has earned an estimated $100 million from his work.
Government modellers predicted there could be one million Covid cases a week in a last-minute warning before the July 19 'Freedom Day'.

A statement of 'concerns' from the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling (SPI-M) subgroup revealed that modellers thought Britain may have to reverse the lifting of restrictions.

And scientists had forecast rising case numbers, predicting that July 19 would see 'further waves of infections, hospitalisations and deaths', The Telegraph reports.

The SPI-M document features warnings that a large number of cases could overwhelm testing service and even more restrictions would have to be brought in to combat the spread.

Modellers warned: 'Delaying introduction of measures increases the risk that they will have to be more stringent if applied. Any epidemic trajectory that could lead to unsustainable pressure on the NHS or other adverse outcomes would need to be identified and a contingency enacted within days.

Scientists had forecast rising case numbers, predicting that July 19 would see 'further waves of infections, hospitalisations and deaths' (pictured: London Underground, July 25)

It does not yet appear that the lifting of rules on 'Freedom Day' had a significant impact on the number of cases - although social distancing and mask-wearing is still the policy in several businesses and transport networks (pictured: Bournemouth Beach, July 19)

'If incidence reaches very high levels, such as greater than one million infections per week, there could be implications for workforces and critical infrastructure.'

UK FACES A 'RISKY' AUTUMN BECAUSE FOREIGN HOLIDAYS AND RETURN OF STUDENTS A document dated July 14 stated the importance of global surveillance on the emergence of new variants and added: 'Any increase in foreign travel over the summer and the return of international students to universities in the autumn is of particular concern.' In the same document from the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O), experts warned that September and October 'will be a particularly risky point in the trajectory of the epidemic'. It states that 'significant pressures on healthcare could be seen' if more normal behaviours, following the lifting of many restrictions, coincide with the return of schools and universities. Advertisement

But it does not yet appear that the lifting of rules on 'Freedom Day' had a significant impact on the number of cases - although social distancing and mask-wearing is still the policy in several businesses and transport networks.

Former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said there were 'some scientists' who wanted no restrictions ended until there was 'zero Covid'.

Daily cases have fallen since a peak of around 60,000 on July 15, with recent figures for Friday showing infection numbers falling again to 29,622.

The SPI-M document warned that as Covid spreads throughout the country, vaccines could becomes less effective, and we could see a peak lasting 'many weeks' before population level immunity was achieved.

But most recent figures show Covid hospitalisations in England have fallen for first time since third wave took off, in another boost to hopes that the worst of the summer resurgence may be over.

Department of Health statistics show the average number of patients needing care stood at 785 on July 25, down on the day before (793).

It is the first time the figure  which is based on the seven-day average and offers a more reliable measure as to state of pressure on the NHS  has fallen since May 12.

Meanwhile, Britain's daily Covid cases fell again yesterday for the ninth day in a row, amid mounting confusion over true state of the third wave. Department of Health bosses posted 29,622 cases  down 18.6 per cent on last week.

In another glimmer of hope, deaths (68) appear to be slowing down  up just 6 per cent on last Friday.

But the actual state of crisis has baffled scientists, who say a multitude of factors could be behind the drop in official figures  including fewer people coming forward to get tested because of the 'pingdemic' chaos and fears of having to self-isolate.

Adding to the confusion today, random testing data claimed the outbreak in England continued to grow last week.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS), which carries out tens of thousands of random swab tests every week, estimated one in 65 people were carrying the virus on any given day in the seven-day spell ending July 24  the equivalent of 856,200 positive cases.

But experts say the overall trend is still pointing downwards, and that the ONS data lags behind and may not show the drop for another week or two because it does not represent current infection rates.

Meanwhile, SAGE  which warned that official figures could drop because of fewer tests being carried out after the school summer holidays  claimed the R rate across the country had fallen slightly and may now be as low as 1.1.
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The U.S. government's COVID messaging was in disarray on Friday night, as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that federal vaccination mandates were being considered - and then tweeted that they were not.

Earlier on Friday, Dr Rochelle Walensky, the director of the CDC, said that a federal vaccine mandate was being considered.

'That's something that I think the administration is looking into. It's something that I think we are looking to see approval of, from the vaccine,' she said.

'Overall, I think in general, I am all for more vaccination.

'But, I have nothing further to say on that except that we are looking into those policies.'

Walensky added that any vaccine mandates currently in place are strictly on the local or corporate level.

Several hours later, she tweeted: 'To clarify: There will be no nationwide mandate. I was referring to mandates by private institutions and portions of the federal government. There will be no federal mandate.'

Her backtracking came amid concern at the way both the CDC and the White House is communicating the COVID strategy to the public.

Dr Rochelle Walensky, the director of the CDC, appeared on Fox News on Friday and said that discussions were being held about a possible federal vaccine mandate. She said she could not go into details

An internal CDC document, leaked to The Washington Post, admitted that there were 'communication challenges' fueled by cases in vaccinated people, including concerns from local health departments about whether coronavirus vaccines remain effective and a 'public convinced vaccines no longer work/booster doses needed.'

Joe Biden on Friday night warned Americans that new restrictions were coming, as the Delta variant causes COVID-19 caseloads across the country to soar.

The president, leaving the White House for a weekend at Camp David, was asked whether new rules were likely to be introduced.

'In all probability,' he said, without expanding.

On Tuesday the CDC updated its guidance to recommend the wearing of face masks indoors, in areas where there is considerable transmission of the virus.

The new advice applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

Biden said on Thursday it was still 'a question' as to whether a national vaccine mandate would be legal but said the Justice Department was looking into it.

'I had asked the Justice Department to determine whether that is - they're able to do that legally, and they can. Local communities can do that. Local businesses can do that. It's still a question whether the federal government can mandate the whole country. I don't know that yet,' he said.

But his COVID advisor, Jeff Zients, went on CNN later that night to clarify the matter. He said the DoJ wasn't exploring a national mandate but whether employers can mandate the vaccine.

'That's not an authority that we're exploring at all. But I think what the president was referring to is his Justice Department has said that it is legal for employers to require vaccination,' he said.

Joe Biden on Friday night told reporters that new restrictions were likely on their way to stem the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak

Biden stopped to talk to the media as he left the White House on Friday evening, en route to Camp David for the weekend

COVID adviser Jeff Zients quickly walked it back

White House says 'we have tools to fight' Indian 'Delta' variant and avoiding lockdown is 'a goal' The White House on Friday said that it was not planning on reintroducing lockdowns, despite Joe Biden's warning that new restrictions were to be expected. Karine Jean-Pierre, the principal deputy press secretary, was asked whether there have been 'conversations in the White House or between the White House and its scientific advisors about more lockdowns, partial lockdowns or anything along those lines'. Jean-Pierre responded: 'We have the tools in our toolbelt to fight this variant. 'We are not going to head towards a lockdown. 'We want to make sure that we're doing everything that we can because we have the resources to make sure that doesn't happen.' Jean-Pierre said that the focus remained on encouraging people to get vaccinated. Avoiding reintroducing lockdowns, she said, remains 'a goal'. Advertisement



The Indian 'Delta' variant causes infections that are more contagious than the common cold, flu, smallpox and the Ebola virus, and it is as infectious as chickenpox, the CDC claimed in a new research published on Friday.

It claims COVID-19 vaccines are still highly effective against the Delta variant at preventing serious illness and death, but detailed an outbreak in Provincetown, Cape Cod, over the July 4 weekend which saw many vaccinated people become infected. No one who was vaccinated died.

The report attributed 430 cases to the outbreak. The cluster jumped to 931 cases on Thrusday. About 74%, or 364 cases, had been fully vaccinated. At least 79% reported symptoms.

To counter the rising raise of infection, the White House is pushing for Americans to get their COVID vaccine but has said repeatedly they won't mandate people get their shot in the arm.

'Yesterday, almost a million people got vaccinated, about half a million people for the first time,' Biden said, calling it 'good news.'

Biden is requiring the more than two million employees of the federal government get vaccinated or submit to regular COVID testing.

The White House has said vaccine requirements are up to private businesses.

On Friday, Disney and Walmart, two of America's largest employers, announced a vaccine requirement for their employees.

While Biden did not specify what the new restrictions would entail, the White House on Friday said that they were not planning on reintroducing lockdowns.

Karine Jean-Pierre, the principal deputy press secretary, was asked whether there have been 'conversations in the White House or between the White House and its scientific advisors about more lockdowns, partial lockdowns or anything along those lines'.

Jean-Pierre responded: 'We have the tools in our toolbelt to fight this variant.

'We are not going to head towards a lockdown.

'We want to make sure that we're doing everything that we can because we have the resources to make sure that doesn't happen.'

Why the Delta Covid variant ISN'T really spreading as quickly as chickenpox Top scientists today claimed the Indian 'Delta' variant is not spreading as quickly as chickenpox, despite US health officials saying it is just as contagious. Data circulating within America's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claimed people infected with the mutant strain can go on to infect eight others. The same internal document also alleged that fully-vaccinated people can spread the Indian variant just as easily as unvaccinated people because they carry a similar amount of the virus in their nose and mouth. Dr Rochelle Walensky, the director of the CDC, insisted the agency was 'not crying wolf', saying the situation was 'serious' and that the measures needed to tackle the spread of Delta were 'extreme'. But British scientists have questioned some of the claims made by the department, which has urged Americans to keep their coverings on indoors regardless of whether they've been vaccinated or not. Professor David Livermore, an infectious diseases expert from the University of East Anglia, said vaccine-triggered immunity and the endless waves of Covid which nations have endured meant there were fewer susceptible people around for people to infect. 'The US, like the UK, has substantial immunity from prior infection and from vaccination,' he told MailOnline. 'This will surely be a major drag on Delta's spread, precluding (viral spread) numbers of that magnitude.' And Professor Julian Tang, a virologist at Leicester University, said the theory was likely just 'speculation' because it was very difficult to track down the number of cases sparked by a single infection. Advertisement

During her interview on Friday, Fox News anchor Bret Baier asked what Walensky would say to those who do not want to get vaccinated, seeing it as an infringement on their right to do what they want with their own bodies.

'I completely understand the pushback,' she said, but explained that vaccinations against diseases such as polio, measles and TB are already routine.

She said that as a former chief epidemiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, she was mandated to receive an influenza shot every year to be able to hold her job.

'I understand both perspectives,' she said.

'Some people haven't had access. Some people haven't had time off. Some people don't understand its benefits. Some people are worried about the side effects.

'So I think as we go and try and provide information to people who are not yet vaccinated.'

In a report published on Friday, Walensky's agency detailed a COVID-19 outbreak earlier this month in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, linked to the spread of the Indian 'Delta' variant.

According to the CDC's report, 469 COVID-19 cases were identified among Massachusetts residents who had traveled to Provincetown between July 3 and July 17, including 346 fully vaccinated people.

About 274 of the vaccinated people with so-called breakthrough infections showed symptoms - most commonly cough, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, and fever.

Testing identified the highly contagious Delta variant in 90 per cent of specimens from 133 patients.

The Delta variant is more dangerous in several ways, Kaiser Health News claimed in a report, saying the incubation period is four days, rather than six, making people contagious sooner.

When the pandemic began, people spread the original coronavirus to an average of two or three people. Today, people infected with delta infect six people, on average.

It is not believed to be any more lethal, but it kills more people because it infects more.

British scientists have questioned some of the claims made by the CDC.

Professor David Livermore, an infectious diseases expert from the University of East Anglia, said vaccine-triggered immunity and the endless waves of Covid which nations have endured meant there were fewer susceptible people around for people to infect.

'The US, like the UK, has substantial immunity from prior infection and from vaccination,' he told MailOnline. 'This will surely be a major drag on Delta's spread, precluding (viral spread) numbers of that magnitude.'

And Professor Julian Tang, a virologist at Leicester University, said the theory was likely just 'speculation' because it was very difficult to track down the number of cases sparked by a single infection.

In the United Kingdom, the Delta outbreak is showing encouraging signs of being on the wane. Delta outbreaks tend to last 10 to 12 weeks, as the virus 'burns through' susceptible populations. Covid hospitalisations in England have fallen for first time since third wave took off and Department of Health statistics show the average number of patients needing care also fell sharply.

A new CDC report detailed 469 cases of COVID-19 linked to an outbreak in Provincetown, Massachusetts between July 3 and July 17, of which 74% were in fully vaccinated people

Only four of the vaccinated people were hospitalized, two of whom had underlying conditions, and there were no deaths. This shows vaccines are effective even against the Delta variant, which now makes up 83% of all new infections

Provincetown: How July 4 weekend turned the partygoing playground of New England into the center of a Covid cluster Located near the northern-most point of Cape Cod, Provincetown - or P-Town - is known for its beaches, artists and as a popular vacation spot for the LGBT+ community. It has a population of just under 3,000 people year-round, but this raises to as high as 60,000 in the summer months. Young party-goers descend on the town to make the most of the plethora of bars and clubs found along it's famous Commercial Street. Wealthy tourists usually found in nearby cities such a Boston and Manhattan will often use the town as their playground to spend their hard earned cash - or that of their parent's. But a week after crowds descended to celebrate the Fourth of July - the holiday President Joe Biden hoped would mark the nation's liberation from COVID-19 - the manager of the Cape Cod beach town said he was aware of 'a handful of covid cases among folks who spent time there' Within weeks, the outbreak rapidly grew until, as of Thursday, 882 people were tied to an outbreak in the town, with 74 per cent of those having had both doses of the vaccine. It was reported that seven people were hospitalized, ABC News reported. Before this, health officials were assuming that it was rare for a vaccinated person to become infected with the virus and, if they were, they probably wouldn't infect others. The assumption was based on studies of an earlier virus, and not the new Delta variant, which was first detected in India earlier this year. It is indicated that this outbreak is among the new evidence behind the decision to make masks compulsory indoors again, even if they have had both doses of the vaccine. The owner of Marine Specialties, a long running Army-Navy store, had been leery of officials dropping virus safety mandates ahead of what many expected would be a busy summer season. 'If we'd stuck with masks all along, I don't think we'd be having this conversation,' Patrick said, adding that he's required all his staff to be masked and vaccinated. Advertisement

Researchers found nearly three-quarters of the infections occurred in people who were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with either of three shots approved in the U.S. for emergency use.

What's more, tests showed that immunized people carried about the same viral levels in their noses and throats as unvaccinated people did.

However, there were just four hospitalizations and no fatalities among the fully vaccinated group, showing that the vaccines are very effective against severe disease and death.

The team looked at COVID-19 cases linked to summer events and large gatherings in Provincetown, on Massachusetts's Cape Cod, between July 3 and July 17.

Thousands of residents and tourists flocked to the summer town for Independence Day celebrations as well as family vacations, resulting in crowded bars, restaurants, rental homes and more.

Travis Dagenais, who was among the many vaccinated people infected, said 'throwing caution to the wind' and partying in crowds for long nights over the July Fourth holiday was a mistake in hindsight.

'The dominant public messaging has been that the vaccine means a return to normal,' the 35-year-old Boston resident told AP on Thursday.

'Unfortunately, I've now learned it's a few steps toward normal, not the zero-to-sixty that we seem to have undertaken.'

Dagenais credits being vaccinated with easing the worst of the flu-like symptoms in a couple of days. He has recovered.

On July 10, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health began receiving reports of an increased number of cases linked to the county.

The 14-day rolling average of COVID-19 cases in the county rose from zero cases per 100,000 persons on July 3 to 177 cases per 100,000 persons.

Although experts generally agreed with the CDC's revised indoor masking stance, some said the report on the Provincetown outbreak does not prove that vaccinated people are a significant source of new infections.

'There's scientific plausibility for the (CDC) recommendation. But it's not derived from this study,' said Jennifer Nuzzo, a Johns Hopkins University public health researcher.

'What's going on here? Why are they saying this?' asked Tucker Carlson, the Fox News anchor, on Friday night, questioning why new restrictions could be brought in.

'It turns out the COVID vaccines - the drugs more impressive than the moon landings, which you could not question - don't actually do what they thought they could.'

He noted that three quarters of the people infected in a recent outbreak, in Cape Cod, were vaccinated.

'So now we learn that virtually everything they told us about the vaccinations is wrong,' he claimed - failing to point out that there were no deaths among vaccinated people in the Cape Cod outbreak, which shows the vaccine does work.

He accused the Biden administration with not being honest with the American public, insisting that more should have been done to explain that the science was preliminary and evolving, and saying that the public could 'cope with the truth'.

Carlson accused the scientists of lacking 'humility'.

'They are punishing the country for the disaster they made,' he said. 'It's your fault.'

He added: 'Why are lockdowns the answer to a failing vaccine?'

Carlson pointed out that the UK did not reimpose a lockdown, despite their spread of the Delta variant being considered more advanced than the United States.

Indeed, the one glimmer of hope came from Britain, where the Delta variant has wreaked havoc, but is now dramatically slowing down.

Experts hope that this may indicate the U.S. surge could also be over soon.

The popular Cape Cod vacation resort of Provincetown is seen on July 24. The artistic and foodie city drew its usual large crowd for the July 4 weekend, with people believing that fully vaccinated people could not transmit the virus. It is now believed that that is not correct

Dressed as Maxine the Vaccine, Poppy Champlin encourages pedestrians to get vaccinated for COVID-19 while promoting her comedy show on Commercial Street in Provincetown, on July 24

Last week, the leading British COVID modeler said that the country was 'almost certain' to hit 100,000 cases per day, and the U.K.'s daily case count crossed the 50,000 threshold for the first time since January.

Yet since July 20, cases have fallen fast.

From a high of nearly 54,000 on July 17, the daily tally slid to 43,404 last Wednesday; and 28,652 on Sunday.

This Monday, the U.K.'s case count slipped below 25,000 - a 50 percent reduction in a single week.

'In the United Kingdom, cases are clearly coming down at this point,' said Dr Scott Gottlieb, the former Food and Drug Administration commissioner, on Monday.

'If the U.K. is turning the corner, it's a pretty good indication that maybe we're further into this than we think, and maybe we're two or three weeks away from starting to see our own plateau here in the United States.'
Online fashion retailer Asos drafted in independent lawyers to investigate sexual harassment allegations.

The 3.8billion company and other fashion brands were hit by a barrage of claims of inappropriate behaviour on an anonymous Instagram account.

It was claimed Asos was run like a 'boys' club'.

One woman said a senior member of staff had made comments about her breasts, while another said an older male colleague had winked or stared at female employees, and 'loitered' around the company's headquarters after work, a report in The Daily Telegraph said.

Asos and other fashion brands were hit by a barrage of claims of inappropriate behaviour on an anonymous Instagram account (stock image)

Zehra Hussain, who left Asos after three years in May last year, said the man at the centre of this claim had behaved in a 'sleazy' manner at work.

Complaints to the company have included allegations of sexual harassment, racism, bullying and homophobia, according to the report in the newspaper, which claimed it had spoken to dozens of staff.

Following the revelations in the spring, the company invited staff to come forward if they had concerns and appointed City solicitors Lewis Silkin to support the review.

The probe is understood to have finished and human resources teams are working through a 'handful' of cases raised, company sources said yesterday.

Asos said: 'As soon as we became aware of the allegations about us and other brands... we launched an internal review, supported by legal experts.'

It is the most recent example of the fashion industry being thrown into the spotlight over sexual harassment claims.

Following the revelations in the spring, the company invited staff to come forward if they had concerns and appointed City solicitors Lewis Silkin to support the review (stock image)

Ted Baker founder Ray Kelvin was forced to stand down from the company following allegations of 'forced hugging' and kissing female staff's ears. He denied the claims.

The former boss of Topshop's Arcadia Sir Philip Green was accused in 2019 of using gagging clauses to silence staff accusing him of sexual and racial harassment.

Claims made by a pilates instructor in America that the fallen tycoon 'slapped her butt' were thrown out by a judge last year.

The 'Me Too' movement, which started in Hollywood in the US, and Black Lives Matter have sparked a wave of outrage about sexual harassment and racial discrimination at work.

Earlier this month, the advertising industry came into focus after a senior executive posted a blog about inappropriate workplace behaviour, which led to hundreds of women sharing their stories of being sexually assaulted, harassed and discriminated against.
A massive police operation is underway in Sydney in anticipation of a second weekend of anti-lockdown rallies in the CBD.

New South Wales police set up an exclusion zone around the city from Saturday morning after intelligence showed another protest was being planned.

More than 3,500 people attended the demonstration last week, with officials warning Sydneysiders not to turn up again this weekend.

Police expect a protest after monitoring online activity, but believe it will not be in the same numbers as the one that shook Sydney on Saturday seven days ago.

Some 60 protesters have been charged and 200 people fined over last Saturday's demonstration.

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A massive police operation is underway in Sydney in anticipation of a second weekend of anti-lockdown rallies in Sydney's CBD

Police expect a protest after monitoring online activity, but believe it will not be in the same numbers as the one that shook Sydney on Saturday seven days ago

Police have set up checkpoints entering area of Sydney as they look to stop people flocking to the city for another protest

New South Wales Police set up an exclusion zone around the city from Saturday morning after intelligence showed another protest was being planned

More than 3,500 people attended the demonstration last week, with officials warning Sydneysiders not to turn up again this weekend

There are as many as 80 officers at Town Hall station as they look to stop anyone travelling into the city, particularly from Sydney's west and south-western suburbs.

Another large police presence is stationed at Hyde Park, with dozens more officers combing the CBD checking license plates of cars and what people are doing.

There are checkpoints at four entry points into the city with police ensuring unauthorised people are not entering central Sydney.

The state's deputy commissioner said in the state's Saturday morning coronavirus press conference that enforcement were ready for anyone thinking of congregating in Sydney to protest.

'I began by sending one final message to anyone who is attending to go into the city to engage in protest liberty. Do not do it,' he said.

'Our policing operation has been in place since early this morning up to 1000 police officers including a range of specialist resources on the ground already so don't go into the city to protest.

Strikeforce season investigators have been in continuing investigations into the events of last week's protests with 85 people charged to this date. Over 300 infringement notices have been issued and last night a 49-year-old man from the Central Coast was charged with criminal offences relating to the incitement of last week's protest online.

'In terms of the wider compliance operation, the last 24 hours, 384 infringements have been issued, 41 persons charged with the offences related to breaches of public health orders.

'Police responded to almost 1500 COVID related jobs, 885 of those were Crime Stoppers calls. Our compliance operation will be ongoing and we have spoken over the last few days about it being ramped up considerably.

Taxi and rideshare companies face fines of up to half a million dollars if they take passengers into Sydney's CBD.

Police have issued a prohibition notice to seven taxi and rideshare services banning them from taking passengers to the CBD over the six-hour period.

Companies who fail to comply with the notice risk a maximum penalty of $500,000, and individuals could be fined up to $100,000, NSW Police say.

A large police presence is stationed at Hyde Park, with dozens more officers combing the CBD checking license plates of cars and what people are doing.

The CBD is currently empty with police stopping unauthorised people from entering with a massive presence throughout

Police have issued a prohibition notice to seven taxi and rideshare services banning them from taking passengers to the CBD over the six-hour period

Kristian Pulkownik, 33, allegedly struck NSW Police horse Tobruk in the nose as his rider was managing thousands of protesters who marched in the city's CBD last week

SYDNEY ANTI-LOCKDOWN POLICE BOUNDARY LIMITS  Western boundary  West Link Road and The Crescent at Lilyfield  Southern boundary  South Dowling Street and Todman Avenue at Zetland  Northern boundary  Bradfield Highway at Milsons Point  Eastern boundary  New South Head Road and Ocean Avenue at Edgecliff Advertisement

Taxi, rideshare and passenger services are prohibited from conveying passengers to Sydneys CBD between 9am and 3pm today (Saturday 31 July 2021), under a prohibition notice issued by NSW Police.

The notice was issued to seven transport providers in response to planned unlawful protest activity at risk of seriously comprising the public's safety.

Central Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter Thurtell, said more than 1000 officers will be ensuring Greater Sydney remains free from illegal protest activity.

'A pandemic is not the time to protest and this prohibition notice is just one of the tools police have implemented today to ensure the safety of the community,' Assistant Commissioner Thurtell said.

'These restrictions have been put in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect those most vulnerable in our communities from harm.

'Essential workers, or anyone that requires medical treatment, will be able to make their way to their destinations.

'I'd like to thank the affected transport companies in advance for their compliance,' Assistant Commissioner Thurtell said.

Taxi and rideshare companies face fines of up to half a million dollars if they take passengers into Sydney's CBD

There are checkpoints at four entry points into the city with police ensuring unauthorised people are not entering central Sydney

Mounted officers are in force again in Sydney's CBD despite last weekend's horrific scenes that saw several people assaulting horses

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian vowed those who gathered for the illegal demonstration would face 'the full force of the law'

Police have set up strict limits surrounding the city's CBD to stop people entering the city for another anti-lockdown rally

The large zone stretches from the Bradfield Highway at Milsons Point north of the Harbour Bridge, to the City West Link at Lilyfield, to South Dowling St near Todman Ave at Zetland, and east to New South Head Rd near Ocean Ave at Edgecliff.

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller on Friday warned would-be protesters they would be met by a police force up to 1000 strong.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian vowed those who gathered for the illegal demonstration would face 'the full force of the law'.

'I am utterly disgusted by the illegal protestors in the city today whose selfish actions have compromised the safety of all of us,' Ms Berejiklian said.

'The protesters have shown utter contempt for their fellow citizens who are currently doing it tough.'

A policeman was covered in ink by frenzied activists chanting anti-vax slogans at Sydney's disgraceful protests last weekend

There were wild scenes in protests across the Sydney CBD on Saturday afternoon, prompting Gladys Berejiklian to vow the activists would face 'the full force of the law'

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller on Friday warned would-be protesters they would be met by a police force up to 1000 strong

Police await anyone entering Sydney via ferry on Saturday in fears of another shameful protest

Ms Berejiklian thanked the 'brave officers who put their safety on the line'.

'This type of activity during lockdown will not be tolerated and the full force of the law will be brought against anyone who engages in this type of illegal activity.'

NSW Police Minister David Elliott labelled those in the rallies as 'boofheads' and said 90 had been fined across the state with many more arrests expected.

'What we saw today was 3,500 very selfish boofheads  people that thought the law didn't apply to them,' he said.

'If we don't see a [Covid] spike in the areas these protesters came from in the next week I'll be very, very surprised.

'It was just a whole lot of halfwits. There is no doubt in my mind that at least one individual there today had COVID, it is statistically impossible for us not to consider that.'
More than three million Queenslanders will enter into the state's strictest lockdown ever after six new Covid cases were recorded on Saturday - with NRL, AFL and Super Netball games all cancelled.

From 4pm on Saturday 3.2million residents from 11 LGAs in the state will be confined to their homes for three days until 4pm on Tuesday.

The new cases are all confirmed to be the highly contagious Indian delta strain of the virus.

The LGas affected include Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Noosa Shire, Redland City, the Scenic Rim Regional Council, the Somerset Regional Council and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council.

Residents living in those areas can only leave home for four reasons including for essential goods, to provide or receive care, for essential school and work, and exercise.

Residents can only exercise with one other person and must stay within 10km of their home.

Community and professional sport including NRL, AFL and Super Netball games will not be permitted during the lockdown.

All three sports had games scheduled for this weekend which will now no longer go ahead, with the NRL trying to seek an exemption for the competition to continue, Nine News reported.

More than 3 million Queenslanders will be confined to their homes for three days from 4pm on Saturday after an outbreak linked to the Delta strain

A 17-year-old senior school student from Indooroopilly State High School in Brisbane's inner west felt unwell yesterday and returned a positive test early on Friday morning

The six new cases are all linked to the Indooroopilly State High School. Pictured is police with the school's acting Principal as the school shuts for deep cleaning

For the AFL this means games between the Gold Coast and Melbourne, Essendon and Sydney, and Greater Western Sydney and Port Adelaide must now all be rescheduled.

Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the state had no choice but to impose the harsh restrictions.

'We have seen from the experience in other states that the only way to beat the Delta strain is to move quickly, to be fast, and to be strong,' he said.

'This will be the strictest lockdown that we have had.'

Funerals and weddings will be reduced to ten people and hospitality venues will be limited to takeaway only.

QUEENSLAND LGAs IN LOCKDOWN FROM 4PM ON TUESDAY City of Brisbane - 1,131,155 residents Moreton Bay Regional Council - 469,465 City of Gold Coast - 606,774 City of Ipswich - 210,000 Lockyer Valley Regional Council - 42,267 Logan City - 341,985 Noosa Shire Council - 56,587 Redland City - 160,331 Scenic Rim Regional Council - 43,123 Somerset Regional Council - 22,200 Sunshine Coast Regional Council - 336,482 Total residents in lockdown - 3,210,579 Advertisement

Non-essential businesses such as cinemas, hairdressers, gyms and places of worship will all close.

Visitors to houses will also not be permitted.

The restrictions apply to anybody who has been in any of the 11 LGAs from 1am on Saturday regardless if they've since left the area.

Masks will be required for both students and staff at high schools.

It comes a day after Indooroopilly State High School in Brisbane's inner west was forced to close for a specialist deep clean while Queensland Health performed contact tracing on a Covid positive 17-year-old schoolgirl and her family.

The six new cases recorded on Saturday are all linked to the teenager who is believed to have caught the virus from a medical science student and tutor from the University of Queensland.

The tutor was confirmed positive on Saturday and it's believed she contracted the virus from a returned traveller in hotel quarantine who was transported to hospital.

Other cases include the girl's parents and two siblings, as well as a teacher from the Ironside State School in Brisbane.

All students and staff from both schools are now isolating for 14 days.

The youngest child of the family that is linked to the Indooroopilly school attends the Ironside school.

Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said the now infected tutor had visited several venues before testing positive including the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital at the University of Queensland.

'There are a lot of places she's been. And we'll be rapidly getting that information up on our website,' she said.

'Then we are also working through the schoolteacher, where she's been, and through the other four members of the household with that original case.

'But I expect there are going to be an enormous number of exposure sites all through Brisbane and probably as well through the Sunshine Coast and further.'

She said it was 'extremely likely' more cases would pop up and didn't comment further on the chance the lockdown would be extended further.

'That's why we need to go into a lockdown and that's why the lockdown has to be the most restrictive we've ever been in, because this is the most infectious virus we've ever had,' she said.

She also warned Queensland could 'very quickly' have an outbreak similar to NSW, which recorded another 210 cases on Saturday.

Mr Miles urged residents entering the lockdown not to panic buy.

More than 3 million Queenslanders will enter into the state's strictest lockdown ever after six new Covid cases were recorded on Saturday (pictured is the Gold Coast)

'Please don't rush our grocery stores. That creates a risk of infection that we want to avoid,' he said.

'We have been in contact with the supermarkets - they are all well-supplied.

'So, anyone rushing, stockpiling, it just makes the job of our grocery stores, our supermarkets, and the essential workers in those supermarkets, even harder and more risky.'

He urged the state not to be complacent with the restrictions as authorities fear a larger outbreak is possible.

'We have been here before, but this time it's different,' Mr Miles said.

'We cannot afford to be complacent just because we have done so well so far. We all have to comply with these restrictions.'

Ms D'Ath confirmed the case at the Indooroopilly school of 2,500 students at Friday morning's Covid update.

'She became unwell yesterday and went and got tested and overnight her result has come back positive,' she said.

'We are testing her family members. It's a family of five. They live a at Taringa. She's been in the community for three days and at school for two days.'

QUEENSLAND'S THREE-DAY LOCKDOWN More than 3 million residents across 11 LGAs will be in a strict lockdown from 4pm on Saturday to 4pm on Tuesday The LGas affected include the City of Brisbane, the Moreton Bay Regional Council, the City of Gold Coast, the City of Ipswich, the Lockyer Valley Regional Council, the Logan City, the Noosa Shire Council, Redland City, the Scenic Rim Regional Council, the Somerset Regional Council and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council Residents can leave their home for four reasons - exercise, to give or provide care, essential shopping and for essential work or school Residents can exercise with one other person within 10km of their homes Masks are mandatory at indoor venues and residents must not travel further than 10km from their homes Funerals and weddings will be reduced to ten people and hospitality venues will be limited to takeaway only. Non-essential businesses such as cinemas, hairdressers, gyms and places of worship will all close. The restrictions apply to anybody who had been in any of the 11 LGAs from 1am on Saturday regardless or not if they've since left the area. Masks will be required for both students and staff at high schools. Visitors will not be allowed at resident's homes. Community and professional sport will not be permitted. Advertisement

The unlinked case at Indooroopilly State High School saw the school closed for 48 hours to undertake deep cleaning (above) as contact tracers worked to find the source of the infection

Indooroopilly State High School is a major Brisbane high school, educating around 2,500 students

Queensland's chief health officer Jeannette Young described the new case as 'quite concerning' as health authorities scrambled to identify its source

An email from Acting Principal Derek Weeks to parents early on Friday morning alerted them to the case and the closure of the school for 48 hours.

'I am writing to let you know that a person associated with our school community has been diagnosed with Covid-19,' Mr Weeks' email read.

'As a result, our school will be closed effectively immediately for 48 hours to allow for Queensland Health to perform this contact tracing and, as an extra precaution, I have arranged for specialist cleaners to come to perform a deep clean in accordance with Queensland Health guidelines.

'I will continue to liaise with the department and we will continue to take the advice from Queensland Health.'

The acting principal urged anyone feeling unwell or displaying symptoms of the virus to immediately consult their GP.

The Springfield campus of the University of Southern Queensland was also closed for precautionary cleaning late Friday morning as a result of the Indooroopilly State High student's positive test.

Students of the university and the school had collaborated earlier this week.

A community vaccination centre in the Nicholas Street Precinct at Ipswich was also closed until further notice after the Indooroopilly student visited the clinic yesterday.
A man has set himself on fire in front of horrified commuters outside Camden Town Tube station in broad daylight.

Police officers and the London Ambulance Service rushed to the scene at 4pm after the fire broke out.

He suffered burns that are not believe to be life threatening, according to officers.

A man has set himself on fire in front of horrified commuters outside Camden Town Tube station in broad daylight (pictured: police at the scene)

He was detained under the Mental Health Act and taken to hospital.

A Tube worker who saw the incident told the Camden New Journal: 'You're just prepared that here you are you can see anything really now.

'Even so, it was pretty bad. He was screaming.'

Surrounding roads were closed including Kentish Town Road at the junction of Camden High Street while emergency services responded at the scene.

Police officers and the London Ambulance Service rushed to the scene at 4pm after the fire broke out

The Metropolitan Police said in a statement: 'Police were called at approximately 16:01hrs to Camden Town Underground Station.

'Officers and LAS attended the scene and found a man who was on fire.

'The fire was extinguished and he is believed to have suffered non-life-threatening burns.

'He has been taken to hospital by air ambulance.

He suffered burns that are not believe to be life threatening, according to officers

'The man was detained under the Mental Health Act at the scene.'

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We were called at 4.01pm today (30 July) to reports of a person injured at Camden Town Underground Station.

'We sent an ambulance crew, a medic in a car, an incident response officer, an advanced paramedic, a clinical team leader, and a hazardous area response team. We also dispatched London's Air Ambulance.

'We treated a man at the scene, who has been taken to hospital by air ambulance.'
A record rise in postgraduates is being predicted by experts as students flock to sign up for 'panic masters' degrees instead of entering an uncertain jobs market.

Top universities have seen up to 20 per cent increases in domestic applications for graduate qualifications, reports have suggested.

Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute, said: 'A mix of incentives and an uncertain labour market, combined with a disrupted past couple of years, means many people are likely to consider this route.

'And, as [postgraduate] qualifications have good labour-market returns, it is a very rational thing to do.

'It will be interesting to see if the most selective universities are as generous in letting people in given that the international student numbers held up last year and might do so again this year,' he told the Times.

Top universities have seen up to 20 per cent increases in domestic applications for graduate qualifications, reports have suggested (Pictured: Graduates at a UK university)

Figures published by the Office for Students in May found that at 25 English universities, less than half of students could expect to finish their degree and find professional employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.

The data suggested that among those less likely to progress were graduates with degrees in sociology, social policy and anthropology (48.1 per cent), agriculture, food and related studies (52.2 per cent) and business and management (53.9 per cent).

And psychology (54 per cent), media, journalism and communications (54.8 per cent), and sport and exercise science (54.8 per cent) graduates also had low progression rates.
Russian hackers behind the massive SolarWinds cyber attack broke into the email accounts of some of America's most prominent federal prosecutors, sparking fears they may have stolen sensitive information pertaining to investigations into President Trump and Ghislaine Maxwell.

The Justice Department revealed the alarming information on Friday, with 27 U.S. Attorney offices across the country having one or more of their email accounts compromised during the hacking campaign, said to have run between May and December 2020.

A department spokesman said 80 percent of Microsoft email accounts used by employees in the four U.S. Attorney offices in New York were breached.

That included offices for the Southern District of New York, which handles some of the most prominent criminal cases in the country.

Federal prosecutors in that district are purportedly investigating Trumps 2017 inaugural committee to see whether it misspent $107 million in donations.

The Southern District of New York is additionally investigating Trump's former personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani on matters related to Ukraine. Federal investigators raided his Manhattan home in relation to the case back in April.

The Russian hackers behind the massive SolarWinds cyber attack broke into the email accounts of some of America's most prominent federal prosecutors, sparking fears they may have stolen sensitive information pertaining to investigations into President Trump and his associates. Trump and Putin are pictured together in 2018

It is unclear how long they had been probing Giuliani's affairs for prior to that bust, and whether hackers may have been able to access documents about the former New York mayor while accessing the email accounts last year.

The same district also launched a probe into Trump's 2017 inaugural committee into huge payments made to the Trump International Hotel while preparing for the former president to take power.

Trump's ex-fixer Michael Cohen claimed the Southern District was running a separate probe into the then-president in 2019, but did not offer any further detail.

Trump - who also faces a Manhattan District Attorney and New York Attorney General's investigation - has not been charged with any crime, and denies wrongdoing.

Its prosecutors are also probing Ghislaine Maxwell over her alleged grooming and sexual abuse of underage girls with pedophile ex Jeffrey Epstein. Maxwell was arrested and charged in June 2020, during the timeframe the alleged hack is said to have taken place.

Bruce Green, a professor at Fordham Law School and a former prosecutor in the Southern District, said the cyber attack could have serious political ramifications if hackers obtained information sensitive to the Trump investigations.

'New York is the financial center of the world and those districts are particularly well known for investigating and prosecuting white-collar crimes and other cases, including investigating people close to the former president,' Green told The Associated Press.

The Southern District of New York is additionally investigating Trump's former personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani on matters related to Ukraine. Federal investigators raided his Manhattan home in relation to the case back in April

The Southern District of New York is also currently prosecuting a case against Ghislaine Maxwell - the alleged madam of pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

'It's potentially very serious,' Gil Soffer, a former federal prosecutor, told the BBC. He said prosecutors' emails often contain 'very sensitive and very secret information'.

The Justice Department said all victims had been notified and it is working to mitigate 'operational, security and privacy risks' caused by the hack.

They did not provide additional detail about what kind of information was taken and what impact such a hack may have on ongoing cases.

The Justice Department has confirmed that Russian hackers behind the massive SolarWinds cyberespionage campaign also broke into the email accounts of some of America's most prominent federal prosecutors. AG Merrick Garland is pictured

The DOJ believes the accounts were compromised from May 7 to December 27, 2020 as part of Russia's SolarWinds cyberespionage campaign. That hack infiltrated dozens of private-sector companies and think tanks as well as at least nine U.S. government agencies

The DOJ believes the accounts were compromised from May 7 to December 27, 2020 as part of Russia's SolarWinds cyberespionage campaign.

That hack infiltrated dozens of private-sector companies and think tanks as well as at least nine U.S. government agencies.

The Biden administration in April announced sanctions, including the expulsion of Russian diplomats, in response to the SolarWinds hack and Russian interference in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Russia has denied wrongdoing.

Jennifer Rodgers, a lecturer at Columbia Law School, said office emails frequently contained all sorts of sensitive information, including case strategy discussions and names of confidential informants, when she was a federal prosecutor in New York.

'I don't remember ever having someone bring me a document instead of emailing it to me because of security concerns,' she said, noting exceptions for classified materials.

Hackers may have gained access to whistleblower reports and the names of secret informants.

Members of Congress have expressed frustration with the Biden administration for not sharing more information about the impact of the SolarWinds campaign.

The Associated Press previously reported that SolarWinds hackers had gained access to email accounts belonging to the then-acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf and members of the departments cybersecurity staff whose jobs included hunting threats from foreign countries.

The Administrative Office of U.S. Courts confirmed in January that it was also breached, giving the SolarWinds hackers another entry point to steal confidential information like trade secrets, espionage targets, whistleblower reports and arrest warrants.

Email accounts for prosecutors at the Southern District of New York we hacked. The office is currently prosecuting the case against Jeffrey Epstein's alleged madam Ghislaine Maxwell.
Celebrity dermatologist Dr. Alex Khadavi (pictured above) was arrested for felony criminal threats after he was caught on camera repeatedly using a homophobic slur during a dispute with a gay neighbor

Celebrity dermatologist Dr. Alex Khadavi has been arrested after he was caught on camera repeatedly using a homophobic slur during a dispute with a gay neighbor.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies were spotted outside Khadavi's West Hollywood condo on Friday afternoon, TMZ reported.

Although he was not seen in handcuffs, inmate records indicate Khadavi, 48, was arrested at 2.15pm and released on a bond around 5.37pm.

He faces charges of felony criminal threats and is expected in court on Monday morning. His bail was set at $50,000.

Khadavi - who has treated stars including Scott Disick, David Hasselhoff and Lance Bass - was purportedly recorded on surveillance video threatening the man in the lobby of their plush West Hollywood condo complex on July 7.

'I'll f**k you up, f**king f****t!' a man - reported to be Khadavi - is heard yelling in the footage, which was obtained by TMZ last week.

Khadavi was purportedly recorded on surveillance video threatening the man in the lobby of their plush West Hollywood condo complex on July 7. He has previously treated Keeping Up With The Kardashians star Scott Disick (together above)

Celebrity surgeon Khadavi - who boasts more than 40,000 followers on Instagram - is seen with David Hasselhoff

The incident comes four years after the LA dermatologist was accused of threatening to kill Million Dollar Listing star Matt Altman and hurling anti-Semitic abuse at him.

In footage of the incident earlier this month, the man is seen approaching the concierge and ranting about the 'f**king f****t'.

'I'll shoot you, I don't give a f**k... Nobody tells me what to do,' the man is then heard yelling, as a concierge looks on helplessly.

The foul-mouthed tirade goes on for more than a minute before the man taunts: 'I'll shoot you in the f**king face, f**king f****t!'

'I'll blow your f**king head off!' he subsequently states.

The neighbor filed a restraining order against Khadavi, saying he 'fears for his life'.

In legal documents obtained by TMZ, the concierge allegedly claimed that Khadavi 'showed him a handgun he was carrying [while leaving the condo complex]' around two months ago.

The celebrity dermatologist did not respond to TMZ's request for comment and he has not addressed the controversy on his Instagram page.

'So grateful for this longtime patient of mine': Khadavi is seen with former NYSNC star Lance Bass in a recent social media snap. Bass is openly gay

Khadavi with model Ana Cheri (left) and Alec Monopoly, a street artist known for covering his face or using a face mask to hide his identity (right)

Back in 2016, real estate agent Altman obtained a restraining order against Khadavi for making 'anti-Semitic death threats' and threatening him in person and over the phone.

Altman claimed in documents, seen by TMZ at the time, that Khadavi approached him at a real estate event.

When Altman asked him to leave because it was a private event, Khadavi allegedly told him he 'hated all Jews' and threatened to kill him.

The documents also claimed Altman had been receiving racist and homophobic phone calls from Khadavi for years.

In May, Khadavi said he was selling his 21,000-square-foot Bel-Air home for $87,777,777 - one of the highest price tags in the area in recent months (pictured above)

The doctor stated that he paid $16 million for the property in 2013 before spending around $30 million and the better part of a decade renovating and decorating the pad

Dubbed Palazzo di Vista, the property now boasts seven bedrooms as well as unique features including an NFT gallery, DJ booth, light show, outdoor tequila bar and car museum

The light show feature, inspired by Disneyland's World of Color, displays NFT - nonfungible tokens - artwork over the pool

Khadavi said he treated the design process in the same way he treats clients at his dermatology clinic, stating: 'When I do injectables in people's faces...I always look and see what I could do above and beyond to make this person better'

The glass and marble property also offers 360-degree views from the San Gabriel Mountains to the Channel Islands

The dermatologist denied the allegations at the time with a rep telling TMZ he is Jewish and had been invited as a guest to the event.

The restraining order said the doctor had to stay 100 yards away from Altman and his girlfriend and his brother and Million Dollar co-star Josh Altman and his wife.

Khadavi - who boasts more than 40,000 Instagram followers - works at the Dermatology & Laser Medical Center, which has locations in the celebrity enclaves of Encino and Thousand Oaks.

The 48-year-old is originally from Tehran, moving to America as a child in 1979.

One of the seven bedrooms in the sprawling 21,000-square foot Bel-Air property which boasts 360-degree views

Part of the design centered around the number seven - with many of the pad's architectural details in measurements that are multiples of seven, hence the unusual price tag

The property features a glass bottomed bridge overlooking the main living space above, which Khadavi has named 'the cube'

The cube is seen from above. The bridge connects the two sides of the property's upper floor and looks down into the living space

The outdoor area of the $87.77 million property boasts a large pool and fire pit for entertaining Hollywood guests

A huge closet is seen in the property. Khadavi said: 'It's like when you go to a car dealership to buy a Toyota and they show you a Ferrari or a Lamborghini. It's like, 'Hey, I want that one!' You can't pass it up'

A huge dining room features floor to ceiling windows and wooden floors in the estate listed for $87 million earlier this year

In May, he was profiled in a Wall Street Journal article titled 'Cosmetic Surgeons Are Building L.A. Megamansions, and the Results Are Over-the-Top'.

In the piece, Khadavi stated that he was selling his 21,000-square-foot Bel-Air home for $87,777,777 - one of the highest price tags in the area in recent months.

The doctor stated that he paid $16 million for the property in 2013 before spending around $30 million and the better part of a decade renovating and decorating the pad.

Part of the design centered around the number seven - with many of the pad's architectural details in measurements that are multiples of seven, hence the unusual price tag.

The jaw-dropping entry way to the property features a glass and marble finish and lights while palm trees line the way

A huge outdoor decking area where the inhabitants can take in the sprawling views across Los Angeles, California

The pool and outdoor area are seen above. The transformation took the best part of a decade to complete, said Khadavi

The pool overlooks the Hollywood skyline with the home nestled in the heart of the celebrity enclave. Khadavi has been a surgeon to many stars

The huge Bel-Air property boasts a modern bar area that leads out onto the expansive pool and outdoor decking area

Marble floors and white walls are seen throughout the property which the celebrity surgeon has spent close to a decade renovating

Khadavi's estate also boasts a movie theater with plush tiered seating and curtains to recreate the cinematic experience

Khadavi told the publication he treated the design process in the same way he treats clients at his dermatology clinic, stating: 'When I do injectables in people's faces...I always look and see what I could do above and beyond to make this person better. Every person is beautiful, you have to make them more beautiful.'

He added: 'It's like when you go to a car dealership to buy a Toyota and they show you a Ferrari or a Lamborghini. It's like, 'Hey, I want that one!' You can't pass it up.'

The end result, known as Palazzo di Vista, boasts seven bedrooms as well as unique features including an NFT gallery, DJ booth, light show, outdoor tequila bar and car museum.

The light show feature, inspired by Disneyland's World of Color, displays NFT - nonfungible tokens - artwork over the pool.

Meanwhile, the glass and marble property also features a glass bottomed bridge overlooking the main living space above, which Khadavi has named 'the cube'.

The property also offers 360-degree views from the San Gabriel Mountains to the Channel Islands.

The incident comes four years after the LA dermatologist, 48, was accused of threatening to kill Million Dollar Listing star Matt Altman and hurling anti-Semitic abuse at him (pictured Matt and Josh Altman)
Katie Ledecky has exacted revenge on arch-rival Ariarne Titmus with a stunning win in the women's 800m freestyle.

America's greatest ever swimmer, who was red hot favourite for the event, dominated from start to finish to claim her seventh Olympic gold medal.

Titmus had won the two previous individual races against the 24-year-old from the USA, with Ledecky having the last laugh in the fourth and final meeting between the two headline swimmers.

Ian Thorpe said pre-race there was a 10 second difference between Ledecky and Titmus' personal best times in the event, making it a near-impossible task for the young Aussie.

She finished with a silver in the race to take her personal haul to four medals including two gold and one bronze.

Katie Ledecky has exacted revenge on arch-rival Ariarne Titmus with a stunning win in the women's 800m freestyle

Titmus finished with a silver in the race to take her personal haul to four medals including two gold and one bronze

Ian Thorpe said pre-race there was a 10 second difference between Ledecky and Titmus' personal best times in the event, making it a near-impossible task for the young Aussie

The American led from start to finish, setting the pace and slowly building her lead each lap.

With 200m to go Ledecky really upped the pace, increasing her stroke rate and increasing the gap between her and Titmus to 2.43 seconds with 100m to go.

Titmus, who has won two golds with incredible late efforts, was unable to reduce the gap to the American star who added another gold to her ridiculous tally.

The 20-year-old Tasmanian, who won gold in the women's 200m and 400m freestyle over American superstar Katie Ledecky, paid tribute to her arch-rival for keeping her going.

'I love racing Katie. It is nice to be on my own a little bit. It's been really good this week. We've been getting along really well,' Titmus said.

'We've really enjoyed racing each other. I mean, we don't get to do it often. It's so fun for us to be able to race. So, I am looking forward to two days' time.'

The two-time Olympic gold medallist has admitted she's 'absolutely buggered' as her stunning debut Olympics comes to its conclusion.

America's greatest ever swimmer, who was red hot favourite for the event, dominated from start to finish to claim her seventh Olympic gold medal

Titmus had won the two previous individual races against the 24-year-old from the USA, with Ledecky having the last laugh in the fourth and final meeting between the two swimmers

Titmus, who has become the star of the Australia's Tokyo Games, admitted she's feeling the emotional and physical strain of her first games and carrying the hopes of a nation.

'It's a big day today. I had one and a half hours in my room today. I'm absolutely buggered,' Titmus told Channel 7 on Thursday.

'Honestly I'm exhausted. I keep thinking back to Beijing, it was the same as this morning's heats. Phelps won eight golds. I have done two and I'm wrecked.

'It puts into perspective for me how amazing he was. I'm going to rest up as much as I can and get ready for my last race at the Olympics.'
U.S. Navy explosive experts believe a 'drone strike' targeted an oil tanker that came under attack off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea, killing two on board, the American military said Saturday.

The strike Thursday night on the oil tanker Mercer Street marks the first-known fatal attack after years of assaults on commercial shipping in the region linked to tensions with Iran over its tattered nuclear deal. While no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, Israeli officials alleged Tehran launched the drone strike.

While Iran did not directly acknowledge the attack, the strike comes as Tehran now appears poised to take an even tougher approach with the West as the country prepares to inaugurate a hard-line protege of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as president.

U.S. Navy explosive experts believe a 'drone strike' targeted an oil tanker that came under attack off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea, killing two on board, the American military said Saturday. Pictured: Sailors board MH-60S Seahawk helicopter on the flight deack of USS Ronald Reagan to head to the tanker

The strike Thursday night on the oil tanker Mercer Street marks the first-known fatal attack after years of assaults on commercial shipping in the region linked to tensions with Iran over its tattered nuclear deal. While no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, Israeli officials alleged Tehran launched the drone strike. Pictured: U.S. Navy, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 3rd Class Ethan Tews walks across the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan to board an MH-60S SeaHawk helicopter to head to the oil tanker

The American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and the guided missile destroyer USS Mitscher were escorting the Mercer Street as it headed to a safe port, the U.S. Navy's Mideast-based 5th Fleet said in a statement early Saturday.

'U.S. Navy explosives experts are aboard to ensure there is no additional danger to the crew, and are prepared to support an investigation into the attack,' the 5th Fleet said. 'Initial indications clearly point to a (drone)-style attack.'

The 5th Fleet statement did not explain how it determined a drone caused the damage, although it described its explosive experts finding 'clear visual evidence that an attack had occurred' aboard the Mercer Street. The U.S. military's Central Command did not immediately respond to a questions on the evidence.

The Mercer Street is managed by London-based Zodiac Maritime, part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofers Zodiac Group. The firm said the attack killed two crew members, one from the United Kingdom and the other from Romania. It did not name them, nor did it describe what happened in the assault. It said it believed no other crew members on board were harmed.

British maritime security firm Ambrey said the attack on Mercer Street had killed one of its team members on board the vessel.

This Jan. 2, 2016 photo shows the Liberian-flagged oil tanker Mercer Street off Cape Town, South Africa. The oil tanker linked to an Israeli billionaire reportedly came under attack off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea, authorities said Friday

In this photo provided by the U.S. Navy, sailors on board an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter on the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan

The Mercer Street, empty of cargo, had been on its way from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, at the time of the attack, Zodiac Maritime said. The attack targeted the tanker just northeast of the Omani island of Masirah, over 300 kilometers (185 miles) southeast of Omans capital, Muscat. Oman's state-run news agency late Friday described the area as 'beyond Omani regional waters' and said its forces responded to the tanker's mayday call.

Zodiac Maritime described the Mercer Streets owners as Japanese, without naming them. Shipping authority Lloyds List identified the vessels ultimate owner as Taihei Kaiun Co., which belongs to the Tokyo-based Nippon Yusen Group.

Israeli officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they werent authorized to talk to the media, blamed Tehran for the attack. They offered no evidence to support their claim.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid tweeted late Friday that he spoke with British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab about the 'need to respond severely' to the attack, although he stopped short of directly blaming Iran.

'Iran is not just an Israeli problem, but an exporter of terrorism, destruction and instability that affects the whole world,' Lapid wrote. 'We can never remain silent in the face of Iranian terrorism, which also harms freedom of navigation.'

Other Israel-linked ships have been targeted in recent months as well amid a shadow war between the two nations, with Israeli officials blaming the Islamic Republic for the assaults.

Israel meanwhile has been suspected in a series of major attacks targeting Irans nuclear program. Also, Iran saw its largest warship recently sink under mysterious circumstances in the nearby Gulf of Oman.

Thursdays attack comes amid heightened tensions over Irans tattered nuclear deal and as negotiations over restoring the accord have stalled in Vienna. The series of ship attacks suspected to have been carried out by Iran began a year after then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the accord in 2018.

The attack on the Mercer Street also came the night after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking from Kuwait, warned Iran that talks in Vienna over the nuclear deal 'cannot go on indefinitely.'

This is the second time this month a ship tied to Ofer apparently has been targeted. In early July, the Liberian-flagged container ship CSAV Tyndall, once tied to Zodiac Maritime, suffered an unexplained explosion on board while in the northern Indian Ocean, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration.
Gov. Greg Abbott claims the Biden administration has caused a 'constitutional crisis' after the U.S. Justice Department sued Texas to prevent troopers from stopping cars carrying migrants.

Abbott issued the statement after U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that the Justice Department had filed a lawsuit over an executive order the governor signed on Wednesday.

The Executive Order GA-37 tasked the Texas Department of Public Safety with stopping any vehicle suspected of carrying migrants and reroute them to their origin or impound them, claiming that they pose a risk of spreading the COVID-19.

Abbott's order came even after he ended many the Lone Star State's protective measures amid the pandemic, even going so far as to prevent local governments from enforcing mask mandates and vaccine requirements.

'The Biden Administration has created a constitutional crisis between the federal government and the State of Texas,' Abbott said on Friday.

'This stems from the Biden Administration's refusal to enforce immigration laws and allow illegal immigrants with COVID-19 to enter our country.'

Gov. Greg Abbott claims the Biden administration has caused a 'constitutional crisis'

Biden's Justice Department sued Texas to prevent troopers from stopping cars carrying migrants

Abbott made the statement after AG Merrick Garland announced the DOJ filed a lawsuit over an executive order the governor signed Wednesday

Abbott said that Texas is being 'overrun and overwhelmed' by a record-high influx of migrants - and alleged that 'cartels and smugglers profit off the chaos.'

'Not only that, but this crisis also extends beyond the border as deadly drugs like fentanyl infiltrate our communities,' Abbott said.

'This already dangerous situation continues to deteriorate as the Biden Administration knowingly imports COVID-19 into Texas from across the borderwillfully exposing Texans and Americans alike.'

He added: 'President Biden has a duty and a responsibility to protect and uphold our nation's sovereignty, yet he has long-since abdicated his authority to do so.'

Abbott claimed that he had to take action with his executive order as the 'Biden Administration sits on the sidelines.'

'I have the authority, and duty, under the constitutions of the United States and of Texas to protect Texans and our nation,' Abbott said.

'I also have the authority under long-established emergency response laws to control the movement of people to better contain the spread of a disaster, such as those known to have COVID-19.'

Earlier on Friday, Abbott sent a letter to Garland claiming that his lawsuit 'conflicts with my authority, and duty, to protect citizens of Texas and the United States.'

'Your actions, combined with the actions and omissions of the Biden Administration, directly conflict with my authority as Governor,' Abbott wrote.

'The Biden Administration is failing and refusing to enforce immigration laws by allowing migrants to unlawfully enter into the United States.'

Abbott's statement is seen in full in a screenshot from his website

Earlier on Friday, Abbott sent a letter to Garland claiming that his lawsuit 'conflicts with my authority, and duty, to protect citizens of Texas and the United States'

In the letter, Abbott admitted that the U.S. Constitution empowers the federal government - not states - to administer the immigration process.

'However, the Constitution does not allow the Biden Administration to fabricate its own immigration laws,' Abbott wrote, adding that the White House is limited to applying laws enacted by the U.S. Congress.

He continued: 'Worse, the Biden Administration is knowingly admitting hundreds of thousands of unauthorized migrants, many of whom the federal government knows full well have COVID-19. '

'To be clear, the Biden Administration is knowingly importing COVID-19 into Texas from across the border and knowingly exposing Texans and Americans to that disease,' he wrote.

He alleged that the White House could take measures to avoid a 'constitution showdown' by preventing migrants from entering at the Texas-Mexico border.

The Justice Department filed the lawsuit in a federal court in El Paso - asking for an immediate block on Abbott's order.

The lawsuit mirrors a letter that Garland sent the governor a day earlier, arguing that the state was usurping and even interfering with the federal government's responsibility to enforce immigration laws.

The lawsuit escalates tensions between the Biden administration and Abbott, a Republican who is facing reelection next year.

For months, the two-term governor has sought to claim former President Donald Trump's hardline mantle on immigration, inflaming passions on a polarizing issue.

Civil rights groups and immigration advocates have said Abbott's move for troopers stop vehicles could invite racial profiling and restrict the ability of shelters to take in newly arriving families.

Declarations submitted with the lawsuit offered fresh evidence of large numbers of migrants showing up at the border with Mexico, with senior officials warning that the governor's order could significantly impede transportation and other federal operations.

The Border Patrol's Rio Grande Valley sector, the busiest corridor for illegal crossings, had more than 8,300 migrants in custody Wednesday, with an average processing time of 57 hours, said Brian Hastings, the sector chief.

The sector has released more than 100,000 migrants since October 1, including 9,000 in the last week.

The Homeland Security Department reported that 646 children traveling alone were taken into custody across the Mexico border on Thursday, compared with a daily average of 480 over the previous 30 days.

The executive order declared that 'no governmental entity can compel any individual to receive a COVID-19 vaccine' or compel people to provide proof of vaccination

The border fight is heating up after Abbott also signed an executive order on Thursday night preventing mask and COVID-19 vaccination mandates to promote 'individual right and responsibility' in the Lone Star State.

Abbott announced the executive order in a press release just hours after President Joe Biden called on states to do more to incentivize vaccination.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stepped up mask and vaccination recommendations this week amid the worrying surge of the Delta variant - which some doctors have called the 'pandemic of the unvaccinated.'

'Today's executive order will provide clarity and uniformity in the Lone Star State's continued fight against COVID-19,' Abbott said.

'The new Executive Order emphasizes that the path forward relies on personal responsibility rather than government mandates.'

The Republican governor said that Texans 'have mastered the safe practices' that prevent the spread of COVID-19, even as the state reported 6,347 new cases on Thursday.

The Texas Health and Human Services data also shows 1,876 'possible cases' on Thursday, with 39 new deaths attributed to COVID-19.

The data shows that the two largest demographics of deaths in Texas are white, 35 percent, and Hispanic - 36 percent. There have been a total of 2,628,438 confirmed cases in the Lone Star State and 51,984 deaths since the pandemic began.

'They have the individual right and responsibility to decide for themselves and their children whether they will wear masks, open their businesses, and engage in leisure activities,' Abbott said.

He added: 'Vaccines, which remain in abundant supply, are the most effective defense against the virus, and they will always remain voluntary  never forced  in the State of Texas.'

The executive order declared that 'no governmental entity can compel any individual to receive a COVID-19 vaccine administered under an emergency use authorization.'

It declared that state agencies could not require proof of vaccination, or so-called 'vaccine passports,' from people entering a place of business or receiving services.

Any public or private entity that receives state funds has also been ordered not to require proof of vaccination or deny people entry for not providing proof.

Abbott also banned companies, state and local agencies - including school districts - from requiring patrons to wear masks. He also prevented local governments and entities from imposing their own restrictions on masks within their jurisdictions.

Local governmental entities that impose directives that conflict with Abbott's orders can face fines up to $1,000.

The orders stand in stark opposition to new CDC guidelines - effectively ordering all businesses, local governments and schools not to comply with federal recommendations.

The CDC said on Tuesday that anyone walking into a school should wear masks and that even vaccinated people should wear them again indoors in public spaces in regions 'with substantial and high transmission.'

Substantial transmission areas are defined as having 50-99 new infections for every 100,000 people over a seven-day period - while high transmission areas have 100 or more new infections per 100,000.

More than 200 of the 254 counties in Texas are in such categories, the Texas Tribune noted.

The Texas State Teachers Association sent a letter to Abbott on Tuesday requesting he let local school districts set their own mask mandates.

'Educators are eager to return to the classroom, but the pandemic is still dangerous,' said Ovidia Molina, the association's president.
The brother of ex NRL star Josh Reynolds, who was infected with Covid-19 last year, has been charged after attending Sydney's anti-lockdown rally last weekend.

Drew Reynolds was arrested by police at his Belmore residence on Friday afternoon after he made a series of self-incriminating social media posts while at the protest.

One video uploaded by Reynolds was captioned 'FREEDOM!! WE ALL UNITE AS ONE AGAINST THE EVIL' while another post captured someone from the crowd yelling at police to 'stand down'.

Drew Reynolds, brother of famed ex-NRL star Josh Reynolds was arrested at his Belmore home on Friday afternoon

Reynolds was granted bail and is due to appear in court at a later date

While Reynolds wore a mask to the protest it is alleged he set off a Roman Candle - which is designed to shoot 'flaming balls' - amidst the crowd of thousands.

Mr Reynolds has since been charged with possessing fireworks and breaching a public health order.

He is the brother of former Bulldogs and West Tigers star Josh Reynolds who left the NRL for English Super League last year.

Reynolds was arrested after attending Sydney's anti-lockdown protest last week, charged with possessing fireworks and breaching a public health order

Reynolds made a series of social media posts of his attendance at the rally which included a video captioned: 'freedom! We all unite as one against the evil!'

Earlier this month Josh revealed he was battling severe symptoms from the Covid-19 infection he contracted while in the UK.

He revealed he caught the infection when playing for Hull FC which has reportedly left him 'rattled' and struggling with symptoms since his diagnosis.

'I have never felt that weak in my body,' he told the Big Breakfast, The Daily Telegraph reported.

'(I had) all the symptoms, no smell, really bad sweats. Really aching and a bad migraine.'

Drew is the younger brother of former NRL player Josh Reynolds who was infected with Covid-19 in the UK last year

'I'm on the mend. I feel a lot better.' He said.

His brother Drew was granted bail and is due to appear in court at a later date.

Last week the so-called 'freedom' marches attracted 3,500 protestors to Sydney's CBD at midday on Saturday.

Frenzied crowds shouting 'freedom' and anti-vaccine conspiracy slogans swarmed Haymarket in the city centre, just moments after NSW Health's Jeremy McAnulty declared the area a virus hotspot.

Police confirmed 57 arrests were made and more than 250 public infringement notices issued.

Among those charged on Sunday were Jon-Bernard Kairouz, 24, the comedian who developed a cult following for predicting's daily Covid count, after he was filmed addressing the large crowd of protesters on a megaphone.

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.
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The daily death toll from COVID-19 appeared to rise nearly 300 per cent in 24 hours Friday - but the true figures were actually significantly lower as a data dump from Florida and Delaware skewed Johns Hopkins University's tally.

The figure trebled from 321 on Thursday to 891 on Friday raising fears that the more highly contagious Delta variant is now translating into spiraling fatalities nationwide.

Florida made up almost half of the daily tally, with 409 of the deaths recorded coming from the Sunshine State.

The state only reports its COVID-19 figures once a week on a Friday, meaning all deaths over the last seven days are added to the total in one lump sum and that the real daily change in the last 24 hours remains unknown.

Delaware also played a major part in sending the figures skyrocketing, as officials announced 130 new deaths Friday.

However, these deaths occurred between mid-May 2020 and late June this year with officials adding them Friday following a state review of death certificates.

In fact, the state recorded zero COVID-19 deaths within the last 24 hours with just two fatalities recorded over the last week.

Michigan also contributed to Friday's confusion, reporting 23 deaths compared to zero the previous day. In a similar sense to Florida, the state only posts its COVID-19 data twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays, distorting the tally.

The number of new COVID-19 cases on Friday rose to 194,608. On Thursday, 78,170 new infections were recorded

The number of new deaths in a 24-hour period rose to 891 on Friday. On Thursday, 321 deaths were recorded but this tally appears to have been skewed by huge data dumps from Florida and Delaware

While the differences in reporting practices across states, makes it difficult to give a precise change in daily death toll nationwide, this reveals are far less frightening picture than first thought.

Following the removal of these three anomalies, daily deaths instead climbed 2.5 percent from 321 Thursday to 329.

This more closely correlates what experts have said about the new surge in COVID-19 cases - that deaths are not rising at the same rate and have remained relatively flat thanks to the vaccine rollout.

COVID-19 cases have been rising nationwide due to the spread of the more highly contagious Delta variant.

The number of new cases also rose to 190,000 on Friday, compared to 78,170 on Thursday.

Dr Scott Gottlieb, the former FDA commissioner, said on Friday he believes there is a significant under-reporting of COVID-19 cases at present. He said the daily caseload could be one million - four times that of the January peak

At the pandemic's peak, 300,000 new COVID-19 cases were recorded on January 2, and the highest number of deaths was recorded on January 12, with 4,460 people dying.

The country has now reported 34,945,468 cases of COVID-19, and 613,013 deaths, according to the John Hopkins University. Fifty per cent of the country is fully vaccinated.

The current seven-day average of new daily coronavirus cases in the U.S. is roughly 67,000, according to a CNBC analysis of Johns Hopkins University data - an increase of 53 per cent compared to a week ago.

The highest seven-day day average of new COVID cases recorded in the U.S. was roughly 251,000 on January 8.

Case counts had dropped off dramatically in the spring as the country's vaccination campaign picked up speed.

Dr Scott Gottlieb, the former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday said he believes that up to 1 million Americans could soon be infected with COVID-19 every day - four times that of the January peak.

He told CNBC he believes the coronavirus is significantly more widespread in the U.S. than official case counts reflect.

'I wouldn't be surprised if, on the whole, we're infecting up to a million people a day right now, and we're just picking up maybe a 10th of that or less than a 10th of that,' he said.

Gottlieb's assessment would mean that the Delta variant is infecting four times as many people as during the peak of the previous surge, in January.

'What it reflects is a reality where you have a highly transmissible variant that's widely spread across the U.S. right now that's spreading mostly in a population that's either vaccinated and developing mild symptoms or no symptoms at all; or spreading in a younger population that's also less likely to develop symptoms because they're younger, healthier,' said Gottlieb.

'Most of the spread and most of the people who are showing up in the hospital are younger people. If that's where the infection is occurring, then there must be a lot more infection underneath the small numerator that's showing up in the hospital.'

In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis declared Friday that there will not be any new COVID-19 restrictions as the state health department reported a 50% jump in coronavirus cases this week.

This data shows a continuing a six-week surge, making the state the outbreak's epicenter and responsible for one in five new infections nationally.

The Florida Department of Health's report came just hours after DeSantis signed an executive order banning schools from requiring students to wear face masks when they return to class next month.

His edict, which is effective immediately, also stressed that 'all parents have the right to make healthcare decisions for their minor children,' - such as whether to mask them up.

Meanwhile, more than 110,000 new coronavirus cases were reported statewide over the past week, up from 73,000 last week and 11 times the 10,000 reported the week of June 11, six weeks ago. Case numbers are now back to where they in January, just before vaccinations became widely available.

In the US, 50% of Americans are fully vaccinated while 57% have received their first dose

In New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Twitter on Friday that the highly contagious virus strain now accounted for 75 percent of new coronavirus cases in the state.

Meanwhile, official data from New York City shows the strain is beginning to take its toll there as well, accounting for 72 percent of cases.

The Indian 'Delta' variant is believed to be behind outbreaks in both the state and city as public health experts and local leaders urge people to get vaccinated.

After enjoying declines for several weeks, New York has been seeing cases in increase over the past month..

The state is averaging 1,049 new cases per day, a 131 percent increase over the 454 cases per day average from two weeks ago, according to data from the CDC.

Despite the recent increases, case rates are still relatively low compared to other states, largely because of the state's high vaccination rate.

In New York, 63 percent of residents have received at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 57 percent are fully vaccinated.

Cuomo is trying to push that rate higher, though.

On Wednesday, the governor announced that all state employees will either have to get vaccinated or subject themselves to regular COVID testing, starting on Labor Day.

The Delta variant now accounts for 72 percent of new cases in New York City

Cases in New York have increased by 131 percent over the past two weeks, but still remain relatively low

Both Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio announced vaccine or testing mandates for their employees this week

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio made a similar decision earlier this week, announcing that 300,000 municipal workers in the city will either have to get vaccinated or subject themselves to regular testing in order to continue working.

The densely populated city accounts for a majority of the state's COVID-19 cases.

As of Friday, an average of 788 new cases every day are being found in New York City, an increase from 430 two weeks ago.

The city is also lagging behind the rest of the state in its vaccine rollout, with only 59.5 percent of residents having received at least one shot of the vaccine, and 54.6 percent fully vaccinated.

Joe Biden has been strongly urging people to get vaccinated. On May 13 he celebrated the announcement that face masks were no longer necessary - something critics have seized upon

The Indian 'Delta' variant causes infections that are more contagious than the common cold, flu, smallpox and the Ebola virus, and it is as infectious as chickenpox, the CDC claimed in a new research published on Friday.

It claims COVID-19 vaccines are still highly effective against the Delta variant at preventing serious illness and death, but detailed an outbreak in Provincetown, Cape Cod, over the July 4 weekend which saw many vaccinated people become infected. No one who was vaccinated died.

Only 6,587 - or 0.004 per cent - of the 163 million Americans who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 had suffered serious 'breakthrough' infections as of Monday.

The report attributed 430 cases to the outbreak. The cluster jumped to 931 cases on Thursday. About 74 per cent, or 364 cases, had been fully vaccinated. At least 79 per cent reported symptoms.

The Indian 'Delta' variant is more dangerous in several ways, Kaiser Health News claimed in a report, saying the incubation period is four days, rather than six, making people contagious sooner.

When the pandemic began, people spread the original coronavirus to an average of two or three people. Today, people infected with delta infect six people, on average.

It is not believed to be any more lethal, but it kills more people because it infects more.

British scientists have questioned some of the claims made by the CDC.

Professor David Livermore, an infectious diseases expert from the University of East Anglia, said vaccine-triggered immunity and the endless waves of COVID which nations have endured meant there were fewer susceptible people around for people to infect.

'The US, like the UK, has substantial immunity from prior infection and from vaccination,' he told MailOnline.

'This will surely be a major drag on Delta's spread, precluding (viral spread) numbers of that magnitude.'

And Professor Julian Tang, a virologist at Leicester University, said the theory was likely just 'speculation' because it was very difficult to track down the number of cases sparked by a single infection.

In the United Kingdom, the Delta outbreak is showing encouraging signs of being on the wane.

Joe Biden on Friday night told reporters that new restrictions were likely on their way to stem the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak

Delta outbreaks tend to last 10 to 12 weeks, as the virus 'burns through' susceptible populations.

COVID hospitalizations in England have fallen for first time since third wave took off and Department of Health statistics show the average number of patients needing care also fell sharply.

To counter the rising raise of U.S. infection, the White House is pushing for Americans to get their COVID vaccine - but has said repeatedly they won't mandate people get their shot in the arm.

Dr Rochelle Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Friday that it was being discussed - but then backtracked, and tweeted that it was not.

Dr Rochelle Walensky, the director of the CDC, appeared on Fox News on Friday and said that discussions were being held about a possible federal vaccine mandate. She said she could not go into details

'Yesterday, almost a million people got vaccinated, about half a million people for the first time,' President Biden said, calling it 'good news.'

Biden is requiring the more than two million employees of the federal government get vaccinated or submit to regular COVID testing.

The White House has said vaccine requirements are up to private businesses.

On Friday, Disney and Walmart, two of America's largest employers, announced a vaccine requirement for their employees.

The president on Friday warned Americans that new restrictions could be on their way, to curb the spread of COVID.

While he did not specify what the new restrictions would entail, the White House on Friday said that they were not planning on reintroducing lockdowns.

Karine Jean-Pierre, the principal deputy press secretary, was asked whether there have been 'conversations in the White House or between the White House and its scientific advisors about more lockdowns, partial lockdowns or anything along those lines'.

Jean-Pierre responded: 'We have the tools in our toolbelt to fight this variant.

'We are not going to head towards a lockdown.

'We want to make sure that we're doing everything that we can because we have the resources to make sure that doesn't happen.'

A new CDC report detailed 469 cases of COVID-19 linked to an outbreak in Provincetown, Massachusetts between July 3 and July 17, of which 74% were in fully vaccinated people
Boris Johnson is facing a cabinet revolt over vaccine passports, having been accused of denying people their fundamental freedoms.

The Prime Minister announced this month that certificates proving double jabs will be needed to enter indoor venues such as nightclubs from September.

Government advisers have raised concerns that such environments are conducive to 'super spreading' and could see a huge spike of cases later in the year.

But it sparked a huge backlash, with more than 50 Tory MPs prepared to vote against the 'misguided plan'.

Now Mr Johnson is facing a fresh headache, with some of the opposition reported to be coming from ministers in his own cabinet, who believe the policy was 'railroaded' through by Michael Gove.

One told the Times: 'I'm not comfortable with the government being able to use health information to cut off access to certain parts of society.

'This is the kind of thing that Dominic Cummings would endorse. It's not who we are. Once you start doing these things where do you stop? We need to tread very carefully here. There are concerns across the cabinet about denying people their freedoms.'

Boris Johnson is facing a cabinet revolt over vaccine passports, having been accused of denying people their fundamental freedoms

The Prime Minister announced this week that certificates proving double jabs will be needed to enter indoor venues such as nightclubs from September

'No jab no job' policies could result in legal action, experts warn Experts have warned companies imposing 'no jab no job' policies may face legal action, with fears of a host of discrimination claims sparking calls for ministers to outlaw such policies. A worker who is forced to have a jab would be suffering an 'intrusion' on their body, advice from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development claims. As a result, firms 'cannot forcibly vaccinate employees or potential employees' unless legally required to do so, according to the group, which represents HR professionals. Care home staff is the only sector that so far is subject to mandatory Covid jabs, although reports suggest the government has been looking in other areas too. The PM has had to scrap proposed rules insisting that university students must have had jabs before attending lectures and halls of residents after questions over its legality were raised by education secretary Gavin Williamson, the Times reports. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has also advised against blanket 'no jab no job' policies, according to the Sun, particularly given medical reasons prevent some people from getting the vaccine. But huge firms in the US, including Facebook and Google, have already insisted employees must probe they've received doses before going back to work. Advertisement

Another added: 'My concern is that this is destabilising the party. A carrot approach is far better than a stick approach. We shouldn't be taking people's liberties away, we should be encouraging them.'

Dominic Raab and Grant Shapps are among the senior members of the cabinet to praise businesses who have not allowed unvaccinated staff to return to the office, amid concerns the government is encouraging a 'jabs for jobs' policy.

Experts have warned companies doing so may face legal action, with fears of a host of discrimination claims sparking calls for ministers to outlaw such policies.

A worker who is forced to have a jab would be suffering an 'intrusion' on their body, advice from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development claims.

As a result, firms 'cannot forcibly vaccinate employees or potential employees' unless legally required to do so, according to the group, which represents HR professionals.

Care home staff is the only sector that so far is subject to mandatory Covid jabs, although reports suggest the government has been looking in other areas too.

The PM has had to scrap proposed rules insisting that university students must have had jabs before attending lectures and halls of residents after questions over its legality were raised by education secretary Gavin Williamson, the Times reports.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has also advised against blanket 'no jab no job' policies, according to the Sun, particularly given medical reasons prevent some people from getting the vaccine.

But huge firms in the US, including Facebook and Google, have already insisted employees must probe they've received doses before going back to work.

Meanwhile, Damian Collins, former chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, said those who had chosen not to get vaccinated could not expect 'to be treated in the same way' as those who had.

The Conservative MP told Times Radio: 'We don't force anyone to have a vaccine in this country, it is up to their individual choice.

'But at the same time, it might be unreasonable for someone who has decided not to get vaccinated to expect to be treated in the same way as someone who has been vaccinated twice.'

He added: 'I think we need to look venue-by-venue at the practicalities of introducing that but I can see certain venue owners, who are putting on large and major events for which they themselves may be trying to get insurance in order to protect their investment in those events, it may well be this is something those venues actively want to encourage so they've got that extra level of certainty.

'I don't think in that situation the Government should try and stop people doing that - that may be something the venues themselves want.

'I think we have to look at this very seriously, we have to look at what the vaccination rates are like by that time and if the double vaccination rates are high enough, it may not be necessary, but I do think this is something that has to be looked at seriously.'

The revolt comes just days after the government was accused of introducing passports by stealth after the NHS App was updated with 'domestic' and 'travel' options for Britons to prove their vaccination status.

It emerged this week that the government has signed a 12-month contract with a company to provide Covid passport technology. The contract with Entrust raises concerns about how long Britons will be forced to have the pass on their phones.

Mr Raab said it was a 'smart policy' for companies to insist employees are double-jabbed before they can return to offices.

But one senior Tory MP said there is 'almost universal objection' in the party to the plans, with South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay branding the passports a 'massive change to the relationship between the state and the individual' that would be a 'very dangerous step.'
Dilyn, the Johnson's Downing Street dog, has been neutered in a bid to cut back on his 'endless' romantic urges that sees him humping people's legs.

It has been revealed that the Johnsons decided to opt for the procedure in order to limit Dilyn's libido, The Sun reports.

With non-emergency vets procedures resuming, the hound recently went under the knife after Boris Johnson last week moaned of his Jack Russell's romantic urges.

The PM had complained that his and Carrie's pup is 'endlessly' up 'on people's legs' during a visit to Surrey Police's headquarters in Guildford.

Dilyn, the Johnson's Downing Street dog, (pictured above) has been neutered in a bid to cut back on his 'endless' romantic urges that sees him humping people's legs

The PM complained that his and Carrie's pet is 'endlessly' up 'on people's legs' in Downing Street

Speaking about police dog and German Shephard, Zorro, Mr Johnson asked: 'Do you have to worry about his romantic urges?'

After being told there were no such concerns with Zorro, Mr Johnson shook his head and said 'my dog is endless. on people's legs'.

Home Secretary Priti Patel, accompanying the Prime Minister on his visit, laughed as Mr Johnson explained the situation.

Dilyn's energy is well-known throughout Downing Street, having previous expensive run-ins with antique furniture at Chequers and being pictured bounding ahead of Boris and his son Wilfred in Buckinghamshire earlier this month.

Jack Russell-cross Dilyn was brought into Downing Street as a puppy by Mr Johnson and his wife Carrie (pictured) in 2019

Dilyn was abandoned by a Welsh farmer for having a misaligned jaw before he was taken in as a rescue puppy by Boris and Carrie in 2019.

Mr Johnson is regularly seen out running with his pet on a lead.

At times he has seemed to be struggling to control the animal as it showed an interest in ducks or passers by.
Queensland Health has released an updated alert featuring a number of new Covid exposure sites.

It comes hours after 11 LGAs in the Sunshine State were placed into a three-day lockdown from 4pm on Saturday afternoon after six positive cases of the Delta strain of coronavirus were confirmed overnight.

Among the venues include a Coles supermarket, numerous chemists and even a handful of bus routes.

Oxley, in Brisbane's south-west, has three fresh exposure sites - an Aldi supermarket, (Sunday 25 July, 8.55am to 9.25am) Chemist Warehouse (Sunday 25 July, 9.10am to 9.30am) and a Country Markets (Sunday 25 July, 8.30am to 9.10am).

Jindalee's Coles, (Thursday 29 July, 2.55pm to 3.15pm) also in the south-west, a McDonald's (Sunday 25 July, 6.20pm to 6.55pm) and a Terry White Chemmart (Thursday 29 July, 3pm to 3.20pm) in the same suburb were also exposed.

The Terry White Chemmart in Jindalee (pictured) has been identified as a Covid exposure site in Queensland

Latest Covid exposure sites in Queensland Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed is a close contact and must get tested and then isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result. Blunder Road Country Markets, 3/150 Blunder Rd Oxley, Sunday 25 July 8.30am to 9.10am ALDI Oxley, 146 Blunder Rd Oxley, Sunday 25 July, 8.55am to 9.25am Chemist Warehouse, 146 Blunder Rd Oxley Sunday 25 July 9.10am to 9.30am McDonalds, Jindalee Homemaker City, 12A Goggs Rd Jindalee 6.20pm to 6.55pm Bus Route 66, UQ Lakes Bus Station to PA Hospital Bus Station Wednesday July 28, 12.20pm to 12.40pm Bus Route 29, PA Hospital Bus Station to UQ Lakes Bus Station, Wednesday July 28, 2.30pm to 2.50pm Southbank TAFE, F Block Level 5 Rm 501566, Ernest St South Brisbane, Wednesday July 28, 7pm to 9pm Highgrove Bathrooms, 899 Stanley St East East Brisbane, Thursday July 29 11am to 11.25am Coles Jindalee, Corner Goggs and Sinnamon Rds Jindalee, Thursday July 29 2.55pm to 3.15pm Terry White Chemmart Jindalee, 4/168 Sinnamon Rd Jindalee, Thursday July 29, 3pm to 3.20pm Bus Route 412, Sir Fred Schonell Dve, St Lucia to UQ Chancellors Place, University of Queensland, Friday July 30, 9.45am to 9.55am Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed is considered a casual contact who must get tested immediately and isolate until a negative result is received Bunnings Warehouse, Wecker Rd Mount Gravatt , Wednesday 28 July 7am to7.35am Bunnings Warehouse, Wecker Rd, Mount Gravatt Thursday 29 July 12.30pm to 1.05pm Source: Queensland Health Advertisement

The same applies for Highgrove Bathrooms in East Brisbane (Thursday 29 July, 11am to 11.25am) and the Southbank TAFE (Wednesday 28 July, 6pm to 9pm) in South Brisbane.

Anyone who caught the route 66 bus from the UQ lakes bus station to the PA Hospital bus station on Wednesday July 28, between 12.20pm and 12.40pm has also been added to the list.

So too has the route 29 bus from the PA Hospital bus station to UQ lakes bus station on the same day, from 2.30pm to 2.50pm.

Another bus route on the exposure site list is the 412 from Sir Fred Schonell Drive in St Lucia, southwest of the CBD, to UQ Chancellors Place at the University of Queensland for Friday July 30, between 9.45am and 9.55am.

Additionally, two new casual contact exposure sites have been added for Mount Gravatt, in Brisbane's south.

Both are for Bunnings Warehouse, with one on Wednesday July 28 between 7am and 7.35am and the other on Thursday July 29 between 12.30pm and 1.05pm.

Any person who has visited any of the identified exposure sites is urged to get tested for Covid immediately.

They must also remain in quarantine  even after receiving a negative result  for 14 days from when they were last at the venue.

The lockdown has impacted more than three million residents, with NRL, AFL and Super Netball games all cancelled on Saturday across the state.

Coles Jindalee, in Brisbane's south-west, has been named as a Covid exposure site by Queensland Health

Aldi in Oxley, (pictured) also in Brisbane's south-west, is a confirmed Covid exposure site - after six positive cases overnight, many parts of Queensland were plunged into a three-day lockdown

The 11 LGAs affected include Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Noosa Shire, Redland City, the Scenic Rim Regional Council, the Somerset Regional Council and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council.

Residents living can only leave home for four reasons including for essential goods, to provide or receive care, for essential school and work, and exercise.

Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the state had no choice but to impose the harsh restrictions.

'We have seen from the experience in other states that the only way to beat the Delta strain is to move quickly, to be fast, and to be strong,' he said.

'This will be the strictest lockdown that we have had.'
Iran has reportedly said the 'suicide drone' attack on an oil tanker, which killed two people, was in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike on a military airport in Syria.

Two members of the crew, a Briton and a Romanian, died on Thursday off the coast of Oman when a MV Mercer Street oil tanker was attacked by an armed drone believed to be operated by Iran.

Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid blamed 'Iranian terrorism' for the attack, while a US official said the use of a 'suicide drone' raised the possibility a government was behind the incident.

But Iranian state media has claimed the incident was in retaliation for an airstrike on a Syrian military airport, which it accused Israel of being behind, according to CNN.

The Syrian regime is backed by Iranian forces and some countries blamed Iran for the incident amid the unravelling of Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers.

Mercer Street off Cape Town, South Africa. The oil tanker owned by an Israeli billionaire reportedly came under attack off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea. Two people - including a British man - are reported to have been killed in the attack

No Iranian officials have yet formally commented on the incident and no one immediately claimed responsibility for the raid.

Speaking of Friday, Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid blamed 'Iranian terrorism' for the attack, saying Tehran is 'sowing violence and destruction.'

The Islamic Republic 'is not only Israel's problem, but it is the world's problem. Its behaviour threatens the freedom of navigation and global commerce', he added.

A US official said it appeared a 'suicide drone' was used in the incident, raising the possibility that a government or a militia group was behind the incident.

Analysts said the attack bore all the hallmarks of tit-for-tat exchanges in the 'shadow war' between Israel and Iran, in which vessels linked to each nation have been targeted in waters around the Gulf.

The Israeli official warned that 'our campaign against them (Iran) will continue'.

The tanker was in the northern Indian Ocean, travelling from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates at the time of the incident.

Zodiac Maritime confirmed the incident on board the tanker left one Romanian and a UK national dead.

'We are not aware of harm to any other personnel,' it said in a statement, adding that the Japanese-owned tanker was back under the control of its crew and was steaming to an undisclosed 'safe location' under US naval escort.

The British victim worked as a guard for UK maritime security firm Ambrey, the company said.

Other Israeli-linked ships have been targeted in recent months amid a shadow war with Iran, with Israeli officials blaming the Islamic Republic for the assaults

A security official claimed the crew reported hearing drone noises and eruptions in the water before the vessel went radio silent, CNN reported.

The boat's driver and a security detail reportedly remained to pilot the vessel and were both hit in the attack. The Briton was said to be a member of the security team.

The tanker, called MV Mercer Street, is operated by London-based company Zodiac Maritime which is owned by Israeli shipping billionaire Eyal Ofer.

The company said it was working to establish what happened in the attack, which saw the vessel targeted north-east of the Omani island of Masirah, 185 miles south-east of the capital Muscat, on Thursday.

The United States, a key ally of Israel and arch-rival of Iran, expressed concern and said it was monitoring the situation.

'We are urgently working with our partners, our international partners, to establish the facts,' a State Department spokeswoman said.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the raid. However, others have also blamed Iran amid the unravelling of Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers.

United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, a Royal Navy warning system for attacks on shipping, said an investigation was under way and that coalition forces were taking part.

Meir Javedanfar, an expert on Iranian diplomacy and security at Israel's IDC Herzliya university, told AFP news agency the attack was 'most probably Iran'.

Al-Alam, Iran's state TV channel in Arabic, citing 'informed regional sources' said the attack was a 'response to a recent Israeli attack' targeting an airport in central Syria. It did not provide further details.

Oman's state news agency said the country's navy dispatched a ship and confirmed the attack took place outside the sultanate's territorial waters.

Exact details of how the attack occurred have yet to be confirmed.

Javedanfar said Iranians 'feel badly disadvantaged when it comes to responding to attacks inside Iran which have been associated to Israel', including an April strike on the Natanz uranium enrichment site reportedly executed by Israel.

Speaking of Friday, Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid (pictured earlier this week) blamed 'Iranian terrorism' for the attack, saying Tehran is 'sowing violence and destruction'

An attack on a maritime vessel 'is one area where (Iranians) feel they can try to at least retaliate,' he added, calling the latest strike an escalation in the 'shadow war' between the two Middle Eastern powerhouses.

But he assessed the fundamental dynamics of the rivalry would change little. 'Both sides will continue what they're doing,' he said.

Zodiac Maritime is part of the Zodiac Group, owned by billionaire Ofer, whose enterprises span shipping, real estate, technology, banking and investments.

Ofer was ranked the world's 197th richest person by Forbes this year, with a fortune of $11.3 billion. His firms own and operate over 160 ships.

The Arabian Sea and surrounding Indian Ocean were plagued by piracy around a decade ago, but incidents have waned in recent years after foreign navies stepped up patrols.

Zodiac initially called the attack on the MT Mercer Street 'a suspected piracy incident'.

The vessel was in the northern Indian Ocean, travelling from Dar es Salaam to Fujairah with no cargo onboard when the attack occurred, it added.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) - an anti-piracy taskforce run by the Royal Navy - also issued a report of 'a vessel being attacked' around 152 nautical miles (280 kilometres) off the coast of Oman.

It classed the incident as 'non-piracy'.

Maritime industry analysts Dryad Global said the attack was similar to previous incidents against vessels associated with Israel and Iran.

Two ships operated by Israeli firm Ray Shipping were attacked earlier this year.

'The attack on the MT Mercer Street is now assessed to be the fifth attack against a vessel connected to Israel,' Dryad said in an email note on the incident.

But it said before the deaths were confirmed that the loss of two personnel 'would represent a significant escalation in events that... would likely lead to significant international condemnation and would require diplomatic redress'.

It advised clients that the risk to commercial vessels associated with Israel and Iran in the Gulf waterway was 'heightened', pointing to lingering tensions between the two powers over Iran's nuclear ambitions.

'Such incidents remain irregular and are highly unlikely to impact normal commercial operations throughout the region,' it added.

Israel considers Iran to be its biggest threat, citing Tehran's hostile rhetoric, support for anti-Israeli militant groups and growing influence in the region.

The remarks came after an earlier report from private maritime intelligence firm Dryad Global referred to a drone sighting involving the vessel prior to the attack.

Iran and Yemen's Tehran-backed Houthi rebels have employed 'suicide' drones in the past. These are unmanned aircraft loaded with explosives that detonate on impact with a target.

British maritime security firm Ambrey confirmed the attack had killed one of its team members.

It said it was working with authorities and offering support to the victim's family. Omani officials did not respond to requests for comment.

The sultanate sits on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula and is along vital shipping routes for cargo and energy moving through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf.

The deaths mark the first fatalities after years of assaults targeting shipping in the region.

Other Israeli-linked ships have been targeted in recent months amid a shadow war with Iran, with Israeli officials blaming the Islamic Republic for the assaults.

Israel, meanwhile, has been suspected in a series of major attacks targeting Iran's nuclear programme. Iran also saw its largest warship recently sink in mysterious circumstances in the nearby Gulf of Oman.

Thursday's attack comes amid heightened tensions over Iran's tattered nuclear deal and as negotiations over restoring the accord have stalled in Vienna.

The series of ship attacks suspected to have been carried out by Iran began a year after then US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the accord in 2018.

Iranian media quoted foreign press reports on Thursday's attack but did not offer anything more.
The fall in Covid infections could be down to people avoiding getting tested so they don't have to self-isolate, a SAGE expert has warned.

Robert West, a member of the behavioural advisory group, said Government messaging may have inadvertently given people a 'green light' that Covid isn't that bad and that people may be avoiding the disruption of self-isolation.

Prof West, who is also a health psychology professor, told Radio 4's Today programme that young people may also be less motivated to get tested because their symptoms are not as severe.

It comes amid mounting confusion over the rate of infection across the UK as there is a discrepancy between official figures and survey data from bodies including the Office of National Statistics.

Pictured: Robert West, a member of the behavioural advisory group, said Government messaging may have given people a 'green light' that Covid isn't bad so they don't need tests

Britains daily Covid cases fell again yesterday for the ninth day in a row, amid mounting confusion over true state of the third wave. Department of Health bosses posted 29,622 cases  down 18.6 per cent on last week.

But the ONS, which carries out tens of thousands of random swab tests every week, estimated one in 65 people were carrying the virus on any given day in the seven-day spell ending July 24  the equivalent of 856,200 positive cases.

Experts have said the drop in official figures could be down to a multitude of factors - including fewer people coming forward to get tested because of the 'pingdemic' chaos and fears of having to self-isolate.

Prof West told Today: 'I think one of the things that is a concern is that people may not be coming forward as they used to do for testing and one of the reasons for that I think may be that the messaging from the Government in a way has given them a sort of a green light to people to say well actually it's not so bad if you get the infection and so if you go and get tested you have to self-isolate at least at the moment and that's going to be very disruptive so I suspect that that may be a factor.

There is mounting confusion over the rate of infection across the UK as there is a discrepancy between official figures and survey data from bodies including the Office of National Statistics

'The messaging, I hope inadvertently, coming from the Government around the idea that we've broken the link between infections and hospitalisation and death which obviously then that gets sort of tracked back a bit because it's not broken, it's weakened but it's not broken. I think all that kind of messaging is a factor.

'Also I think because it is the case that a lot more younger people are being infected now who just by virtue of their age the severity of the symptoms and hospitalisation is much lower so the motivation to get tested will be less.

'What I think we need to do is get back on track with some really clear messaging around that as with the vaccinations.'

The Department of Health data shows that hospital admissions in England have been falling for the last four days in a row.

Admissions fell 11 per cent week-on-week, down from 783 on July 21 to 728 on July 28.

New cases are still declining across the UK, but the number of tests taken has dropped 14.3 per cent in the last seven day, which could impact numbers.

Both the deaths and hospitalisation figures reported today are 6.3 per cent higher than they were seven days earlier.

Meanwhile, 42,410 more first vaccine doses were dished out, while 180,155 people became fully immunised against Covid.

This means 88.4 per cent of adults in the UK have had one dose, while 71.8 per cent are double jabbed.

Yesterday, Professor Paul Hunter, an expert in public health at the University of East Anglia, said: 'The decline in case numbers as reported by the DHSC today do not conflict with the report from ONS from earlier in the day as one would not expect to see any impact of the recent decline in the ONS figures till next Friday.'

While cases are continuing to rise across England in ONS's data, the 15 per cent increase spotted by its random-test survey marks a slow down on the previous projection (28 per cent).

The Government agency's estimate yesterday was based on swabs of more than 100,000 people in private homes across the country.

It does not include tests in hospitals or care homes, so only provides a rough assessment of how widespread the disease is among the community.

The ONS estimates the North East is still the hardest hit, with 3.2 per cent of people there testing positive for the virus.

It is followed by the North West (2.1 per cent), the West Midlands (1.9 per cent), London (1.7 per cent) and the East Midlands (1.7 per cent).

Covid positivity rates were lowest in the East and the South West (both 1 per cent).
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.
There was further confusion over the UK's rules on vaccines and travel today, as it emerged Boris Johnson has backed plans to allow thousands of delegates treated only with unregulated jabs to attend a summit - while imposing new restrictions on British holidaymakers.

The Prime Minister has given the green light for officials and leaders to attend the Cop26 climate change event in Glasgow later this year, even though many have only received Chinese or Russian vaccines - not recognised by British or European medical regulators.

Questions have been raised over the efficacy of the Sinovac, Sinopharm and Sputnik V jabs, and now some cabinet ministers are voicing concerns over the public health implications of 'legitimising' them, and allowing the delegates to roam free on their visit to Britain.

Dominic Raab and Michael Gove are among the senior figures to have expressed fears, according to the Times, but Mr Johnson is said to be determined to press on and allow entry regardless.

It comes as families were in a fight to save their summer last night, with holiday hotspots in Europe facing new travel rules.

Plans for an 'amber watch list' have sparked uproar in Whitehall, with some ministers warning the scheme could wreck the hopes of millions of Britons.

The idea, which was agreed in principle this week, would see holidaymakers warned that while they are abroad certain amber countries could go straight on to the red list.

This would leave them facing compulsory hotel quarantine on their return, at a cost of 1,750 a head.

Spain and Italy both featured in talks about countries that could be put into the new category  as soon as next week  amid fears about the Beta variant, which first emerged in South Africa.

Boris Johnson has backed plans to allow thousands of delegates treated only with unregulated jabs to attend a summit - while imposing new restrictions on British holidaymakers

The Sinovac vaccine, pictured being prepared by a health worker in Jakarta today, is not recognised by British or European medical regulators

UK FACES A 'RISKY' AUTUMN BECAUSE FOREIGN HOLIDAYS AND RETURN OF STUDENTS A document dated July 14 stated the importance of global surveillance on the emergence of new variants and added: 'Any increase in foreign travel over the summer and the return of international students to universities in the autumn is of particular concern.' In the same document from the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O), experts warned that September and October 'will be a particularly risky point in the trajectory of the epidemic'. It states that 'significant pressures on healthcare could be seen' if more normal behaviours, following the lifting of many restrictions, coincide with the return of schools and universities. Advertisement

The PM is understood to be concerned that forcing quarantine upon the delegates could see Cop26 delayed or carried out virtually instead.

While Mr Johnson is determined to hold the physical conference in Scotland in November, a government source insisted: 'Any decision will be made with public safety in mind,' they said.

But such a move would be hugely controversial after the government announced this week that all visitors without jabs approved by regulators in the UK, US or EU will have to isolate.

There was a glimmer of hope that France could be released from the 'amber-plus' list, meaning the fully vaccinated will finally be able to return to the UK without the need to quarantine.

But it could still go into the amber watch category.

Senior ministers, including Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, are said to have reservations about imposing further disruption on the beleaguered travel sector.

Mr Shapps urged people to 'ignore speculation' ahead of decisions next week. But behind the scenes a battle is raging.

One Whitehall source said: 'You would have to be crackers to book a holiday to a place knowing that it could go on to the red list at any moment.

'If you have already booked to go there you are going to spend your whole holiday worrying whether you are going to have to make a dash to the airport to get home.

'The decision next week will basically be in place for August. It is peak holiday season  are we really going to cause that much disruption to this many people?'

Another source said that the Treasury had warned ministers to 'stop messing about with travel'.

Some ministers doubt whether it is even possible to put Spain on the red list this summer, given the limited amount of hotel quarantine capacity in the UK.

Government health advisers however, are said to be alarmed by the potential for importing Covid infections. Cases of the Beta variant are of particular concern because it has proved more resistant to the AstraZeneca jab.

A graph shows how the number of Covid cases per million people compares in the UK, France, Italy and Spain

Plans for an 'amber watch list' have sparked uproar in Whitehall, with some ministers warning the scheme could wreck the hopes of millions of Britons. Pictured: Eiffel Tower in Paris

Spain and Italy (pictured) both featured in talks about countries that could be put into the new category  as soon as next week  amid fears about the Beta variant

The idea, which was agreed in principle this week, would see tourists warned that while they are abroad certain amber countries could go on to the red list. Pictured: Benidorm in Spain

The Government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) said that England's R rate was now thought to be between 1.1 and 1.4, but it was a varied picture across the country. The R rate was estimated to be the highest in the East (1.1 to 1.5), followed by London, the South East and the South West (all 1.2 to 1.5). Following these regions was the Midlands (1.1 to 1.4), the North East and Yorkshire (1.1 to 1.3) and the North West (1 to 1.2)

Sage committee papers released yesterday revealed scientists have warned that 'any increase in foreign travel over the summer ... is of particular concern'.

Data expert Tim White said Test and Trace figures showed 2.9 per cent of arrivals in England from Spain between July 1 and 21 tested positive for Covid.

He added: 'From the data, my analysis is bleak.'

But Paul Charles of the PC Agency, a travel consultancy, predicted ministers would back off putting Spain on the new amber watch list. 'It would be a really tough decision,' he said. 'I can't believe they're going to do that.'

Ministers this week agreed a lifting of quarantine restrictions for fully vaccinated tourists arriving from the United States and Europe.

They also discussed the 'traffic light' system that governs Britons returning from abroad.

The original green, red and amber scheme has already been supplemented with green watch and amber-plus.

ENGLAND COVID HOSPITALISATIONS: Department of Health statistics show the average number of patients needing care stood at 785 on July 25, down on the day before (793)

The next Covid variant could kill up to one in THREE people: SAGE warns doomsday scenario is 'realistic possibility' and UK's vaccine roll-out may even speed up mutant strain's emergence

SAGE today warns a future Covid mutant strain could be as deadly as MERS

No10's expert panel say coronavirus mutates most when it is in high prevalence

Group warns strains could become more resistant to vaccines and antivirals

A doomsday new Covid variant that could kill up to one in three people is a 'realistic possibility', according to the Government's top scientists.

Documents published by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) today warned a future strain could be as deadly as MERS  which which has a case fatality rate of 35 per cent  could be on the way.

No10's expert panel It said the likelihood of the virus mutating is highest when it is most prevalent  as is currently the case in Britain.

And a downside of Britain's hugely successful vaccine drive, it appears the country's greater levels of immunity could help speed up the process.

Scientists said Britain should bring in booster vaccine doses over the winter, minimise new variants coming from abroad and consider culling animals  including minks and even cats, which can harbour the virus  to prevent the mutant strain occurring.

A doomsday new Covid variant that could kill one in three people is a 'realistic possibility', according to the Government's top scientists

Scientists unveiled the threat of a super mutant variant in a paper looking at potential scenarios that could emerge in the not-so-distant future.

Experts said a future strain could be resistant to vaccines if it came about by the jab-resistant 'South Africa' Beta variant combining with the more transmissible 'Kent' Alpha or 'India' Delta variants.

Why the Delta Covid variant ISN'T really spreading as quickly as chickenpox Top scientists today claimed the Indian 'Delta' variant is not spreading as quickly as chickenpox, despite US health officials saying it is just as contagious. Data circulating within America's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claimed people infected with the mutant strain can go on to infect eight others. The same internal document also alleged that fully-vaccinated people can spread the Indian variant just as easily as unvaccinated people because they carry a similar amount of the virus in their nose and mouth. Dr Rochelle Walensky, the director of the CDC, insisted the agency was 'not crying wolf', saying the situation was 'serious' and that the measures needed to tackle the spread of Delta were 'extreme'. But British scientists have questioned some of the claims made by the department, which has urged Americans to keep their coverings on indoors regardless of whether they've been vaccinated or not. Professor David Livermore, an infectious diseases expert from the University of East Anglia, said vaccine-triggered immunity and the endless waves of Covid which nations have endured meant there were fewer susceptible people around for people to infect. 'The US, like the UK, has substantial immunity from prior infection and from vaccination,' he told MailOnline. 'This will surely be a major drag on Delta's spread, precluding (viral spread) numbers of that magnitude.' And Professor Julian Tang, a virologist at Leicester University, said the theory was likely just 'speculation' because it was very difficult to track down the number of cases sparked by a single infection. Advertisement

The process  known as recombination  could lead to a strain with 'increased morbidity and mortality'.

The team admitted vaccines should work unless there was an extra-potent mutation that rendered jabs much less effective at blocking serious disease  which many experts say is unlikely.

But they said the extra lethality would be expected 'even in the face of vaccination since vaccines do not provide absolute sterilising immunity.'

The prospect of a deadlier variant is a 'realistic possibility' and would have a huge impact on the UK's death toll moving forward, the scientists said.

And experts and politicians have warned the damning report shows the Government 'must not be complacent' as Britain appears to be coming out its current third wave of the pandemic.

Dr Philippa Whitford, vice-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus, said: 'This report, which should have sent shock waves through the UK Government, was instead quietly snuck out among a glut of reports during parliamentary recess.

'Recommendations and comments made by SAGE bring home the simple reality  that we have not yet 'defeated' this virus.

'The UK only donated its first vaccine doses internationally this week and, unless there is a rapid increase in global production, through sharing knowledge and technology, it simply will not be possible to vaccinate the world and bring the pandemic to an end.

'Without stricter border control measures we risk importing vaccine-resistant variants while uncontrolled spread here could lead to yet another UK variant.'

The Scottish National Party MP: 'The government mustn't stick its head in the sand or it will run the risk of un-doing the progress we have made over the past eighteen months.'

Professor Martin McKee, an expert in public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: 'These stark words from the Government's own advisors underlines what many of us have been warning about and confirms there are still obstacles to overcome.

'The government can't be complacent, they must continue their support for the development of the next generation of vaccines and prioritise the reduction of infections here at home to reduce the possibility of another domestic variant emerging.'

The warnings about variants were scattered in a series of reports unveiled by the Government advisory group as part of a weekly transparency pledge.

SAGE warned that the virus can infect a host of different animals including minks  which have had to be culled in Denmark in their thousands.

The group warned further culling or animal vaccinating may be needed in other species to prevent them becoming reservoirs for the virus.

They listed dogs, cats, mice, rats and ferrets as animals who are known to have been infected with Covid.

Another potential issue they found is the use of antvirals to treat Covid once a patient is already infected.

Britain invested heavily in the new technologies  which were used to treat Donald Trump during his bought with the virus last year  but scientists warn overuse could lead to more mutant strains and warned doctors to only prescribe them in the most serious cases of Covid.

But in more hopeful news, the group also predicted it is a 'realistic possibility in the long term' that as Covid continue to mutate it will cause less serious disease.

The group wrote: 'In other words, this virus will become like other human CoV that causes common colds, but with much less severe disease predominantly in the old or clinically vulnerable.'

Screens at work can RAISE risk of virus transmission, scientists warn Perspex screens in workplaces may increase the risk of virus transmission, government scientists have warned. There is little evidence on the effectiveness of these barriers at reducing transmission through droplets, experts from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) said. Coronavirus spreads through small liquid particles when infected people cough, sneeze, speak or breathe. They range from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols, according to the World Health Organisation. In an undated document released yesterday, Sage experts said: 'Screens are unlikely to provide any direct benefit in reducing exposure to the virus from droplets or aerosols when people are already located at two metres or greater or where they are not face to face.' And some evidence 'suggests that screens could increase risks of aerosol transmission due to blocking airflow patterns or creating zones of poor air circulation behind screens'. Advertisement

Now PHE spots ANOTHER variant: 16 Brits have tested positive for 'Colombian' strain

Health chiefs have spotted another Covid variant spreading in Britain, with 31 mutant strains now on the UK's watchlist.

Sixteen cases of the B.1.621 version of the virus  which is thought to have originated in Colombia  have already been detected.

Public Health England insists there is no proof it is deadlier than Delta, which makes up 99 per cent of all cases in the UK.

And it says there's no evidence that the strain renders any of the vaccines currently deployed any less effective.

The Government-run agency also claims there is no sign that B.1.621 is spreading in the community.

But it does admit the variant contains a number of 'mutations of concern'.

The figure shows how the B.1.621 variant  which was first identified in Colombia  spread across different countries over time, indicating that an increasing number of countries reported cases in June and July. The US and Mexico are among the countries to record the most cases

The coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2, is mutating all the time as a result of genetic errors when it multiplies. Most mutations are harmless (stock)

Testing shows it does carry the same N501Y mutation that researchers believe made the Alpha variant so transmissible.

Some samples also contain E484K, which is also found in the Beta strain that experts say can partially evade vaccines.

The coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2, is mutating all the time as a result of genetic errors when it multiplies. Most mutations are harmless.

But ones that make it able to spread quicker or to survive longer inside the human body are the ones that are likely to stick around.

They will be passed on to future generations if they give the virus a survival advantage, and the ability to spread faster and keep spreading for longer will help versions of the virus with that mutation to become dominant by overtaking slower, weaker versions.

The World Health Organization says the first documented sample of B.1.621 was in Colombia in January.

Another 25 countries have also recorded cases since then, including the US, Spain, Mexico and the Netherlands.

As well as the 16 cases already spotted in England, another six suspected samples are currently being analysed.

Almost all of the samples (10) have been detected in London. And most have been among twenty-somethings (six).

Two cases were spotted among people who were fully vaccinated. No-one has died yet.

Despite PHE saying there was no evidence of community transmission, only three of the cases had a history of travel.

Health chiefs said additional contact tracing has already been carried out. Targeted testing will be deployed to limit its spread, if necessary.

Further laboratory tests are now being carried out to help officials understand more about the strain.
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Revellers at Bestival were finally able to enjoy the event today as stormy weather made way for beautiful sunshine, while clubbers across the UK battled the elements for a night out.

Despite Storm Evert battering Britain yesterday, Camp Bestival still went ahead for 30,000 party-goers at Lulworth Castle in Dorset.

Curator Rob da Bank said: 'We've been through everything and are ready for anything - our customers are very hardy - we'll get through it.'

Excited revellers at the site made the most of the fine weather as they enjoyed performances from Fatboy Slim, M People's Heather Small and the Cuban Brothers.

Claire Collins, 43, from London, who was there with her two children, said: 'It's just so nice to be out seeing people and watching live music again.

'After such a long time not being able to do the things that we love it's great to be out. After the storm yesterday, the sun's out and we are having a great time.'

Today at Bestival the stormy weather made way for fine sunshine as colourful crowds made the most of the good weather

People enjoy the much needed sunshine at Bestival following stormy weather which battered tents and delayed opening

Meanwwhile, people in Leeds braved the heavy rain for a night on the town last night.

Britain is expected to see some sunshine in the North and West today but there will be heavy rain in parts of East, Central and South England this afternoon.

The storm battered the South West with 75mph wind, seriously injuring two women under a tree and forcing festivals to delay their starts and move camps.

Meteorologists expect the heavy gales to die down by tomorrow, when it will feel a little warmer and start to dry out apart from in the South and South East of England where some will be thundery.

Some braved the conditions and headed out despite the rain and strong winds, armed only with an umbrella for a night out in Leeds

Women heading out in Leeds had to brave the blustery conditions with umbrellas catching the strong winds on Friday night

Two girls on a night out in Leeds share a hood as they brave the wet weather caused by Storm Evert yesterday

In Leeds, revellers headed out into the city centre to party for the start of the weekend in spite of the miserable summer weather

Revellers took to the streets and relished the opportunity for a night out with no Covid restrictions despite the poor weather

Family with a baby in a covered pram stroll across Putney Bridge in London on Saturday during unpredictable showers

Two pedestrians take cover under their umbrellas during unpredictable weather in Putney on Saturday, while a third dressed for summer runs to find shelter

Rain has fallen for much of this weekend with unpredictable showers to continue into next week (Pictured: Cyclist and couple on Putney Bridge on Saturday)

Shoppers dart across Oxford Street amid a heavy downpour in London on Friday as storms continue to wreak havoc across the country

Next week, the weather will continue to be unsettled across England and Wales, with showers and some sunshine

The Met Office said: 'The changeable conditions continue to dominate the picture for the first half of August. A mixture of sunny spells and showers, with some drier interludes, is the general pattern expected through this period for all.

'Some of these showery spells may merge to give slightly longer spells of rain. At first, scattered showers for most, with some thunderstorms likely to develop from these. Torrential downpours are likely in some places.

'Winds generally remaining breezy, with temperatures expected to be near to average, perhaps slightly above average in northern areas.

'Through the remainder of this period, it will likely turn settled, though a few showers cannot be ruled out, especially in southeastern areas.

'Drier weather than recently, with sunny spells for most through to mid-August, with temperatures trending above average.'

Tents and awnings collapsed at Camp Bestival in Dorset yesterday and organisers delayed opening the public arenas and gates.

Staycationers were warned to take extra care while camping and driving on coastal roads as the storm blew into the South West of the country, as it continued to gather pace and swept east along the south coast.

Drinkers shelter under umbrellas in Soho as they enjoy a Friday night in central London during the wet July weather

Despite the miserable conditions, many braved the rain to enjoy the start to their weekends in Soho as they headed to the pubs and bars armed with umbrellas

Some who headed out on Friday night were well prepared in waterproof coats for a night drinking alfresco in the rain

People stand in the rain at the wet and windy Farmfest event being held at Bruton in Somerset this morning

Clouds loom above the Ageas Bowl in Southampton during the Hundred match between Southern Brave and Birmingham Phoenix

This tent in Cornwall failed to withstand the heavy winds, a fate shared by many across the south of England last night

The usually crowded streets of Soho were much more sedate on Friday night as revellers were turned away by the inclement weather

Hundreds braved the wet weather to attend the GALA music festival in south London on Saturday

Festivalgoer at GALA in South London is all smiles despite the wet weather on Saturday

Revellers remain unfazed by the rain at the GALA festival at Peckham Rye Park in London

In Cornwall, guests at the Bedruthan Steps Campsite were moved to a field which is better protected from the wind, while Sarah Weeks from clifftop glamping site Seaview Tipis told guests to 'pack up and go' for their safety.

Meanwhile the three-day Rock Oyster Festival - where Sophie Ellis-Bexter is headlining tomorrow - is under threat and delayed opening on its site at Dinham House in St Minver, Cornwall, until midday today due to the storm.

Camp Bestival is still going ahead for the 30,000 attendees as it stands, with curator Rob da Bank saying: 'We've been through everything and are ready for anything - our customers are very hardy - we'll get through it.'

An amber 'danger to life' wind warning was issued ahead of 'unseasonably strong winds and heavy rain'. The worst conditions were in Cornwall, where gusts of between 55mph and 75mph were hitting coastal areas.

Downpours added to the miserable conditions for the thousands of families on holiday in Britain at the moment.

But drinkers braved the rain for a night out on Friday, with many huddling under umbrellas and raincoats as they headed for shelter in pubs and clubs.

Hundreds also braved the wet weather to flock to the GALA festival at Peckham Rye Park in South London on Saturday.

Forecasters have warned of possible damage to buildings, fallen trees, power cuts and cancellations to rail, air and ferry services, as the storm brings a 'wet and windy' day today for the southern and central regions of the country.

Evert is the first named storm since Darcy in February. A Dutch boy's name meaning 'shepherd', it was chosen by Holland's KNMI forecasting service, which works with the Met Office to name storms in western Europe.
This decision has now reportedly been reversed, and Farid - along with his 20 colleagues and their families - will be given sanctuary in Britain

He learned his sanctuary plea was rejected as he recovered from a bullet wound

Farid escaped by slamming his car into reverse as blood poured from his wound

He was hit once in the arm and narrowly escaped with his life as gunman fired

Interpreter Farid, 37, was refused sanctuary in UK three weeks after being shot

The senior interpreter at the British embassy in Kabul - along with his 20 colleagues - has finally been given asylum by the government after he was denied sanctuary despite being shot and ambushed by the Taliban, according to reports.

Farid, a veteran of 17 years working with UK diplomats and soldiers, was initially refused sanctuary in the UK just three weeks after being attacked.

The 37-year-old escaped by slamming his car into reverse as blood poured from his wound, speeding backwards until he was safely behind a wall and Afghan parliament security forces appeared.

That chilling attack happened while British officials were considering Farid's application for relocation to the UK because, as the 'face of the embassy', he feared for his and his family's lives.

Despite informing the embassy of the attack, three weeks later he received a rejection letter from the UK saying he and his 20 colleagues were ineligible for sanctuary in the UK.

Finally, according to The Times, the Foreign Office has said Farid along with his 20 colleagues and their families will be allowed into Britain.

The newspaper reported that government sources said the reversal came after Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab had been told about the rejection. However, the interpreters are yet to receive any official confirmation, The Times said.

Farid (pictured), a veteran of 17 years working with UK diplomats and soldiers, was hit once in the arm and narrowly escaped with his life as a gunman fired from just one metre away

Farid said he learned that his initial plea for sanctuary had been rejected as he recovered from the bullet which smashed into his left arm.

'I was so very shocked and disappointed to be told that my case had been rejected when the threat and danger to me was so obvious,' the father of six said.

'I am often the face of the embassy, the first person people going to security at the embassy must see so I know that I must be a target.'

Recalling the chilling attack, Farid said: 'It was very frightening and I was lucky to escape without the other bullets killing me.

'I have no doubt that I was targeted. I was driving home when three men from a black car shouted for me to stop. One was holding a phone, I think with my picture on, because he said, 'That's him'.

'One of the men came out and had an AK-47 and started shooting at me, four or five times. A bullet hit me in the left arm, there was great pain and blood poured out. I thought, 'He's killing me'.'

He added: 'I put my car into reverse and pushed the pedal hard to go backwards. My window glass had smashed in with the bullet impact and I tried to remain low away from bullets.

The 37-year-old escaped by slamming his car into reverse as blood poured from his wound, speeding backwards until he was safely behind a wall. Pictured: The bullet hole in his car

The chilling attack (pictured: his wounds) happened while British officials were considering Farid's application for relocation to the UK because he feared for his and his family's lives

'I waited for 15 minutes, going to the back seat as it was easier to hide and rest my arm. I then went to hospital. They operated that night. I am sure I was a target because of my work at the embassy. My face is widely known.'

With an emboldened Taliban making sweeping gains across Afghanistan and carrying out revenge attacks, the ambush shortly after 9.30pm on June 20 sent shockwaves among embassy interpreters, who fear they will also be targets.

Farid is among 21 translators currently working at the embassy who saw their applications for sanctuary in the UK under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Programme (ARAP) rejected, as they are employed through private subcontractors.

Their role is high-profile, often on the embassy's front gate, meeting visitors and translating for diplomats and the military.

Ironically, they play a pivotal role in the administration of ARAP, working with former military interpreters, their families and other at-risk Afghans on their cases.

More than 40 British military chiefs joined in a plea to the Prime Minister earlier this week to relax guidelines for which translators can resettle under ARAP, after more than 500 workers including 130 translators were turned down.

They also criticised long delays in reaching decisions. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace is understood to be considering loosening the rules. One proposal could involve flying applicants to the UK to be assessed here.

Farid said he first applied for relocation on security grounds on May 3. But when he heard nothing, he re-applied on June 15. UK officials asked for documents, which he submitted.

But he received an email saying his case had been rejected on July 13, three weeks after the attack.

The Mail's award-winning Betrayal of the Brave campaign has highlighted how interpreters not directly employed by the UK, including those who worked with Special Forces, have had their cases turned down.

Farid learned that his plea for sanctuary had been rejected as he recovered from the bullet which smashed into his left arm (pictured)

They accuse the Government of 'abandoning' them. A dozen men who worked with the SAS and SBS are currently waiting to hear if they can relocate. The decision is said to be 'with ministers'.

Farid said: 'When I heard about ARAP I was optimistic that we would be included because of our work and profile but all of us were denied visas.

'We hear the cases each day of people who have been accepted and our current profile is far greater. My wife worries every time I go out, we are afraid our children (four girls and two boys) will be kidnapped.

'The Taliban want me dead, I am a very well-known face, they know me and know my name. I honestly believe that next time they will behead me.'

At least seven former Coalition translators have been murdered this year, with the most recent reportedly beheaded after being caught in a Taliban roadblock.

Farid said: 'I very much respect those I work with and have worked with but I am afraid to remain in Afghanistan.'

Farid's concerns are echoed by his colleagues. Mataachi, 30, a father of one who has worked at the embassy for over four years, was also rejected under ARAP.

He said: 'Here we help others to escape, we are enrolling hundreds of other guys in the scheme, but we are being told 'no'.'

While ARAP requires an Afghan to have been directly employed by the UK Government, officials have the power of 'discretion' in cases with exceptional circumstances

Recalling the attack, Farid said: 'It was very frightening and I was lucky to escape without the other bullets killing me. I have no doubt that I was targeted.' Pictured left and right: Bullet holes and blood stained seats after the attack

Some 12 translators employed through a contractor working with troops in Kabul have been granted sanctuary after their cases were highlighted by the Mail's campaign.

The plight of those employed through subcontractors was one of the issues in the letter to Boris Johnson, which warned that Britain faces 'dishonour' if those who served are left to be murdered by the Taliban.

It was coordinated by the Sulha Alliance, campaigning for translators and other Afghan workers.

Founding member Sara de Jong said: 'We were dismayed to find out that the long-serving British embassy interpreters are excluded from the resettlement scheme, because they are subcontracted.

'Not only do they work on behalf of the British state, they are extremely exposed as their job requires them to move outside the gates of the embassy compound.

'The compelling case of the embassy interpreters illustrates the wider structural injustices that result from the UK Government trying to absolve itself of responsibility for its Afghan staff by using third party contractors.'
Sydneysiders are on high alert after a number of Covid exposure sites were revealed on Saturday evening with a pizza shop and an Officeworks listed as close contact venues.

A stay at home order was also issued on Saturday evening for anyone in New South Wales who has visited 11 LGAs in Queensland since July 21.

The affected LGAs are: Brisbane City, Moreton Bay Regional Council, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Logan City, Noosa Shire Council, Redland City, Scenic Rim Regional Council, Somerset Regional Council, and Sunshine Coast Regional Council.

Anyone in the same household must also follow the stay at home rules and to only leave home with a reasonable excuse.

People will only be permitted to leave their places of residence with a reasonable excuse, being shopping, medical care, caregiving, outdoor exercise with a member of your household or one other person, and work or education, if you cannot do it from home.

Additional affected sites include venues along the Canterbury-Bankstown region including supermarkets, chemists and bakeries within Sydney's Covid-19 outbreak continues to ravage the Southwest.

NSW Health has issued a close contact alert for customers who attended Mancini's Original Woodfired Pizza in Belfield anytime between July 18 to July 24, they must immediately get tested and self-isolate for 14-days regardless of a negative result.

Anyone who visited Officeworks at High Street, Penrith, on July 26, 12pm - 5pm is considered a close contact

The same rules apply for shoppers at a Penrith Officeworks on High Street, with shoppers who visited the store on Monday July 26 between the hours of 12pm - 5pm now considered close contacts.

Several other Southwest Sydney sites were listed as casual contact venues, including Wattle Grove Coles, Rainbow Cakes Strathfield, Blacktown Kmart and Cincotta chemist in Campsie.

Bankstown recorded three casual contact exposure sites at a Woolworths at Centro shopping centre on July 30, Priceline Pharmacy on July 28 and Suhhtan Pizza Bakery July 23.

Those who visited the affected venues at the listed times must immediately get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result.

The warning comes as 210 new local cases were recorded overnight with 21 of those infectious within the community, as contact tracers scramble to contain the state's latest deadly covid-19 outbreak.

A spike in new cases prompted Gladys Berejiklian to announce an entire stadium would be set up to help boost the state's vaccination rates and 1,000 police and soldiers have been called in to enforce the Sydney lockdown which is now over a month in.

Several other Southwest Sydney sites were listed as casual contact venues, including Wattle Grove Coles, Rainbow Cakes Strathfield, Blacktown Kmart and Cincotta chemist in Campsie

Latest Covid exposure sites in NSW Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed is a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result. Belfield, Mancini's Original Woodfired Pizza, 21 Burwood Road. Sunday 18 July to Saturday 24 July. ALL DAY. Burwood, Chemist Warehouse, 69 Burwood Road. Wednesday 28 July 5.25pm to 5.30pm. Penrith, Officeworks, 273 High Street. Monday 26 July 12pm to 5pm. Canley Heights, An Phat Supermarket, 213-217 Canley Vale Road. Thursday 29 July 10am to 10.30am. Campsie, World of Fruit, 224 Beamish Street. Sunday 25 July 10.40am to 11am. Campsie, Katsyua Japanese Restaurant, Clemton Park Shopping Village - Shop 14/5 Mackinder Street. Monday 19 July to Wednesday 28 July, 6am to 10pm. Campsie, All Group Supermarket. 238 Bearmish Street. Sunday 25 July to Tuesday 27 July 8.30am to 3.30pm. Campsie, 36 Meat Mart. 273 Beamish Street. Monday 26 July to Saturday 31 July - between 7.30am and 6pm. Rhodes, Muhealth Medical Centre. Level 8, Rhodes Waterside Shopping Centre. Rider Boulevard. Tuesday 27 July 9am to 11am, Friday 30 July 10am to 11.30am. Pemulwuy, Fully Tabooly Kebab Shop, Pemulwuy Marketplace, 70 Butu Wargun Drive. Friday 30 July and Saturday 31 July - 9am to 9.30am. Anyone who travelled on the following public transport routes is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result. Bondi Junction Clovelly, 400 Bus, from Bondi Junction Station Stand F to Frenchmans Road at Clovelly Road, Randwick. Monday 19 July 1.31pm to 1.40pm Campsie to Earlwood, 473 Bus, from Dan's Corner, Beamish Street, Campsie to Earlwood Shops. Monday 26 July 2.42pm to 2.51pm Summer Hill to Camperdown, 461X Bus, from Parramatta Road after Sloane Street, Summer Hill to Parramatta Road bf Lyons, Camperdown. Tuesday 27 July 8.09am to 8.17am Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed is a casual contact who must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received. Bankstown, Quantum Radiology 258 South Terrace. Monday 28 July, 12.30pm to 12.50pm. Bondi Junction, Bondi Junction Post Shop Eastgate Shopping Centre, Shop 28 71-73 Spring Street. Friday 16 July, 9.10am to 9.20am. Brookvale, Woolworths. Warringah Mall 145 Old Pittwater Road. Sunday 25 July 5.05pm to 5.35pm. Fairfield, Everyday in Fairfield, 109 Sackville Street. Thursday 15 July 4pm to 4.10pm. Smithfield, GRAM Engineering. 16-22 Cullen Place. Friday 23 July, Monday 26 July and Tueday 27 July - 7.15am to 4.30pm. St Mary's, Astley Mobility Pharmacy 368 Pennant Hills Road. Thursday 29 July 1.30pm to 2pm, Saturday 31 July 11am to 11.30am. Sydney, Sunlite Mitre 10, 74 Pitt Street, Tuesday 27 July 3.15pm to 5pm Wattle Grove, Coles, Village Way. Friday 23 July 10.25am to 11am. Bankstown, Suhhtan Pizza Bakery, 226 Chapel Road. Friday 23 July 12.20pm to 12.25pm Strathfield, Rainbow Cakes, 2 Churchill Ave. Saturday 24 July 10am-11am. Blacktown, Kmart, 28 Patrick Street. Saturday 24 July 5.40pm to 5.45pm. Bankstown, Priceline Pharmacy, 1 North Terrace. Wednesday 28 July 12.45pm to 1.05pm. Campsie, Cincotta Chemist, 157 - 159 Beamish Street. Friday 30 July 4.40pm to 5.15pm. Bankstown, Woolworths Bankstown Centro Shopping Centre, Lady Cutler Avenue. Friday 30 July 8am to 9.10am. Double Bay, Woolworths, Kiaora Road. Sunday 18 July 5.30pm to 5.45pm and Monday 19 July 4.30pm to 4.45pm. Eastwood, BSW, Level 1 Eastwood Centre 160 Rowe Street. Friday 23 July 5pm to 5.20pm. Eastwood, Woolworths. Eastwood Centre 160 Rowe Street. 23 July 5pm to 5.20pm. Strathfield, Omni Mart. Shop 7, Symonf Arcade, 12 Churchill Avenue. Saturday 24 July 10.25am to 11am. Strathfield, Fresh Seafood and Meat. 22/11 The Boulevard. Satirday 24 July, 10.45pm to 11.15am. Strathfield, GR Buy Asian Supermarket. Shop 8/11 The Boulevard. Saturday 24 July, 11am to 11.30am. Strathfield, Rainbow Cakes, 2 Churchill Avenue. Saturday 24 July, 10am to 11am. Yagoona, Ya Ya Bakery, 522 Hume Highway. Monday 19 July 6.45am to 7am. Liverpool, Mina Pizza, Shop 3, 46 Elizabeth Street. Tuesday 20 July 9am to 10am. Gladesville, Bunnings (tools section). 461 Victoria Road. Friday 23 July, 2.45pm to 3.20pm. Granville, Woolworths, 6 Louis Street. Wednesday 21 July 6.20pm to 6.50pm. Eastwood, La Vigne Bakery, 82 Rowe Street. Thursday 22 July 11.40am to 11.55am. St Marys, Aldi, 410-422 Great Western Highway. Thursday 22 July 5.30pm to 5.45pm. Macquarie Fields, Target, Glenquarie Town Centre Click and Collect, Victoria Road. Thursday 22 July 9am to 7pm, Friday 23 July 9am to 5pm, Sunday 25 July 9am to 5pm, Monday 26 July 9am to 5pm, Tuesday 27 July 9am to 5pm. Macquarie Park, Commonwealth Bank, Level 1 Macquarie Shopping Centre, Herring Road. Friday 23 July, 12.50pm to 2pm. Macquarie Park, Suncorp. Macquarie Shopping Centre, Herring Road. Friday 23 July, 1pm to 1.20pm. Macquarie Park, Priceline, Shop 10 Macquarie Shopping Centre Herring Road. Friday 23 July, 1.10pm to 1.20pm. Macquarie Park, Panetta Mercato, Macquarie Shopping Centre, Herring Road. Saturday 24 July 4.50pm to 5.10pm. Macquarie Park, Azakaze, Macquarie Shopping Centre, 402/199 Herring Road. Saturday 24 July, 4.05pm to 4.30pm. Marrickville, Woolworths Metro, Marrickville Shopping Centre, 34 Victoria Road. Monday 26 July, 10.30am to 11.30am. Wentworth Point, The Smelly Cheesecake, 5 Footbridge Boulevard. Saturday 24 July 9.25am to 9.35am. Burwood, Evergreen Fresh World, Burwood Plaza, 42 Railway Parade. Saturday 24 July 2.45pm to 3.15pm. St Marys, IGA, Great Western Highway and Mamre Road. Saturday 24 July 4pm to 4.15pm. Lakemba, Woolworths, 2-26 Haldon Street. Saturday 24 July 10.30am to 10.40am. Bankstown, Aussie Farm Fresh, Bankstown Central Shopping Centre, North Terrace. Wednesday 28 July 8.40am to 8.50am. West Ryde, Coles, Betts Street and Chatham Road. Monday 19 July, 7.20am to 7.55am. Anyone who travelled on the following train service is considered a casual contact who must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received. T4 Train Line, From Caringbah to Bondi Junction. Monday 19 July 12.12pm to 1.26pm. Advertisement

Of the 210 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases recorded, up to 152 of those cases may have been active in the community while infectious.

'By far the majority' of new cases continued to be diagnosed in Sydney's southwest and western Sydney, Mr Hazzard told reporters.

The minister highlighted the dangers of the Delta strain to young people, with just under two thirds of the new cases (138) aged under 40.

Younger people are also being hospitalised, he said.

Of the 53 people in intensive care, six are in their 20s, four are in their 30s, one is in their 40s, 18 are in their 50s, 14 are in their 60s, nine are in their 70s and one is in their 80s.

Bankstown recorded three casual contact exposure sites at a Woolworths at Centro shopping centre on July 30, Priceline Pharmacy on July 28 and Suhhtan Pizza Bakery July 23

Non-urgent elective surgery has been cancelled but Mr Hazzard said a number of procedures will be dealt with by the private health system instead.

Greater Sydney and surrounding regions are in lockdown until at least August 28, as authorities battle to contain the Delta outbreak.

Saturday marked the return of the construction sector after a fortnight-long enforced break, with work allowed to resume on non-occupied sites provided COVID-safe plans are in force.

But the sector said it cannot call on 68,000 workers - or 42 per cent of the workforce - from eight council areas worst-hit by the city's coronavirus outbreak.

Australian Constructors Association CEO Jon Davies said many construction sites will struggle to reopen at the end of the two-week industry shutdown with over half its workforce in the locked down LGAs.
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Ministers have been condemned for causing quarantine confusion as raging battle has erupted in the cabinet over plans for a danger list of countries that could see destinations like Spain and Italy suddenly move to red.

The plans for a new 'amber watch list' sparked outrage in Whitehall as some ministers believe it could ruin the holiday hopes of millions of Britons.

The idea, which was agreed in principle this week, would see holidaymakers warned that while they are abroad certain amber countries could go straight on to the red list.

This would leave them facing compulsory hotel quarantine on their return, at a cost of 1,750 a head.

Spain and Italy both featured in talks about countries that could be put into the new category  as soon as next week  amid fears about the Beta variant, which first emerged in South Africa.

Senior ministers, including Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, are said to have reservations about imposing further disruption on the beleaguered travel sector.

Mr Shapps urged people to 'ignore speculation' ahead of decisions next week. But behind the scenes a battle is raging.

One Whitehall source said: 'You would have to be crackers to book a holiday to a place knowing that it could go on to the red list at any moment.

'If you have already booked to go there you are going to spend your whole holiday worrying whether you are going to have to make a dash to the airport to get home.

'The decision next week will basically be in place for August. It is peak holiday season  are we really going to cause that much disruption to this many people?'

Another source said that the Treasury had warned ministers to 'stop messing about with travel'.

Some ministers doubt whether it is even possible to put Spain on the red list this summer, given the limited amount of hotel quarantine capacity in the UK.

There was a glimmer of hope that France could be released from the 'amber-plus' list, meaning the fully vaccinated will finally be able to return to the UK without the need to quarantine.

But it could still go into the amber watch category.

UK FACES A 'RISKY' AUTUMN BECAUSE OF FOREIGN HOLIDAYS AND RETURN OF STUDENTS A document dated July 14 stated the importance of global surveillance on the emergence of new variants and added: 'Any increase in foreign travel over the summer and the return of international students to universities in the autumn is of particular concern.' In the same document from the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O), experts warned that September and October 'will be a particularly risky point in the trajectory of the epidemic'. It states that 'significant pressures on healthcare could be seen' if more normal behaviours, following the lifting of many restrictions, coincide with the return of schools and universities. Advertisement

The row came as:

Boris Johnson faced pressure to end the 'pingdemic' early, after Wales said it was lifting self-isolation rules for the fully vaccinated on August 9;

Mr Shapps warned that businesses would be allowed to insist that staff have the Covid jab before returning to work, despite a Tory mutiny over vaccine passports;

Italy extended quarantine provisions for UK visitors;

Greece warned tighter restrictions could be imposed on party islands such as Mykonos amid concerns that tourists were ignoring Covid rules;

Daily case numbers fell below 30,000 again, with the weekly total down by 36 per cent;

Mr Shapps denied claims by Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab that France had been placed on the 'amber-plus' list because of an outbreak of Beta cases on the overseas territory of Reunion;

Sources suggested a string of European countries, including Germany, Slovakia and Slovenia, could go on the green list this week;

A shock poll found that the Tories could lose a dozen seats in their southern heartlands, with Mr Raab and former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith among those at risk.

Government health advisers however, are said to be alarmed by the potential for importing Covid infections. Cases of the Beta variant are of particular concern because it has proved more resistant to the AstraZeneca jab.

Sage committee papers released on Friday revealed scientists have warned that 'any increase in foreign travel over the summer ... is of particular concern'.

Data expert Tim White said Test and Trace figures showed 2.9 per cent of arrivals in England from Spain between July 1 and 21 tested positive for Covid.

He added: 'From the data, my analysis is bleak.'

But Paul Charles of the PC Agency, a travel consultancy, predicted ministers would back off putting Spain on the new amber watch list.

SAGE said that England's R rate was now thought to be between 1.1 and 1.4, but it was a varied picture across the country. The R rate was estimated to be the highest in the East (1.1 to 1.5), followed by London, the South East and the South West (all 1.2 to 1.5). Following these regions was the Midlands (1.1 to 1.4), the North East and Yorkshire (1.1 to 1.3) and the North West (1 to 1.2)

He said: 'He said: 'I think it would be a very brazen Government that would tell a million British tourists in Spain at the moment, and Balearics, they would have to quarantine on their way back.'

Mr Charles said the Government already has the power to move amber countries to the red list with little warning, meaning an amber watch list is essentially pointless.

He added: 'Ministers have created this situation where the traffic light scheme is not as simple as it should have been - they continually add to it and create new categories and that's putting off consumers who cannot be bothered.

'It seems quite deliberate to confuse and put them off and that is no way to help the travel sector.'

Calling for the traffic light system to be scrapped, he added: 'Even government ministers are disagreeing with themselves over how to apply their own traffic light rules.

'The system is a complete mess. No-one apart from ministers seems to have confidence in how red, amber or green countries are chosen.

ENGLAND COVID HOSPITALISATIONS: Department of Health statistics show the average number of patients needing care stood at 785 on July 25, down on the day before (793)

'The data is opaque, the explanations lacking. Its no wonder consumers are so confused when even us as analysts are sometimes left stumped by the bizarre and often panicked decision-making by government.

'Its time the system was scrapped because it has failed us all. The travel sector, and consumers, need certainty. The alternative should be a go/no-go simple system, without the regular weekly changes.

'Those fully-jabbed should be given the freedom to decide their own level of risk, as US citizens are. The Prime Minister wanted to give people back their freedom  its time he stuck to his word when it comes to travel.'

Ministers this week agreed a lifting of quarantine restrictions for fully vaccinated tourists arriving from the United States and Europe.

They also discussed the 'traffic light' system that governs Britons returning from abroad.

The original green, red and amber scheme has already been supplemented with green watch and amber-plus.

The next Covid variant could kill up to one in THREE people: SAGE warns doomsday scenario is 'realistic possibility' and UK's vaccine roll-out may even speed up mutant strain's emergence

SAGE today warns a future Covid mutant strain could be as deadly as MERS

No10's expert panel say coronavirus mutates most when it is in high prevalence

Group warns strains could become more resistant to vaccines and antivirals

A doomsday new Covid variant that could kill up to one in three people is a 'realistic possibility', according to the Government's top scientists.

Documents published by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) today warned a future strain could be as deadly as MERS  which which has a case fatality rate of 35 per cent  could be on the way.

No10's expert panel It said the likelihood of the virus mutating is highest when it is most prevalent  as is currently the case in Britain.

And a downside of Britain's hugely successful vaccine drive, it appears the country's greater levels of immunity could help speed up the process.

Scientists said Britain should bring in booster vaccine doses over the winter, minimise new variants coming from abroad and consider culling animals  including minks and even cats, which can harbour the virus  to prevent the mutant strain occurring.

Scientists unveiled the threat of a super mutant variant in a paper looking at potential scenarios that could emerge in the not-so-distant future.

Experts said a future strain could be resistant to vaccines if it came about by the jab-resistant 'South Africa' Beta variant combining with the more transmissible 'Kent' Alpha or 'India' Delta variants.

Why the Delta Covid variant ISN'T really spreading as quickly as chickenpox Top scientists today claimed the Indian 'Delta' variant is not spreading as quickly as chickenpox, despite US health officials saying it is just as contagious. Data circulating within America's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claimed people infected with the mutant strain can go on to infect eight others. The same internal document also alleged that fully-vaccinated people can spread the Indian variant just as easily as unvaccinated people because they carry a similar amount of the virus in their nose and mouth. Dr Rochelle Walensky, the director of the CDC, insisted the agency was 'not crying wolf', saying the situation was 'serious' and that the measures needed to tackle the spread of Delta were 'extreme'. But British scientists have questioned some of the claims made by the department, which has urged Americans to keep their coverings on indoors regardless of whether they've been vaccinated or not. Professor David Livermore, an infectious diseases expert from the University of East Anglia, said vaccine-triggered immunity and the endless waves of Covid which nations have endured meant there were fewer susceptible people around for people to infect. 'The US, like the UK, has substantial immunity from prior infection and from vaccination,' he told MailOnline. 'This will surely be a major drag on Delta's spread, precluding (viral spread) numbers of that magnitude.' And Professor Julian Tang, a virologist at Leicester University, said the theory was likely just 'speculation' because it was very difficult to track down the number of cases sparked by a single infection. Advertisement

The process  known as recombination  could lead to a strain with 'increased morbidity and mortality'.

The team admitted vaccines should work unless there was an extra-potent mutation that rendered jabs much less effective at blocking serious disease  which many experts say is unlikely.

But they said the extra lethality would be expected 'even in the face of vaccination since vaccines do not provide absolute sterilising immunity.'

The prospect of a deadlier variant is a 'realistic possibility' and would have a huge impact on the UK's death toll moving forward, the scientists said.

And experts and politicians have warned the damning report shows the Government 'must not be complacent' as Britain appears to be coming out its current third wave of the pandemic.

Dr Philippa Whitford, vice-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus, said: 'This report, which should have sent shock waves through the UK Government, was instead quietly snuck out among a glut of reports during parliamentary recess.

'Recommendations and comments made by SAGE bring home the simple reality  that we have not yet 'defeated' this virus.

'The UK only donated its first vaccine doses internationally this week and, unless there is a rapid increase in global production, through sharing knowledge and technology, it simply will not be possible to vaccinate the world and bring the pandemic to an end.

'Without stricter border control measures we risk importing vaccine-resistant variants while uncontrolled spread here could lead to yet another UK variant.'

The Scottish National Party MP: 'The government mustn't stick its head in the sand or it will run the risk of un-doing the progress we have made over the past eighteen months.'

Professor Martin McKee, an expert in public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: 'These stark words from the Government's own advisors underlines what many of us have been warning about and confirms there are still obstacles to overcome.

'The government can't be complacent, they must continue their support for the development of the next generation of vaccines and prioritise the reduction of infections here at home to reduce the possibility of another domestic variant emerging.'

The warnings about variants were scattered in a series of reports unveiled by the Government advisory group as part of a weekly transparency pledge.

SAGE warned that the virus can infect a host of different animals including minks  which have had to be culled in Denmark in their thousands.

The group warned further culling or animal vaccinating may be needed in other species to prevent them becoming reservoirs for the virus.

They listed dogs, cats, mice, rats and ferrets as animals who are known to have been infected with Covid.

Another potential issue they found is the use of antvirals to treat Covid once a patient is already infected.

Britain invested heavily in the new technologies  which were used to treat Donald Trump during his bought with the virus last year  but scientists warn overuse could lead to more mutant strains and warned doctors to only prescribe them in the most serious cases of Covid.

But in more hopeful news, the group also predicted it is a 'realistic possibility in the long term' that as Covid continue to mutate it will cause less serious disease.

The group wrote: 'In other words, this virus will become like other human CoV that causes common colds, but with much less severe disease predominantly in the old or clinically vulnerable.'

Screens at work can RAISE risk of virus transmission, scientists warn Perspex screens in workplaces may increase the risk of virus transmission, government scientists have warned. There is little evidence on the effectiveness of these barriers at reducing transmission through droplets, experts from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) said. Coronavirus spreads through small liquid particles when infected people cough, sneeze, speak or breathe. They range from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols, according to the World Health Organisation. In an undated document released yesterday, Sage experts said: 'Screens are unlikely to provide any direct benefit in reducing exposure to the virus from droplets or aerosols when people are already located at two metres or greater or where they are not face to face.' And some evidence 'suggests that screens could increase risks of aerosol transmission due to blocking airflow patterns or creating zones of poor air circulation behind screens'. Advertisement

Now PHE spots ANOTHER variant: 16 Brits have tested positive for 'Colombian' strain

Health chiefs have spotted another Covid variant spreading in Britain, with 31 mutant strains now on the UK's watchlist.

Sixteen cases of the B.1.621 version of the virus  which is thought to have originated in Colombia  have already been detected.

Public Health England insists there is no proof it is deadlier than Delta, which makes up 99 per cent of all cases in the UK.

And it says there's no evidence that the strain renders any of the vaccines currently deployed any less effective.

The Government-run agency also claims there is no sign that B.1.621 is spreading in the community.

But it does admit the variant contains a number of 'mutations of concern'.

The figure shows how the B.1.621 variant  which was first identified in Colombia  spread across different countries over time, indicating that an increasing number of countries reported cases in June and July. The US and Mexico are among the countries to record the most cases

Testing shows it does carry the same N501Y mutation that researchers believe made the Alpha variant so transmissible.

Some samples also contain E484K, which is also found in the Beta strain that experts say can partially evade vaccines.

The coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2, is mutating all the time as a result of genetic errors when it multiplies. Most mutations are harmless.

But ones that make it able to spread quicker or to survive longer inside the human body are the ones that are likely to stick around.

They will be passed on to future generations if they give the virus a survival advantage, and the ability to spread faster and keep spreading for longer will help versions of the virus with that mutation to become dominant by overtaking slower, weaker versions.

The World Health Organization says the first documented sample of B.1.621 was in Colombia in January.

Another 25 countries have also recorded cases since then, including the US, Spain, Mexico and the Netherlands.

As well as the 16 cases already spotted in England, another six suspected samples are currently being analysed.

Almost all of the samples (10) have been detected in London. And most have been among twenty-somethings (six).

Two cases were spotted among people who were fully vaccinated. No-one has died yet.

Despite PHE saying there was no evidence of community transmission, only three of the cases had a history of travel.

Health chiefs said additional contact tracing has already been carried out. Targeted testing will be deployed to limit its spread, if necessary.

Further laboratory tests are now being carried out to help officials understand more about the strain.
Authorities are investigating whether 22 dogs which died of liver failure in a mysterious mass poisoning ate contaminated horse meat.

Another 44 dogs were hospitalised in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Bairnsdale, Tralragon and on the Mornington Peninsula earlier this month.

Some have since developed severe liver disease.

In a statement released on July 30, Agriculture Victoria and PrimeSafe said tests had confirmed pet meat from sourced Maffra District Knackery contained a toxin found in native plants called indospicine.

A group of dogs died and 44 more were hospitalised throughout the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Bairnsdale, Tralragon and the Mornington Peninsula (pictured: one of the poisoned dogs)

'Indospicine is a toxin found in native plants of the species across Australia, but the species that produces high levels of the toxin is found in northern Australia,' the organisations said.

'Indospicine has been previously shown to build up in the tissue of some grazing animals when they continue to eat these plants and dogs are especially sensitive to the toxin.

'Horse meat is emerging as the focus of the investigation into the indospicine toxin found in pet meat products. Indospicine is a toxin to which dogs are especially sensitive.

PrimeSafe and Agriculture Victoria said they were aware of horses from the Northern Territory - where the Indigofera plant that contains indospicine is known to grow - that came to Victoria to be processed for pet meat.

They urged pet owners to not feed their pet meats sourced from Gippsland between 31 May and 3 July.

'All kinds of pet meat fitting that description should be considered at risk of indospicine contamination, due to the blending of pet meats, including products described as beef and kangaroo pet meat.'

Authorities have said the meat could still be in circulation, as it is incredibly hard to identify all affected food products as the meat may be in a variety of items.

'Businesses and dog owners are encouraged to check the source of their pet meat. If unsure, owners are advised to contact their pet meat supplier to check where and when their pet meat was sourced. Some products will be labelled as Maffra District Knackery and Backmans Greyhound Supplies,' they said.

The Maffra District Knackery issued a recall of the meats earlier this month after a request from PrimeSafe.

In a post on Facebook Maffra District Knackery joint owner Karen Backman said she had been left shattered by the dog deaths, but said they were seeking the scientific data that linked their food to indospicine.

'We are devastated that an exotic plant toxin from interstate in our pet meats has been linked to the unprecedented spate of dog illnesses and deaths in Victoria by the authorities,' she wrote.

'As dog lovers, as people, as parents, as grand parents we understand how much dogs mean to their human families. We are still totally shocked that toxins in animals we were told were originally bred for human consumption could harm dogs.

'While we welcome the animal health authoritys findings that the Australian plant toxin, indospicine, was the cause of the mystery severe liver disease we cannot yet comment on whether we agree with their ultimate conclusions that the toxin was in our meat and that toxin was what injured the dogs.

'We are seeking the scientific data that links our meat to the toxin. We have not seen any data yet. Our scientific team will review the data when we get it.'
The British advertising watchdog is probing the 'wild west' market place of Covid travel tests after it was found most of the cheaper swabs listed on the Government's website are not available to customers.

Private companies offering tests are listed on the site, with the lowest priced at supposedly selling for 23.

But analysis of the first 50 least costly options shows two thirds could not be ordered or appointments for on-site tests were not available until September.

And now the Advertising Standards Authority is investigating after receiving a host of complaints from holidaymakers.

The costing fiasco comes as ministers were slammed for causing quarantine confusion with plans for a danger list of countries that could see destinations like Spain and Italy suddenly move to red.

Plans for an 'amber watch list' would mean destinations could be moved to the no-go red list at a moment's notice, leaving thousands of Brits could be left out of pocket if they are unable to cancel their holiday plans.

The British advertising watchdog is probing the 'wild west' market place of Covid travel tests

Private companies offering tests are listed on the Government's website, with the lowest priced at supposedly selling for 23  but two thirds of the cheapest options are not available

Even if they are allowed to travel, the cheapest two-swab postal kit  a requirement for people returning from amber list countries  costs 78, according to analysis by the consultancy firm Fideres.

Unvaccinated holidaymakers from England have to have a test before travelling and book two PCR tests on reentry to the country during a 10-day quarantine if they want to go to an amber list country.

Vaccinated travellers do not have to quarantine but still require a test two days after reentering the country.

English travellers have to fork out for tests but in Wales they are free and supplied by the NHS.

And Fideres found the companies advertising pay-for tests near the top of the Government's website  which is ranked on price  have the largest gap between advertised and real prices.

Paul Vella, an associate at Fideres, told The Guardian: 'The Government is reporting prices that are a small fraction of what most consumers pay, without actually checking if these low prices are available.

'Not only does this mislead consumers, it can actually steer them into using more expensive providers.'

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'We do not endorse or recommend any private Covid-19 test provider.

'All private providers must meet the minimum required standards and each of them are reviewed by the independent United Kingdom Accreditation Service.

'The government carefully monitors issues raised by the public and takes rapid action with companies where necessary, giving providers a five-day warning if their service is inadequate and if they do not rectify it, removing them from the appropriate travel test list.'

It comes as research by Post Office Travel Money found big differences in the cost of tourist staples at resorts across Europe.

Portugal's Algarve was the cheapest out of the Eurozone destinations studied, due to average prices such as 1.57 for an ice-cream, 1.31 for a bottle or can of Coca-Cola, and 43.09 for a three-course family meal including wine and soft drinks.

UK FACES A 'RISKY' AUTUMN BECAUSE FOREIGN HOLIDAYS AND RETURN OF STUDENTS A document dated July 14 stated the importance of global surveillance on the emergence of new variants and added: 'Any increase in foreign travel over the summer and the return of international students to universities in the autumn is of particular concern.' In the same document from the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O), experts warned that September and October 'will be a particularly risky point in the trajectory of the epidemic'. It states that 'significant pressures on healthcare could be seen' if more normal behaviours, following the lifting of many restrictions, coincide with the return of schools and universities. Advertisement

Other bargain destinations include the Portuguese island of Madeira, Paphos, in Cyprus, Costa del Sol, in Spain, and the Spanish island of Majorca.

The overall basket of goods analysed was more than twice as expensive in Nice, southern France, compared with the Algarve.

Typical prices in Nice include 3.06 for an ice-cream, 5.60 for a bottle of beer at a bar or cafe, and 14.86 for a half-day sun lounger rental.

Nick Boden, head of Post Office Travel Money, said: 'After such a long wait, it is understandable that families want to head to European beach resorts for some summer sun.

'However, the big variations we found between costs in European resorts means it will pay dividends to do some homework before leaving home to get a realistic view of the holiday cash needed in the resorts they are considering.'

The probe into the price of Covid tests comes as Mr Shapps came under pressure to allow more quarantine-free travelling.

Trade association Abta wants more locations added to the green list, testing requirements eased, and tailored financial support for the industry.

It also questioned the recent decisions to remove the quarantine exemption for fully-vaccinated travellers returning from France, and to put Spain's Balearic Islands on the amber list.

Since May, quarantine and testing requirements have been determined by whether a person is entering the UK from a green, amber or red list location.

The next major update on which country is on which list will take place around August 4.

But the Department for Transport has committed to holding several 'formal reviews' of the rules for each list, with the next due 'no later than July 31'.

People returning from a green destination are not required to self-isolate, but only a handful of major European summer hotspots are in that tier.

Spain, Italy and Greece are among the countries on the amber list.

Those returning from an amber country must quarantine at home for 10 days unless they have had both doses of a coronavirus vaccine.

Abta's director of public affairs Luke Petherbridge said: 'While there have been some positive developments in recent weeks  most notably that people who have received both vaccinations through the NHS don't need to quarantine when returning from amber countries  the industry continues to suffer setbacks like the recent changes we have seen to France and the Balearics.

The Government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) said that England's R rate was now thought to be between 1.1 and 1.4, but it was a varied picture across the country. The R rate was estimated to be the highest in the East (1.1 to 1.5), followed by London, the South East and the South West (all 1.2 to 1.5). Following these regions was the Midlands (1.1 to 1.4), the North East and Yorkshire (1.1 to 1.3) and the North West (1 to 1.2)

'Every unexpected change or unexplained decision puts another dent in consumer confidence, which is already fragile.'

He added: 'It is increasingly clear that the Government is failing to provide the predictability and stability required to rebuild consumer confidence and bring about the necessary conditions for a recovery.

'The Government must take action to support the travel industry, which is not only important in terms of jobs and contributions to the economy, but also the UK's wider recovery from the pandemic.

'We're a global nation and our international connectivity underpins this.'

EasyJet said this weekend would be its busiest of the year as many families depart on overseas trips at the start of school holidays.

The airline expects to carry more than 135,000 passengers from the UK to destinations across Europe.

Meanwhile, Jet2.com announced it has added more flights to Malta and the Portuguese island of Madeira  which are both on the green list  in September and October due to strong demand.

Chief executive Steve Heapy said: 'It is clear that autumn breaks are in demand this year, so we have responded to that trend.'
Residents of a quaint seaside town are at war with a hipster coffee firm because of the noise and 'nauseating odour' ruining its fresh air.

Furious locals in in Tolponds, Porthleven, Cornwall, say they can not sit outside or open their windows during production hours because of the smell.

A residents group urged local authorities to take action against Origin Coffee, claiming its roastery is in breach of regulations.

They claim the factory  which employs 50 local residents  opened in April without the correct planning permission.

The company said it is 'confident' it has planning consent for the site and is 'disappointed' that some of the town are upset.

Furious locals in in Tolponds, Porthleven, Cornwall, say they can not sit outside or open their windows during production hours because of the smell caused by Origin Coffee's roastery (pictured)

Residents of quaint seaside town Porthleven, Cornwall, are at war with a hipster coffee firm because of the noise and 'nauseating odour' ruining its fresh air

Residents say they can't sit outside because of the 'nauseating smell' and noise coming from the factory (pictured)

In a letter, the Tolponds Residents group said: 'The odour, industrial emissions and noise coming from the afterburners and multiple flues within their roastery are in direct line with several family homes, some less than 30 metres away.

'Local residents affected by the industrial activity are unable to open their windows, sit outside or enjoy their right to quiet enjoyment during factory production hours.

'On Monday 19th July several families in close proximity to the roastery were unable to open their windows or sit outside on what was one of the hottest days of the year due to the noise and intensity of the odour blowing into their homes.'

The group claims it has uncovered 'alarming omissions and inconsistencies within the planning application documents'.

A residents group urged local authorities to take action against Origin Coffee, claiming its roastery is in breach of regulations

A residents group claim the factory  which employs 50 local residents  opened in April without the correct planning permission

It has appealed to Cornwall Council to take action against the company over the alleged breaches.

But Origin Coffee denies it has not got the proper planning consent for its roastery and insists the general consensus is 'there are no issues'.

The company told CornwallLive: 'Origin Coffee Roasters is disappointed to note that a small number of local residents have concerns regarding our new development at Tolponds, Porthleven.

'In response to some claims made, we would like to confirm that we are confident that we are operating on a site upon which planning consent exists for the relevant classes of use.

'As a business we have invested a very significant amount of money and time in our roasting processes and a key part of this is to ensure that there is no detrimental impact upon our neighbours, particularly in terms of smell and emissions.'
These are the dramatic moments when a group of friends narrowly avoided wildfires in Turkey by driving through flames in their car to make a daring escape.

So far, the blazes have left four people dead, burned down homes and forced residents to evacuate villages and beach resorts.

In the video, shot by passengers on the rear seats of the car, the men are seen driving down a forest road with flames either side and smoke blocking out the sun.

These are the dramatic moments when a group of friends narrowly avoided wildfires in Turkey by driving through flames in their car to make a daring escape. Pictured: The men and their car are almost engulfed in a blaze as they find the road blocked with flames

The car pauses, before making its way further down the road where the flames are shown to be getting larger and more intense, billowing from all directions.

Further down the road, the driver is forced to stop as a huge pillar of flames engulfs the road a matter of feet ahead the the car.

The driver slams the car into reverse as the other passengers panic, and drives back up the road in the direction they came.

Pictured: The view from inside the car as the men drive down the road in Turkey, with flames either side and ahead of the car. The driver was forced to slam the car into reverse and drive back up the road to get the group of friends to safety

When far enough away, the person filming is shown stepping out the car briefly - still as flames roar either side of the road - but quickly jumps back into the vehicle shouting at the others to stay inside the car.

The video cuts, and shows the car a few minutes later and shows the passengers watching the forest fires from a safer distance.

The car is shown from the outside, with the passengers assessing the potential damage to the vehicle. The boot of the car is shown full of luggage, as smoke continues to rise in the background.

It is unclear where the men were driving to and from, but thousands of people have been forced to evacuate their homes because of the fire.

Pictured: Flames billow to the left of the car as it is driven down the road. The smoke is so thick it is unclear what time of day the men were driving

Panicked tourists in Turkey hurried to the seashore to wait for rescue boats on Saturday after being told to evacuate some hotels in the Aegean resort of Bodrum due to the dangers posed by nearby wildfires, Turkish media reported.

Coast guard units were leading the operation and authorities asked private boats and yachts to assist in evacuation efforts from the sea as new wildfires erupted.

The death toll from wildfires raging in Turkey's Mediterranean towns rose to six on Saturday after two forest workers were killed, the country's health minister said.

An 82-year-old man and a married couple died, more than 50 people were hospitalised and dozens of homes were incinerated. More than 25 neighbourhoods or villages were evacuated.

Fires across Turkey since Wednesday have burned down forests and some settlements, encroaching on villages and tourist destinations and forcing people to evacuate.

The minister of agriculture and forestry, Bekir Pakdemirli, said on Saturday that 88 of the 98 fires that broke out amid strong winds and scorching heat have been brought under control.

Pictured: Wildfires near Manavgat at Antalya, Turkey mediterranean coasts. More than 70 wildfires have broken out this week in provinces on Turkey's Aegean and Mediterranean coasts as well as inland areas

Forestry workers and firefighter teams continue to respond to the forest fire that broke out in Manavgat district of Turkey's Antalya on July 31, 2021

Pictured: Firefighters spray water into a building in Turkey where fires have broken out and ripped through homes, forcing people to flee

Neighbourhoods affected by the fire in five provinces were declared disaster zones by Turkey's emergency and disaster authority.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the area on Saturday, inspecting the damage from a helicopter.

Speaking from the town of Manavgat, Mr Erdogan announced that the Turkish government would cover the rents for people affected by the fire and rebuild their homes.

He said taxes, social security and credit payments would be postponed for those affected and small businesses would be offered credit with zero interest.

'We cannot do anything beyond wishing the mercy of God for the lives we have lost but we can replace everything that was burned,' he said.

Mr Erdogan said the number of planes fighting the fires had been increased from six to 13.

They included aircraft from Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran. The president added that thousands of Turkish personnel as well as dozens of helicopters and drones were assisting the firefighting efforts.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (right) visited the area on Saturday and inspected the damage from a helicopter

Troops from Azerbaijan helped to fight the forest fire in Turkey

The men were seen using water hoses as they ran near the encroaching flames on Saturday

Azerbaijan announced it would send 500 emergency workers, helicopters and other equipment to help Turkey, a close ally, battle the blazes. Above: Azerbaijan troops with hoses

urkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses the crowd in Manavgat district of Antalya, Turkey on July 31, 2021

Pictured: Helicopters respond to the forest fire that broke out in Manavgat district of Turkey, Antalya on July 31, 2021. The death toll in wildfires raging in southern Turkey has risen to four

Helicopters respond to the forest fire that broke out in Silifke district of Turkey's Mersin on July 31, 2021. Efforts to control the forest fire that broke out in Silifke district continue

A plane drops water over a forest fire that broke out two days ago in Aladag district of Adana in Turkey on July 31, 2021

At least five people have died from the fires in Manavgat and one died in Marmaris. Both towns are located on the Mediterranean and are tourist destinations.

Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said 400 people affected by the fires in Manavgat were treated at hospitals and released, while 10 others were still in hospital for fire injuries.

In Marmaris, 159 people were treated at the hospital and one person was still undergoing treatment for burns.

In southern Hatay province, flames jumped into populated areas but were later apparently brought under control.

Wildfires are common in Turkey's Mediterranean and Aegean regions during the arid summer months.

A heat wave across southern Europe, fed by hot air from Africa, has led to wildfires across the Mediterranean.

Temperatures in Greece and nearby countries in southeast Europe are expected to climb to 42C (more than 107F) on Monday in many cities and towns and ease only later next week.

n aerial view of damaged area after a forest fire that broke out in Manavgat district in Antalya, Turkey on July 31, 2021. Cooling works still continue by fire crews

Pictured: A burned out forest is shown from above after a forest fire broke out in Manavgat district in Antalya, Turkey on July 31, 2021

Burned-out homes are shown from above in Turkey on Saturday after a fire ripped through the Manavgat district in Antalya

Pictured: A colour infrared satellite image shows fire lines and crews battling a wildfire near Oymapinar, Turkey July 29, 2021. Picture taken July 29, 2021

Turkey has blamed some previous forest fires on arson or outlawed Kurdish militants.

Mr Erdogan said Saturday that authorities were investigating the possibility of 'sabotage' causing fires.

Tourism is an important source of revenue for Turkey, and business owners were hoping that this summer would be much more profitable than last year, when pandemic travel restrictions caused tourism to plummet.

Meanwhile, a 25-year-old volunteer died in another fire near the Turkish resort of Marmaris, 320 kilometers (200 miles) west of Antalya late Thursday, raising the death toll in the fires to four.

The state-run Anadolu Agency said the man was taking drinking water to firefighters but got in a motorcycle crash and perished in the fire.

The mountainside fire in Marmaris briefly threatened holiday homes and hotels on Thursday while guests at a luxury hotel in the Aegean beach resort of Guvercinlik, near the town of Bodrum, were evacuated in boats, reports said.

Azerbaijan announced it would send 500 emergency workers, helicopters and other equipment to help Turkey, a close ally, battle the blazes.

Erdogan said Azerbaijan would also provide an amphibious firefighting aircraft, in addition to firefighting planes sent from Russia and Ukraine. Neighbouring Greece also offered help.

In Greece, authorities on Friday ordered additional fire patrols and infrastructure inspections as the country grappled with a heat wave fed by hot air from Africa that is expected to last more than a week.

Pictured: A helicopter fights the forest fire that broke out in Manavgat district in Antalya, Turkey on July 30, 2021. Firefighter teams continue works to extinguish the fire

Pictured: Extinguishing works continue for the forest fire that broke out in Manavgat district in Antalya, Turkey on July 30, 2021

Pictured: Smoke rises from the fire that broke out near Armutalan neighbourhood of Mugla's Marmaris district in Turkey on July 30, 2021. The fire broke out on Thursday

Pictured: A firefighting aircraft fights the fire that broke out near Armutalan neighbourhood of Mugla's Marmaris district in Turkey on July 30, 2021

Pictured: Tourists watch, from the beach, a massive wildfire which engulfed a Mediterranean resort region, on Turkey's southern coast, near Marmaris, on July 30, 2021

Temperatures in Greece and nearby countries in southeast Europe are expected to climb to 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 Fahrenheit) Monday in many cities and towns and ease only later next week.

Wildfires are common in Turkey's Mediterranean and Aegean regions during the arid summer months, though some previous forest fires have been blamed on arson or outlawed Kurdish militants.

In other Turkish provinces, authorities declared a ban on people entering forests in a bid to prevent more fires.

Fire continues to spread through the trees of a forest in Koycegiz district of Turkey's Mugla province on July 30, 2021

Pictured: A firefighter extinguishes a forest fire near the town of Manavgat, east of the resort city of Antalya, Turkey, July 30, 2021

Pictured: People try to help during a massive wildfire which engulfed a Mediterranean resort region on Turkey's southern coast near the town of Manavgat, on July 29, 2021

Fires continued in southern coastal provinces of Adana, Osmaniye, Antalya, Mersin and the western coastal province of Mugla, a popular resort region for Turks and foreign tourists, where some hotels have been evacuated this week.

Weather forecasts point to heatwaves along the Aegean and Mediterranean coastal regions, with temperatures expected to rise by 4 to 8 degrees Celsius over their seasonal average, Turkish meteorological authorities say.

They are forecast to reach 43 to 47 degrees Celsius in the coming days in Antalya, the main province of Manavgat.

'The weather is extremely hot and dry. This contributes to start of fires. Our smallest mistake leads to a great disaster,' Turkish climate scientist Levent Kurnaz said on Twitter.
Shocking video footage has captured the moment a dozen armed police officers swarm a suspected 'knifeman' lying on the back of a flatbed truck after Tasering him.

Met Police officers closed off parts of Plumstead Road, Woolwich at 6am on Saturday morning as they apprehended a suspect who was lying atop a flatbed van's platform.

The force confirmed a 27-year-old man had been arrested following reports of a person being in possession of a knife.

In the minute-long clip, a dozen armed officers can be clearly seen surrounding the man, who is lying on his back, before one of them discharges their Taser on him.

After a few seconds, three of the group swoop in to grab the man amid shouts and screams.

In a scene of chaos, a bus has been stopped in the middle of the junction yards away from the vehicle and a police dog unit can be heard barking in the background.

Armed police officers closed off parts of Plumstead Road, Woolwich at 6am on Saturday morning as they apprehended a suspect who was lying atop a flatbed van's platform

Shocked residents filmed the dramatic scene from the safety of a nearby block of flats in south east London.

The A205 and parts of Woolwich High Street were closed in both directions as officers dealt with the suspect.

Emergency services had previously rushed to the scene after a woman was stabbed in the hand. She has since been taken to hospital for treatment.

A spokesperson for the Met said in a statement: 'Police were called at 06:20hrs on Saturday, 31 July following reports of a man in possession of a knife in Plumstead Road, Woolwich.

Emergency services had previously rushed to the scene in south east London after a woman was stabbed in the hand. She has since been taken to hospital for treatment

A dozen officers swooped in to detain the man, who was also Tasered by the armed unit

'Officers attended along with London Ambulance Service. A woman was found with a stab injury to her hand.

'She was taken to hospital where her condition was assessed as non-life-threatening.

'A 27-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken into custody.

'Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing. It is not being treated as terrorism.'
People may soon be able to use mouthwash to test whether they have Covid instead of the invasive nasal and throat swabs.

Scientists have found that a 'gargle lavage' mouthwash test is just as accurate at the nasopharyngeal swabs currently used to detect if a person has Covid and is also a much simpler process.

The test involves the patient gargling a solution as you would with mouthwash and then spitting it out into a cup where it can be analysed.

The study, carried out by the University of Konstanz, in Germany, involved 80 participants of whom 26 tested positive for Covid when tested with a swab.

Scientists at German university found a mouthwash test, which involves gargling a solution before spitting it out into a cup to be tested, is as reliable as a nasal swab (stock picture)

Gargle lavage: How does the mouthwash test for Covid work? Mouthwash tests, also known as a gargle lavage, involve swilling a solution round the mouth before submitting it as a sample. Patients must pour the solution into their mouth, swill it round their mouth and then gargle with the solution. This pattern must be repeated three times before the solution is then spat back into a sample tube for testing. The whole sample process should take no more than 30 seconds. Advertisement

Researchers found that the same 26 participants were found to be positive when they were tested using the mouthwash.

Scientists believe the mouthwash, which uses a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the virus, provides real-time results and can be administered by anyone.

Corresponding author and professor of cell biology Christof R. Hauck, PhD, said: 'Our results show that in all cases, where people were positively tested by the gold standard nasal swabbing, one could also detect the virus in gargle lavage by the same RT-PCR method.'

Dr Huack said the test could be carried out by anyone, including non-medical professionals, unlike the nasopharyngeal swab tests.

He added: 'We usually sent the patients with the gargle solution and sampling container outside.

'There, they gargled in front of a window, observed by a physicians staff member. Thus, we need not expose trained personnel to the danger of taking samples from so many potentially infected people.'

Researchers say the mouthwash test will be more widely accepted than the more invasive nasopharyngeal test which is uncomfortable for patients and must be carried out by a medic

The study involved testing patients with known respiratory symptoms or patients who had come into contact with those already infected with the virus.

Each patient underwent a swab test first and then self-tested using the gargle lavage.

Dr Huack added: 'Besides performing diagnostics on symptomatic patients, we are involved in regular SARS-CoV-2 surveillance on our university campus, where we test people twice a week.

'As nasal swabbing is not very pleasant, we were looking for an alternative, and gargle lavage turned out to be highly accepted.

'The fact that both tests came to the exact same results leads the research team to conclude that the painless self-collection of gargle lavage provides a suitable and uncomplicated source for reliable SARS-CoV-2 detection.'

The findings will appear in the journal Microbiology Spectrum.
A former hairdresser rejected by Dragon's Den has now pocketed some 70 million after selling a majority stake in his revolutionary hair business.

Shaun Pulfrey has scored the eight-figure sum following the sale of Tangle Teezer, the brand which gained global acclaim for helping millions with the woes of knotted hair.

It means he now has a fortune larger than that of judge Deborah Meaden - who along with Theo Paphitis, Peter Jones, Duncan Bannatyne and James Caan - all turned him down when he appeared on the BBC series back in 2007.

The 59-year-old, from Grimsby, has sold his stake to London-based Mayfair Equity Partners, which recently floated maternity brand Seraphine, worn by Kate Middleton.

Mr Pulfrey told The Times: 'I'm incredibly excited for the future and the new opportunities it will present for our iconic and much-loved brand, including continuing to bring even more new product innovation, which is the heartbeat of the brand.'

Shaun Pulfrey didn't manage to tame the Dragons with his detangling brush 'The Tangle Teezer' in the Den in 2007

But now the entrepreneur, pictured with the product, has sold a majority stake for more than 200m

The entrepreneur braved the notoriously high-pressure environment of the Den in a bid to raise 80,000 in exchange for a 15 per cent share in Tangle Teezer.

But when it came to putting their hands in their very deep pockets, the Dragons responded unanimously: 'I'm out!'

How much each of the Dragons who turned Mr Pulfrey down are worth Deborah Meaden - 40m Theo Paphitis - 290m Peter Jones - 1.157bn Duncan Bannatyne - 462m James Caan - 100m Advertisement

Mr Jones went so far as to tell Mr Pulfrey his brush scheme was 'hair-brained'; Mr Caan called it 'a waste of time'; and Ms Meaden dismissed his product saying it was like a 'horse brush'.

Ironically, it now makes Mr Pulfrey richer than Ms Meaden, who has an estimated wealth of 40 million.

The Dragon tweeted last year: 'It's good to be wrong when a Biz goes on to make a huge success. Never believe anyone is always right.'

It also makes Tangle Teezer one of the most 'successful failures' in the hit programme's history.

Mr Pulfrey had been nagged by a friend into entering Dragons' Den in 2007. Despite facing five fearsome Dragons he felt confident because he believed that he had a decent idea.

Importantly, he also had a serious business plan having raised 98,000 from his savings from working as a hair salon colourist and by remortgaging his London flat.

He stressed it was not just about the financial investment, it was also the prospect of the extensive fringe benefits of getting a high-profile Dragon on board.

But in the event his bid for backing from the Dragons proved to be unsuccessful.

He recalled: 'Deborah Meaden gave me a really hard time saying it was like a horse brush, but before I could argue with her the next comments were coming from another direction.

'I wasn't disappointed about not getting the money because I can get that from a bank.

'But I wanted a Dragon to take it to the consumer global market and I didn't feel they heard me out.'

Mr Pulfrey left the Den empty-handed, but that did not stop him pursuing his dream.

In the nine years since his rejection, he has built a business which exports 13 brushes a minute to 60 countries around the world and has been endorsed by a host of celebrities, including X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger.
Police patrols supported by drones were scouring the Pyrenees mountains today as part of an ongoing investigation into the death of British hiker Esther Dingley.

Detectives in France confirmed that the reason the 37-year-old Oxford graduate came to die was still unknown, and that no theory could yet be ruled out - including foul play.

A skull with hair attached was discovered close to Port de la Glere, a mountain pass on the countrys Spanish border, a week ago, and on Friday it was confirmed as the only known remains of Ms Dingley.

French police reportedly believe that her remains were hidden by rocks after falling, before animals moved the skull that was later discovered, according to The Times.

The human remains found last Friday in the Pyrenees were confirmed as those of missing hiker Esther Dingley (pictured with her boyfriend Daniel Colegate), with French police now scouring the mountains to learn what happened to her

Oxford graduate Esther Dingley disappeared in November while on a solo-hike in the Pyrenees in November

The enquiry is ongoing, and being led by a public prosecutor with the assistance of judicial police and gendarmes, said a senior police source.

There are still many questions to be answered, and that is why mountain searches are continuing.

Foot patrols are in the area, and they are using drones to try and find further evidence connected with the case.

This would include Ms Dingleys personal equipment, such as a yellow tent and red-and-grey rucksack, said the source.

While a tragic accident is being prioritised by those leading the enquiry, other theories, including foul play, have not been dismissed, the source confirmed.

Ms Dingley went missing in the area around Port de la Glere while on a solo walk, and her boyfriend, Dan Colegate, reported her missing on November 25.

Dingley had planned a solo hike from the Spanish town of Benasque to Pic de Sauvegarde, a mountaintop in the Pyrenees - which she reached on November 22, sending Colgate a picture via WhatsApp, which was their last contact

This followed Ms Dingley sending a message three days earlier from the top of the Pic de Sauvegarde mountain.

Forensics officers at the Scientific Police Laboratory in Toulouse matched the skull with Ms Dingley after her mother, Ria Byrant, provided DNA, along with dental records.

The enquiry in France is now being led by Christophe Amunzateguy, the Prosecutor of Saint-Gaudens.

He has been told by police colleagues that wild animals may have picked up the skull in a hidden gulley and transported it to the spot where it was found by Spanish hikers.

Brown bears and wolves are among the animals roaming freely in the Pyrenees, and birds of prey such as vultures are also a common sight.

This is the most plausible hypothesis, said Colonel Xavier Wargnier, one of the senior French officers involved in the search.

Bones were discovered in the search for the missing British hiker last Friday after a mountain runner raised the alarm

He confirmed that the skull was found at an altitude of 2,200 meters (7218ft) but that it could also have been dislodged by melting snow.

It could have hurtled down the mountain during the Spring thaw, he said.

The search for Ms Dingley was called off from February because of worsening weather, before resuming in late April.

LBT Global, an organisation which supports searches for missing people, announced on Friday that Ms Dingleys identity was confirmed through DNA testing after a skull was found close to her last known location.

Ms Dingleys partner, Mr Colegate, and her mother, said in a joint statement that the discovery was devastating beyond words.

Police last week found bones near the spot where missing hiker Esther Dingley went missing late last year

Spanish police confirmed last Friday bones had been found near the spot where Oxford graduate went missing late last year.

A mountain runner raised the alarm around 2pm after discovering what he believed could be the remains of a body.

Spanish police went to the area but alerted their French counterparts after discovering the spot was just over the border.

French police subsequently took charge of the investigation to try to confirm they were human remains and who they could belong to if so.

Unconfirmed reports at the time said the runner had come across a skull with hair that appeared to be the same colour and length as Dingley's.

The remains were found at Puerto de la Glera - Port de la Glera in France - which is close to the 8,796ft Pico Salvaguardia summit where Dingley last made contact with her partner around 4pm on November 22 last year.

Specialist officers from Spain and France had carried out several searches of the area around the hiking trail.

French police chief Jean-Marc Bordinaro, who has been involved in the search from day one, said after the find at the French mountain pass animals could have dragged the remains to the spot where they were discovered.

'Everything suggests that these bones were recently moved by animals. They would not have been there a few days earlier', he said.

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.
Two women aged in their 20s were seriously injured when a tree crashed on top of them during a doctor's birthday party being held in woodland clearing.

The 60ft tall oak crashed to the ground without warning and trapped the women at 6.35pm on Friday at the private party in Ubbeston near Halesworth, Suffolk.

Villagers were earlier told that the party was being held for 'a group of mainly doctors letting off steam and enjoying themselves after a very difficult year'.

The two women from the London area were given first aid at the scene by a number of doctors and medics who were at the party and camping in the field.

The falling tree is said to have been partially deflected by crashing on a bar and a stage which took much of its weight and meant five other people in the area escaped injury.

Suffolk Police said one of the women sustained spinal and head injuries, while the other had pelvic and arm injuries.

It came as Storm Evert battered Britain and wreaked havoc across the country with 75mph gales and torrential rain.

The Met Office has issued another yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms in large parts of the country today with the risk of flooding.

Forecasters warned thunderstorms could lead to travel disruption on Saturday afternoon and evening.

Two women were seriously injured after a tree crashed down at a private party on Friday. Pictured: Police cordon at the woods where the tree fell in Ubbeston near Halesworth, Suffolk

The event was held in a wood beside a field behind 19th century Ubbeston Hall farmhouse (pictured) which is the home of a relative of the party organiser who threw the bash nearby

The organiser of the party yesterday who was celebrating his 27th birthday said both women were now in a 'stable' condition in hospitals outside the area.

The event was held in a wood beside a field behind 19th century Ubbeston Hall farmhouse which is the home of a relative of the party organiser.

Guests are said to have made a campsite in a field beside the wood on Thursday in preparation for a weekend of celebrations.

The party organiser who asked not to be identified said: 'The music had only just started playing and we heard a big crash.

'The tree fell down in the actual wood and luckily landed on the stage and bar area which broke the fall of it, but it still landed across the clearing. That is why it hit the two girls.

'It was in the wooded area and about five or ten metres back from the bar. It was completely uprooted.

Pictured: The entrance to the field and woods where the private birthday party was held

'Neither of them were trapped, although obviously firefighters came as a precautionary measure. Five other people had a lucky escape because they were not injured at all.

'We did basic management to both patients. I don't want to go into much detail of their condition and treatment that they got.

'I have had a birthday party here every year for the last six years. At the time there were only around 30 people here.

'The is a real tragedy. It just wasn't supposed to happen.'

The organiser said it had been raining before the tree fell, which potentially caused water to increase the weight of its foliage.

He added that it did not appear windy on the ground, although gusts could have been affecting the top of the tree canopy

Parts of the south are feeling the effects of Storm Evert, the first named storm of summer

The Met Office has issued a further yellow weather warning as Storm Evert continues to batter Britain. Pictured: Commuters caught in a downpour on Newcastle's Quayside this morning

Large parts of the country were hit with heavy wind and rain yesterday. Pictured: Storm Evert causes major damage to a campsite at Camp Bestival at Lulworth Castle in Wareham, Dorset

Large parts of the country were hit with heavy wind and rain yesterday. Pictured: Storm Evert gives a wet and windy welcome to campers at the Farmfest being held at Bruton in Somerset.

The organiser said: 'We had got a tree surgeon to come along to the clearing and clear out all the areas of dead wood in the interests of safety before the event  but it was a living tree that came down.'

He said he did not want to identify the two women, but he confirmed that the wee not medics and came from the London area

Tree surgeons were back at the site today, cutting up the remains of the tree as party guests cleared up their camping gear.

A villager who asked not to be named said: 'There had been some concern in the area because we were told to expect party noise over four days.

'Some people were concerned about the noise of music on Thursday night, although I did not hear anything.

'There was an exchange of emails between the organiser and some people in the village. He gave an assurance that the music would be turned down at midnight and there would no music after 2am each day.

People in Oxford Street endure windy and wet conditions as Storm Evert passes across London

Pictured: Racegoers shelter from the rain during day five of the Goodwood Festival

The disaster took place as Storm Evert battered most parts of the UK with high winds and rain. Pictured: People out and about on a wet day on a boat in Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire

'Someone from the village did go up there because there were concerns, and he came away very impressed about how courteous everybody was and how it was well planned.

'People were told that it was a group of mainly doctors letting off steam and enjoying themselves after a very difficult year.'

Suffolk Police spokesperson said: 'Police received a report at about 6.35pm on Friday that an oak tree had fallen at Ubbeston and injured two females in the process.

'Fire, ambulance and the air ambulance were also called to the scene. It is understood the pair were in attendance with others at a private outdoor party.

'The two victims, aged in their 20s, sustained serious injuries in the incident.

'One casualty has sustained spinal and head injuries, while the second casualty sustained pelvic and arm injuries. Both casualties have been taken to hospital for treatment.'
Police have released an image as they hunt for a rail passenger seen hitting a child four times in the head.

The man is said to have told a train conductor who confronted him: 'I can do what I want, he's my son.'

The alleged assault happened on the Manchester Airport to Blackpool North service just after 7.30pm on July 21.

The man is said to have told a train conductor who confronted him: 'I can do what I want, he's my son'

British Transport Police have now released an image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

A BTP spokesperson said the man pictured may have 'vital information' that could help in their investigation.

Anyone who recognises him, or has any information, is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 577 of 21/07/21.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The body of a murdered Reuters photographer was badly mutilated by the Taliban before it was sent home to India, it has emerged.

Danish Siddiqui, 38, was buried in Delhi, India, two days after he was killed covering fighting between Afghan security forces and the Taliban near a border crossing with Pakistan earlier this month.

The Pulitzer prize-winning Indian photographer was embedded with Afghan special forces in the former Taliban bastion of Kandahar when he died.

He arrived in New Delhi on a flight from Afghanistan on July 18 and his coffin was taken to his home where hundreds of friends and news media colleagues had gathered outside.

The photographer's brutal killing has further stoked fears the Taliban will re-assert its barbaric rule over the country after the withdrawal of the United States' presence, which sparked a brutal offensive from the militia group across the country.

The body of a murdered Reuters photographer Danish Siddiqui, 38, was badly mutilated by the Taliban before it was sent home to New Delhi, India, it has emerged. Pictured: Mourner's carry Mr Siddiqui's coffin on July 18

Photographs of his body show it was injured but still intact after the commando group he was accompanying were ambushed by the Taliban in Spin Boldak.

But when it was transferred to the Red Cross it had been badly mutilated according to Indian and Afghan officials.

They said his face was unrecognisable, that there were dozens of bullet holes in his body, and that there were tire marks on both his face and chest.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid denied any wrongdoing, according to the New York Times.

But Meenakshi Ganguly, the South Asia director for Human Rights Watch, told the New York Times: 'Danish always chose to be on the front lines so that abuses and atrocities could not remain hidden.

'The brutality with which Taliban fighters punished Danish proves the abuses that he was documenting.'

Photographers pay homage to Reuters journalist Danish Siddiqui in front of his portrait at Swayambhunath Stupa in Kathmandu

Bangladeshi journalists hold placards during a candlelight vigil to pay tribute to slain Reuters photojournalist Danish Siddiqui, in front of the Raju Memorial Sculpture at Dhaka University, in Dhaka, Bangladesh

According to India's NDTV, Siddiqui was first wounded by shrapnel, and was taken to a nearby Mosque in the Spin Boldak region to receive first aid.

But word spread that he was at the mosque, leading to the taliban to attack, the news outlet said. A local investigation suggested that the Taliban only attacked because they knew Mr Boldak's was inside, it said.

'Siddiqui was alive when the Taliban captured him. The Taliban verified Siddiqui's identity and then executed him, as well as those with him. The commander and the remainder of his team died as they tried to rescue him,' the local report said, according to NDTV.

It comes as Afghan authorities arrested four journalists on propaganda charges after they tried to enter the contested area of Spin Boldak in southern Kandahar province, where security forces have been clashing with Taliban fighters.

The move drew swift criticism from media and rights advocates, though the government said they wanted to ensure reporters were safe.

The Ministry of Interior said three journalists in Kandahar working for local radio and one working for local television had been arrested after ignoring a warning from the National Directorate of Security, the government intelligence agency, to all journalists not to enter the area.

Reuters news agency said Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Danish Siddiqui (pictured), who was embedded with the Afghan special forces, was killed as the commando unit sought to recapture Spin Boldak

Reuters photographer Danish Siddiqui covers the monsoon floods and landslides in the upper reaches of Govindghat, India in 2013

Afghan special forces, who Siddiqui was embedded with, speak to residents as others search his house on July 12

'NDS did not allow...journalists to go the area, because security forces wanted to save their lives,' said the interior ministry's deputy spokesperson Hamid Roshan.

Another interior ministry spokesperson later said that the journalists had arrested on charges of 'propaganda to the enemy' and that security agencies were continuing their investigation.

Interior Ministry spokesperson Mirwais Estanikzai said: 'The Government of Afghanistan respects and is extremely committed to freedom of expression, but any propaganda in favour of the terrorist and the enemy, as well as against the interests of the country, is a crime.'

Local media advocates say the ability of media to report on crucial areas and battlefields as conflict rises in the country is increasingly hindered and international rights group Amnesty International called on the four journalists to be released.

'We are concerned about the detention of four journalists in Kandahar by National Security Directorate since yesterday,' Amnesty International said on Twitter.

Mujib Khalwatgar, head of the Afghan media rights group NAI, said journalists had felt increasing pressure from both sides amid a sharp rise in violence in recent weeks after Washington announced it was withdrawing U.S. troops by September.

Siddiqui takes pictures of the damaged cargo ship MSC Chitra in the Arabian Sea off the Mumbai coast in August 2010

Siddiqui's picture of an exhausted Rohingya refugee woman touching the shore after crossing the Bangladesh-Myanmar border by boat in September 2017

Siddiqui's picture of fireworks exploding over a torchlit procession during the celebration marking the 70th anniversary of North Korea's foundation in Pyongyang

'We expect the government...to support freedom of expression,' he said.

'If the government proceeds in this way, and wants to impose restrictions on the media, we will lose the greatest achievement.'

The Taliban took control of the Spin Boldak area near the border with Pakistan earlier this month, sparking intense fighting as security forces try to retake the strategic border crossing.

Reuters journalist Danish Siddiqui was killed this month covering clashes between Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters in the area.

Siddiqui was part of a team that shared the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography for documenting the Rohingya refugee crisis.

He had also covered the war in Iraq, the Hong Kong protests and Nepal earthquakes since he started working for Reuters in 2010, the agency said.

Siddiqui's picture of a Naga Sadhu, a Hindu holy man, putting on a mask before taking part in the Pitcher Festival during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in April 2021

Siddiqui's picture of Hindu priests sitting inside a cave as they perform evening prayers on the banks of the river Ganges in India in March 2017

Siddiqui's picture of protesters in Hong Kong during a Human Rights Day march, organised by the Civil Human Right Front, in December 2019

Siddiqui's picture of a Kashmiri woman watching protests in Anchar neighbourhood after Friday Prayers in September 2019

Siddiqui's picture of people waiting to cremate Covid-19 victims in New Delhi, India, in April 2021

Violence has surged across the country since early May, when the militants launched a sweeping offensive as US-led foreign forces began a final withdrawal that is now almost complete.

The Taliban have seized scores of districts across Afghanistan, including in Herat province, where the group has also captured two border crossings adjoining Iran and Turkmenistan.

Officials and residents reported renewed fighting on the outskirts of Herat Saturday, with hundreds fleeing their homes to seek shelter closer to the heart of the city.

Herat governor Abdul Saboor Qani said most of the fighting was in Injil and Guzara district - where the airport is located.

'At the moment the fighting is ongoing in the south and southeast. We are moving cautiously and to avoid civilian casualties,' Qani said.

Government forces also called an air strike near a 10-bed hospital in Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand province, that officials said had been seized earlier by the Taliban to treat its wounded fighters.

Residents told AFP news agency that Taliban fighters took over the Ariana Afghan Speciality Hospital to treat those hurt.

'This morning, the Taliban fighters came and forced the hospital staff to leave,' said Agha Mohammad.

'Planes were hovering in the air at that time, and they were following the Taliban, and the air strike happened.'

Sher Ali Shakir, provincial public health director of Helmand, said the hospital was destroyed, with one person killed and two wounded.
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Thousands of demonstrators fought running battles with police in Paris today as protests against a vaccine passport were held across France.

Around 150 separate events were organised in major cities and town after the government used emergency powers to bring in new anti-Coronavirus measures.

By early afternoon on Saturday, tear gas and baton charges were being used against violent groups in Paris.

Four marches descended on the Place de la Bastille, where water cannons and squads of gendarmes and CRS riot police were waiting for them.

'Some of the marches are illegal, and they are being joined by anarchist groups who are not directly linked to the protest,' said one officer at the scene.

More than 160,000 people marched in Paris and other major cities in protest against President Emmanuel Macron's vaccine drive last weekend, and a similar number was expected this Saturday.

Many of the protests were organised by the so-called Gilets Jaunes, or Yellow Vest anti-government movement.

Named after their distinctive fluorescent motoring jackets, they have been behind a series of riots in cities like Paris over the past three years.

Mr Macron's decision three weeks ago to overcome the hesitation of millions of French by all but compelling them to vaccinate is supported by up to 65 per cent of the population, according to polls.

Anti-vaxxers took to the streets of Paris today to protest against the virus passports that will be needed to enter venues

CRS riot police charge demonstrators on the sidelines of a demonstration as part of a day of protest against French legislation

A protester wearing a yellow vest during clashes with anti-riot police as part of a demonstration against the COVID-19 health pass which grants vaccinated individuals greater ease of access to venues in France

An emergency bill imposing the health pass for access to cafes, restaurants, shopping centres, trains and long-distance buses was passed by parliament last week, and will come into effect on Monday.

But the measures have triggered fury among a minority, channelling hostility towards the President.

Anti-vaccine health workers in their white coats were among those marching at the head of crowds of people today.

Polls show a majority of French support the pass, but some French are adamantly opposed and photos from the French capital show thousands of anti-vaxxers demonstrating across the city this afternoon.

The pass requires vaccinations or a quick negative test or proof of a recent recovery from COVID-19 and mandates vaccinations for all health care workers by mid-September.

A demonstrator holds a banner reading 'it is our choice' during a national day of protest against the compulsory Covid-19 vaccination for certain workers and the compulsory use of the health pass called for by the French government in Paris

French anti-riot forces stand guard in front of the 'Moulin Rouge' venue during a demonstration against the COVID-19 health pass

A protester wearing a jersey reading 'No to Pass' faces anti-riot police forces during a demonstration against the COVID-19 health pass

Demonstrators clash with anti-criminality police brigades at a demonstration against French legislation making a Covid-19 health pass compulsory to visit a cafe, board a plane or travel on an inter-city train, in Paris

An emergency bill imposing the health pass for access to cafes, restaurants, shopping centres, trains and long-distance buses was passed by parliament and will come into effect on Monday. Pictured: Protestors gather in Paris on Saturday

CRS riot police are enveloped by a cloud of teargas as they face demonstrators during a national day of protest against the compulsory Covid-19 vaccination for certain workers

Protesters hold a poster reading 'Health workers in anger, No to mandatory Vaccine' during a demonstration against the Covid-19 health pass

An injured protestor is attended to by a mobile first aid unit during a demonstration in Paris on Saturday as demonstrators gathered in several cities to protest against the Covid-19 pass

Anti-vaxxers, joined by the anti-government 'yellow vest' movement, are demonstrating across France for the third consecutive week in objection to the Covid-19 health pass. Pictured: Protesters in Paris on Saturday

A protester holds a poster reading 'Freedom' during a demonstration against the COVID-19 health pass in Paris on Saturday

Demonstrators gather at Villiers metro station, northwest Paris, during a national day of protest against the compulsory Covid-19 vaccination for certain workers and the compulsory use of the health pass called for by the French government

Demonstrators hold up banners and placards, one of which reads as 'The 4th wave is us', during a national day of protest

Several thousand people gathered to demonstrate against the health pass, implemented by authorities because the highly contagious delta variant is making strong inroads, in Paris on Saturday

Riot mobile gendarmes shoot with a cougar grenade launcher as a protester waves a French flag with the cross of Lorraine during the national day of protest on Saturday

A protestor kicks a smoking teargas shell during a demonstration as part of a national day of protest against new French Covid-19 legislation

Four separate protests were being held Saturday in Paris, with 'liberty' the slogan of the day and marches were also called in other cities around France.

Participants in the two previous weekend protests included far-right activists and die-hard yellow vest protesters as well as others who believe the health pass limits their freedom.

Police used water cannon and tear gas sporadically to deter violence, including after some protesters moved to the Arc de Triomphe, at the top of the Champs-Elysees. Police took up posts along Paris' Champs-Elysees.

Some 3,000 security forces deployed around the French capital for a third weekend of protests against the pass that will be needed soon to enter restaurants and other places.

One member of the police force was reportedly seriously injured during clashes with demonstrators as thousands gathered to protest the Covid-19 health pass.

Three officers were injured in total, the French press quoted police as saying.

Police arrest a man during clashes at the end of a demonstration part of a national day of protest against French legislation making a Covid-19 health pass compulsory to visit certain venues and also making jabs compulsory for healthcare workers

Police officers clashed with crowds of demonstrators as thousands gathered to demonstrate against the health pass

One member of the police force was reportedly seriously injured during clashes with demonstrators as thousands gathered to protest the Covid-19 health pass

A protester is arrested by the police during the anti-Health Pass demonstration on the national day of protest in Paris

Police used water cannon and tear gas (pictured) sporadically to deter violence, including after some protesters moved to the Arc de Triomphe, at the top of the Champs-Elysees

Four separate protests were being held Saturday in Paris (pictured), with 'liberty' the slogan of the day and marches were also called in other cities around France

Tensions flared in front of the famed Moulin Rouge nightclub in northern Paris during what appeared to be the largest demonstration.

Lines of police faced down protesters in up-close confrontations during the march and as marchers headed eastward and some pelted police with objects, police fired tear gas into the crowds, plumes of smoke filling the sky.

A male protester was seen with a bleeding head and a police officer was carried away by colleagues.

Police, again responding to rowdy crowds, also turned a water cannon on protesters as the march ended at the Bastille.

Polls show a majority of French support the pass, but some are adamantly opposed, and for anti-pass demonstrators, 'liberty' was the slogan of the day of protest.

Hager Ameur, a 37-year-old nurse, said she resigned from her job and accused the government of using a form of 'blackmail'.

'I think that we mustn't be told what to do,' she told The Associated Press.

Among those not present this week is Francois Asselineau, leader of the tiny anti-EU Popular Republican Union party and an ardent campaigner against the health pass, who came down with COVID-19.

In a video on his party's site, Asselineau, who was not hospitalized, called on people to denounce the 'absurd, unjust and totally liberty-killing' health pass.

Participants in the two previous weekend protests included far-right activists and yellow vest protesters as well as others who believe the health pass limits their freedom. Pictured: Demonstrators clash with riot police during protests in Paris

People take part in a demonstration part of a national day of protest against French legislation making a Covid-19 health pass compulsory to visit a cafe, board a plane or travel on an inter-city train, in Paris

Police used water cannon and tear gas sporadically to deter violence as demonstrators were underway on Saturday in Paris

The legislation passed by parliament the week before has sparked mass protests in France but the government is determined to press ahead and make the health pass a key part of the fight against Covid-19. Pictured: Demonstrators clash with police

Demonstrators hold banner which reads 'My body is mine. Tyranny of the health pass - No thanks', during a day of protest

French authorities are implementing the health pass because the highly contagious delta variant is making strong inroads.

The pass requires a vaccination or a quick negative test or proof of a recent recovery from Covid-19 and mandates vaccine shots for all health care workers by mid-September.

More than 24,000 new daily cases were confirmed Friday night - compared to just a few thousand cases a day at the start of the month.

The government announcement that the health pass would take effect on August 9 after approval by the Constitutional Council has driven many unvaccinated French to sign up for inoculations so their social lives won't get shut down during the key summer holiday season.

Vaccinations are now available at a wide variety of places, including some beaches.

Over the past month, anti-Vaxxers have sent death threats to six MPs in Mr Macron's En Marche (On the Move) party, and five vaccination centres have been hit by vandalism,

Jean Castex, France's Prime Minister, has warned that the state would be 'uncompromising if there is violence' at the demonstrations.

Those involved in the anti-vaccine movement include Marine Le Pen, the presidential candidate and leader of the far-right National Rally party.

Demonstrators hold up banners and placards during a national day of protest against the compulsory Covid-19 vaccination for certain workers and the compulsory use of the health pass called for by the French government in Reims

Protesters hold placards during a demonstration against the health pass, in Lille, northern France, on Saturday

The measures have triggered fury among a minority, channelling hostility towards the President. Pictured: Police at a demonstration against the Covid-19 rules in Paris on Saturday

Demonstrators gather during a national day of protest against the compulsory Covid-19 vaccination for certain workers called for by the French government in Bordeaux, south-western France

Demonstrators hold up banners and placards, one of which reads as 'Freedom is not negotiable' and 'Vaccinated and non-vaccinated we are united against a health dictatorship' in Dijon on Saturday

People pass the Invalides as they take part in a demonstration part of a national day of protest against French legislation making a Covid-19 health pass compulsory to visit a cafe, board a plane or travel on an inter-city train, in Paris

A demonstrator waves a French flag during a national day of protest against new coronavirus legislation approved this week

Demonstrator hold up a placard which reads as 'Health Terror, I will not submit myself', during a national day of protest

Pictured: A demonstrator holds a banner reading 'we are not guinea pigs' during a national day of protest

Pictured: A demonstrator holds up a banner reading 'no to the health dictature, neither vaccinated nor lobotomized'

She has attacked Mr Macron's approach to the health emergency as 'brutal' and a violation of individual rights.

The far-Left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the France Unbowed party, has also taken up the anti-vaccination cause.

More than 47 per cent of the French have now been fully vaccinated, a jump of six points since Mr Macron announced the new vaccine pass.

More than 52% of the French population has been vaccinated while more than 111,800 people have died of the virus in France since the start of the pandemic.
Two high schools - including the prestigious Brisbane Grammar School - are the latest to be caught up in the Covid outbreak in Queensland as the state endures another hard lockdown.

On Saturday night, parents from BGS, which charges almost $28,000 in fees each year for students in years 7-12, were notified a pupil had tested positive to the virus.

Anyone at the school's Spring Hill campus on July 28, 29 and 30 was ordered into home isolation until further advice was provided by Queensland Health.

The development comes as St Peters Lutheran College in Indooroopilly, in Brisbane's west, also sent out an email to parents confirming the school had been identified by Queensland Health as a possible exposure site.



On Saturday morning, 11 LGAs in the Sunshine State were placed into a three-day lockdown from 4pm after six positive cases of the Delta strain of coronavirus were confirmed.

Brisbane Grammar School has been identified as a possible Covid exposure site - parents were informed via email on Saturday

St Peters Lutheran College in Indooroopilly was also identified as a possible Covid exposure site in Queensland

Latest Covid exposure sites in Queensland Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed is a close contact and must get tested and then isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result. Blunder Road Country Markets, 3/150 Blunder Rd Oxley, Sunday 25 July 8.30am to 9.10am ALDI Oxley, 146 Blunder Rd Oxley, Sunday 25 July, 8.55am to 9.25am Chemist Warehouse, 146 Blunder Rd Oxley Sunday 25 July 9.10am to 9.30am McDonalds, Jindalee Homemaker City, 12A Goggs Rd Jindalee 6.20pm to 6.55pm Bus Route 66, UQ Lakes Bus Station to PA Hospital Bus Station Wednesday July 28, 12.20pm to 12.40pm Bus Route 29, PA Hospital Bus Station to UQ Lakes Bus Station, Wednesday July 28, 2.30pm to 2.50pm Southbank TAFE, F Block Level 5 Rm 501566, Ernest St South Brisbane, Wednesday July 28, 7pm to 9pm Highgrove Bathrooms, 899 Stanley St East East Brisbane, Thursday July 29 11am to 11.25am Coles Jindalee, Corner Goggs and Sinnamon Rds Jindalee, Thursday July 29 2.55pm to 3.15pm Terry White Chemmart Jindalee, 4/168 Sinnamon Rd Jindalee, Thursday July 29, 3pm to 3.20pm Bus Route 412, Sir Fred Schonell Dve, St Lucia to UQ Chancellors Place, University of Queensland, Friday July 30, 9.45am to 9.55am Indooroopilly State High School, 111 Ward St Indooroopilly, Thursday July 29, 8am to 3.30pm Myer (level 2), Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, Thursday 29 July, 8.50am to 9.30am Seed Heritage (level 2), Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, Thursday 29 July, 9.20am to 9.35am Target (level 2) Indooroopilly Shopping Centre Thursday 29 July, 9.25am to 9.50am H and M (level 2) Indooroopilly Shopping Centre Thursday 29 July, 9.45am to 10.10am Kmart (Level 1) Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, Thursday 29 July, 10.10am to 10.45am Stacks Discounts Store, Indooroopilly Shopping Centre Thursday 29 July, 10.35am to 10.50am Country Road, Indooroopilly Shopping Centre Thursday 29 July, 10.45am to 11am Andonis Cafe & Bar, 4/281 Station Rd Yeerongpilly, Thursday 29 July, 11.50am to 1.45pm Bus Route 412, UQ Chancellors Place to Stop 19 Sir Fred Schonell Dve, St Lucia Friday 30 July, 12.25pm departure Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed is considered a casual contact who must get tested immediately and isolate until a negative result is received Bunnings Warehouse, Wecker Rd Mount Gravatt, Wednesday 28 July 7am to 7.35am Bunnings Warehouse, Wecker Rd, Mount Gravatt Thursday 29 July 12.30pm to 1.05pm Translational Research Institute, Ground Floor, Princess Alexandra Hospital, 37 Kent St Woolloongabba Wednesday 28 July 12.50pm to 2.45pm Female Toilets Level 2 near Forever New and Myer, Indooroopilly Shopping Centre Thursday 29 July, 8.45am to 8.50am Female toilets near Rebel Store and JB Hifi Level 1, Indooroopilly shopping centre Indooroopilly 10.50am 10.55am Source: Queensland Health Advertisement

Among the venues include a Coles supermarket, numerous chemists and even a handful of bus routes.

Oxley, in Brisbane's south-west, has three fresh exposure sites - an Aldi supermarket, (Sunday 25 July, 8.55am to 9.25am) Chemist Warehouse (Sunday 25 July, 9.10am to 9.30am) and a Country Markets (Sunday 25 July, 8.30am to 9.10am).

Jindalee's Coles, (Thursday 29 July, 2.55pm to 3.15pm) also in the south-west, a McDonald's (Sunday 25 July, 6.20pm to 6.55pm) and a Terry White Chemmart (Thursday 29 July, 3pm to 3.20pm) in the same suburb were also exposed.

The same applies for Highgrove Bathrooms in East Brisbane (Thursday 29 July, 11am to 11.25am) and the Southbank TAFE (Wednesday 28 July, 6pm to 9pm) in South Brisbane.

Anyone who caught the route 66 bus from the UQ lakes bus station to the PA Hospital bus station on Wednesday July 28, between 12.20pm and 12.40pm has also been added to the list.

So too has the route 29 bus from the PA Hospital bus station to UQ lakes bus station on the same day, from 2.30pm to 2.50pm.

Another bus route on the exposure site list is the 412 from Sir Fred Schonell Drive in St Lucia, southwest of the CBD, to UQ Chancellors Place at the University of Queensland for Friday July 30, between 9.45am and 9.55am.

The Indooroopilly Shopping Centre has become a site of interest for authorities, namely Myer, H and M, Target, Kmart and Seed Heritage for Thursday 29 July, between 8.30am and 11am.

Additionally, two new casual contact exposure sites have been added for Mount Gravatt, in Brisbane's south.

Both are for Bunnings Warehouse, with one on Wednesday July 28 between 7am and 7.35am and the other on Thursday July 29 between 12.30pm and 1.05pm.

Late on Saturday evening, even more casual exposure sites were confirmed, including two women's public toilets at the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre.

Any person who has visited any of the identified sites is urged to get tested for Covid immediately.

They must also remain in quarantine  even after receiving a negative result  for 14 days from when they were last at the venue.

The lockdown has impacted more than three million residents, with NRL, AFL and Super Netball games all cancelled on Saturday across the state.

Coles Jindalee, in Brisbane's south-west, has been named as a Covid exposure site by Queensland Health

Aldi in Oxley, (pictured) also in Brisbane's south-west, is a confirmed Covid exposure site - after six positive cases overnight, many parts of Queensland were plunged into a three-day lockdown

The Terry White Chemmart in Jindalee (pictured) has been identified as a Covid exposure site in Queensland

The 11 LGAs affected include Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Noosa Shire, Redland City, the Scenic Rim Regional Council, the Somerset Regional Council and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council.

Residents living can only leave home for four reasons including for essential goods, to provide or receive care, for essential school and work, and exercise.

Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the state had no choice but to impose the harsh restrictions.

'We have seen from the experience in other states that the only way to beat the Delta strain is to move quickly, to be fast, and to be strong,' he said.

'This will be the strictest lockdown that we have had.'
Neighbours heard a mother screaming 'the back door was open' before her missing five-year-old son was found in a river and later confirmed dead.

Officers were called at 5.45am today to the Sarn area of Bridgend, south Wales, to reports of a missing child.

A boy's body was then found in the River Ogmore. He was taken to Bridgend's Princess of Wales Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Residents in Sarn told how they were woken at around 5.30am by the boy's mother screaming 'the back door was open'.

Police are investigating how the child ended up in the water and dozens of officers have been at the scene.

One neighbour said: 'I could hear the mum screaming for her son. She was shouting 'the back door was open' and calling for him.

'A short while later the old bill turned up and they've been here ever since.'

A body of a five-year-old boy has been pulled from a Welsh river by police after they were called to reports of a missing child

Officers were called at 5.45am today to the Sarn area of Bridgend, south Wales. The boy's body was found in the River Ogmore (pictured)

Large parts of Pandy Park in Sarn were sealed off as police forensics teams carried out a fingertip search of the area.

Specially trained officers are supporting the boy's family and police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Other neighbours on the row of terraced flats where the boy lived said they were woken by shouts coming from the downstairs property.

One woman said: 'I could hear a row going off. I think the mother was on the phone to the police.'

Another female resident said: 'The police have been going door-to-door and asking questions and they've been looking in the park all day.'

Residents in Sarn told how they were woken at around 5.30am by the boy's mother screaming 'the back door was open'

Police found the boys body near Pandy Park. Specially trained officers are supporting the boy's family and police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward

Chief Inspector Geraint White, of South Wales Police, said: 'This is a tragic incident in which a young child has sadly lost their life.

'We are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or who has any information, to get in touch.

'We would ask the public not to speculate about this incident on social media as this is an active investigation.

'If you have any information that can help, please report this to us.

'Our thoughts are with the family and we are supporting them in every way we can.'
Sydney's list of Covid exposure sites has grown again with affected venues stretching from Double Bay in the eastern suburbs to St Marys in the west.

Three busy buses and a train line were also added as transport routes of concern, along with fruit markets, pizza shops, bakeries, a Target store, a cheesecake shop, and five supermarkets.

The announcement came as worrying photos emerged of a Covid test centre in Bondi sitting empty on Saturday afternoon, in stark contrast to packed clinics in Fairfield, in south-west.

This Bond testing centres (pictured) was empty on Saturday, even though the South-Eastern Sydney local health district has recorded 301 positive cases in the last four weeks as of July 30

Medical staff assist locals queueing at a medical centre to undertake COVID-19 testing in Fairfield on Friday

Latest Covid exposure sites in NSW Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed is a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result. Belfield, Mancini's Original Woodfired Pizza, 21 Burwood Road. Sunday 18 July to Saturday 24 July. ALL DAY. Burwood, Chemist Warehouse, 69 Burwood Road. Wednesday 28 July 5.25pm to 5.30pm. Penrith, Officeworks, 273 High Street. Monday 26 July 12pm to 5pm. Canley Heights, An Phat Supermarket, 213-217 Canley Vale Road. Thursday 29 July 10am to 10.30am. Campsie, World of Fruit, 224 Beamish Street. Sunday 25 July 10.40am to 11am. Campsie, Katsyua Japanese Restaurant, Clemton Park Shopping Village - Shop 14/5 Mackinder Street. Monday 19 July to Wednesday 28 July, 6am to 10pm. Campsie, All Group Supermarket. 238 Bearmish Street. Sunday 25 July to Tuesday 27 July 8.30am to 3.30pm. Campsie, 36 Meat Mart. 273 Beamish Street. Monday 26 July to Saturday 31 July - between 7.30am and 6pm. Rhodes, Muhealth Medical Centre. Level 8, Rhodes Waterside Shopping Centre. Rider Boulevard. Tuesday 27 July 9am to 11am, Friday 30 July 10am to 11.30am. Pemulwuy, Fully Tabooly Kebab Shop, Pemulwuy Marketplace, 70 Butu Wargun Drive. Friday 30 July and Saturday 31 July - 9am to 9.30am. Anyone who travelled on the following public transport routes is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result. Bondi Junction Clovelly, 400 Bus, from Bondi Junction Station Stand F to Frenchmans Road at Clovelly Road, Randwick. Monday 19 July 1.31pm to 1.40pm Campsie to Earlwood, 473 Bus, from Dan's Corner, Beamish Street, Campsie to Earlwood Shops. Monday 26 July 2.42pm to 2.51pm Summer Hill to Camperdown, 461X Bus, from Parramatta Road after Sloane Street, Summer Hill to Parramatta Road bf Lyons, Camperdown. Tuesday 27 July 8.09am to 8.17am Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed is a casual contact who must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received. Bankstown, Quantum Radiology 258 South Terrace. Monday 28 July, 12.30pm to 12.50pm. Bondi Junction, Bondi Junction Post Shop Eastgate Shopping Centre, Shop 28 71-73 Spring Street. Friday 16 July, 9.10am to 9.20am. Brookvale, Woolworths. Warringah Mall 145 Old Pittwater Road. Sunday 25 July 5.05pm to 5.35pm. Fairfield, Everyday in Fairfield, 109 Sackville Street. Thursday 15 July 4pm to 4.10pm. Smithfield, GRAM Engineering. 16-22 Cullen Place. Friday 23 July, Monday 26 July and Tueday 27 July - 7.15am to 4.30pm. St Mary's, Astley Mobility Pharmacy 368 Pennant Hills Road. Thursday 29 July 1.30pm to 2pm, Saturday 31 July 11am to 11.30am. Sydney, Sunlite Mitre 10, 74 Pitt Street, Tuesday 27 July 3.15pm to 5pm Wattle Grove, Coles, Village Way. Friday 23 July 10.25am to 11am. Bankstown, Suhhtan Pizza Bakery, 226 Chapel Road. Friday 23 July 12.20pm to 12.25pm Strathfield, Rainbow Cakes, 2 Churchill Ave. Saturday 24 July 10am-11am. Blacktown, Kmart, 28 Patrick Street. Saturday 24 July 5.40pm to 5.45pm. Bankstown, Priceline Pharmacy, 1 North Terrace. Wednesday 28 July 12.45pm to 1.05pm. Campsie, Cincotta Chemist, 157 - 159 Beamish Street. Friday 30 July 4.40pm to 5.15pm. Bankstown, Woolworths Bankstown Centro Shopping Centre, Lady Cutler Avenue. Friday 30 July 8am to 9.10am. Double Bay, Woolworths, Kiaora Road. Sunday 18 July 5.30pm to 5.45pm and Monday 19 July 4.30pm to 4.45pm. Eastwood, BSW, Level 1 Eastwood Centre 160 Rowe Street. Friday 23 July 5pm to 5.20pm. Eastwood, Woolworths. Eastwood Centre 160 Rowe Street. 23 July 5pm to 5.20pm. Strathfield, Omni Mart. Shop 7, Symonf Arcade, 12 Churchill Avenue. Saturday 24 July 10.25am to 11am. Strathfield, Fresh Seafood and Meat. 22/11 The Boulevard. Satirday 24 July, 10.45pm to 11.15am. Strathfield, GR Buy Asian Supermarket. Shop 8/11 The Boulevard. Saturday 24 July, 11am to 11.30am. Strathfield, Rainbow Cakes, 2 Churchill Avenue. Saturday 24 July, 10am to 11am. Yagoona, Ya Ya Bakery, 522 Hume Highway. Monday 19 July 6.45am to 7am. Liverpool, Mina Pizza, Shop 3, 46 Elizabeth Street. Tuesday 20 July 9am to 10am. Gladesville, Bunnings (tools section). 461 Victoria Road. Friday 23 July, 2.45pm to 3.20pm. Granville, Woolworths, 6 Louis Street. Wednesday 21 July 6.20pm to 6.50pm. Eastwood, La Vigne Bakery, 82 Rowe Street. Thursday 22 July 11.40am to 11.55am. St Marys, Aldi, 410-422 Great Western Highway. Thursday 22 July 5.30pm to 5.45pm. Macquarie Fields, Target, Glenquarie Town Centre Click and Collect, Victoria Road. Thursday 22 July 9am to 7pm, Friday 23 July 9am to 5pm, Sunday 25 July 9am to 5pm, Monday 26 July 9am to 5pm, Tuesday 27 July 9am to 5pm. Macquarie Park, Commonwealth Bank, Level 1 Macquarie Shopping Centre, Herring Road. Friday 23 July, 12.50pm to 2pm. Macquarie Park, Suncorp. Macquarie Shopping Centre, Herring Road. Friday 23 July, 1pm to 1.20pm. Macquarie Park, Priceline, Shop 10 Macquarie Shopping Centre Herring Road. Friday 23 July, 1.10pm to 1.20pm. Macquarie Park, Panetta Mercato, Macquarie Shopping Centre, Herring Road. Saturday 24 July 4.50pm to 5.10pm. Macquarie Park, Azakaze, Macquarie Shopping Centre, 402/199 Herring Road. Saturday 24 July, 4.05pm to 4.30pm. Marrickville, Woolworths Metro, Marrickville Shopping Centre, 34 Victoria Road. Monday 26 July, 10.30am to 11.30am. Wentworth Point, The Smelly Cheesecake, 5 Footbridge Boulevard. Saturday 24 July 9.25am to 9.35am. Burwood, Evergreen Fresh World, Burwood Plaza, 42 Railway Parade. Saturday 24 July 2.45pm to 3.15pm. St Marys, IGA, Great Western Highway and Mamre Road. Saturday 24 July 4pm to 4.15pm. Lakemba, Woolworths, 2-26 Haldon Street. Saturday 24 July 10.30am to 10.40am. Bankstown, Aussie Farm Fresh, Bankstown Central Shopping Centre, North Terrace. Wednesday 28 July 8.40am to 8.50am. West Ryde, Coles, Betts Street and Chatham Road. Monday 19 July, 7.20am to 7.55am. Anyone who travelled on the following train service is considered a casual contact who must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received. T4 Train Line, From Caringbah to Bondi Junction. Monday 19 July 12.12pm to 1.26pm. Advertisement

A local resident who went to get tested at 3.30pm told Daily Mail Australia the empty clinic was concerning.

'If no-one is getting tested in the eastern suburbs, that could mean lots of cases are going undetected,' he said.

Among the new exposure sites is the 400 bus running between Bondi Junction and Clovelly, and a Woolworths in Double Bay.

Bondi is part of the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, where there have been 301 positive cases in the four weeks to July 30.

That test rate in that LHD - 270 per 1,000 - lags behind South Western Sydney LHD on 450, Sydney LHD on 312 and Western Sydney LHD on 281.

Bondi is part of the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, where there have been 301 positive cases in the four weeks to July 30 (Bondi pictured on Friday)

Worrying photos emerged of a Covid test centre in Bondi sitting empty on Saturday afternoon, in stark contrast to packed clinics in Fairfield, in south-west

A local resident who went to get tested at 3.30pm told Daily Mail Australia the empty clinic was concerning

Additional exposure sites released on Saturday include venues include World of Fruit in Campsie and Mancini's Original Woodfired Pizza in Belfield, where anyone who attended at times listed must immediately get tested and self-isolate for 14-days regardless of a negative result.

The same rules apply for shoppers at a Penrith Officeworks on High Street, with shoppers who visited the store on Monday July 26 between the hours of 12pm - 5pm now considered close contacts.

Several other south-west Sydney sites were listed as casual contact venues, including Wattle Grove Coles, Rainbow Cakes Strathfield, Blacktown Kmart and Cincotta chemist in Campsie.

Bankstown recorded casual contact exposure sites at a Woolworths at Centro shopping centre on July 30, Priceline Pharmacy on July 28, Suhhtan Pizza Bakery July 23 and Aussie Farm Fresh on July 28.

Those who visited the affected venues at the listed times must immediately get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result.

A stay at home order was also issued on Saturday evening for anyone in New South Wales who has visited 11 LGAs in Queensland since July 21.

The affected LGAs are: Brisbane City, Moreton Bay Regional Council, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Logan City, Noosa Shire Council, Redland City, Scenic Rim Regional Council, Somerset Regional Council, and Sunshine Coast Regional Council.

Anyone in the same household must also follow the stay at home rules and to only leave home with a reasonable excuse.

Anyone who visited Officeworks at High Street, Penrith, on July 26, 12pm - 5pm is considered a close contact

People will only be permitted to leave their places of residence with a reasonable excuse, being shopping, medical care, caregiving, outdoor exercise with a member of your household or one other person, and work or education, if you cannot do it from home.

The warning comes as 210 new local cases were recorded overnight with 21 of those infectious within the community, as contact tracers scramble to contain the state's latest deadly covid-19 outbreak.

A spike in new cases prompted Gladys Berejiklian to announce an entire stadium would be set up to help boost the state's vaccination rates and 1,000 police and soldiers have been called in to enforce the Sydney lockdown which is now over a month in.

Of the 210 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases recorded, up to 152 of those cases may have been active in the community while infectious.

Several other Southwest Sydney sites were listed as casual contact venues, including Wattle Grove Coles, Rainbow Cakes Strathfield, Blacktown Kmart and Cincotta chemist in Campsie

'By far the majority' of new cases continued to be diagnosed in Sydney's southwest and western Sydney, Mr Hazzard told reporters.

The minister highlighted the dangers of the Delta strain to young people, with just under two thirds of the new cases (138) aged under 40.

Younger people are also being hospitalised, he said.

Of the 53 people in intensive care, six are in their 20s, four are in their 30s, one is in their 40s, 18 are in their 50s, 14 are in their 60s, nine are in their 70s and one is in their 80s.

Non-urgent elective surgery has been cancelled but Mr Hazzard said a number of procedures will be dealt with by the private health system instead.

Bankstown recorded three casual contact exposure sites at a Woolworths at Centro shopping centre on July 30, Priceline Pharmacy on July 28 and Suhhtan Pizza Bakery July 23

Greater Sydney and surrounding regions are in lockdown until at least August 28, as authorities battle to contain the Delta outbreak.

Saturday marked the return of the construction sector after a fortnight-long enforced break, with work allowed to resume on non-occupied sites provided COVID-safe plans are in force.

But the sector said it cannot call on 68,000 workers - or 42 per cent of the workforce - from eight council areas worst-hit by the city's coronavirus outbreak.

Australian Constructors Association CEO Jon Davies said many construction sites will struggle to reopen at the end of the two-week industry shutdown with over half its workforce in the locked down LGAs.
Khizr Khan (pictured) was appointed as the Commissioner of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, President Biden announced on Friday

Joe Biden has appointed the Muslim father of a Gold Star veteran whose son died while fighting in Iraq, and who was later mocked by Donald Trump, to a religious freedom post within his administration.

Trump critic and target of the former president's mockery, Khizr Khan was officially nominated as the Commissioner of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom on Friday.

The 71-year-old founder of the Constitution Literacy and National Unity Project is father to the late United States Army officer Humayun Khan, who was killed by a car bomb in 2004 in Iraq at the age of 27.

Khan became an unlikely thorn in Trump's side following a riveting speech and appearance at the July 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

Khan and his wife Ghazala (pictured) on stage at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, where the father of late Gold Star veteran criticized Donald Trump

Pictured: Humayun Khan was killed by a car bomb in Iraq back in 2004 at the age of 27

Khan, who was joined by his wife Ghazala on stage, stated that his late son would not even have been able to live in America or die a hero in the armed forces if it had been up to Trump, who had previously voiced his support for banning Muslims from entering the country.

Trump then ridiculed and dismissed Khan while claiming he had to deliver the whole speech himself, because as a Muslim woman, his wife was not 'allowed' to speak, according to a 2016 report by the New York Times.

'If you look at his wife, she was standing there, she had nothing to say, she probably  maybe she wasnt allowed to have anything to say, you tell me,' Trump told ABC News shortly after Khan's DNC speech.

Khan later criticized the then-Republican presidential nominee as sacrificing 'nothing and no-one' for his country before adding the Trump was devoid of 'feeling the pain of a mother who has sacrificed her son.'

Trump's dig at Khan saw his critics claim the condemnation made him unfit to be president, and saw them insist that he had no respect for American servicemen and women.

But the argument - and later revelation of the infamous Access Hollywood tape which saw Trump advise on grabbing women 'by the p*ssy' failed to derail his campaign, and he was ultimately elected president in November 2016.

Khan's appointment saw him lauded as an 'an advocate for religious freedom as a core element of human dignity.' by the White House.

The announcement said that Khan 'devotes a substantial amount of his time to providing legal services to veterans, men and women serving in uniform, and their families.'

'Today's announcement underscores the President's commitment to build an Administration that looks like America and reflects people of all faiths.'

After winning the presidency, Trump eventually signed a bill into law naming a Virginia post office after the late US Army Captain.
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Carrie Johnson is pregnant with her second child.

The Prime Minister's wife, 33, also revealed that she suffered a miscarriage at the beginning of the year that she says left her 'heartbroken.'

In a brave Instagram post she told how she and husband Boris were expecting a rainbow baby - a term for a child born to a family that has previously lost another due to stillbirth or death during infancy - in December.

The announcement comes two months after her wedding to the Conservative leader when she would have been around two months pregnant.

The environmental campaigner, who was appointed head of communications for animal conservation group the Aspinall Foundation earlier this year, described the child she was expecting as a 'rainbow baby' - a term for a child born to a family that has previously lost another due to stillbirth or death during infancy.

In a message to followers, she wrote: 'Hoping for our rainbow baby this Christmas. At the beginning of the year, I had a miscarriage which left me heartbroken.

'I feel incredibly blessed to be pregnant again but I've also felt like a bag of nerves. Fertility issues can be really hard for many people, particularly when on platforms like Instagram it can look like everything is only ever going well.

'I found it a real comfort to hear from people who had also experienced loss so I hope that in some very small way sharing this might help others too.'

Downing Street said Mr Johnson had been due to work this weekend from his official country residence Chequers in Buckinghamshire, although it is not known if the couple are there together.

The December arrival will mean the Prime Minister then has at least seven children, though he has not officially confirmed the exact number after leading a tangled love life that has seen him married twice.

Following Mrs Johnson's announcement, hard Left trolls attacked the couple on Twitter - many of those making the abhorrent jokes having anonymous accounts.

Others made reference to the Prime Minister's financial situation after allegedly asking for funds from Tory donors to pay for a flat refurbishment and a nanny for the couple's first child Wilfred.

The couple seen in good spirits together during England's Euro 2020 semi-final clash with Denmark at Wembley

The post announcing the pregnancy to social media followers was accompanied by a picture of a small blue pram

Carrie broke the news that she was expecting a second child to followers on Instagram today

Carrie and Boris Johnson were last spotted together in public at Wembley on July 11 for England's Euro 2020 final clash against Italy

Carrie enjoys a cuddle with son Wilfred, whom she gave birth to in April last year, in a previous Instagram post

Carrie, seen with a push chair on April 21, gave birth to her first baby with the PM, Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson, last April

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer sent congratulations to the expectant couple following Carrie Johnson's announcement.

'Congratulations to Carrie and Boris on the happy news that they're expecting another child,' said the Opposition leader.

'I'm very sorry to hear of Carrie's earlier miscarriage. I'm sure that her speaking out will be of comfort to others and make them feel less alone.

'Every best wish to Carrie and Boris at this time.'

And Conservative MPs also congratulated the happy couple with Pensions Minister Guy Opperman writing: 'Great news for Carrie and the PM. But also good that we talk about the pain, sadness and consequences of miscarriage and baby loss.'

Science Minster Amanda Solloway said: 'Huge CONGRATULATIONS to @BorisJohnson and Carrie Symonds on the announcement that Carrie is pregnant and expecting a December birth.

'I'm so happy for them and wish them all the best.'

The couple were last seen in public together watching England's Euro 2020 final clash with Italy at Wembley Stadium on July 11.

She and Mr Johnson, 57, welcomed their first baby, Wilfred, at the end of April last year.

Following the birth, she praised the staff who delivered her son, thanking UCLH on International Day of the Midwife, captioning: 'A big thank you from me too! You guys are incredible.'

Mr Johnson married his partner in a secret ceremony at Westminster Cathedral back in May this year when she would have been around two months pregnant

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer sent congratulations to the expectant couple following Carrie Johnson's announcement

Following Mrs Johnson's announcement, hard Left trolls attacked the couple on Twitter - many of those making the abhorrent jokes having anonymous accounts

The couple named their son Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson, after their grandfathers and the hospital doctors who treated the Prime Minister for coronavirus.

Mr Johnson married his partner in a secret ceremony at Westminster Cathedral back in May this year, in front of a handful of close friends and family.

One-year-old Wilfred attended the wedding, as did two official witnesses. Mrs Johnson shared a picture of their son yesterday in a field of bluebells - which some speculated was a nod to the tradition of 'something blue'.

The PM's siblings Rachel, Jo and Leo Johnson are also understood to have attended, along with his father Stanley.

It meant he became the first Prime Minister to marry in office since Lord Liverpool married Mary Chester in 1822.

The couple's association dates back several years after Carrie worked on Boris' successful bid to be re-elected Mayor of London in 2012.

But they did not start dating until 2018 after he announced he had separated from his second wife, Marina Wheeler, the mother of four of his children.

Mrs Johnson gave birth to her son in London last year with her now husband at her side, days after he himself had been released from medical care following a lengthy battle with coronavirus.

In a heart-warming Instagram post revealing the boy's name, Mrs Johnson said that the middle name Nicholas was a tribute to two NHS doctors, Dr Nick Price and Dr Nick Hart, who 'saved Boris' life last month' following his personal fight against Covid.

Carrie Johnson has announced she is pregnant with her second child with Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Mr and Mrs Johnson, son Wilfred and dog Dilyn all took a holiday to Scotland in August last year while Parliament was in recess

The couple then also held a top-secret baptism for their son - only witnessed by a few family and friends in September, just days before new lockdown restrictions on social gatherings came into force.

There was no reception after the religious ceremony as Mr and Mrs Johnson were reportedly keen to set a good example for the public and abide by social distancing rules.

The December arrival will mean the Prime Minister then has at least seven children, though he has not officially confirmed the exact number after leading a tangled love life that has seen him married twice.

Both marriages ended after he had affairs. It seems extraordinary that the number of children a Prime Minister has is not public record, yet that is the situation.

Mr Johnson and Marina Wheeler, who split in 2018, have four children together: Lara Lettice, 26, Milo Arthur, 24, Cassia Peaches, 22, and Theodore Apollo, 20.

He also has a fifth child, Stephanie Macintyre, with art consultant Helen Macintyre. Stephanie is allegedly one of two children he fathered as a result of an affair.

Mr Johnson met his first wife Allegra Mostyn-Owen while they were students at Oxford and they wed in 1987 but they were divorced in 1993.

In 2004 it emerged that Johnson was reportedly having an affair with journalist Petronella Wyatt who had fallen pregnant and had an abortion.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife arriving to cast their vote at Methodist Central Hall, central London, in the local and London Mayoral election on May 6 this year

He was sacked from the Tory frontbench over the affair. In 2006 the News of the World reported Mr Johnson had had an affair with journalist Anna Fazackerley.

In September 2018, news about his relationship with former Tory communications chief Carrie Symonds came to light - and they later moved in together.

In May, it was revealed that Tory donors were allegedly asked to stump up cash to pay for a nanny for Wilfred in Downing Street.

One donor who said they were approached said: 'I don't mind paying for leaflets but I resent being asked to pay to literally wipe the Prime Minister's baby's bottom.'

The Prime Minister's official spokesman told reporters that Mr Johnson had covered all the costs for childcare for his one-year-old son himself.

But the spokesman refused to be drawn on whether the PM had previously approached supporters to pay for a nanny.

It came amid allegations the couple had asked for donors to pay for the redecoration of their Downing Street home, although an investigation found there was no conflict of interest.

There have been increasing rumours about the Prime Minister's financial situation after a cripplingly expensive divorce from his second wife, the cost of supporting at least four of his six children and a substantial drop in income.

Boris's divorce from long-suffering QC wife Marina Wheeler was finalised in February last year only after agreement had been reached on the money.

The settlement with his former wife is estimated to have amounted to around 2 million. As a close friend of Boris told the Daily Mail: 'He was cleaned out.'

The biggest impact on his finances, however, has resulted from a dramatic reduction in income.

In a two-year period during the last Parliament, when he was largely on the backbenches, he earned 800,000 from newspaper columns, after-dinner speeches, book royalties and TV programmes.

Regular income, such as the 275,000 he received for his Daily Telegraph column, have ended, and since moving into No 10 in December last year his outside earnings have shrivelled to 10,500  all royalties from previously published books.

His 150,000 salary as PM makes him a political pauper by international standards.

Angela Merkel, the German chancellor is paid 320,000, the New Zealand premier Jacinda Ardern receives 240,000, and even the prime minister of tiny land-locked Liechtenstein gets 195,000.

As a friend says: 'For years he was earning so much he had no money worries. Certainly during the years of his marriage to Marina who earned good money as a barrister, he was very comfortably off.

'Now for the first time, when he wants to provide for his family, he is not at all sure he can. This is an unusual position for him.

'Friends say, 'Don't worry, when you leave Downing Street you will make pots of money like Blair, Cameron and John Major' but his concern is the now not the future. It does play on his mind.'

The days when he could dismiss his six-figure pay for newspaper columns as 'chicken feed' as he did in 2009 are long gone.

After Mrs Johnson's announcement, a miscarriage charity priased her openness and said it was 'important' to talk about pregnancy after losing a baby.

Ruth Bender Atik, national director of the Miscarriage Association, told Sky News: 'Not everyone wants to talk about their experience of miscarriage, they may feel it's private to them or they're just not comfortable talking about it.

'They might worry that people will say the wrong things, but also it's important to talk about pregnancy after loss because it can be a very anxious time.

'I think a lot of people say they lose the kind of innocence and optimism that they had the first time around because they're always concerned that something might go wrong this time and for most people it doesn't.

'We have a really British way of trying to cheer people up by starting sentences with words like 'at least', 'at least it was early', 'at least you already have a child'.

'None of these things generally help so just allowing somebody to feel how they feel and to say 'I'm sorry for loss' and perhaps when they're pregnant again, say 'I imagine it might be a bit of an anxious time for you now''.

She went on to say that miscarriage can be 'very traumatic' for some partners.

Ms Atik added: 'It's important that we think about partners and remember their needs and ask them how they're doing.'

Here are the details on all six of Mr Johnson's known children:

Lara Lettice Johnson with Boris Johnson and Marina Wheeler in North London in May 2012

LARA LETTICE JOHNSON, 27 (born in 1993 to Boris Johnson and Marina Wheeler)

Lara was the first child born to Mr Johnson and Ms Wheeler, in 1993.

Just five weeks after her parents' wedding day, Lara - who is only five years younger than Carrie Symonds - was born.

She attended Bedales School - which costs 33,000-a-year - in Hampshire and went on to read Latin at St Andrews University.

Lara allegedly branded her father a 'selfish b******' after his split with her mother.

She has previously been pictured in public with her parents, including when she casted a vote with them at a polling station in Islington, North London, during the London mayoral elections of May 2012.

The Prime Minister and Marina Wheeler, pictured after he won his Uxbridge seat in May 2015

Milo Arthur Johnson, 24, was educated at the 27,000-a-year Westminster School

MILO ARTHUR JOHNSON, 25 (born in 1995 to Boris Johnson and Marina Wheeler)

Born in 1995, Milo was Boris Johnson and Marina Wheeler's first son.

The 24-year-old was educated at the 27,000-a-year Westminster School and is said to be a keen sportsman.

A 2011 issue of his school magazine described him as 'delight to watch' and said he was 'without doubt the player of the season' for his football skills.

Milo studied at London's School of Oriental and African Studies, graduating from there in 2014, and can speak Arabic, Russian and French.

He also worked as an intern in Dubai at men's magazine Esquire Middle East.

After Mr Johnson and Ms Wheeler separated in 2018, the politician and Milo were photographed bringing tea for the Press outside his house in Oxfordshire.

Cassia Peaches Johnson, 22

Cassia Peaches Johnson, 23 (born in 1997 to Boris Johnson and Marina Wheeler)

Cassia, thought to have followed in her father's footsteps to be a writer, is the youngest daughter of Mr Johnson and Ms Wheeler.

She was born in 1997 and went to Highgate School - which costs 18,000 per year.

During Cassia's time at the private school she was a student editor of their alumni magazine Cholmeleian.

Theodore Apollo Johnson, 20

THEODORE APOLLO JOHNSON 21 (born in 1999 to Boris and Marina Wheeler)

Born in 1999, Theodore is Mr Johnson and his ex-wife Marina Wheeler's youngest child.

He attended school in London before going to Cambridge University, unlike his father who attended Oxford.

He is listed on LinkedIn as 'Theodore Johnson-Wheeler' in a profile which states he started at Cambridge in 2017.

Theodore has also been labelled previously as something of a doppleganger for Mr Johnson, with the same distinctive hair colour and style.

Helen Macintyre (pictured), the mother of Boris Johnson's fifth child Stephanie

STEPHANIE MACINTYRE, 12 (born in 2009 to Boris Johnson and Helen Macintyre)

He also has a fifth child, Stephanie Macintyre, with art consultant Helen Macintyre.

Stephanie is allegedly one of two children he fathered as a result of an affair.

The Appeal Court ruled in 2013 that the public had a right to know that he had fathered a daughter during an adulterous liaison while Mayor of London in 2009 - but also mentioned the possibility of a second baby.

The three appeal court judges said: 'It was not material to the judge's conclusion whether contraceptive precautions were taken.

'What was material was that the father's infidelities resulted in the conception of children on two occasions.

'The judge was entitled to hold that this was of itself reckless behaviour, regardless of whether any contraceptive precautions were taken. '

Carrie Johnson holds Wilfred, her first child with the PM

WILFRED LAWRIE NICHOLAS JOHNSON, 1 (born in 2020 to Boris and Carrie Johnson)

Mr Johnson's sixth child, Wilfred, was born on April 29, 2020, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and the first lockdown.

It was the first child he had with Carrie, who he would go on to wed in a secret ceremony in Westminster in MAy 2021.

Following the birth, his now wife praised the staff who delivered her son, thanking UCLH on International Day of the Midwife, captioning: 'A big thank you from me too! You guys are incredible.'

The couple named their son Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson, after their grandfathers and the hospital doctors who treated the Prime Minister for coronavirus.

SARAH VINE: Cowardly trolls may mock - but Carrie Symonds is doing women a great service by speaking with such candour

Carrie Johnson announces she is pregnant with the couple's second child, having suffered a miscarriage early on in the year  and Twitter springs to life like a putrefying zombie sensing a piece of passing grey matter.

'Fake baby'; 'Ooh, look, another dead cat'; endless jokes about nursery wallpaper; and the rest, quite honestly, so unpleasant even Frankie Boyle might consider them a bit de trop.

Most of them, of course, hiding behind anonymity like the pathetic cowardly creeps they are.

Such is the lot of any political partner, especially one married to a Conservative.

The hard-Left is far nastier and more aggressive than the Right, especially when it comes to the abuse of women.

Carrie Johnson announces she is pregnant with the couple's second child, having suffered a miscarriage early on in the year  and Twitter springs to life like a putrefying zombie sensing a piece of passing grey matter, writes SARAH VINE. Above: Carrie with baby Wilfred and the PM

Even those supposedly in the responsible mainstream do it: Kevin Maguire, of the New Statesman, couldn't resist having a dig: 'Will this be 7 or 8 children fathered by Boris Johnson?' he tweeted.

How original. And what a lovely sentiment to extend to an expectant mother sharing such deeply personal and bittersweet news.

To an extent, it comes with the territory. Every politician or politician's spouse has to accept a bit of teasing from the other side now and again.

But there are times when even the toughest feel vulnerable, and pregnancy and miscarriage ought to be respected.

But no. Some people will always see you purely through the prism of their own political tribalism.

You are not a person in your right, indeed you are probably not even human, and neither is your family.

Your feelings and state of mind don't matter. Not even in moments of great anguish.

I'm sure Carrie thought long and hard before telling the world about her miscarriage.

She will have been fully aware of how people might seize upon it and twist it out of shape for their own ends.

Which makes her decision to share her experience even more admirable, especially at such a vulnerable stage in her life.

Pregnancy is a special time for most women, but it can also be incredibly stressful, and no more so than when you've only just lost a baby.

I don't know the details of her miscarriage earlier this year, but I am certain that the fear of it happening again stalks her, as it would any woman in her position.

'Fake baby'; 'Ooh, look, another dead cat'; endless jokes about nursery wallpaper; and the rest, quite honestly, so unpleasant even Frankie Boyle might consider them a bit de trop. Most of them, of course, hiding behind anonymity like the pathetic cowardly creeps they are. Above: Mr and Mrs Johnson with England legend David Beckham prior to the Euro 2020 final

Even now she is past the high-risk stage, and has presumably had many scans reassuring her, her hormones will mean she is hypersensitive to every worry.

Having one child already  Wilfred  running around the place will no doubt act as a welcome distraction a lot of the time. But still.

She could probably do without the trolls. Especially since what she is doing in speaking out is a genuinely good thing.

Miscarriage is one of the last great taboo subjects, even though countless women experience it every day.

More than one in five pregnancies ends in miscarriage  around a quarter of a million each year in the UK.

Talking about it, being honest about the realities and, crucially, removing the stigma that still surrounds miscarriage, is an important part of helping women recover.

Carrie is not telling the world because she wants our sympathy; she's doing so because the baby she lost is as much part of the story of her growing family as the one she already has and the one she hopes to welcome at Christmas.

Like many women who have been through what she has, that baby was as real to her as the one in her belly. Of course she wants to talk about it, of course she wants to share her heartbreak.

Like so many women of her generation  including, of course, the Duchess of Sussex  Carrie doesn't take a stiff-upper-lip approach to these things.

And if you ask me, that's all to the good. Because while I'm not necessarily a fan of oversharing, I also know there are some things that, if suppressed, only make things worse.

Carrie, seen with a push chair on April 21, gave birth to her first baby with the PM, Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson, last April

That doesn't mean to say you have to spill every last detail, but letting the world know what you've faced can be a very important step towards processing the trauma.

Women need to feel they can be open about their experiences of miscarriage and loss.

For some, Carrie's admission is an opportunity to gloat, a reason to diminish her and Boris, to revel in their misfortune.

But for the vast majority, I suspect, it will be comforting to know that behind all the formality and pomp of No 10 Downing Street live a couple who, for all their power and privilege, understand first-hand the kind of experiences that many ordinary people endure.

That is to be applauded, not mocked.

Has anyone had a start to family life as dramatic as Carrie Symonds and Boris Johnson? Living in the glare of the Downing Street spotlight was never going to be easy but this couple had a global pandemic to contend with

By Katie Hind for the Daily Mail

Starting family life in the glare of the Downing Street spotlight while carrying the burden of the highest office in the land was never going to be easy.

But the Johnsons had more troubles to contend with than even they could have foreseen.

For as Carrie prepared to give birth to their first child in April last year, her husband-to-be was fighting for his life after being struck down by Covid.

Not able to visit Boris as he spent several days in intensive care, she was left waiting anxiously for updates from the doctors treating him as she prepared to give birth for the first time.

Starting family life in the glare of the Downing Street spotlight while carrying the burden of the highest office in the land was never going to be easy. But the Johnsons had more troubles to contend with than even they could have foreseen

As if that wasn't difficult enough, she, too, was struck down with the virus in the ninth month of her pregnancy, a frightening prospect that she was forced to confront alone as she remained in self-isolation.

All the while, Boris had to navigate the nation's response to the pandemic, just months after arriving in Downing Street.

Their joy at Boris's stunning 80-seat General Election victory the previous December, and at getting engaged, had quickly been consumed by crisis.

But on April 29, 2020, Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson was born  premature but healthy  with the Prime Minister 'present throughout'.

Yesterday Carrie revealed a different sort of anguish from that she had overcome with her first child, speaking honestly about how she had been left heartbroken after suffering a miscarriage at the beginning of the year.

For as she broke the surprise news that she and Boris were expecting a second child this Christmas, she also disclosed that it would be a 'rainbow' baby  a term used to describe a child born after losing a previous one.

The pain of that loss must have devastated her, especially as, more than anything, she adores being a mum.

Yet however excruciating that pain, the Prime Minister and his wife dealt with their private heartbreak with such poise and dignity that no one would have been aware of it.

For as Carrie prepared to give birth to their first child in April last year, her husband-to-be was fighting for his life after being struck down by Covid

The post announcing the pregnancy to social media followers was accompanied by a picture of a small blue pram

Yet while yesterday's announcement of a sibling for Wilfred was unexpected by all but the couple's increasingly small circle, there may have been clues about Carrie's pregnancy as long ago as June.

You don't have to look hard to see a little bump as Carrie wowed other leaders' partners at the G7 summit at Carbis Bay in Cornwall.

Two weeks after they wed in a small, secret but romantic secret ceremony at Westminster Cathedral, the couple beamed joyfully for the cameras. Now we know they knew something the rest of the world did not.

While in Cornwall, Carrie also showed off her joy at being a mum in a set of beautiful pictures on the beach with Wilfred and America's First Lady, Dr Jill Biden.

As she played in the sand with him and carried him along the shores, it was obvious that mother and son share a close and happy bond.

Motherhood certainly gave a respite from the often febrile world of Downing Street, where Carrie  and even her beloved Jack Russell Dilyn  were the subject of hostile briefings, both before and after winning the bitter power struggle with former No 10 adviser Dominic Cummings.

For the first nine months of Wilfred's life, Carrie was away from it all on maternity leave, walking the baby in his pram while singing rhymes to him his favourite being Old MacDonald Had A Farm.

The sociable pair enjoyed meeting other new mothers and babies, and at home, while his daddy was downstairs running the country, little Wilfred  only the fifth child known to have been born to a sitting Prime Minister  enjoyed bouncing in his Jolly Jumper exerciser.

And to the surprise of some, Boris has also been a hands-on parent to Wilfred, who has inherited his father's unruly blond locks.

To the surprise of some, Boris has also been a hands-on parent to Wilfred, who has inherited his father's unruly blond locks

The Prime Minister is regularly seen pushing the one-year-old in his buggy while out jogging with Dilyn.

He even helps out when it comes to the messier jobs, saying last year: 'I've changed a lot of nappies, I want you to know.'

He also performed the doting dad duties while on holiday in Scotland last summer, where he was pictured carrying his son in a papoose.

Keen not to make Dilyn feel left out, Carrie warmly refers to him as Wilfred's brother.

'My best friend is my brother, a dog called Dilyn, he likes to lick my toes,' wrote Carrie on behalf of her son in December.

That rare insight into the Johnsons' family life came in an initiative for The Together Project, for which Wilfred sent a finger painting of a reindeer to an 89-year-old woman with Parkinson's disease living in a care home.

Carrie also revealed that Wilfred's favourite food was raspberries and yogurt.

Since then, Carrie has adjusted to life as a working mother, getting a new job heading the communications team for conservation charity The Aspinall Foundation.

Animal welfare has long been one of her passions and she is now working on a groundbreaking 'rewilding' project to transport 13 elephants from Kent to Kenya.

While yesterday's Instagram post was tinged with sadness, it was also full of hope that Wilfred will have a baby brother or sister in time for Christmas.

Indeed, Carrie used a picture of a Christmas tree bauble in the shape of a pram to accompany her announcement.

You don't have to look hard to see a little bump as Carrie wowed other leaders' partners at the G7 summit at Carbis Bay in Cornwall

'I feel incredibly blessed to be pregnant again,' she wrote, 'but I have also felt like a bag of nerves'  a natural anxiety in the circumstances.

The UK's unofficial First Lady used her platform to connect and empathise with other women who had suffered miscarriages too.

A keen social media user, she acknowledged how hard it can be to see the perfect lives people depicted on platforms such as Instagram, especially for those suffering fertility issues.

Her motivation appears clear  to encourage others to talk about the subject. Despite miscarriage affecting about one in four pregnancies, it still remains a taboo subject.

After the announcement, Ruth Bender Atik of the Miscarriage Association, said it was 'significant' that Carrie spoke about her loss, telling Sky News: 'It is important to talk about pregnancy after loss because it can be a very anxious time.

'A lot of people say that they lose the innocence and optimism they had the first time round because they are concerned something might go wrong this time.'

Carrie indicated she had been in touch with other women who have suffered baby loss, writing: 'I found it a real comfort to hear from people who had also experienced loss, so I hope that in some small way, sharing this might help others too.'

While it will surely have been difficult to come to terms with losing a baby, Carrie and Boris are undoubtedly excited  if cautious  about becoming parents again.

They, and so many others, will be hoping this baby is the rainbow that follows a storm. Because the Johnsons have certainly weathered enough of them.

Carrie's cover-up! How PM's wife used subtle styling tricks to hide her baby bump - from bold patterns and bright colours to 'distract the eye' to loose maxi dresses and relaxed blazers

By Harriet Johnston for MailOnline

Carrie Symonds hid her growing baby bump with a series of clever styling tricks, a stylist has revealed.

The Prime Minister's wife, 33, revealed on Instagram today that she is expecting a December birth after suffering a miscarriage at the start of this year that left her 'heartbroken'.

The normally lowkey mother-of-one has been in the spotlight during the last few months, having joined her husband at the G7 summit in June and Euro 2020 matches in July.

Celebrity stylist Rochelle White told FEMAIL she had managed to keep her pregnancy under wraps thanks to a series of subtle styling hacks, revealing: 'I would say that Carrie has selected busy patterns and bold colours to also help disguise her growing bump.

'With bold patterns and colors, they are a great distraction for the eye, drawing attention away from growing bellies.'

Carrie Symonds hid her growing baby bump with a series of clever styling tricks including floaty dresses and oversized blazers, a stylist has revealed (pictured left, May 6, and right, June 11).

Celebrity stylist Rochelle said Carrie had chosen 'bold patterns and colors' on recent appearances which have acted as 'a great distraction for the eye' (pictured at the G7 summit on June 12)

The mother-one-one is at least three months into her first pregnancy - suggesting that she fell pregnant around mid-March.

Rochelle said Carrie had been 'selective' with her outfit choices over the last few months to conceal her bump.

While her baby bump will not have been visible, Carrie has been careful to avoid fuelling speculation by keeping her tummy firmly covered.

She made her most high profile appearances to date when she attended the G7 summit alongside Boris in June.

The stylist said Carrie has been wearing floaty maxi dresses in recent months to keep her figure under wraps (pictured on June 8)

Eco-conscious Carrie hired multiple pieces for the event in Cornwall - two collections from dress hire companies My Wardrobe HQ and Hurr Collective were delivered before the summit.

Meeting with President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden, Carrie donned a scarlet 325 LK Bennett gown.

The vibrant red dress was described online as inspired by the 'glamour of the chic 1930s'.

Meanwhile she also opted to wear a similar 990 cobalt blue two-piece from Amanda Wakeley for a trip to the theatre.

Rochelle said Carrie had worn floaty maxi dresses during appearances to keep her figure under wraps.

She said: 'Carrie has been wearing loose fitting dresses, blazers and shirts. She keeps it as casual and to her style, with a few subtle changes. '

She also revealed how the Prime Minister's wife had used bold patterns and bright colours to distract the eye during the early months of her pregnancy.

Rochelle said Carrie had cleverly layered different items on recent outings, mixing multiple patterns which help to add as a 'visual distraction' (pictured on July 11)

The mother-of-one opted for a host of bright, colourful dresses while attending her most high profile appearances to date at the G7 summit in June, which Rochelle suggested could have helped her hide her growing baby bump (left, June 10, and right, June 11)

Meanwhile the celebrity stylist pointed to her recent choices to wear oversized blazers with loose fitting trousers, adding: 'When she has selected trousers and shirt combo, they have loose fitting and tailored, so it could look like she is wearing oversized.

'It is all very flattering to her body shape and style.'

She said Carrie's decision to layer blazers and loose shirts, such as her outfit choice when she attended the Euro 2020 final at Wembley on July 11, also helped distract from any hint of a bump.

Rochelle revealed: 'Items can be layered and mixed multiple patterns can also be added for extra visual distraction.

'Styles don't need to be overly busy, so, I would recommend to stick to a similar color family, or use one pattern to dominate and the other to accent.

'Wearing more form-fitting clothing and slowly adding in layers can help trick the eye.'

The mother-one-one is at least three months into her first pregnancy - suggesting that she fell pregnant around mid-March (pictured on 29 June)

Rochelle said Carrie had selected loose fitting and tailored trousers and shirts, so her garments appeared oversized

Carrie has become one of the biggest profile advocates for hiring clothing, with the mother-of-one marrying the Prime Minister in a rented dress.

She has been hiring her designer outfits, rather than buying them outright, for years.

In 2019, it was reported she pays 9.99 a month membership to the website My Wardrobe HQ, which allows her to supplement her day-to-day high-street outfits.

The service has been described as a 'private members' club for the fashion world'.

At the time, a source close to My Wardrobe HQ said: 'Carrie loves eco fashion so borrowing clothes for special occasions means they aren't just left hanging in her wardrobe and rarely worn. One dress can go a long way.'
Former Trump advisor Stephen Miller has slammed The New York Times over a guest essay calling for non-citizens to be given the right to vote in US elections.

Miller - who has been credited with creating President Trump's famously draconian immigration policies, including his Muslim ban - said: 'The New York Times opinion piece is extraordinarily revealing for the mindset of the left - which is they want to erode and ultimately erase the very idea of American citizenship.'

Speaking on Fox News, he continued: 'Voting is not just a right. It's also a responsibility. You have to learn our country's history, its culture, its language, its values to be able to make an informed decision about voting.'

The 'guest essay' - which was penned by noncitizen Atossa Araxia Abrahamian - was published Wednesday 'as part of a series exploring bold ideas to revitalize and renew the American experiment.'

In the piece, Abrahamian - who hails from Switzerland, but now lives in Brooklyn - staked a case for letting people living legally in America such as non-immigrant visa holders and people with green cards vote in US elections.

Former Trump advisor Stephen Miller has slammed The New York Times for publishing an opinion column titled 'There Is No Good Reason You Should Have to Be a Citizen to Vote'

In her piece, Abrahamian described the types of noncitizens she believes should be allowed to vote, including: 'People with green cards, people here on work visas, and those who arrived in the country as children and are still waiting for permanent papers. This type of illegal immigrant is known as a 'dreamer'

And in his interview with Fox News, Miller seized on that final category, claiming The New York Times appeared to be pushing for illegal aliens to also vote in elections.

He stated: 'Americans are Americans. Citizens are citizens and dreamers, so-called, are illegal immigrants... We deprive people of this country of their language, of their ability to be able to speak clearly, and to say: 'No, if you come here illegally you are not a citizen. You are not an American. You don't have the right to vote in our elections. You do not have the right to occupy American jobs.''

Miller added: 'These are not controversial thoughts. These are basic fundamental ideas to what it means to have and to keep a nation.

Former Trump immigration czar Stephen Miller has blasted a New York Times guest essay calling for non-citizens to be given the right to vote in US elections

The piece was written by Swiss writer Atossa Araxia Abrahamian, pictured, who lives in Brooklyn but is not entitled to vote in US elections

In the piece, Abrahamian wrote: 'Nearly 15 million people living legally in the United States... don't have a say in matters of politics and policy because we  resident foreign nationals, or 'aliens' as we are sometimes called  cannot vote.'

She staked a case for allowing noncitizens to be able to cast ballots, saying: 'Allowing people to vote gives them even more of a sense of investment in their towns, cities, communities and country. There's a detachment that comes with not being able to vote in the place where you live.'

Abrahamian conceded that the move would be beneficial to Americans, as immigrants - both legal and illegal - tend to swing left.

'It's time for Democrats to radically expand the electorate. Proposing federal legislation to give millions of young people and essential workers a clear road to citizenship is a good start.'

She continued: 'Democrats are likely to be the biggest beneficiaries of this change  at least at first. But it could have interesting ripple effects: Elected Republicans might be induced to appeal to a more diverse constituency or perhaps to enthuse their constituents so deeply that they, too, start to vote in greater numbers.'

Abrahamian ultimately declared: 'Expanding the franchise in this way would give American democracy new life, restore immigrants trust in government and send a powerful message of inclusion to the rest of the world.'

But Miller hit back on Fox, saying the naturalization process that immigrants go through to achieve citizenship and be able to vote remains fundamental.

'Thats why this country has a naturalization process - a lawful process to go through to learn who we are and what were about. One of the things that we did during the Trump Administration thats actually been reversed by President Biden was we actually improved and upgraded the naturalization process to put a greater emphasis on American history and American values,' he stated.

People who voted illegally in US elections - including permanent residents in the country on green cards - face extremely harsh punishments if they are caught doing so, including deportation.

New York Times accused of hypocrisy for letting reporter call Trump supporters 'enemies of the state' months after firing journalist who said Biden's inauguration gave her 'chills'

The New York Times has been accused of double standards after a reporter kept her job after implying Trump supporters were 'enemies of the state' months just months after another journalist was axed for saying Biden's inauguration gave her 'chills.'

The Grey Lady has yet to comment on Justice Department reporter Katie Benner's incendiary tweets on supporters of former US President Donald Trump.

She wrote: 'Today's #January6thSelectCommittee underscores the America's current, essential natsec dilemma: Work to combat legitimate national security threats now entails calling a politicians supporters enemies of the state,' Benner tweeted.

'As Americans, we believe that state power should not be used to work against a political figure or a political party,' she added. 'But what happens if a politician seems to threaten the state? If the politician continues to do so out of office and his entire party supports that threat?'

But critics of the left-leaning newspaper are questioning why freelance editor Lauren Wolfe was sacked for making comments on her elation regarding Biden's arrival at Joint Base Andrews just prior to his inauguration on social media back in January.

Benner also tweeted that the committee Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi appointed would ultimately resolve the 'dilemma' of Trump and his supporters threatening the country's well-being, claiming the issue remains 'unresolved' after both impeachments of the former President as well as the Russia investigation.

'That leaves it up to voters, making even more essential free, fair access to the polls,' Benner concluded.

Although Benner deleted the tweets within hours of posting - claiming they were 'unclearly worded' - she offered no apology despite sparking a wave of backlash on social media.

Unlike Benner, Wolfe was not so lucky when she posted a seemingly innocuous pro-Biden tweet on January 19, saying she had 'chills' upon the then-president elect's inauguration.

Lauren Wolfe was fired after posting this tweet the day before Joe Biden's inauguration as president

Pictured: Unlike Benner, Lauren Wolfe was sacked by the Times after similarly violating the paper's social media policy

Wolfe later defended her former employer. She has not commented on her former colleague's tweets

However, the Times disagrees with that sentiment, with a spokesperson telling Fox News that Wolfe was not let go over 'a single tweet,' but rather a culmination of a series of warnings regarding her behavior on social media.

No further information on Wolfe's other alleged transgressions were shared.

Both reporters violated the newspaper's editorial mandate, which clearly states that journalists must not make offensive comments or show any political bias, both in and out of the newsroom.

'In social media posts, our journalists must not express partisan opinions, promote political views, endorse candidates, make offensive comments or do anything else that undercuts The Timess journalistic reputation,' the Times' editorial standard reads.

The paper has been hit by a string of other recent scandals, including Donald McNeil Jr, a Times health reporter who drunkenly used a racial slur during a conversation with a student group in Peru in 2019, according to the Times.

The New York Times has reportedly parted ways with one of Wolfe after she sparked mockery on social media over a tweet celebrating President Biden's inauguration

Meanwhile, editors James Bennet and Bari Weiss resigned last year over the demands of 'woke' colleagues.

The paper's conservative columnist Bret Stephens went on to express fury that editors spiked his column criticizing the ouster of McNeil Jr.

Bennet stepped down after furious internal backlash that he had allowed Senator Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican, to publish an op-ed arguing for the military to be used to quell Black Lives Matter protests.

The op-ed, titled 'Send in the Troops', called for federal troops to respond if there was violent rioting in major U.S. cities.

Publisher AG Sulzberger initially stood behind the decision to publish the piece, but the paper's leadership buckled in the wake of Twitter backlash, much of it led by the paper's own employees.

Many Times employees tweeted that running Cotton's essay put 'black lives in danger,' including the lives of black reporters.
Jeff Bezos's dramatically plumped-up lips and super-smooth, tight cheeks have sparked rumors he has had cosmetic surgery.

The wealthiest person in the world appeared different - mostly puffier - in recent photos and video taken before and after his $5.5billion joyride to space earlier this month.

It's unknown if Bezos, 57, has undergone any cosmetic surgery. He hasn't said anything publicly, and there's been no official statements from Amazon or his media relations team.

Nevertheless, it's caught the interest of some, including Dr. Corey L. Hartman, a dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama, who told the Daily Beast, 'How can you not be obsessed [with how Bezos looks]? It's such a drastic change.'

'He's an easy target,' Dr. Hartman told the Daily Beast. 'Clearly he does not care because to me it looks like to me that he went and got his very obvious filler and injectables done right before he burst into the spotlight with this trip into space.'

Jeff Bezos sparked speculation he's had cosmetic work after his facial features looked noticably different while preparing to blast into space on his Blue Origin rocket

Bezos also looked noticeably youthful in this photo taken ahead of his trip into space on July 20

Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon and space tourism company Blue Origin, participates in post launch briefing from its spaceport near Van Horn, Texas, Tuesday, July 20

Dr. Corey Hartman's Instagram post about Bezos

Hartman posted a photo of Bezos, who is worth an estimated $192 billion, on Instagram last week and said, 'We see you, Jeff. Next time get the filler a month earlier so that the swelling has time to die down. Keeps people (like me) out of your business.'

Hartman did stress that he doesn't want to stigmatize cosmetic surgery, especially among men.

'More men who are into this should go for it,' he said. 'So, good for Bezos for stepping out and not being afraid to go for it.'

He added: 'Hes an easy target.

'Clearly he does not care because to me it looks like to me that he went and got his very obvious filler and injectables done right before he burst into the spotlight with this trip into space.'

Offering advice on how to avoid unsightly swelling after cosmetic injectables, the doctor continued: 'These are temporary implants that your skin is not used to, and your skin is going to respond to what youve put in it.

'Ice packs help and I love to use antihistamines [to reduce swelling]. There is also the potential for bruising. I think if Bezos had it, he should have given himself a bit more time before going out, and got it gradually instead of all at once, it wouldnt be as noticeable.'

Bezos looked noticeably older during this appearance at an Amazon keynote speech in Nevada in June 2019

Corey Kindberg, a brand strategist, said: 'I dont necessarily think people care that he [might have] had work done. I feel like weve moved past the stigma of getting injections.

'I definitely had more of a visceral reaction to Jeff using fillerif he has used it. You just think, someone with this kind of money, could afford to have the best filler in the world.

'To me, he could have gold melted down and injected into his face. Its just kind of shocking to see that, if he has had it, no matter how rich you are, you could still get bad filler.'

Bezos' girlfriend Lauren Sanchez, 51, also sports an extremely youthful appearance, although it is unclear if she may have suggested a cosmetic doctor for her partner to visit.

Bezos is unlikely to be bothered by criticism of his appearance, having previously weathered gossip over his divorce from ex-wife MacKenzie, subsequent relationship with Sanchez, and criticism over labor practices at Amazon, which also stands accused of destroying smaller businesses.
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Covid cases have fallen week-on-week for the tenth day in a row, in another sign of hope as the pandemic appears to be shrinking  but experts warn the drop off could be down to less people getting tests.

Department of Health bosses posted 26,144 infections today, down 17.8 per cent on last Saturday's figure of 31,795.

And the number of people dying with the virus has fallen to 71. The number of victims decreased 17.4 per cent from 86 last Saturday.

But a SAGE expert has warned the fall in Covid infections could be down to people avoiding getting tested so they don't have to self-isolate rather than a real drop off in cases.

Professor Robert West, a member of the behavioural advisory group Spi-B, said Government messaging may have inadvertently given people a 'green light' that Covid isn't that bad and that people may be avoiding the disruption of self-isolation.

The health psychologist told Radio 4's Today programme that young people may also be less motivated to get tested because their symptoms are not as severe.

Pictured: Robert West, a member of the behavioural advisory group, said Government messaging may have given people a 'green light' that Covid isn't bad so they don't need tests

'You'd have to be crackers to book a holiday': Fury at travel chaos as Spain, France and Italy face going on another NEW danger list Ministers have been condemned for causing quarantine confusion as raging battle has erupted in the cabinet over plans for a danger list of countries that could see destinations like Spain and Italy suddenly move to red. The plans for a new 'amber watch list' sparked outrage in Whitehall as some ministers believe it could ruin the holiday hopes of millions of Britons. The idea, which was agreed in principle this week, would see holidaymakers warned that while they are abroad certain amber countries could go straight on to the red list. This would leave them facing compulsory hotel quarantine on their return, at a cost of 1,750 a head. Spain and Italy both featured in talks about countries that could be put into the new category  as soon as next week  amid fears about the Beta variant, which first emerged in South Africa. Senior ministers, including Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, are said to have reservations about imposing further disruption on the beleaguered travel sector. Mr Shapps urged people to 'ignore speculation' ahead of decisions next week. But behind the scenes a battle is raging. One Whitehall source said: 'You would have to be crackers to book a holiday to a place knowing that it could go on to the red list at any moment. 'If you have already booked to go there you are going to spend your whole holiday worrying whether you are going to have to make a dash to the airport to get home. 'The decision next week will basically be in place for August. It is peak holiday season  are we really going to cause that much disruption to this many people?' Another source said that the Treasury had warned ministers to 'stop messing about with travel'. Some ministers doubt whether it is even possible to put Spain on the red list this summer, given the limited amount of hotel quarantine capacity in the UK. There was a glimmer of hope that France could be released from the 'amber-plus' list, meaning the fully vaccinated will finally be able to return to the UK without the need to quarantine. But it could still go into the amber watch category. Advertisement

It comes as:

Ministers were condemned for causing quarantine confusion as raging battle has erupted in the cabinet over plans for a danger list of countries that could see destinations like Spain and Italy suddenly move to red;

Scientists discovered a way for people to use mouthwash to test whether they have Covid instead of the invasive nasal and throat swabs;

Business leaders piled more 'pingdemic' pressure on Boris Johnson as they called on the Prime Minister to end self-isolation rules 'tomorrow';

It was revealed Government modellers predicted there could be one million Covid cases a week in a last-minute warning before the July 19 'Freedom Day';

The vast majority of adults told a new poll that they are continuing to wear face masks when out and about, despite no longer being legally required to do so;

Health bodies warned that oximeters that are used to detect early signs of dangerous falls in oxygen in Covid patients do not work as well for ethnic minorities;

The British advertising watchdog probes the 'wild west' market place of Covid travel tests after it was found most of the cheaper swabs listed on the Government's website are not available to customers;

Japan extended its state of emergency as Covid cases continued to spread throughout Tokyo and into neighbouring districts just hours the prime minister denied any link between the virus and the Olympic Games.

The figures today come amid mounting confusion over the rate of infection across the UK as there is a discrepancy between official figures and survey data from bodies including the Office of National Statistics.

Britains daily Covid cases fell again yesterday for the ninth day in a row, amid mounting confusion over true state of the third wave. Department of Health bosses posted 29,622 cases  down 18.6 per cent on last week.

But the ONS, which carries out tens of thousands of random swab tests every week, estimated one in 65 people were carrying the virus on any given day in the seven-day spell ending July 24  the equivalent of 856,200 positive cases.

Experts have said the drop in official figures could be down to a multitude of factors - including fewer people coming forward to get tested because of the 'pingdemic' chaos and fears of having to self-isolate.

Professor West told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I think one of the things that is a concern is that people may not be coming forward as they used to do for testing and one of the reasons for that I think may be that the messaging from the Government in a way has given them a sort of a green light to people to say well actually it's not so bad if you get the infection and so if you go and get tested you have to self-isolate at least at the moment and that's going to be very disruptive so I suspect that that may be a factor.

'The messaging, I hope inadvertently, coming from the Government around the idea that we've broken the link between infections and hospitalisation and death which obviously then that gets sort of tracked back a bit because it's not broken, it's weakened but it's not broken. I think all that kind of messaging is a factor.

'Also I think because it is the case that a lot more younger people are being infected now who just by virtue of their age the severity of the symptoms and hospitalisation is much lower so the motivation to get tested will be less.

'What I think we need to do is get back on track with some really clear messaging around that as with the vaccinations.'

The Department of Health data shows that hospital admissions in England have been falling for the last four days in a row.

Admissions fell 11 per cent week-on-week, down from 783 on July 21 to 728 on July 28.

New cases are still declining across the UK, but the number of tests taken has dropped 14.3 per cent in the last seven day, which could impact numbers.

Both the deaths and hospitalisation figures reported today are 6.3 per cent higher than they were seven days earlier.

Meanwhile, 42,410 more first vaccine doses were dished out, while 180,155 people became fully immunised against Covid.

This means 88.4 per cent of adults in the UK have had one dose, while 71.8 per cent are double jabbed.

The Government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) said that England's R rate was now thought to be between 1.1 and 1.4, but it was a varied picture across the country. The R rate was estimated to be the highest in the East (1.1 to 1.5), followed by London, the South East and the South West (all 1.2 to 1.5). Following these regions was the Midlands (1.1 to 1.4), the North East and Yorkshire (1.1 to 1.3) and the North West (1 to 1.2)

There is mounting confusion over the rate of infection across the UK as there is a discrepancy between official figures and survey data from bodies including the Office of National Statistics

Yesterday, Professor Paul Hunter, an expert in public health at the University of East Anglia, said: 'The decline in case numbers as reported by the DHSC today do not conflict with the report from ONS from earlier in the day as one would not expect to see any impact of the recent decline in the ONS figures till next Friday.'

While cases are continuing to rise across England in ONS's data, the 15 per cent increase spotted by its random-test survey marks a slow down on the previous projection (28 per cent).

The Government agency's estimate yesterday was based on swabs of more than 100,000 people in private homes across the country.

It does not include tests in hospitals or care homes, so only provides a rough assessment of how widespread the disease is among the community.

The ONS estimates the North East is still the hardest hit, with 3.2 per cent of people there testing positive for the virus.

It is followed by the North West (2.1 per cent), the West Midlands (1.9 per cent), London (1.7 per cent) and the East Midlands (1.7 per cent).

Covid positivity rates were lowest in the East and the South West (both 1 per cent).
A video has been shared online which appears to show anti-vaxxer Piers Corbyn was willing to accept 10,000 in exchange for an end to criticising AstraZeneca in his speeches.

The prank was set up by YouTubers Josh Pieters and Archie Manners who pose as stakeholders in AstraZeneca who are concerned about the negative impact of Piers Corbyn's anti-vaccine speeches.

The comedy duo filmed the encounter which saw them trying to convince the former Labour leader's brother to take 10,000 he thought came from AstraZeneca to stop criticising their vaccine.

What he actually accepted was an envelope full of monopoly money in exchange for promising to focus on Pfizer and Moderna instead of the AZ jab.

In the clip, which has gone viral on social media, Pieters can be seen purchasing shares worth 100 in AstraZeneca to ensure he could legally pose a stakeholder in the company.

This month, Piers Corbyn (pictured) led a crowd of anti-vaxxers in Brighton who forced a vaccination centre to suspend operations. He called those administering the jabs 'scum'

The prank was set up by YouTuber and comedian Josh Pieters (left) and magician and presenter Archie Manners (right) who teamed up to pose as interested parties in the scenario

Josh Pieters (left) and Archie Manners (right) arranged a meeting with Piers Corbyn (centre) where he appeared to accept 10,000 in cash in exchange for 'ignoring' the AstraZeneca jab

They then get in touch with Piers Corbyn via an email proposing a donation to his 'Stop New Normal' campaign to which Corbyn replies and agrees to meet up.

The pranksters arranged a meeting in London's Sloane Square and set up a restaurant with hidden cameras.

Once the meeting begins, Pieters tells Corbyn his father owns a very successful restaurant chain in South Africa and implies the family has a number of other businesses and investments.

He then adds: 'One of our main interests, funnily enough, is we have share holds in the AstraZeneca vaccine.

'Can you believe that? Its not from a personal standpoint, its more of a case that its good business.'

In the clip, Piers laughs at the revelation before going on to make comments about Moderna and Pfizer, stating that they 'give those magnetic things', calling them 'very scary'.

In the clip, Josh (right) poses as the son of a businessman who owns a chain of restaurants in South Africa and has also bought shares in the AstraZeneca pharmaceutical company

To ensure the prank was legal, Josh actually purchased shares worth 100 of AstraZeneca

Pieters then goes on to suggest how they could help his campaign in exchange for a favour.

The comedian says: 'If we can help your campaign in any way then that's obviously going to help us. We've got shared interests.

'We actually even brought something along today that is just a token of our intention of helping out with your campaign.'

Manners then lifts out an envelope containing 10,000 in real cash and shows it to Piers Corbyn who says 'wow' and calls it 'fantastic'.

Pieters continues: 'This is obviously just a statement of intent. We'd love to keep funding you so there's 10,000 there.'

Piers Corbyn appears to be excited by the cash offered by someone he appears to believe is an AstraZeneca shareholder before he sets out his terms for the agreement.

Pieters (right) and Manners (centre) use sleight of hand to replace the real cash with monopoly money before Piers (left) appears to accept the envelope to help campaign 'Stop New Normal'

When Piers is shown the real 10k he acts excited, describing the cash from AZ as 'fantastic'

He tells the duo: 'As long as I can accept it with no insistence on any policy changes or anything that I'm doing.'

Manners then agrees that they would not ask for policy changes but suggests that if anything could be done for Piers' campaign to focus on Pfizer and Moderna, 'that would be useful'.

Corbyn then said 'yeh' to Pieters' request that AstraZeneca be ignored in his future campaign activity.

The video appears to show Corbyn writing down benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine, a jab that he had previously campaigned against.

The pranksters then use sleight of hand to switch out the envelope of real cash and swap it with one stuffed with monopoly money.

To avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest, Piers tells the duo: 'If people ask me where the money came from, I will just say from a businessman who runs restaurants.'

Piers Corbyn and anti-vaxxer Kate Shemirani speak to crowds in Trafalgar Square last week

He then assures the pranksters he 'wouldn't say anything about' the money coming from AZ.

Corbyn then appears to claim that a focus on Pfizer and Modern 'would happen anyway without any interference'.

Josh Pieters has a history of targeting controversial figures to feature in his videos and last year appeared to trick Katie Hopkins into flying to Prague and accepting a fake award.

Piers Corbyn told MailOnline: 'The video has been very heavily edited with dishonest commentary and leaves out my repeated statements that anything we accept has to be unconditional.

'It is false that I agreed any change in policy whatsoever and I stated to these imposters that all Covid vaccines are dangerous and we weren't changing any of our views against vaccines and vaccine passporting.

'The video starts off with a false claim. The emails they sent said nothing at all about the interests of these gentleman.

'This was only revealed at the meeting. He claimed he made his money from a restaurant chain and later said he had an investment in a vaccine company which made him feel guilty and he wanted to give a gift because of his feelings of guilt.

'I agreed nothing about limiting or changing what we have been and will continue to say about the various Covid vaccines.'
Donald Trump is due a $1 million tax refund on his controversial Chicago skyscraper - but state attorney Kim Foxx's office is trying to stop him from getting it.

The billionaire ex-president is in line to receive the windfall after the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board voted 5-0 to refund the amount levied on the Trump International Hotel and Tower's commercial units for the 2011 tax year.

Around $540,000 of that money will be redirected from Chicago's public schools to pay Trump.

His lawyers had previously argued that he was paying too much tax on the 98-floor building because he could not find tenants to fill the tower's commercial units, meaning they had been overvalued.

Previous attempts to claw back tax failed because assessors insisted the empty retail units added 'contributory value' to the building, and should be taxed as if they were occupied.

The Appeals Board has now sided with him, with the cash that Trump is owed coming out of a public kitty that pays for the Windy City's public schools, and other government services.

Donald Trump has won a $1 million tax refund on his 98 floor Chicago skyscraper, pictured, after an appeals board ruled he was being overtaxed on its empty retail units

Trump, pictured, will be paid $540,000 that would otherwise have been given to the Windy City's public schools

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the city's schools would lose the biggest chunk of money to Trump - an estimated $540,000.

Cook County State Attorney's office - led by well-known prosecutor Kim Foxx - has objected to the planned refund, and is now trying to stop it.

Lawyers working for the office filed a lawsuit with the Illinois Appellate Court in the hopes of blocking it.

The dispute is the latest chapter in a long-running legal battle over Trump's tax bills that started more than 12 years ago and has led to more than $14 million in tax breaks for Trump. It also involves not only a former president who is at the middle of a host of legal battles but a Chicago alderman whose own legal troubles had been making headlines in Chicago for months.

Alderman Edward M. Burke, whose former law firm, Klafter & Burke, won the tax breaks for Trump, has been indicted on federal charges that he blocked businesses from getting city permits unless they hired the firm. He has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.

Cook County State Attorney's Office, which is led by prosecutor Kim Foxx, pictured, is appealing the tax repayment to Trump

The dispute over the tax bills on the high-rise building has it's own long history. Originally, the state agency rejected Trump's argument that the vacant stores had no value because he could not find any tenants to lease them.

A hearing officer for the state agency rejected Trump's argument that the vacant stores at the building had no value because he couldn't lease them. But a staff member later wrote a report that Trump was entitled to the refund.

The $930 million tower opened in January 2009, and previously hit the headlines following a row over Trump's decision to erect a huge illuminated sign bearing his name in six meter-high letters.

Trump was accused of 'scarring' the Windy City's world famous skyline, but was unrepentant, and insisted the illuminations would eventually be as iconic as the famous Hollywood sign in California.

Despite the empty retail units, the building has been largely successful, with most of its residential condos sold.

It is also home to a popular restaurant located on its sixteenth floor.

The agency delayed acting on the case until Trump was out of office and in June voted to reduce the assessment on the building's commercial property.

Trump has yet to comment on the tax windfall.
Miodrag Ivankovic, 45, tried to smuggle 7.5million worth of cocaine into the UK

A truck driver who tried to smuggle 7.5million worth of cocaine into the UK has been jailed for 11 years.

Miodrag Ivankovic, 45, was caught at the port of Dover, in Kent, in September last year after arriving from Calais.

He had tried to hide 207lb (94kg) of the Class A drug inside a pallet of boxes in his vehicle.

However, when officers from the National Crime Agency searched his truck and cut into the boxes, a white powder spilled out which was confirmed to be cocaine.

Ivankovic's DNA was on the boxes containing the drug and he admitted trying to smuggle it into the country.

The driver, from Banja Luka, in north Bosnia, was jailed at Canterbury Crown Court yesterday.

NCA branch commander Martin Grace said: 'We and our Border Force partners have taken a significant consignment of cocaine out of the supply chain.

'The organised crime group behind the plot have lost profits they would have ploughed back into more offending and they have lost a trusted smuggler.

Ivankovic had tried to hide 207lb (94kg) of the Class A drug inside a pallet of boxes in his vehicle. Above: The haul found by officers

'Drugs bring misery to UK communities and the NCA will continue to do everything it can to combat the threat.'

It comes after German trucker Kawus Rafiei, 57, was jailed for 19 years in March after he tried to smuggle half a tonne of cocaine worth 38million into the UK via Dover.

The drug was found hidden inside stacks of tyres in his lorry.

Border Force officers had scanned Rafiei's lorry and 'detected an anomaly in the load', the National Crime Agency (NCA) said.

Two shrink-wrapped stacks of tyres within the trailer unit were opened, revealing packages of cocaine weighing 1,036 pounds (470 kilos).

And, the same month Ivankovic's crime was discovered, around a tonne of cocaine was found concealed within shipments of fruit, also at Dover.

The drugs, which had a street value of approximately 100 million, was discovered in pallets which had arrived on a vessel from South America.

The 'huge seizure' will now take away a 'valuable commodity that would have been sold to fund further serious and organised criminality', the National Crime Agency (NCA) said.
A 15-year-old girl has died after a 'domestic disturbance' at a holiday park with a 19-year-old man being arrested in connection with a stabbing.

Officers rushed to Ty Mawr Holiday Park in Towyn, near Abergele in North Wales, on Saturday afternoon.

A force spokesman said: 'North Wales Police can confirm that we attended the report of a domestic disturbance at the location where sadly a 15-year-old female has died.

'A 19-year-old male has been arrested and is presently in custody at St Asaph.'

An air ambulance rushed to the scene on Saturday afternoon, as parts of the Parkdean resort and a caravan were cordoned off as police carried out an investigation in the 100acre park.

An air ambulance was rushed to the scene at Ty Mawr park in Towyn, north Wales on Saturday afternoon

Police have been called to a 'serious incident' at a Welsh holiday park and warned people to 'stay away' after the 'tragic incident'

Eyewitnesses reported the air ambulance landed on the A548, which was shut in both directions, at around 3.30pm, with two ambulances and three rapid response vehicles in tow.

North Wales Police said there is no threat to the wider public.

Social media images showed a caravan had been taped off by detectives.

Police said in a statement: 'Officers are attending a serious incident at a Holiday Park near Abergele. Investigations are ongoing. Apologies for any difficulty.

'There is no threat to the public but please stay away from the area whilst we deal with the incident. Thank you for your patience.'

A park spokesman told MailOnline: 'We are shocked and saddened by this tragic incident.

The Parkdean resort was cordoned off as police carried out an investigation in the park

'Ty Mawr is a 100 acre family park which welcomes tens of thousands of happy holidaymakers every year.

'This was an isolated and unprecedented incident which took place inside a caravan which is now a crime scene.

'Our team are assisting police with their inquiries and as it is a police matter we can't comment further at the moment.'
A volunteer counsellor with the charity Childline was dismissed after raising concerns about the way some young people are rushed into changing gender.

Former barrister James Esses said he was concerned many youngsters were confused about gender identity and, wrongly, were automatically categorised as transgender or fast-tracked into making life-altering decisions such as undergoing major surgery.

But after sharing his concerns on social media, Mr Esses, 29, claims he became a victim of a belief that young children know their own minds about gender.

First, he was told to leave a five-year degree course because of his 'social media activity'.

Ten days later, Childline told him he could no longer be a volunteer counsellor.

'I just wanted an open and honest debate about a hugely important topic  I'm not sure what is wrong with that,' Mr Esses told The Mail on Sunday.

He is now taking legal action against the Metanoia Institute in West London, where he was studying for a Masters in psychotherapy.

His case comes amid growing disquiet among mental health professionals and parents over the increasing numbers of children and teenagers being allowed to change gender.

Many therapists, argued Mr Esses, fear being labelled 'transphobic' for questioning children's claims they should have been born the opposite sex.

He warned that, rather than receiving therapy to explore any underlying issues, youngsters are often speedily referred for 'irreversible' medical treatments to help them swap gender.

Former barrister James Esses (pictured) said he was concerned many youngsters were confused about gender identity and, wrongly, were automatically categorised as transgender or fast-tracked into making life-altering decisions such as undergoing major surgery

After joining Childline as a counsellor in 2015, he says he noticed an 'increase in the number of young people coming through who said they were in the wrong body. The youngest was about ten or 11.'

Meanwhile, the way some fellow Childline counsellors were handling calls caused him alarm.

He felt they didn't explore properly why children were unhappy with their gender.

Instead, they simply 'affirmed' their belief to be transgender.

Mr Esses said: 'They would just go through the motions of affirming their transition with no form of exploration whatsoever.

'I was shocked that young people were making potentially irreversible decisions about their lives, and potentially irreversible physical and emotional changes, yet no one was willing to have a dialogue about what is the best treatment.'

He felt many youngsters he dealt with seemed to have no real concept of what changing gender actually meant.

He said: 'With the younger children, I realised there was so much they had absorbed from other people, whether it was through online chat rooms or on other organisations' pages.'

He said he became increasingly convinced that 'exploration' of their problems was a better way to help.

'I spent hours with them exploring the underlying causes and other ways of looking at things.

'By the end of our conversation, many decided to wait to see if they could stop hating who they were and perhaps be willing to love who they were.

'That felt hugely important.'

Three years ago, Mr Esses decided he would forsake his job as a civil servant at the Home Office and retrain as a psychotherapist.

He began a course at the Metanoia Institute, which provides training in psychological therapies.

But he soon realised that the world of psychotherapy had embraced the approach that children who say they feel they are transgender should automatically be encouraged to go through the process.

'It was as if there were only universal truths and everyone had to accept them,' he said.

Earlier this year he resolved to make his concerns public.

He was further motivated after learning that the Government was planning to ban conversion therapy, which attempts to change a person's sexual orientation and gender identity.

He feared that such a ban might lead to psychotherapists who help children with gender issues facing prosecution.

So he launched an online petition in May called 'Safeguard evidence-based therapy for children struggling with gender dysphoria'.

Mr Esses regularly takes to Twitter to share his views on gender dysphoria

In one of his tweets, Mr Esses says 'irreversible surgery is not the only option' for children who believe they might be transgender

Mr Esses said therapy 'helps them to find a healthy way to move towards accepting reality of their bodily selves'

Mr Esses says his tweets were deemed to 'bring negative attention' to the Metanoia Institute, where he was studying for a Masters in psychotherapy

However, he was emailed by Metanoia's deputy chief executive Professor Carrie Weston, who said that two members of the public had complained about his 'social media activity'.

He was assured it was nothing to worry about.

The next day, however, Prof Weston emailed again, telling him he had brought 'negative attention' to Metanoia.

His student contract, he says she told him, was 'terminated'.

Mr Esses said: 'I'd been working towards becoming a therapist for almost four years and spent tens of thousands on the course.'

A few weeks later, he says, he was called to a meeting with Childline head Shaun Friel.

He says Mr Friel told him his volunteering contract was being terminated immediately and said: 'It is not appropriate for Childline representatives to use the service to advance their personal campaigns.'

Mr Esses said he was shocked. He'd given 'five years of my life' to Childline, keeping in a logbook each of the 200 shifts and 1,000 hours of counselling he had done as a volunteer for no pay.

He appealed to Childline's directors and to the chief executive of its umbrella charity, the NSPCC, but his appeal was rejected.

An NSPCC spokesman said: 'Volunteers cannot give the impression that Childline endorses their personal campaigns.'

Last night Prof Weston of the Metanoia Institute said: 'When he was a student Mr Esses made a series of public pronouncements.

'In doing so he brought the institute into disrepute and made his position on the course untenable.'

Mr Esses believes the way society is currently debating the issue is a watershed moment.

'This is not just about protecting children, it's also about free speech,' he said. 'If we keep going down this path, people will be far too afraid to say what they feel.

'Children's well-being and free speech are so vital that I feel it is my duty to keep speaking out.'

Visit Mr Esses legal fundraiser here.
With one of the toughest jobs in politics, Priti Patel can be forgiven for taking some time off for some retail therapy.

But the Home Secretary looked especially pleased with her latest purchase  a 2,300 navy satin shirt dress from luxury womenswear designer Laura Green.

Ms Patel, 49, wore the dress on Wednesday at the dedication ceremony for the new UK Police Memorial in Staffordshire to honour the courage and sacrifice of fallen officers.

Our exclusive picture shows her leaving the designer's pop-up store in Notting Hill in West London the day before the ceremony.

Priti Patel looked pleased with her latest purchase from Laura Green. Our exclusive picture shows her leaving the designer's pop-up store in Notting Hill in West London

Ms Patel, 49, wore the 2,300 shirt dress and a matching navy pillbox hat (pictured) on Wednesday at the dedication ceremony for the new UK Police Memorial in Staffordshire

She paired the flowing dress with a matching navy pillbox hat designed by Jane Taylor Millinery, which is thought to have cost close to 900.

Popular among wealthy fashionistas, Laura Green London employs teams of expert dressmakers to create bespoke pieces for their clients, who include presenters Lucy Verasamy and Charlotte Hawkins, and television personality Georgia Toffolo.

Zara Tindall, the Queen's eldest granddaughter, wore a Laura Green houndstooth coat dress to the Cheltenham Festival last year.

The designer has been operating the pop-up store in the capital for the past three weeks, but normally insists on appointment-only visits to her private London showroom.

On her website, Laura Green states: 'Fashion has the power to uplift and we want our clients to feel unbound to where or when they envision themselves wearing the pieces.'
A liberal woman has told of how she disguised herself as a MAGA supporter on dating app Bumble to reel in a suspected Capitol rioter.

The woman, named only as Claire, says she reinstalled the app after a lengthy hiatus on realizing she could help the FBI to catch the troublemakers.

She told Huffington Post how she deleted a photo of herself wearing a vagina hat at a feminist march, uploaded a generic looking shot of herself on a boat, and changed her political affiliation to 'conservative.'

Claire then managed to reel in Andrew Quentin Taake, 32, who sent her a photo of himself allegedly rioting, and is said to have bragged of being pepper sprayed during the violence at the Capitol.

Recalling what prompted the unusual sting operation, Claire said 'I was watching on the news and seeing everyone walk back.

'It felt kind of useless for me to be that close and not kind of do anything proactive about it.'

She said it was an appeal from then President-elect Biden to help catch rioters that spurred her on.

'OK, fine,' Claire thought. 'I will.'

She quickly took to Bumble, which allows female users to make the first move and initiate conversations, after spurning dating apps because of COVID-19.

Eventually, she matched with Taake, who's profile said he was just eight miles away in Alexandria, Virginia.

A Bumble match shared these screenshots with the FBI, showing him sending a selfie (right) from the Capitol riot and boasting that he had just been pepper sprayed

The FBI says that footage captured Taake wielding a whip during the riot and using it to attack Capitol police officers

A criminal complaint details the charges against Taake in connection with the riot

After exchanging enough initial pleasantries for Taake to let his guard down, despite what 'Claire' deemed 'comically minimal ego-stroking,' she began probing him and for information upon learning he was at the nation's Capitol.

'Were you near all the action?' she asked.

'Yes,' he responded, while adding he was there to prevent 'agitators' and people who 'were clearly antifa.'

'From the very beginning.' Many rioters claim Antifa - a far left group known for its violent behavior - were actually behind the riot, and disguised themselves as Trump fans to cause trouble, although there is no evidence that this happened.

'Claire' even managed to get Taake to send a picture of himself amidst the rioters right before he was 'pepper sprayed' by a police officer, he told her.

He is also said to have hinted of his desire to cause further trouble ahead of the Biden inauguration, saying: 'There is too much criminal stuff to come out. There are many many willing Patriots ready and willing to head back (to DC) depending on what happens.'

Once she felt confident she was communicating with a Capitol rioter, she culled his Bumble profile for any identifying information, where she discovered the name of the business he co-owns and eventually his Facebook profile.

She took Taake's name and profiles, along with three other MAGA Capitol rioters who she had communicated with, and passed them along to the FBI.

'I basically just asked, Wow, crazy, tell me more on repeat until they gave me enough,' she told HuffPost. 'One of my friends was like, You basically got all these confessions just being, like, Haha! Then what?'

Three months later, a special agent contacted her to ask her more information. Then by six months after their initial Bumble exchange, Taake was formally arrested.

Investigators said Taake, 32, whipped and pepper sprayed Capitol Police officers during the riot on January 6.

Yet even as Taake took part in storming the Capitol, he was actively trying to woo a love interest on Bumble, sending selfies of himself joining the mob, according to a criminal complaint.

Taake never met up with his Bumble match in person, and just days later, on January 9, the match came forward to the FBI, providing incriminating screenshots to investigators.

The screenshots included a selfie that Taake sent, which he said had been taken 'about 30 minutes' after being pepper sprayed, according to the complaint.

Though Bumble profiles only display first names, Taake's identified him as the owner of Hi-Flow Houston, a power washing service, allowing the FBI to quickly zero in on his true identity.

Investigators discovered a number of public videos and Capitol surveillance that appear to show Taake taking part in the riot and illegally entering the Capitol.

One image included in the complaint appears to show Taake spraying Capitol cops in the face with pepper spray.

In other footage, Taake can be seen wielding a whip-like weapon and using it to attack Capitol cops before retreating back into the crowd, according to the complaint.

Surveillance footage of the Capitol shows Taake wandering the halls of the building carrying the whip, according to the FBI.

One image included in the complaint appears to show Taake spraying Capitol cops in the face with pepper spray

In other footage, Taake can be seen wielding a whip-like weapon and using it to attack Capitol cops before retreating back into the crowd, the FBI said

The FBI says that this bodycam footage shows Taake participating in the riot

The FBI was also able to confirm that Taake took a Spirit Airlines flight from Houston to Baltimore/Washington International Airport on January 5, before returning to Texas on January 8, according to the complaint.

Cell phone tower records also placed him in the area of the Capitol during the riot, the FBI said.

FBI agents interviewed Taake at his Houston home and say that they were able to positively identify him as the man seen in the incriminating footage from the Capitol.

Taake is charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers, obstruction of an official proceeding and is also facing several other federal charges.

He made his first court appearance on Friday and is being held in federal custody. It was unclear whether he had an attorney to speak on his behalf.

Taake is seen in this surveillance footage entering the Capitol on January 6, the FBI says

Taake was seen wandering the Capitol holding his whip weapon, according to the FBI

Taake brazenly carried his whip through the halls of Congress, the FBI said

It is not the first time Bumble has been used to bust a Capitol rioter.

In April, Robert Chapman of New York told one of his Bumble matches that he 'did storm the Capitol' and said that he 'made it all the way into Statuary Hall.'

The other Bumble user replied, 'we are not a match' and quickly notified the FBI.

Chapman was arrested and charged with entering restricted buildings and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, and is next due in court on September 10.

For a time following the riot, Bumble disabled the ability to search for matches by political affiliation, after reports that some users were attempting to catfish conservatives and get them to incriminate themselves in the riot.

More than 535 people have been arrested In relation to the Capitol breach, including at least 165 who are charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement.

The investigation continues.
A secretive cell of civil servants is being blamed by Ministers for blocking moves to speed up Britains exit from all Covid restrictions  including the early end of quarantine for the double-jabbed.

The Covid-19 Task Force, which is run out of the Cabinet Office, sits in on meetings held by Ministers, and then offers advice on the implementation of measures which have been agreed.

But one Cabinet Minister told The Mail on Sunday the group had been a huge pain in the a*** with a series of Sir Humphrey-style frustrations  a reference to the smooth mandarin in the BBCs Yes Minister series who would endlessly outfox politicians.

Andy Helliwell, a career civil servant who makes his personal views clear on his Twitter page, proclaiming his support for gender-neutral language and his criticism of Britains colonial legacy

Ministers say that the group has increasingly flexed its muscles, including stopping an attempt to end isolation rules early

It includes operations director Andy Helliwell, a career civil servant who makes his personal views clear on his Twitter page, proclaiming his support for gender-neutral language and his criticism of Britains colonial legacy.

The 14-strong task force, which was set up in May last year and is headed by former Treasury official Simon Ridley, is meant to enact the decisions reached at Covid-O meetings, attended by Boris Johnson, Chancellor Rishi Sunak and other key Ministers.

But Ministers say that the group has increasingly flexed its muscles, including stopping an attempt to end isolation rules early.

At a Covid-O meeting held on June 23, Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove led calls to bring forward the August 16 date when the double-jabbed will no longer have to self-isolate for ten days if they are pinged by the NHS Covid app for being in close contact with someone who has tested positive. Business leaders and Tory MPs have called for an end to the pingdemic, which last week saw 1.2 million people ordered into quarantine.

The rules are due to end in Wales from August 7 and in Scotland two days later. But Ministers claim that the move was frustrated by the task force.

A source said: Its always the same  these officials sit silently on the side, writing away. We think weve agreed something, then an hour after the meeting we get calls of the sorry old chap, that wont be possible variety. That is what they did with quarantine. They are basically keeping us in prison.

The source added: It feels to us as if there is some sort of informal strategic alliance between the Cabinet Office gang and the scientists on Sage to tie us up in restrictions.

A ministerial adviser who helped to mobilise the original Government response to the pandemic added: It has been maddening almost from the start.

Ministers would agree something, then youd get a message saying sorry, the task force isnt happy with this. It used to drive Gove mad, as he wanted to press on with stuff but this random unit in his department was putting the brakes on it.

The Mail on Sunday has also been told that the Covid-O meetings could be disbanded because No 10 regards them as too leaky.

Mr Helliwell, who joined the Civil Service fast stream after finishing a geography degree at Cambridge, has used Twitter to enter the debate over whether statues of figures from Britains colonial past should be removed.

In May, he posted a picture of a statue of Cecil Rhodes saying: A lot of people on here tonight seem to think that statues are educational tools. They are not. They are an expression of the people we want to, very literally, put on a pedestal.

He included the Church in his criticism, saying: Behind the pulpit of the new church, there is a whole other story of colonialism, and welcomed the National Trusts decrying of buildings, including the former home of Winston Churchill, for their historical links to slavery. People who say you cant rewrite history often seem least inclined to accept that what they know might be partial. I fully support the National Trust, he said.

On June 18 last year, in response to newspaper reports about sailors being forced to stop using Navy terms such as unmanned and man power, he said: Lots of people upset by this. Good. Im done being polite about it.

If you reject gender-neutral language you favour exclusion of and bias against women. You fail to listen to women who say this matters. The basic lack of courtesy and respect amazes me.

Mr Helliwell, who joined the Civil Service fast stream after finishing a geography degree at Cambridge, has used Twitter to enter the debate over whether statues of figures from Britains colonial past should be removed

Ironically, after the resignation of former British Ambassador to the United States, Kim Darroch, following the publication of diplomatic cables in this newspaper, Mr Helliwell  who has moved between the Ministry of Defence and the Cabinet Office since 2008  said: Civil Service impartiality has immeasurable value, but is under attack.

We must call this out, and make the positive case for its importance. Ironically, some will claim this is itself a political act.

But this is not party politics, it is about our democratic institutions.

A Government spokesman said: Ministers are responsible for making decisions about Government policy. The role of the Covid-19 Task Force is to provide advice and co-ordinate the Governments collective response to the pandemic.

Tyranny of the Covid experts: Finger-wagging SAGE scientist and influential Government adviser penned a book about how HE'S the only person Boris Johnson should ever have listened to, writes ex-supreme court judge JONATHAN SUMPTION

Professor Sir Jeremy Farrar is a distinguished epidemiologist, a member of the Sage scientific committee, the director of the Wellcome Trust health research charity and an influential government adviser. He is also the most hawkish of lockdown hawks, and he has written a book with journalist Anjana Ahuja, called Spike. It is a revealing read.

Spike is basically about Farrar himself: how he saw it all coming, how he personally forced the Chinese government to release the genetic sequence of the Covid-19 virus that allowed scientists to develop a vaccine, how he warned the world of imminent doom, how the Government could have saved lives by treasuring his words more, and how he risked assassination by the Chinese (If anything happens to me, this is what you need to know, he told friends).

The talk is all of wars, battle plans, and people heading for precipices. All this is a bit melodramatic and self-obsessed for my taste. but Farrar is a distinguished scientist who means well. He is terrifyingly sincere and really does have the interest of mankind at heart. Therein lies the problem.

There are few more obsessive fanatics than the technocrat who is convinced that he is reordering an imperfect world for its own good.

If Spike is largely about its author, it also tells us much about those who have been in charge of our lives through Covid-19. Farrar represents most of what has gone wrong. His main target is the British Government. But he actually agrees with nearly everything they have done. Farrars complaint is that they did not do it quickly or brutally enough when he suggested it, and stopped doing it before he gave them the all-clear.

Farrar represents most of what has gone wrong. His main target is the British Government. But he actually agrees with nearly everything they have done

His views about how governments should deal with public health crises are broadly the same as those of Dominic Cummings. Both men are frustrated autocrats who believed that from Day One we needed a command-and-control structure. He speaks well of Chinese methods of disease control.

Panic was called for, in March 2020, he says at one point. At another, he tells us that at a time when governments were panicking all over Europe, there was not enough panic in Britain.

THIS is all very odd. It does not seem to have occurred to Farrar that the jerky, ill-considered and inconsistent improvisations that passed for policy-making in the Johnson Government, and which he rightly criticises, were the direct result of the panic that he recommends.

The great object is of course to ensure that the science is applied. No ifs, no buts and no delay. In Farrars world, this is easy as there is only one science, namely his own.

He is convinced hes right and the Government should listen to no one else. Challenge from other scientists is normally regarded as fundamental to scientific advance. But for Farrar disagreement is a hurdle. It just gets in his way.

So, serious scientists such as Professors Carl Heneghan, Karol Sikora and Sunetra Gupta, who have had the temerity to offer opinions differing from his own, are dismissed as being responsible for a number of unnecessary deaths, although Farrar has had a great deal of influence on Government policy and they have had almost none.

This kind of attitude to colleagues is, frankly, unworthy of a scientist of Sir Jeremys eminence.

Anders Tegnell, the Swedish state epidemiologist, is dismissed in a brief footnote, although Sweden is a standing repudiation of much that Farrar stands for. Sweden has avoided a lockdown, yet has done much better than the UK.

Like many technocrats, Farrar believes in coercion. Otherwise, people might not do what he wants. You cannot tell people to stay at home only if they feel like it, he says.

This is an obtuse misunderstanding of the argument against coercion. The point is that people differ widely in their vulnerability to Covid-19. It causes serious illness among the old and those with severe underlying conditions, but the symptoms are mild for nearly everyone else. We therefore have to be able to make our own risk assessments. It is simply untrue that the vulnerable would ignore advice if they felt like it. People have a basic sense of self-preservation.

This was Sages consistent advice right up to the first lockdown. Farrar denies it, but the record speaks for itself.

On March 10 and 13, the minutes record that Sage advised guidance on isolation, selectively directed to the old and vulnerable. On March 13, they said that the public should be treated as rational actors, capable of taking decisions for themselves and managing personal risk. Farrar participated in both meetings.

Of course, selective coercion would be impractical, as he points out. But universal coercion is pointless, inefficient and wasteful.

It treats people as if all were vulnerable, when only some are. Instead of spending several times the cost of the NHS on paying young, healthy people who were at negligible risk not to work, we should have been pouring resources into protecting the vulnerable.

Interestingly, Farrar accepts that lockdowns only push infections and associated deaths into a future period after they are lifted.

He also appears to accept it would have been intolerable to lock down the whole population until a vaccine was developed and everyone had received it, which would have taken at least 18 months and possibly never happen.

His preferred course seems to be a series of lockdowns starting each time that we look like approaching the intensive care capacity of the NHS. In other words, very much what we have had. However, Farrar has wagged his finger every time that restriction has been lifted.

In theory, we can switch lockdown on and off like a malfunctioning internet router, but in practice it seems that the time is never ripe. We only have to look around us to see that lockdowns have failed to halt the virus, either here or anywhere else in the world. The problem is in the concept, not the application.

This brings me to the most remarkable feature of this book, which is Farrars brushing aside of the appalling collateral consequences of lockdowns: other illnesses which go untreated such as cancer or accelerate like dementia, impacts on education, equality and public debt, not to speak of the worst recession in 300 years.

Farrar regards all this as a regrettable but unavoidable result of desirable measures, and not as reasons for questioning whether they were ever desirable in the first place.

Professor Sir Jeremy Farrar's views about how governments should deal with public health crises are broadly the same as those of Dominic Cummings. Both men are frustrated autocrats who believed that from Day One we needed a command-and-control structure

In keeping with this blinkered approach, he refers to the collateral disasters as consequences of Covid-19. They are not. They are man-made consequences of the policy responses he has been advocating.

I shall resist the temptation to apply to him the criticism he gratuitously and unfairly applied to Messrs Sikora, Heneghan and Gupta.

Entirely missing from Farrars worldview is any conception of the complexity of the moral judgments involved. Of course public health matters, but it is not all that matters. Interaction with other human beings is a fundamental human need. Criminalising it is a sustained assault on our humanity. Doing so without assessing the wider consequences is irresponsible folly.

Sir Jeremy Farrar adopts the current habit of using libertarian as a word of abuse.

But I am proud to be a libertarian. Personal autonomy is a basic condition of human happiness and creativity. I am a libertarian because the opposite of liberty is despotism.
The BBC's highly paid diversity tsar June Sarpong has pocketed more than 30,000 from speaking at corporate events in the past eight weeks.

The Mail on Sunday can reveal that on top of her BBC role  for which she is paid 267,000 for a three-day week  the former television presenter has also appeared at six conferences since June 1.

Sources close to Ms Sarpong yesterday confirmed that she earns between 5,000 and 6,000 per gig, meaning she earned at least 30,000 in just two months.

While the BBC insists that its creative diversity director is doing nothing wrong and that bosses are aware of her extra earnings, it is unlikely to go down well with colleagues currently facing redundancy, or licence-fee payers who are footing the bill for her salary.

The Mail on Sunday can reveal that on top of her BBC role  for which she is paid 267,000 for a three-day week  June Sarpong (pictured) has also appeared at six conferences since June 1

The 44-year-old  who is paid more per day than the broadcaster's top boss, Director-General Tim Davie  hosted a merger for Virgin Media and O2 on June 1 at the company's new headquarters in Reading.

Staff were invited to attend the event both in person and virtually but were not told in advance that it would be anchored by the star.

That same month she was also the guest speaker for energy supplier EDF's 'in-house content lab workshop', where she discussed diversity and inclusion  the same subject she is paid to advise on at the BBC  with their staff.

Ms Sarpong also hosted a summer internship for accountancy firm Ernst & Young alongside Dr Alex from Love Island; took part in a live discussion for Coutts bank, entitled Doing Well By Doing Good; moderated a panel discussion for investment companies Coller Capital and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld; and took part in a discussion for Speak Up Consulting, which says it specialises in digital, marketing and business transformation.

Ms Sarpong, who was appointed the BBC's diversity champion in 2019 to 'achieve real change', appears on a website which advertises speakers where it says she costs 6,000 to 10,000.

Sources close to Ms Sarpong (pictured) yesterday confirmed that she earns between 5,000 and 6,000 per gig, meaning she earned at least 30,000 in just two months

However, sources close to her last night said she charges far less than other corporate speakers, adding: 'There are some people in the industry who are greedy. June is not one of them.

'She is not the type of person to bend the rules. She wants to engage with people and promote change. She has done absolutely nothing wrong here, she isn't breaching any guidelines.'

A BBC report revealed that she earns 1,700 per day for three days a week, meaning if she did the job full-time she would earn 445,000.

In comparison, Mr Davie's annual salary is 429,000 which breaks down to 1,650 per day.

In addition to her speaking roles, she has also published several books about diversity and inclusion, such as Diversify, The Power Of Women, and The Power Of Privilege: How White People Can Challenge Racism.

She was made an MBE in the most recent New Year's Honours list for services to broadcasting.

The BBC said yesterday: 'June Sarpong is not a full-time member of BBC staff and has always been able to do work outside the BBC  we said this when she was appointed in 2019. She reports to the BBC's Group Managing Director who is made aware of all additional work commitments.'

The BBC (pictured: Broadcasting House, London) insists that its creative diversity director is doing nothing wrong and that bosses are aware of her extra earnings

However, this isn't the first time that a member of the BBC's behind-the-scenes staff has been exposed for accepting lucrative fees to talk at corporate conferences.

In February last year, the broadcaster's former editorial director Kamal Ahmed handed back 12,000 after this newspaper told how he had been paid to speak at a banking event for the Aberdeen Standard Investment eight days after he was part of a management team that announced cuts to its news division.

The executive, who earlier this year was made redundant from his role which paid him up to 209,999, apologised to staff in an email.

It said: 'I realise now that I did not think things through sufficiently at the time of booking and, although I did not break any of the BBC's guidelines on external speaking, it was a mistake to agree to a fee.

'I have told ASI this morning that I will not be taking any payment. I wanted to say sorry that a mistake made by me has become a public and internal issue.'
A Government watchdog has called for a review into the use of foreign technology in Whitehalls CCTV systems following the Matt Hancock Gropegate scandal.

Fraser Sampson, the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner, has written to Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove, stating: There is a pressing need to clarify the Governments position on the risks and considerations arising from the extra-territorial ownership of surveillance camera capabilities operating within the United Kingdom.

The affair of former Health Secretary Mr Hancock with his aide Gina Coladangelo was revealed in June, after footage of them embracing taken by a camera in his office was leaked to the press.

It led to false claims that he had fallen victim to a sting executed by a hostile foreign power such as China or Russia.

Images and video showed Mr Hancock in an embrace with aide Gina Coladangelo inside his private office

Mr Hancock resigned as Health Secretary less than 48 hours after pictures emerged of him in a passionate embrace with Ms Coladangelo, pictured together above

Citing widespread public comment on the circumstances preceding the resignation of the Secretary of State for Health, Mr Sampson warned the risks and considerations in this field are complex and multi-faceted, adding: The proliferation of surveillance camera systems and advances in the attendant technologies possibly represent a new manifestation of an enduring risk.

The impact on peoples lives engaged by the risks and considerations is not confined entirely to matters of personal data and extends to areas such as the so-called chilling effect on the extent to which people feel able to hold and express opinions, meet each other and demonstrate peacefully.

These are elemental constitutional entitlements which also need to be considered in light of the perceived risks of non-UK owned and operated surveillance systems.

He said the Hancock case and the Governments decision to restrict the access of Chinese firm Huawei to the 5G network presented an irresistible opportunity to address the risks and considerations.
Prince Charles was dragged into a 'cash for access' row yesterday after the Tory party's co-chairman was accused of arranging a private dinner between the heir to the throne and a wealthy businessman.

The Prince of Wales is said to have had an 'intimate dinner' with telecoms tycoon Mohamed Amersi at Dumfries House in Scotland  allegedly arranged by Ben Elliot, the nephew of Charles's wife Camilla.

The meeting was said to have been organised via Quintessentially, Mr Elliot's 'luxury lifestyle management service', to which Mr Amersi had paid an annual 15,000 fee as an 'elite' member.

Ben Elliot (right), 45, introduced super-rich clients from his company Quintessentially to the Prince of Wales (left)

In the wake of the dinner, the 61-year-old businessman provided more than 1.2million to the prince's charities and was given access to him.

Yesterday Mr Elliot, 45, was accused by Mr Amersi of facilitating 'access capitalism' and of providing access to a senior royal.

But the Tory co-chairman insisted there was no conflict of interest and the meeting between Charles and Mr Amersi had been 'entirely about helping to raise money for charity'.

Sources at the royal household expressed disappointment that the Prince of Wales had been dragged into a 'political' row when all his efforts were 'focussed on fundraising for charity'.

Telecoms millionaire Mohamed Amersi, 61, paid 15,000 a year to be an elite member of the luxury concierge business

A Clarence House source insisted the prince was grateful for all the support Mr Elliot had provided and made clear there was no personal financial benefit.

It was claimed at the weekend that Mr Elliot had set up an exclusive club for the biggest Tory donors to meet the Prime Minister and Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

Labour said the allegations exposed a 'cash for access' culture at the heart of the Conservative Party.

A No 10 source insisted no special access had been given other than was normal for party donors.

A friend of the Prime Minister praised how Mr Elliot had modernised the party structure and its finances which had record donations thanks to his efforts.

A friend of Mr Elliot said: 'Ben is a buccaneer but no one ever doubts he is a straight player. He makes no apologies for raising money for charities he believes in, which includes the Prince of Wales's, and is adamant that there is no conflict of interest with his charity and political work which he keeps separate.'

Emails revealed by the Sunday Times yesterday revealed the access Mr Elliot obtained to his uncle for Mr Amersi.

Elliot appealed for donations for friend and Tory minister Zac Goldsmith (pictured) using his royal conections

In 2013 the firm arranged for him to fly to meet the heir to the throne over dinner at Dumfries House, a stately home in Ayrshire that the prince helped save.

He offered a chauffeur and private jet and sent a timetable for a guided tour of the mansion before his intimate meal with 'HRH'. Mr Amersi has since donated more than 1.2million to the prince's charities and has become a trustee of the Prince's Trust International and a board member of Charles's Mosaic Network initiative.

A message obtained by the newspaper showed that Mr Elliot told Mr Amersi 'well done' when he heard about his first donation.

In a leaked email from 2015, he allegedly told the British businessman that the prince 'spoke highly of you' before asking for a donation to the mayoral campaign of his friend Zac Goldsmith.

Mr Amersi told the Sunday Times he would never have met the heir to the throne if he had not signed up to the 'very top tier' of Mr Elliot's luxury service. He said his membership had opened doors to the Establishment, including 'Clarence House, St James's Palace, Buckingham Palace, Dumfries House'.

Mr Amersi described this arrangement as 'access capitalism'. He added: 'You get access, you get invitations, you get privileged relationships if you are part of the set-up, and where you are financially making a contribution to be a part of that set-up. Absolutely.' Charles has attended several events hosted by the Quintessentially Foundation, the firm's charitable arm, including one at Clarence House.

Labour chairman Anneliese Dodds said: 'It cannot be right that Ben Elliot is offering a select group of elite donors privileged access to the Prime Minister and the Chancellor.

'And if the inducements to donate to the Conservative Party or become a client of Quintessentially include professing to offer access to the Royal Family then that is totally unacceptable.'

But a spokesman for Mr Elliot said: 'Mr Elliot assisted Mr Amersi in meeting the Prince of Wales because he wanted to support the prince's charitable work, and Mr Elliot is proud that led to large donations from Mr Amersi to good causes.'
A black Philadelphia man was released from prison Thursday after serving more than 30 years behind bars for a 1984 murder he didn't commit.

Curtis Crosland returned home to five children, his fiancee and 32 grandchildren after witnesses used to convict him recanted their statements.

'It's a great feeling to still be dad, to be wanted and desired, and open arms to receive you, that's been the greatest part of being exonerated, that I come home to a loving family that wants and needs me,' Crosland told CNN.

Crosland was convicted in 1991 for the 1984 robbery and murder of South Philadelphia storeowner Il Man Heo and sentenced to life in prison.

The conviction was based on the testimonies of two informants - Rodney Everett and Delores Tilghman - who lied about Crosland to get leniency in their own cases.

Risheen Crosland, left, and his father Curtis Crosland, right, gather with family after Curtis was released from prison for a crime he did not commit

Delores Crosland, left, her uncle Curtis Crosland, center, and his sister Shirley Crosland, right, hug after Curtis was released from prison for a crime he did not commit

Everett was facing a parole violation when he agreed to provide information in multiple murder cases and pointed the finger at Crosland, according to court documents.

But he failed polygraph test and told his wife it was a different suspect, court documents says.

The other witness who put Crosland in prison was Tilghman, who gave a false statement in a different murder case.

In interviews with the Philadelphia Inquirer, they both said they felt coerced to say what the prosecutors and police wanted.

'It was just very brutal. They threaten you. They will use your family and they will tell you what they will do to your family, taking your kids,' Everett told the Philadelphia newspaper.

He said he testified at Croslands preliminary hearing but had repeatedly tried to recant.

'When you tell the truth, they dont care. Theyll accept the lies, but they wont accept the truth,' he told the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Everett and Tilgham's statements were the only thing linking Crosland to the murder. There was no physical evidence linking that suggested Crosland killed Heo.

This was discovered during Philadelphia District Attorneys Office Conviction Integrity Unit's search of police files and court documents which the CIU argued was withheld from the defense.

Federal court Judge Anita B. Brody agreed this it violated the 'Brady Rule,' which requires all information to be turned over to the defense, in her three-page decision releasing Crosland.

Curtis Crosland, left, and his brother Victor Crosland, center, and his sister Shirley Crosland, right, FaceTime with relatives after Curtis was released from prison for a crime he did not commit

The CIU contacted Heos son, Charles Heo, and his daughter, Song Heo, about the release.

CIU said in a press release that they expressed 'gratitude' that the CIU was continuing to seek justice for their fathers murder, which to both of them means respecting every citizens right to a fair trial.

'Make us proud of the justice system by always questioning its integrity with respect to equity. I am deeply thankful for your hard work and continuing to do what is right,' Charles Heo said in the CIU accountability report.

The CIU has now exonerated 22 wrongfully convicted people, including Crosland, since it was formed in 2018.
was seen going into Downing Street on Wednesday

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has been consulting election-winning political consultant Sir Lynton Crosby as he gears up for battles with No 10 over Boris Johnsons spending plans.

Australian-born Sir Lynton, who became known as the Wizard of Oz after masterminding Mr Johnsons London mayoral victory in 2008, was seen going in to Downing Street on Wednesday  triggering speculation that the Prime Minister was consulting him about a summer shake-up of his Government.

In fact, relations between Sir Lynton and Mr Johnson remain frosty after the strategist criticised the influence that he believes the PMs wife Carrie wields over No 10: once inside Downing Street, Sir Lynton headed instead to Mr Sunaks flat, where the men had what aides describe as a quick catch-up.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has been consulting election-winning political consultant Sir Lynton Crosby as he gears up for battles with No 10 over Boris Johnsons spending plans

Meeting out-of-favour Sir Lynton is the clearest sign yet that Mr Sunak is determined to forge a political identity distinct from Mr Johnsons, as the Treasury tries to keep a lid on the PMs plans to spend billions on net zero green policies, reforming social care and infrastructure projects to level up deprived parts of the North.

Sir Lyntons expertise includes polling the popularity of individual policies  such as the triple lock protecting the value of the State pension, which Mr Sunak has argued is becoming an unsustainable 4 billion-a-year commitment in the context of the 400 billion-plus cost of the pandemic.

Mr Sunak, the favourite to succeed Mr Johnson as PM, is particularly preoccupied with the partys popularity in the Red Wall seats taken from Labour in the 2019 General Election.

A YouGov poll yesterday concluded that the partys efforts to appeal to the Red Wall was putting at risk up to 16 seats in its Blue Wall heartlands in the south and east of England.

Relations between Sir Lynton and Boris Johnson (pictured on Thursday) remain frosty after the strategist criticised the influence that he believes the PMs wife Carrie wields over No 10

The Mail on Sunday revealed last month that Mr Sunak had warned Mr Johnson that his planned 10 billion-a-year reforms to social care would not be affordable without the introduction of a new dedicated tax, equivalent to an extra one per cent on National Insurance.

The move was shelved until the autumn at least following a revolt by Cabinet Ministers who argued that it would be a breach of the partys manifesto pledge not to raise taxes.

The Chancellor has also baulked at estimates of hitting the net zero target for the UK by 2050, which top more than 1.4 trillion.
A British jihadi bride who lost an arm in an air strike is living in a 500,000 council house and has been fitted with a prosthetic limb, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Samia Hussein was injured when coalition forces launched an attack on a weapons store next to her home in the Syrian city of Raqqa, which was under the control of Islamic State.

The 27-year-old, who joined the terror group in 2015, was arrested when she arrived back in Britain in February 2020.

It is not known how the artificial arm was funded, but one of Husseins relatives said: Its from the NHS, definitely

The Metropolitan Police last night said she had not been charged with any offence but remained under investigation.

It is not known how the artificial arm was funded, but one of Husseins relatives said: Its from the NHS, definitely.

Hussein, who was born and grew up in London, moved to the Kenyan capital Nairobi in around 2012 to study for her A-levels, living with her stepfather.

She subsequently enrolled on a degree course in journalism at the United States International University in Nairobi in 2014, months after IS declared its caliphate stretching between Syria and Iraq.

She started watching IS propaganda videos with university friends and, according to her own account, was being groomed online by terror chiefs at the same time.

It is understood Hussein left Kenya and entered Syria via Turkey in early 2015. Speaking to independent film-maker Alan Duncan, who has made a three-part documentary about IS, she said she first stayed in a madhafa, or guesthouse, for IS women in the town of Manbij, which was nicknamed Little London because of the large numbers of British jihadis living there.

She started watching IS propaganda videos with university friends and, according to her own account, was being groomed online by terror chiefs at the same time

Newly arrived women were forced to stay in a madhafa until they married an IS man. Hussein said she wed a fighter called Abu Suleiman, who was also known as Abu Maryam, and the couple lived in Manbij for six months before moving to Raqqa.

Following the air strike, she spent seven months in hospital where her arm was amputated. She also lost a breast and suffered severe leg injuries.

Hussein was captured during the battle of Baghouz  the last IS stronghold in Syria  in early 2019 and was detained at the al-Hol prison camp, where she was interviewed by Duncan that May.

Speaking about her time with the terror group, she told him: At that age [20], it was a vulnerable age youre in, trying to find a purpose in life... I left my career of being a journalist, probably working for Al-Jazeera.

Its sad that for really four years, four years went down the drain I left everything, thinking I was coming for a better cause.

The Islamic State, they take your mind. They show the good side of what they are doing, and you see nothing else at all. But Hussein joined IS at a time when the group had already captured thousands of Yazidi women and taken them as sex slaves. Meanwhile, its British executioner Mohamed Emwazi, also known as Jihadi John, had beheaded five Western hostages on camera.

Such horrific news was being broadcast on news channels across the world, including Kenya, which Hussein would have seen. When asked about ISs sickening violence, Hussein said: I didnt do anything. I played no part in it, OK.

Hussein said she wanted to leave IS as soon as she entered Syria, but feared she would be killed and was effectively kept against her will.

But when she was asked in the same interview about the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, which left 22  mainly children  dead, she described them as victims of war. Hussein flew back to Britain 18 months ago and was arrested at Heathrow Airport under anti- terrorism laws. She was released shortly after her arrest and has since been free to roam the streets of Britain, despite spending almost five years with IS.

She is living in a new-build council house with members of her family in West London, where similar properties cost between 500,000 and 600,000.

The MoS last week tracked her down to the property where she was seen dressed in modern Western clothes, apart from an Islamic head-dress. No electronic tag was visible, suggesting her movements were not being monitored by the police.

It is understood that Hussein was fitted with the prosthetic arm, which costs around 3,000 and thousands of pounds more in consultants fees and physio aftercare, shortly after arriving back in Britain. She received her artificial limb at a time when the NHS was suffering some of the worst backlogs in its history because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Charities supporting amputees said the average waiting time for a new limb was about a month to six weeks before the coronavirus outbreak. But after the pandemic crippled NHS services, waiting times became months long.

When the MoS tried speaking to Hussein at her house last week, a woman came to the door and told our reporter that no such person lived there. Another woman, thought to be Hussein, shouted through the front window: Ill call the police if you dont leave  Ill call the police.

Neighbours on the street said Hussein lived at the address when shown pictures of her, adding that the family had been living there for the past two years.

A relative of Hussein, who did not want to be named, said she had a prosthetic arm fitted about a year ago, around three months after her return to the UK.

Asked if it had been paid for by a benefactor, he replied: No, no, no, its from the NHS, definitely.

Since her return, he said, Hussein has been undergoing Government education classes, which is believed to be the Prevent deradicalisation programme that returnees are required to undergo.

The relative added: The Government is involved anyway. So shes got classes that she signs with them. So they are involved, because she was very young when she was taken [to Syria].

She got brainwashed anyway, and they found a way to bring her back. Actually, the British Government brought her back.

Last night, Tory MP Tom Hunt said: If you went to Syria to join IS, which was and is an avowed enemy of this country, then you have abdicated your British citizenship. You should not be allowed to come back, let alone be put in a council house and given expensive treatments on the NHS.

The 27-year-old, who joined the terror group in 2015, was arrested when she arrived back in Britain in February 2020

Neighbours on the street said Hussein lived at the address when shown pictures of her, adding that the family had been living there for the past two years

Fellow Tory MP Andrew Bridgen added: I just hope this woman has been thoroughly assessed and she does not pose a threat to national security or her neighbours. Although Britain has banned former London schoolgirl Shamima Begum from returning to the UK by stripping her of her citizenship, many others have been quietly allowed to return to the country.

Tareena Shakil, 31, a former health worker from Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, was arrested on terrorism charges after returning from Syria and was jailed for six and a half years in 2016. During her time in Syria, she caused outrage back in Britain by posting pictures of her 14-month-old son on social media wearing an IS bandana.

Two other British IS women  identified in court only as C3 and C4  had their citizenship stripped in November 2019, but won their right to come back here last March, after the High Court restored their UK nationality.

Around 450 British jihadis have returned to the UK from Syria. A BBC investigation last week revealed that of those, only 14  less than 3 per cent  have been convicted of terror offences.

The Home Office estimates at least 950 British extremists went to join the Syrian jihad.
Samantha Cameron used the furlough scheme to pay wages at her designer clothing label during the pandemic  despite having nearly 600,000 cash in the bank and increasing its workforce, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

The latest accounts for her upmarket Cefinn brand show that it retained a six-figure bank balance last year despite Covid.

The accounts  published while Mrs Cameron was pictured at Goodwood Ladies Day drinking champagne with her stepfather Viscount Astor  raise questions about why the company needed to make any furlough claims.

It comes weeks after it emerged that her husband David Cameron was being paid more than $1 million a year by Greensill Capital, a financial services supplier that went into administration in March.

As a part-time adviser, the former Prime Minister tried to secure government support for the ailing company.

Mrs Cameron founded Cefinn in 2017. It is bankrolled by the Tory donor Lord Brownlow  who contributed nearly 60,000 to the cost of renovating Boris Johnson's flat at No 10 last year.

The accounts  published while Mrs Cameron was at Goodwood Ladies Day (pictured) drinking champagne with her stepfather Viscount Astor  raise questions about why the company needed to make any furlough claims.

A shopper browses through a collection of the Cefinn brand on sale at Selfridges

He is a director of Cefinn's parent company, Samantha Cameron Studio Limited. Its financial statement for the year to October 31 last year showed it had 585,118 in the bank.

The annual losses rose by about 500,000 compared with 2019.

The company has continued to make monthly claims on the state to pay staff wages, with the most recent payment made in April.

The business also added to its workforce, the accounts reveal, while keeping staff on furlough.

The furlough scheme was designed in response to the pandemic to allow employers to keep staff at risk of redundancy.

But the accounts show the business expanded its staff from 16 to 21.

A spokesman for Cefinn declined to comment when asked why the company used the furlough scheme when its accounts showed it had nearly 600,000 in the bank.

Last month Mrs Cameron discussed her brand in a newspaper interview.

'The dual impact of Brexit and Covid has been challenging,' she said.

Mrs Cameron previously said about her business: 'The dual impact of Brexit and Covid has been challenging.'

Fashion writer Barbara Gallino dons a blue Cefinn suit during London Fashion Week last September

'Most of our customers are in the UK or the US, so they haven't been affected, but we do have a small customer base in Europe, and that is definitely less profitable than it was.'

She added: 'Luckily, quite a few of the people that we furloughed we were able to bring back into the business, so that was great.'

Asked last night whether the brand would repay its furlough support from the taxpayer, a Cefinn spokesman declined to comment.

Darwin Friend, a policy analyst at the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'Lockdown has had an immense impact upon the public finances and every penny counts.

'Some businesses have repaid the support they received.

'They must serve as an example for other firms that have come through the pandemic in rude health.

'Taxpayers have long memories and are likely to remember those businesses that pulled out all the stops to help, and those that didn't.'
Young adults will be lured into vaccination centres with the promise of cut-price taxis and takeaways, as Boris Johnson tries to tackle the relatively low take-up among the under-30s.

Uber, Deliveroo and Pizza Pilgrims are among the companies in discussion with the Government about offering incentives as part of the 'Jab 18-30' drive.

So far, only two-thirds of people in that age bracket in England have received a first dose since they became eligible in June, compared with 88.4 per cent across all age groups, meaning more than three million 18-to-30-year-olds remain unjabbed.

A person receives a dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab at a vaccination centre for young people and students at the Hunter Street Health Centre in London on June 5

Uber (file photo above), Deliveroo and Pizza Pilgrims are among the companies in discussion with the Government about offering incentives as part of the 'Jab 18-30' drive

As part of the plan, Uber will be sending out reminders to its users throughout this month and, along with rival ride-hailing app Bolt, will be offering discounts for under-30s in both cars and food takeaway services.

Other companies will be offering vouchers or discount codes for food and films if users can prove through the NHS app that they have had the jab.

The Government's jab push will also include a booster shot for all the priority group of the over-50s and clinically vulnerable.

Unlike the first two jabs, everyone will receive Pfizer  because it is the most effective against the Indian, or Delta, variant.

Earlier this week, it was revealed although take-up has been slower than anticipated among young adults, one GP said some are trying to ensure they are double jabbed so they can go on holiday.

Professor Sam Everington, chair of the NHS Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group, said 'a lot of people' are trying to get their second doses quicker so they can go on holiday.

'You'd have to be crackers to book a holiday': Fury at travel chaos and NEW list Ministers have been condemned for causing quarantine confusion as a raging battle has erupted in the cabinet over plans for a danger list of countries that could see destinations like Spain and Italy suddenly move to red. The plans for a new 'amber watch list' sparked outrage in Whitehall as some ministers believe it could ruin the holiday hopes of millions of Britons. The idea, which was agreed in principle this week, would see holidaymakers warned that while they are abroad certain amber countries could go straight on to the red list. This would leave them facing compulsory hotel quarantine on their return, at a cost of 1,750 a head. Spain and Italy both featured in talks about countries that could be put into the new category  as soon as next week  amid fears about the Beta variant, which first emerged in South Africa. Senior ministers, including Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, are said to have reservations about imposing further disruption on the beleaguered travel sector. One Whitehall source said: 'You would have to be crackers to book a holiday to a place knowing that it could go on to the red list at any moment. 'If you have already booked to go there you are going to spend your whole holiday worrying whether you are going to have to make a dash to the airport to get home. 'The decision next week will basically be in place for August. It is peak holiday season  are we really going to cause that much disruption to this many people?' Advertisement

Some youths have taken to social media to share locations of pop-up clinics offering second jabs with as little as a four week gap.

Scientists insist the eight-week gap is the 'sweet spot' to make sure people have the most protection against the virus.

Professor Everington admitted many GPs are still struggling to attract some young people in the area to get a jab.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'We thought it was all about social media but they (young people) said they wanted a piece of paper that showed when and where they can get a vaccination.

'And the passport is the most important thing too. That's a big driver.

'We've got a lot of people who want to get their second vaccination, for example, early so they can get their holiday abroad.

'There's not clear evidence but what we are seeing is that when we do pop-ups, when we do go out to people rather than have people come to us [more people get a jab].

'[Previously] we found that we had lots of appointments that were just not being used.

'So you've either got to drive up the demand  and the passport scenario will do that  or alternatively you go to people.

'You go to where they are and you try to do innovative ways [to] incentivise.

'[Having a pop up clinic at West Ham's football stadium] was very powerful because for the people in East London  this is there football club.'

It comes as the week-on-week rate of Covid cases fell yesterday for the tenth day in a row with 26,144 infections marking a 17.8 per cent fall while deaths also fell to 71.

But yesterday, a SAGE expert warned the fall in Covid infections could be down to young people avoiding getting tested so they don't have to self-isolate rather than a real drop off in cases.

Professor Robert West, a member of the behavioural advisory group Spi-B, said Government messaging may have inadvertently given people a 'green light' that Covid isn't that bad and that people may be avoiding the disruption of self-isolation.

The health psychologist told Radio 4's Today programme that young people may also be less motivated to get tested because their symptoms are not as severe.

Other companies will be offering vouchers or discount codes for food and films if users can prove through the NHS app that they have had the jab (file photo)

His comments came amid mounting confusion over the rate of infection across the UK as there is a discrepancy between official figures and survey data from bodies including the Office of National Statistics.

Department of Health bosses posted 29,622 cases on Friday  down 18.6 per cent on last week.

But the ONS, which carries out tens of thousands of random swab tests every week, estimated one in 65 people were carrying the virus on any given day in the seven-day spell ending July 24  the equivalent of 856,200 positive cases.

Experts have said the drop in official figures could be down to a multitude of factors - including fewer people coming forward to get tested because of the 'pingdemic' chaos and fears of having to self-isolate.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid, pictured above, who thanked the businesses 'stepping up to support this vaccine drive'

The latest data from Public Health England and Cambridge University suggests that about 60,000 deaths, 22 million infections and 52,600 hospitalisations have been prevented by vaccines.

Last night Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: 'Thank you to all the businesses who are stepping up to support this vaccine drive.

'Once available, please go out and take advantage of the discounts.'

A Deliveroo spokesman said: 'We want to do our part. This is the next step in helping get people vaccinated and safely back to normal.'

Jamie Heywood, Uber's Regional General Manager for Northern and Eastern Europe said: 'As cities open up we all need to proceed with caution and ensure that all adults are vaccinated against Covid-19.

'We're proud to be working with the government on this important campaign to encourage everyone to get their jab'.

Over the coming weeks, the Government is set to roll out 'grab a jab' pop-up vaccine sites across the country.

Over 600,000 people were vaccinated last weekend at walk-in clinics from London's Tate Modern gallery to a Primark in Bristol.

Further sites in the pipeline include Thorpe Park in Surrey and Circus Extreme in Yorkshire.

Meanwhile, a poll by YouGov which was published last week 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.

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.
Starting family life in the glare of the Downing Street spotlight while carrying the burden of the highest office in the land was never going to be easy.

But the Johnsons had more troubles to contend with than even they could have foreseen.

For as Carrie prepared to give birth to their first child in April last year, her husband-to-be was fighting for his life after being struck down by Covid.

Not able to visit Boris as he spent several days in intensive care, she was left waiting anxiously for updates from the doctors treating him as she prepared to give birth for the first time.

Starting family life in the glare of the Downing Street spotlight while carrying the burden of the highest office in the land was never going to be easy. But the Johnsons had more troubles to contend with than even they could have foreseen

As if that wasn't difficult enough, she, too, was struck down with the virus in the ninth month of her pregnancy, a frightening prospect that she was forced to confront alone as she remained in self-isolation.

All the while, Boris had to navigate the nation's response to the pandemic, just months after arriving in Downing Street.

Their joy at Boris's stunning 80-seat General Election victory the previous December, and at getting engaged, had quickly been consumed by crisis.

But on April 29, 2020, Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson was born  premature but healthy  with the Prime Minister 'present throughout'.

Yesterday Carrie revealed a different sort of anguish from that she had overcome with her first child, speaking honestly about how she had been left heartbroken after suffering a miscarriage at the beginning of the year.

For as she broke the surprise news that she and Boris were expecting a second child this Christmas, she also disclosed that it would be a 'rainbow' baby  a term used to describe a child born after losing a previous one.

The pain of that loss must have devastated her, especially as, more than anything, she adores being a mum.

Yet however excruciating that pain, the Prime Minister and his wife dealt with their private heartbreak with such poise and dignity that no one would have been aware of it.

For as Carrie prepared to give birth to their first child in April last year, her husband-to-be was fighting for his life after being struck down by Covid

Carrie broke the news that she was expecting a second child to followers on Instagram Saturday

The post announcing the pregnancy to social media followers was accompanied by a picture of a small blue pram

Yet while yesterday's announcement of a sibling for Wilfred was unexpected by all but the couple's increasingly small circle, there may have been clues about Carrie's pregnancy as long ago as June.

You don't have to look hard to see a little bump as Carrie wowed other leaders' partners at the G7 summit at Carbis Bay in Cornwall.

Two weeks after they wed in a small, secret but romantic secret ceremony at Westminster Cathedral, the couple beamed joyfully for the cameras. Now we know they knew something the rest of the world did not.

While in Cornwall, Carrie also showed off her joy at being a mum in a set of beautiful pictures on the beach with Wilfred and America's First Lady, Dr Jill Biden.

As she played in the sand with him and carried him along the shores, it was obvious that mother and son share a close and happy bond.

Motherhood certainly gave a respite from the often febrile world of Downing Street, where Carrie  and even her beloved Jack Russell Dilyn  were the subject of hostile briefings, both before and after winning the bitter power struggle with former No 10 adviser Dominic Cummings.

For the first nine months of Wilfred's life, Carrie was away from it all on maternity leave, walking the baby in his pram while singing rhymes to him his favourite being Old MacDonald Had A Farm.

The sociable pair enjoyed meeting other new mothers and babies, and at home, while his daddy was downstairs running the country, little Wilfred  only the fifth child known to have been born to a sitting Prime Minister  enjoyed bouncing in his Jolly Jumper exerciser.

And to the surprise of some, Boris has also been a hands-on parent to Wilfred, who has inherited his father's unruly blond locks.

To the surprise of some, Boris has also been a hands-on parent to Wilfred, who has inherited his father's unruly blond locks

The Prime Minister is regularly seen pushing the one-year-old in his buggy while out jogging with Dilyn.

He even helps out when it comes to the messier jobs, saying last year: 'I've changed a lot of nappies, I want you to know.'

He also performed the doting dad duties while on holiday in Scotland last summer, where he was pictured carrying his son in a papoose.

Keen not to make Dilyn feel left out, Carrie warmly refers to him as Wilfred's brother.

'My best friend is my brother, a dog called Dilyn, he likes to lick my toes,' wrote Carrie on behalf of her son in December.

That rare insight into the Johnsons' family life came in an initiative for The Together Project, for which Wilfred sent a finger painting of a reindeer to an 89-year-old woman with Parkinson's disease living in a care home.

Carrie also revealed that Wilfred's favourite food was raspberries and yogurt.

Since then, Carrie has adjusted to life as a working mother, getting a new job heading the communications team for conservation charity The Aspinall Foundation.

Animal welfare has long been one of her passions and she is now working on a groundbreaking 'rewilding' project to transport 13 elephants from Kent to Kenya.

While yesterday's Instagram post was tinged with sadness, it was also full of hope that Wilfred will have a baby brother or sister in time for Christmas.

Indeed, Carrie used a picture of a Christmas tree bauble in the shape of a pram to accompany her announcement.

You don't have to look hard to see a little bump as Carrie wowed other leaders' partners at the G7 summit at Carbis Bay in Cornwall

'I feel incredibly blessed to be pregnant again,' she wrote, 'but I have also felt like a bag of nerves'  a natural anxiety in the circumstances.

The UK's unofficial First Lady used her platform to connect and empathise with other women who had suffered miscarriages too.

A keen social media user, she acknowledged how hard it can be to see the perfect lives people depicted on platforms such as Instagram, especially for those suffering fertility issues.

Her motivation appears clear  to encourage others to talk about the subject. Despite miscarriage affecting about one in four pregnancies, it still remains a taboo subject.

While it will surely have been difficult to come to terms with losing a baby, Carrie and Boris are undoubtedly excited  if cautious  about becoming parents again

After the announcement, Ruth Bender Atik of the Miscarriage Association, said it was 'significant' that Carrie spoke about her loss, telling Sky News: 'It is important to talk about pregnancy after loss because it can be a very anxious time.

'A lot of people say that they lose the innocence and optimism they had the first time round because they are concerned something might go wrong this time.'

Carrie indicated she had been in touch with other women who have suffered baby loss, writing: 'I found it a real comfort to hear from people who had also experienced loss, so I hope that in some small way, sharing this might help others too.'

While it will surely have been difficult to come to terms with losing a baby, Carrie and Boris are undoubtedly excited  if cautious  about becoming parents again.

They, and so many others, will be hoping this baby is the rainbow that follows a storm. Because the Johnsons have certainly weathered enough of them.
A retired priest has been accused of assaulting a bible study student at his Bronx parish in the 1970s.

A lawsuit was filed against Louis Gigante, brother of late mob boss Vincent Gigante, in May alleging he molested a nine-year-old boy at St. Athanasius Church in 1976-77.

According to court documents obtained by the Daily News, Gigante forced the victim to 'endure prolific and profound abuse'.

The suit, which does not name the victim, seeks unspecified damages from the church, as well as the Archdiocese of New York.

Former St. Athanasius Church priest Louis Gigante (pictured) has been accused of assaulting a 9-year-old bible study student at his Bronx parish in the 1970s

'[The] plaintiff would attend bible study at the church with Father Gigante and (he) would find ways to get plaintiff alone ... and repeatedly performed oral sex on him,' the suit claims.

The complaint alleges that both the parish and Archdiocese 'knew or should have known that Father Gigante was sexually abusing children and/or had the propensity to do so'.

It also states the risk of sexual abuse towards the victim was 'open and obvious and known by many students, children, clergy and administration' and continues to accuse the defendants of failing to take any action to stop the abuse.

Neither the Archdiocese nor St. Athanasius Church immediately responded to DailyMail.com's request for comment.

Gigante is one of 177 people named in a 'wave of lawsuits' against individuals associated with the Archdiocese of New York. The complaints were made under the state's 2019 Child Victims Act which granted a one-year window for child sexual abuse survivors to file suits on cases that had already exceeded the statute of limitations. The act, which expires on August 14, has been extended twice.

Gigante (middle) is one of 177 people named in a 'wave of lawsuits' against individuals associated with the Archdiocese of New York. He is known for his work in local politics as well as his commitment to the South Bronx community.

Gigante (right) is the younger brother of Vincent Gigante, convicted boss of the Genovese crime family. He stood by Vincent's side when he was accused and convicted

The NYC-based law firm Curis Law, who is representing the plaintiff in the case against Gigante, issued a statement to the Bronx Times saying they hope to see the statute of limitations permanently removed for survivors of child sexual abuse.

'We commend all child sexual abuse survivors coming forward and seeking justice,' the statement reads. 'It is unfortunate that the August 14, 2021 deadline will soon come to an end and look to New York State to implement new legislation to remove time restrictions as the trauma and suffering for these survivors is everlasting.'

Gigante is the youngest of five brothers, one of whom was Vincent Gigante, convicted boss of the Genovese crime family.

The former priest stood by Vincent when he was accused and convicted.

Gigante is also known for his work in local politics, specifically his role in economic and community development in the Bronx.
A police officer suffered a broken leg when an e-scooter rider crashed into him during an official blitz against the illegal vehicles yesterday.

The 22-year-old rider was arrested after colliding with the officer in Willesden, North London, at around 1pm.

He had been ordered to stop during an operation to get the vehicles off the streets, but police say he failed to do so.

The officer was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital where he was treated for his broken leg and concussion.

The rider was arrested on suspicion of a litany of offences: grievous bodily harm, assault on an emergency worker, obstructing a drugs search, failure to stop, dangerous driving, driving without a licence or insurance, breaching the terms of a prison sentence and being unlawfully at large.

A police officer suffered a broken leg when an e-scooter rider crashed into him during an official blitz against the illegal vehicles yesterday. Pictured: File photo

Inspector Martin Robbie, of London's North West Basic Command Unit, said: 'Officers put themselves in the face of danger on a daily basis and an incident like this demonstrates this.

'I would like to remind the public that the use of e-scooters, unless subject to a Government-approved scheme, is prohibited and use upon public highways and spaces will be subject to enforcement and potential seizure of the e-scooter.'

Simon Ovens, from the Metropolitan Police's road and transport policing command, has previously warned that the vehicles are 'absolute death traps'.

He also said officers have seized around 800 e-scooters this year alone  around four a day.

Crimes involving e-scooters have also risen in the UK as thugs use them as getaway vehicles. Scotland Yard recorded more than 200 incidents in London last year: Above: A total of 107 electric scooters were confiscated across boroughs including Westminster, Tower Hamlets, Havering and Newham in June

Tory peer Lord Blencathra, a former Home Office Minister, has also slammed the vehicles, branding them 'silent killing machines'.

Crimes involving e-scooters have also risen in the UK as thugs use them as getaway vehicles.

Scotland Yard recorded more than 200 incidents in London last year.

Nevertheless, the Government fast-tracked their legalisation in 32 trial areas across the UK.

In 2019, TV presenter and YouTube star Emily Hartridge was the first person the UK to die in an e-scooter crash.

The 35-year-old was killed instantly when she lost control of the vehicle due to a flat tyre and was thrown under a lorry in Battersea, South London.

In May this year, a three-year-old boy was seriously injured after being hit by an e-scooter while walking with his grandmother in London.

And last month, a three-year-old girl was left with life-changing injuries after being hit by a man riding an e-scooter in South London.
Ministers have held talks over building a new prison in Albania to house foreign offenders in British jails, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

The proposal was welcomed at a bilateral meeting between UK Ministers and Albanias justice secretary last week.

It came as the Government signed a new prisoner transfer agreement with Albania after the number of its criminals in UK jails stood at 1,528 in June  a big rise on the 876 in August 2019.

Hellbanianz gang Instagram posts - Albanian gang based in Barking - flaunting their illegal activity and riches

The announcement declared Albania would foot the bill for housing any prisoners transferred from Britain.

But on Monday, talks between the Balkan states justice secretary Etilda Gjonaj and UK Justice Minister Chris Philp turned to a request for the building or renovation of a jail in Albania.

It is understood Albanian officials have become concerned at the one-sided nature of the prisoner transfer deal and are now asking for financial help.

Ms Gjonaj came under fire upon her return to Albania and told an interviewer that British Ministers welcomed my proposal for the UK to build a prison in Albania or renovate an existing prison.

A Government source described the plans as early in their development.

Albanian nationals make up the largest number of foreign offenders in UK jails The Balkan states criminal gangs are renowned as leaders in drug trafficking and production, as well as in people smuggling into Britain.

The Government signed an agreement with Albania to remove jailed criminals in 2013 but six years later only 24 had been removed. The new deal has a number of amendments that try to make the transfer process easier.

On Monday, talks between the Balkan states justice secretary Etilda Gjonaj and UK Justice Minister Chris Philp (pictured) turned to a request for the building or renovation of a jail in Albania

Based on current rates of 44,600-a-year per jail place, the prison service would spend about 70 million annually to keep Albanians behind bars.

Separately, the Government has been able to remove 254 Albanian criminals from the UK since April and another 85 with no right to be in the country.

Last month, the MoS revealed how Albanian murderer Selami Cokaj was deported after a 12-year legal battle in which he illegally re-entered the UK.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said it would not comment on bilateral talks with foreign ministers.
A top City financier has blasted highly paid young bankers for moaning about having to work long hours.

Former London Stock Exchange boss Xavier Rolet said entitled junior bankers had no right to complain when millions of poor working mothers work harder for far less money.

New recruits to top investment banks often start on salaries of 70,000 or more, but put in more than 80 hours a week working on financial deals.

This year, young Goldman Sachs bankers described working conditions as inhumane, warning they were suffering sleep deprivation.

But Mr Rolet, a 61-year-old Frenchman who grew up on a Parisian sink estate, told The Mail on Sunday: Its a free world  if you dont love what youre doing or think the hours dont suit your lifestyle, by any means do something else.

He advised bosses: Try hiring poor hungry kids who managed to put themselves through college instead of entitled [graduates] and you wont have that problem.

And he added that young City workers should remember that many working mothers put in 130-hour working weeks for paltry pay.

He said: Junior bankers are paid very well compared to other industries or sectors: ask a young entrepreneur drawing no salary how they would like to make $100,000-plus straight out of college?

Former London Stock Exchange boss Xavier Rolet (pictured) said entitled junior bankers had no right to complain when millions of poor working mothers work harder for far less money

This year, young Goldman Sachs bankers described working conditions as inhumane, warning they were suffering sleep deprivation (Pictured: Stock image)

'Or a single working mum of three working herself to death to put her kids through school?

Mr Rolet worked at Goldman Sachs in the 1980s  where he routinely worked far more than 80 hours a week. He warned that curbs on working patterns could make Britains financial services less competitive.

Chinese primary school students start at 7.30am and often finish past 10pm, he said.

Do we think we can compete if this mentality infects the sharp end of our financial services industry?

The grandees comments come as Wall Street investment banks are boosting junior bankers pay.

Morgan Stanley has increased starter salaries to $100,000 (72,000) in the US.

Mr Rolet recognised his views were not aligned with European consensus, and risked triggering a backlash.

I cant speak for all the junior positions in investment banking, but jobs in global trading or mergers and acquisitions, for example, do require these long hours, he said.

I grew up in a Parisian sink estate and make no apologies for working hard to make it.
Many countries, including highly civilised democracies such as Switzerland, simply do not allow extradition of their citizens.

They think they should punish their own people in their own way, and that a foreign power with different standards of justice should not be able to reach into their country and snatch anyone they choose.

Britain has taken the different view that we may sometimes seek to bring criminals to justice who have fled abroad. And in recognition of this, we sometimes allow our own citizens to be extradited.

Businessman Mike Lynch (pictured on February 9) faces being hauled off to the US, perhaps to endure long months in custody before trial, on allegations of fraud

But Britains agreement with the United States, made during the Blair Governments sycophantic flirtation with the George W. Bush White House, on the pretext of hunting terrorists, is shockingly unequal.

Crucially, no prima facie evidence has to be produced by the US authorities. Home secretaries, inevitably, come under frequent pressure to refuse to implement it.

And here we are again. Businessman Mike Lynch faces being hauled off to the US, perhaps to endure long months in custody before trial, on allegations of fraud.

Yet Britains own Serious Fraud Office has not even called him in for an interview.

And the US authorities do not wish to wait for the outcome of a civil case in the English courts on the same issue, expected soon.

It is very hard to imagine the Americans giving up one of their citizens to us in matching circumstances.

The UK is a major free democracy,a friend and ally of the US, not a subservient client state. Boris Johnson (pictured at a London-based summit on Thursday) should take urgent steps to revise the treaty to reflect these facts

Once again it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that the current Anglo-American extradition treaty is unequal and oppressive.

The UK is a major free democracy, a friend and ally of the US, not a subservient client state.

Boris Johnson should take urgent steps to revise the treaty to reflect these facts.
Advertisement

Getting to grips with testing before going on holiday has become a minefield. Some people have been left unable to go abroad due to their tests not arriving in time.

Others have been forced to quarantine for long periods after receiving the incorrect  and even used  tests.

Heres what you need to know . . .

Travellers are having to rely on reviews to find the best providers. The above table shows the ones to trust and those to avoid

WHICH ARE APPROVED BY THE GOVERNMENT?

With more than 400 companies listed on the gov.uk website (and prices ranging from 19.95 to 399), its difficult to establish the best provider.

Travellers are forced to trawl through the list and rely on reviews and comments. In order to get on the Governments list of approved providers, companies simply have to declare they meet minimum standards for testing, opening it up to rogue companies.

To cover itself, the Government states underneath the list that it does not recommend any particular test provider. Do your own research about available providers, the tests they supply and their terms and conditions.

Getting to grips with testing before going on holiday has become a minefield, writes the Daily Mail's Harriet Sime

A scan of reviews website Trustpilot shows dozens of approved providers have been hit with bad reviews, some as low as 1.4 out of 5 (one is the lowest rating a customer can give).

Expert Medicals, which claims to offer industry leading medical services, has more than 400 reviews and an average rating of 1.4. It has even been accused on social media of sending out tests with used nasal swabs inside.

Eurofins, which claims to offer its global scientific testing expertise to make fast, reliable and affordable PCR testing available to all, has more than 900 reviews with an average rating of 1.4. Customers have complained about delays with results and refunds being refused.

DAILY MAIL COMMENT Why isnt the Prime Minister following Frances lead and allowing Britons to use free NHS PCR tests for travel? Families would no longer be risking thousands of pounds every time they book a holiday. Alternatively, the Government could recommend a few dozen companies that have a proven record of providing travellers with reliable test results. Advertisement

Those using Randox Health, the official testing partner of the 2020 Olympics, have had similar issues with its service. Richard Lamping, who works in the drinks industry, returned from Paris last week after visiting family.

He booked a 48 day 5 test with Randox which would mean he could leave the 10-day quarantine early through the Test to Release scheme and go back to the office. But his test didnt turn up and he was forced to pay 129 for another with a different firm.

Richard, 41, said: I needed to work and see clients. I tried to speak to Randox several times. I waited on the phone for two hours only for someone to answer, laugh at me and hang up. I thought it was a reputable company, but its a joke.

A Randox spokesperson said: We investigated the cases brought to our attention and have been in communication with the customers.

WHAT ARE OTHER COUNTRIES DOING?

The UK appears to be on its own with testing, especially when it comes to pricing. Last November, Greece introduced a price cap on private medical facilities of 34 for PCR tests and 8.50 for antigen tests, while some regions in Italy have capped the cost of PCR tests at 52. In France, residents get free PCR and antigen travel testing.

EXPLAINING THE RULES

GREEN: Take a pre-departure antigen test while on holiday (72 hours before your flight back to the UK).

Take a PCR test on day one or two after arriving back into the UK.

AMBER: Rules the same as above, with an extra test on day eight of your return.

RED: Quarantine at a Government-approved hotel for ten days at a cost of 1,750.
Jennifer Garner looked business casual as she swung by Brentwood on Friday, ahead of what looked to be a very busy work day.

The 49-year-old Alias vet appeared chipper in a pink button down and bootcut denim while carrying her iPad and a hefty stack of paperwork.

And while Jennifer continues to take care of business close to home, Ben Affleck has been making headlines as his European tour de romance with Jennifer Lopez wages on.

Taking care of business: Jennifer Garner, 49, was spotted taking care of business in Brentwood on Friday afternoon as ex Ben Affleck's European tour de romance with Jennifer Lopez continues

Garner looked effortlessly put together as she French tucked a pastel collared shirt into dark denim jeans with a pair of black boots.

Proving to be an expert juggler she held an iPad, notebook, airpods, cell phone and a pen all in one hand.

Her shaggy brown hairdo was left down and she rocked a pair of her usual stylish sunglasses as she entered her the office.

On July 29, she welcomed her mom Patricia into her home as they made Mrs. Lantz's blackberry cobbler on Garner's 'pretend cooking show.'

Working woman: The Alias actress went business casual in a pink button down and denim jeans

Cobbler time! Garner invited her mom Patricia to appear in her 'pretend cooking show'

Step by step: The pair were seen tag teaming the recipe from the comfort of Garner's kitchen

'My mom says you'll have everyone at the potluck eating dessert first with this summer staple. (love to my bonus mom, Mrs. Lantz),' her caption read.

The two were seen tag teaming the recipe as Garner filmed a step by step guide in her kitchen which she posted on Instagram.

And naturally the 13 Going On 30 actress brought her usual sense of humor to the whole thing and showed off the finishing product which she paired with ice cream.

Elsewhere across the globe, Jennifer's ex Ben has continued to live his best life in St. Tropez and the Italy with Lopez.

Teamwork: The pair worked magic in the kitchen and later revealed the finished product

Perfection! The mom of three remarked at their handy work as she called it 'perfect'

Yum! The finished product looked decadent

The pair have been sailing around Europe on a superyacht which was chartered to ring in the Hustlers' actress' 52nd birthday, and there has certainly be no shortage of PDA on the vacation.

And as a birthday present he gifted the JLO Beauty founder a custom pendant which 'communicated their love,' and aspects of it symbolized their 'wild' and 'untamed' romance, per designer Beth Bugdaycay of Foundrae.

'With the custom piece Ben created for Jennifer, it clearly communicated their love, but it's also a reminder of their capacity for change and growth,' Bugdaycay told E! News.

Second shot: A source told PEOPLE on July 21 that the couple are are 'madly in love' and 'the loves of each other's lives,' and additionally are fully committed to 'make this work'; pictured July 28

Birthday gift: Ben gifted the JLO Beauty founder a custom pendant which 'communicated their love,' and aspects of it symbolized their 'wild' and 'untamed' romance, per jewelry designer Bugdaycay to E! News; pendant pictured above

'For example, one of the medallions he chose represents resilience, which we describe as wild, abundant, and untamed. The blossoms are fed with passion and continue to bloom, even in darkness, against adversity.'

Additionally she was seen rocking a second necklace that said 'Ben' on it, as things between the on-again pair continue to go from strength to strength.

A source told PEOPLE on July 21 that the couple are are 'madly in love' and 'the loves of each other's lives,' and additionally are fully committed to 'make this work.'

Of rekindling their romance nearly a decade after they called off their engagement, the insider added that Jennifer 'believes that it just wasn't meant to be then and feels like they've been given a second chance.'
Pete Wicks, 32, looked worse for wear on a boozy night out as he was spotted chatting to a group of girls outside a Central London nightclub on Friday.

The Lothario was surrounded by the bevy of women and was became very flirty with a blonde party-goer who was wearing a back-exposing green-and-pink ripple printed dress.

Pete's night out comes days after he was pictured getting cosy with Dele Alli's ex Ruby Mae outside a strip club.

Flirting: TOWIE's Pete Wicks looked worse for wear on a boozy Friday night out as he was spotted with a string of girls... days after getting cosy with model Ruby Mae outside strip club

For the night out up-town, the reality star donned a plunging black V-neck knitted sweater and matching trousers.

To accessorise his look, Pete sported a collection of gold chains around his neck and bangles in the same colour around his wrists, as well as a pair of sunglasses which he placed above his head.

Pete seen grabbing the blonde bombshell by her bleached locks while kissing her on the cheek, as her friend stood next to them smoking a cigarette.

Animated: Pete looked blurry-eyed as he was spotted chatting to a group of girls outside a Central London nightclub

Tease: The pair put on a tactile display, with the blonde playing with his long hair, which appeared to be damp with sweat

Female attention: She gazed into his eyes from within the club

Having a blast: For the night out up-town, the reality star donned a plunging black V-neck knitted sweater and matching trousers

Edgy: To accessorise his look, Pete sported a collection of gold chains around his neck and bangles in the same colour around his wrists

Boozy night out: He was surrounded by the bevy of women, however there was one he seemed to take a particular fancy to

The pair put on a tactile display, with the blonde playing with his long hair, which appeared to be damp with sweat.

Before leaving the club, the Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls contestant bought the group of girls a bottle of red rose as he bid farewell.

It comes after he was seen attempting to chat up Dele Alli's model ex Ruby Mae as they queued to visit a strip club only on Monday.

Smooch: Dubbed 'Pete the Pirate' by his TOWIE co-stars, he was seen grabbing the blonde bombshell by her bleached locks while kissing her on the cheek

Placing his hand on Ruby's waist, Pete stood outside the Platinum Lace strip club in the West End while chatting to a leggy Ruby, 25, who split from Spurs ace Dele, 25, in February following a five-year romance.

The star looked delighted to be out on the town as he spoke with his pals ahead of his evening at the strip club - where he attended a clothing launch event for his friend Sophie O'Neill.

Ruby and Dele split earlier this year after the pair kept getting into blazing rows, insiders claimed.

Ruby was reportedly left 'incensed' over the Tottenham and England star's behaviour, which included him 'spending too much time playing Fortnite'.

Girl gang: Pete continued to lap up the female attention outside the club

Outnumbered: He seemed to enjoy being in the company of so many women

Ciggy: The girl in question smoked her own cigarette during the outside exchange

Until next time: Before leaving the club, the Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls contestant bought the group of girls a bottle of red rose as he bid farewell

Party boy: Earlier this week Pete headed to a strip club after attending a clothing launch event for his friend Sophie O'Neill

Mae - who has modelled for top-brands Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana - was understood to have 'packed up her things' and moved out of their 2 million mansion.

The pair split up just before Valentines Day and they no longer follow each other on social media.

The source said: 'Their relationship has been turbulent, but it now feels very much like the end.'

Pete, meanwhile, is a notorious Lothario having left Chloe Sims heartbroken when he didn't want to make there secret two year 'friends with benefits' relationship official.

He also had failed romances with fellow TOWIE stars Shelby Tribble and Megan McKenna.
Controversial commentator Katie Hopkins was recently axed from Big Brother VIP and deported from Australia for joking about flouting Covid rules during lockdown.

And according to a recent report, a 'pay or play' clause in her contract would allow her to walk away with her full $200,000 fee despite never actually appearing on the show.

However, according to Sydney Morning Herald, the 46-year-old may be left empty-handed if she's found to have breached her contract.

Oh no! Katie Hopkins may not be paid her $200,000 Big Brother VIP fee after being deported from Australia

An unnamed senior executive at Channel Seven told the publication that Hopkins 'won't get a cent more' than the expenses, like flights and hotel fees, that the network has already covered.

A spokesperson for Big Brother declined to comment about Katie's contract.

Hopkins boarded a Singapore Airlines flight from Sydney earlier this month after her 'critical skills' visa was torn up by the Federal Government and she was fined $1,000 (536) for answering the door of her room in quarantine naked and without a face mask in violation of quarantine rules.

Australia has enforced strict border closures since the start of the pandemic, with tickets into the country rationed and all arrivals forced to undergo mandatory 14-day quarantine in their city of arrival along with repeat testing before being allowed in.

That's it! An unnamed senior executive at Channel Seven said that Hopkins 'won't get a cent more' than the expenses, like flights and hotel fees, that the network has already covered

Hopkins had flown in to Australia earlier this month and was placed into 14-day isolation in Sydney ahead of an appearance on Celebrity Big Brother.

But during her stay in a hotel room, she shared an Instagram Live video in which she joked about deliberately breaking Covid rules by opening her door naked and mask-free to the workers who deliver her food.

'The police officer who checked me in told me when they knock on my door I have to wait 30 seconds until I can open the door,' she said while breaking out into hysterics.

Hopkins said she was 'lying in wait' to 'spring [the door] open and frighten the s*** out of them and do it naked with no face mask.'

After the comments sparked huge backlash, Channel Seven dropped Hopkins from the show and her visa was cancelled.

Deported: Hopkins boarded a Singapore Airlines flight on Monday after her 'critical skills' visa was torn up by the Federal Government and she was fined $1,000 (536) for answering the door of her room in quarantine naked and without a face mask in violation of quarantine rules

Some 12 million Australians in Victoria and Greater Sydney are in lockdown over an outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variant which began on June 16.

Under one of the toughest Covid border policies in the world, Australia had banned tourists and is only allowing 3,035 people a week to enter the country via 14-day hotel quarantine, leaving 40,000 Aussies stranded overseas.

But foreigners with critical skills visas are not always included in the cap because they are deemed to bring 'economic benefit' to the country.

Provocateur: Hopkins rose to fame after starring on The Apprentice in the UK in 2007 and is known for her contentious views on race, sex, class, obesity and migration

Hopkins rose to fame after starring on The Apprentice in the UK in 2007 and is known for her contentious views on race, sex, class, obesity and migration.

Channel Seven confirmed she has been booted from Celebrity Big Brother.

A spokesman told Daily Mail Australia: 'Seven Network and Endemol Shine Australia confirm that Katie Hopkins is not part of Big Brother VIP.

'Seven and Endemol Shine strongly condemn her irresponsible and reckless comments in hotel quarantine.'
Sofia Richie and her boyfriend Elliot Grainge opted for a Friday afternoon shopping trip on Melrose Place in West Hollywood.

The 22-year-old model was seen affectionately reaching for the music executive's hand as he took a phone call.

The couple have been romantically linked since March despite running in the same circle of friends prior to that.

I got you: Sofia Richie, 22, is joined by her boyfriend Elliot Grainge, 27, for a shopping outing on Melrose Place in West Hollywood

The youngest daughter of Lionel Richie kept it casual in a pair of baggy ripped jeans and a grey T-shirt which was tucked in the front.

She slipped her feet into a pair of Hermes back sandals and carried a chic white leather tote bag over her shoulder.

Sofia left her blonde locks down and was seen with a face mask and a pair of sunglasses on her face while juggling two cell phones in one hand.

And the British-born music executive dressed up a pair of black joggers and sneakers with a black collared shirt.

Laidback luxury: The model went casual in a pair of baggy ripped jeans and a grey T-shirt with Hermes sandals

Age appropriate! At 27, the song of Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge is much closer in age to Sofia than her ex Scott Disick

Preoccupied: Elliot appeared a bit preoccupied with a phone call as they walked

He looked preoccupied as he took a phone call while Sofia gingerly led him over a puddle while they crossed the street together.

And after tooling around on the celeb-favorite street the pair were seen climbing into a black Range Rover.

At 27, the song of Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge is much closer in age to Sofia than her ex Scott Disick, 38.

After she and the reality star broke up last summer  just days shy of her 22nd birthday  Sofia was linked to a slew of eligible bachelors including Cha Cha Matcha founder Matthew Morton and Israeli shipping heir Gil Ofer.

Easy does it! The daughter of Lionel Richie was seen navigating a precarious looking puddle in sandals

Helping hand: She gingerly guided him over a puddle that obstructed their walking

Thick as thieves: The pair have been inseparable since the spring

Sofia first posted a snap of Elliot to her Instagram in March and they have continued to take their love all over as they've vacationed in St. Tropez, Santa Barbara and Palm Springs.

One month after they debuted their romance a source told Us Weekly that the pair were 'very happy together,' and things were getting more 'serious.'

'They started out as friends before they became a couple, and are now getting serious. Their relationship took off and they have been getting closer and closer and spend practically every day together.'

It was also noted that her family approved of the relationship after having concerns over she and Scott's age difference  which ultimately contributed to their split.

Happy: One month after they debuted their romance a source told Us Weekly that the pair were 'very happy together,' and things were getting more 'serious'
Camila Mendes brought the heat to South Beach as she filmed her new Netflix movies Strangers on Friday afternoon.

The 27-year-old Riverdale star looked sensational in a floral thong bikini while on set for the day with with co-stars including Rish Shah and other lead Maya Hawke who was glimpsed briefly.

The brunette beauty showed off a pristine tan and her enviable figure as she shot beach scenes in the skimpy two piece.

Bikini babe: Camila Mendes, 27, was glimpsed filming her upcoming Netflix movie Strangers in a blue thong bikini in South Beach on Friday

Camila was seen amidst the large scale production in her finest beach attire by Frankies Bikinis which hugged her gym-honed frame in all the right places.

She initially was seen with a clear face covering and a colorful sarong skirt before she stripped down to her bikini.

The Virginia born stunner looked flawless as she traversed the sand amongst a sea of extras before prepping for her scenes.

Mendes' hair was styled up in a high ponytail with wind swept tendrils by her face and her barely-there outfit was accessorized with statement heart earrings.

On set: The Riverdale star was seen walking with her mic pack in hand ahead of the scene

Busy day: In addition to the full scale production throngs of beachgoers could be seen in the background

Smiling big: She filmed scenes with Rish Shah who sported blue hair and clutched a surfboard

Action! Her body was expertly framed by cameras

Her mic pack was in her hand as she strolled from her trailer to the set and she looked to be having a ball out of scene as she grinned big.

After getting situated she was seen filming scenes with Shah (Ms. Marvel) who donned blue hair and held a surfboard.

At one point she took a breather as she sat on an apple box before gearing up for what looked to be a long shoot day.

As if the commotion of shooting a movie was not enough, the shoreline looked to be packed with beachgoers.

Breather: She was pictured taking a moment on an apple box and waving animatedly

Starring role: Camila was tapped to star opposite Maya Hawke in the thriller

Sweet smile: Mendes looked radiant while flashing a sweet smile

Surfer boy: The Ms. Marvel actor was seen walking off with a surfboard in hand

Briefly glimpsed on set was co-star Maya Hawke  Ethan Hawke's daughter of Stranger Things fame  who was tapped to play the other lead.

And in June Deadline reported that Sophie Turner had joined the cast as well, though no details of her character have been revealed other than it supposedly being a smaller role.

The film has been described as a 'Hitchock-ian dark comedy' about two teenage girls who team up to fight each other's bullies.

The project is being directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson who made her directorial debut with the movie Someone Great for the streaming service.

Leading lady: The film follows two teenage girls played by Hawke and Mendes who take on each other's bullies

Bronzed: The Virginia born beauty looked expertly bronzed and exposed her abs

Accessories: Her look also featured a pair of retro white sunglasses and a floral wrap skirt which she was seen removing at one point

Cheeky: During a reset she flashed her pert backside while walking away for a minute

Earlier: At one point Mendes and Hawke were seen walking to set together

Speaking about the role in an April interview with PureWow Camila said it was very different from Riverdale but she was 'super excited' for the project.

'I have one project that I'm super excited for called Strangers, which is being directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, whose become a very close friend of mine already, I'm really excited to get to work on that.'

Other actors participating in the project include Austin Abrams (Dash & Lily), Alisha Boe (13 Reasons Why), Talia Ryder (Never Rarely Sometimes Always) , Paris Berelc (Alexa & Katie), Jonathan Daviss (Outer Banks), Maia Reficco (Kally's Mashup) and Ava Capri (Love Victor).

Flawless: From the side every inch of her toned body was visible
Elsa Hosk showed off her killer style and very flat midriff while grabbing coffee with boyfriend Tom Daly and their five-month-old daughter Tuulikki.

On Friday the Swedish born stunner, 32, and her little family were seen out and about in Pasadena for an afternoon pick me up.

Rocking baggy jeans and a cropped peasant blouse the model looked back to her pre-baby body despite only welcoming their Finnish-named daughter in February.

Hot mama: Elsa Hosk, 32, shows off her very flat stomach in an edgy outfit while grabbing coffee with boyfriend Tom Daly and their five-month-old daughter Tuulikki in Pasadena

The Victoria's Secret vet looked to be settling into life as both a new mom and a west coast resident swimmingly.

She strolled in a pair of light wash denim jeans which were belted to fit her slim waist and wore Chanel dad sandals in a light grey color.

Hosk offset the denim-heavy outfit  which included a denim Celine purse and patchwork bucket hat with a sexier version of a peasant blouse which fell below her bust.

The blonde beauty sipped on an iced coffee while Daly pushed their daughter in the stroller while wearing striped pants and a fitted brown T-shirt with brown gladiator sandals.

Family of three: The couple welcomed their first child together in February just shortly after they relocated from NYC

Denim on denim: The blonde beauty's outfit was full of denim accents from her pants to her hat to her purse

Elsa then took over stroller duties as the family continued to make their way back home following a brief walk.

She called meeting her daughter the 'happiest day of [her] life' and joked that she came 'into this world like super-woman with your fist next to your face.'

A little over a month after 'Tuuli' came into the world she was back on set, though she had previously expressed that she felt no rush to return to work.

Ahead of their daughter's arrival she and Daly  who she's been with since 2015  made a cross country move to Los Angeles from NYC, and they are currently renovating their home.
Victoria Lee returned home to Australia from her base in New York amid the pandemic, last year.

And on Saturday, the model admitted that the long distance between Sydney and The Big Apple has been 'tough' on her relationship with Matt McDonald.

The 31-year-old told The Daily Telegraph that the distance has been 'tough but we have been apart for a while now.'

It's a lot: Sydney-based model Victoria Lee admitted it's been 'tough' being apart from her New York-based boyfriend, Matt McDonald, amid the pandemic

She explained that her beau of seven years stayed put in New York because of his work as an art director.

In the meantime, the Victoria's Secret model has kept herself busy in her Sydney apartment that over looks the sea.

She noted that among the things she occupies herself with is exercising and doing online study.

Long distance love: The 31-year-old said that the long distance has been 'tough but we have been apart for a while now.' She explained that her beau of seven years stayed put in New York because of his work as an art director. Pictured is Victoria with Matt

Busy: In the meantime, the Victoria's Secret model has kept herself busy in her Sydney apartment that over looks the sea with cooking, working out, online study and talking to her family

'I try and keep myself busy with cooking and grabbing recipes off friends and I try to keep in touch with family as much as I can,' she added.

The blonde beauty also the publication: 'I have come to realise the importance of a routine and maintaining a sense of normalcy in any way that I can.'

Before travelling to Australia, she revealed to Seven News in August that being in the US early on in the pandemic was 'very scary.'

Self care: The blonde beauty also the publication, 'I have come to realise the importance of a routine and maintaining a sense of normalcy in any way that I can'

'Early on it was very scary. The cases were through the roof and there was so much pressure on medical professionals and essential workers and small businesses,' she said.

'Fortunately, life is settling into somewhat of a new normal with safety precautions in place and masks and hand washing and social distancing,' she said at the time.

Victoria is one of Australia's most successful models.

Throughout her career, she has walked for the likes of Victoria's Secret.
She is known for showing off her flawless form on her various social media outlets.

And on Friday afternoon, Amelia Hamlin gave her fans a close-up look at her impeccable upper body in a video and snap that were shared to her Instagram Story.

The 20-year-old social media personality was seen soaking up the shining summertime sun and expressed that it was her 'favorite type of summer day' in a text graphic that was added to the clip.

Showing off: Amelia Hamlin placed much of her impressive form on near-full display in a video and a snap that were shared to her Instagram account on Friday

Hamlin was dressed in a bright lime green bikini top that left little to the imagination of her one million followers in the video.

The influencer also added a little bit of shine to her outfit with a silver necklace.

Her gorgeous brunette hair remained free-flowing and shone brightly in the sun while she taped the clip.

She also took a selfie with her precious French Bulldog, Lady, that was also shared to her Story.

Dressed to impress: The social media personality was seen wearing a yellow-green bikini top that left little to the imagination of her one million followers

Puppy love: The influencer also took a selfie of herself spending time with her cute French Bulldog, Lady

Hamlin has been seen in various promotional materials for numerous brands that have been shared on her Instagram.

Last week, she posted a single image to her account to promote items from the retailer Boohoo.

The social media personality was pictured sporting a stylish pair of pointed sunglasses in the snap.

She also wore a light purple striped shirt that drew attention away from her eyewear.

Looking good! Hamlin was recently featured in a promotional shot for Boohoo that was shared to her Instagram account

The social media personality recently spoke to People and elaborated on her sense of personal style while pointing out that she was interested in flashier tones.

She expressed, 'I want to be glam all the time. My overall fashion vibe right this second is chic and simple, a lot of pastels and just things that are super versatile from night-to-day.'

Hamlin went on to note that she was very versatile with her clothing ensembles and noted that her personal interests dictated her style.

Clear vision: Hamlin spoke about her sense of style during an interview with People, where she noted that she wanted to be 'glam all the time'

Dressing well: The social media personality expressed that she preferred to wear 'things that are super versatile'

'I don't have a set-in-stone fashion vibe that I'm really doing right now; it's just kind of however I feel on that day. What I'm feeling is kind of how I express myself and how I get dressed,' she noted.

The social media personality also remarked that she took style advice from both her older sister, Delilah and her mother, Lisa Rinna, as they both had very distinct senses of dress.

'We're all constantly bouncing ideas off of the other, and I think that's really an amazing thing. Because we have three women in the house with three different opinions and different vibes,' she said.
MasterChef Australia judge Melissa Leong has become a fan favourite since joining the hit cooking competition.

But the 39-year-old has also dealt with her fair share of trolls since shooting to fame.

In a new op-ed for the Daily Telegraph, the brunette beauty opened up about being shamed and having her looks attacked by trolls on Instagram.

Backlash: MasterChef Australia judge Melissa Leong has opened up about being trolled online

'I once had a lady keep leaving comments telling me that I am ugly. And look, I'm no supermodel, but I reckon I scrub up just fine,' she wrote.

'I couldn't help but feel that perhaps her comments might have had more to do with how she saw herself, rather than anything about me,' she continued.

'Understanding that, and letting it go with compassion, wasn't easy the first time. But it does get easier.'

Trolled: 'I once had a lady keep leaving comments telling me that I am ugly. And look, I'm no supermodel, but I reckon I scrub up just fine,' she wrote

Melissa recently opened up about the important role privilege plays as she continues to champion diversity on television.

The 39-year-old shared a quote on Instagram on Thursday, which read: 'Privilege isn't the presence of perks and benefits. It's the absence of obstacles and barriers.'

Melissa, who is of Chinese-Singaporean heritage, accompanied the quote with a caption addressing minority Australians.

Advocate: Melissa made a statement about privilege on Thursday

'I had a discussion with a friend recently about the challenge of explaining why representation, diversity and inclusion is important, to people who don't get it,' she said.

'This wonderfully succinct statement rings clear for me, as much as that resonant clarity can awaken so much repressed hurt.'

She then described herself as an activist who strives to speak up for others.

Sharing the message: The 39-year-old shared a quote on Instagram on Thursday, which read: 'Privilege isn't the presence of perks and benefits. It's the absence of obstacles and barriers'

'For those who fight every day against your obstacles and barriers, I feel you. But we don't just do it for ourselves, we do it for so many others in the toil,' she said.

'Please remember you are not alone in whatever you stand up for.'

Melissa featured on the cover Prevention magazine's 100th issue in May. At the time, she explained the cultural significance of her cover shoot.

'Representation matters, and to be an Asian on a magazine cover anywhere in the world right now matters now more than ever,' she wrote on Instagram.

She added the hashtags #DiversityMatters, #StopAsianHate and #MasterchefAU.
Zoey Deutch proved to be very busy with outfit changes as production on her new Hulu film Not Okay kicked off in NYC on Friday.

The 26-year-old actress brought lots of an enthusiasm to set as she slipped into four different looks to portray a fame-hungry millennial.

The Before I Fall star was glimpsed in character as Danni Sanders, a misguided woman so thirsty for friends and fame that she fakes a trip to Paris before things quickly go awry.

Attention hungry: Zoey Deutch, 26, slipped into not one but four different outfits for her first day on the set of her new Hulu film Not Okay which begun shooting in NYC on Friday

Zoey was seen with two-toned blonde and brown hair on the set of the Quinn Shephard directed film.

And though it was only day one the quirky actress seemed to be settling into her character quite nicely as she embodied the essence of an attention-seeking young woman.

Her first look included a multi-colored plaid mini skirt which she donned with a white cap sleeve shirt that was unbuttoned to show her midriff, and pink platform shoes.

Attitude: The Before I Fall actress looked very colorful and flashed a peace sign in one scene

Leggy: The first look consisted of a multi-colored mini skirt with a white unbuttoned shirt that exposed her midriff

Vanity: Zoey showed off two-toned hair and snapped some selfies while portraying an attention seeking youth

Deutch was seen as her character snapping selfies and feigning enthusiasm for the camera in one scene before she seemed to ramp up the thirst.

A second outfit included flared denim jeans and an argyle printed T-shirt as she twisted and twirled for the camera.

Really playing up the 'Paris' facade, she was spotted wearing a red beret and crouching next to some shopping bags.

Bonjour: At one point her character Danni is seen slipping on a red beret to keep up the Paris facade

Jumping for joy: At one point she twirled around the streets in flared denim jeans with a big grin plastered on her face

Serving looks: She flashed a bit of attitude and a red lip while shooting bright and early in the city

Leggy: The Flower actress showed off her slim legs in another mini skirt look

A third look included a very mod brown argyle skirt set with dark brown platforms, at which point she clipped her hair back and wore sunglasses.

Continuing to ramp up the French fantasy she was seen snapping photos with a croissant on her forehead.

And embodying an Instagram-centric food culture she was then seen expertly curating a meal shot by standing on her chair.

Croissant to the face: Zoey continued to ramp up the French fantasy with a classic pastry which she playfully put at her forehead

Cafe: Trying to fake being at a Parisian cafe she framed the shot just right

Goofing off: She was seen clutching red lipstick which she touched up in the scene

Influencers in the wild! Her character boldly stood on her chair to get the perfect above shot of her meal

A fourth look was much more laid back than the fashionable looks as Zoey stocked up provisions in a grocery store scene while wearing a black hoodie and grey sweatpants with orange Ugg slippers.

A Deadline description of the film teases that during the course of her imaginary Parisian vacation something goes very awry.

'When a terrifying incident takes place in the real world and becomes part of her imaginary trip, her white lie becomes a moral quandary that offers her all the attention she's wanted,' the description reads.

Zoey shared snaps from her first day on set as she posted some artful Instagrams that read 'day one of not okay' interspersed across slides.

Shopping trip: She was seen picking up some provisions in a grocery store scene

Taking a breather: In between takes she looked cozy in her wardrobe as she stood outside of an establishment

Downward spiral: A Deadline description of the film, teases that during the course of her imaginary Parisian vacation something goes very awry

Day one: The Buffaloed actress shared behind the scenes snaps

Custom: A snap showed off a loaf of bread with the film's title imprinted in it

One shot included her getting hair and makeup, while another was a shot of her feet in the orange slippers next to a blocking marker, and a third showed off custom bread branded with the movie's title.

Though no release date for the film has been set it will stream exclusively on Hulu and her casting was only revealed last month.

The Buffaloed starlette has been seen spending time between NYC and Los Angeles with her boyfriend, American Vandal actor Jimmy Tatro.

The pair only confirmed their romance this past Valentine's Day as he posted loved up snaps with the caption: 'Just using today as an excuse to post some top-notch untapped Zoey content.'

Hair and makeup: Another snap showed her getting glammed up ahead of shooting
He's always kept a low profile on Instagram.

Yet Zayn Malik delighted fans when he returned to social media on Friday to share a very rare selfie with his 41million followers.

The former One Direction star, 28, looked stylish as he looked away from the camera and posed in a grey fedora hat and a plain black T-shirt before sharing a more playful snap showing him on a fishing trip.

He's back! Zayn Malik returned to social media on Friday when he shared a very rare selfie in a fedora hat with his 41million followers

A man of few words, Zayn posted the picture without a caption and showcased his enviable jaw line as he tilted his head to the side.

The musician was clearly fishing for likes as he also shared a snap of himself next to a river with a fishing rod in some stylish denim dungarees.

Enjoying the fishing excursion, the pop star playfully stuck out his tongue. His last post before the selfie was a pro-Palestine message sending support to the people of Palestine and 'supporting their resistance to colonization'.

The post comes after he admitted in 2017 that he didn't 'believe' in social media.

Fishing for likes: The musician also shared a snap of himself next to a river with a fishing rod in some stylish denim dungarees

He told VMAN magazine: 'Its become ridiculous to me. Even angles of pictures cant be taken a certain way because thats not the cool way to take an angle of a picture.

'Everyones personal opinions and what they believe in, how can you amalgamate all of that into one thing and expect that not to create a problem for peoples minds?

'Thats my personal opinion, that its not really that developing for us as people. That for me is the main reason why I dont believe in social media: because I believe it breeds sheep and not lions.'

'It breeds sheep and not lions': The upbeat post comes after Zayn admitted in 2017 that he didn't 'believe' in social media

Zayn welcomed his first child, daughter Khai, with model Gigi Hadid, 26, ten months ago.

The couple began dating in 2015, with Gigi previously appearing in his 2017 Pillowtalk music video.

And the model revealed in a candid interview with Harper's Bazaar earlier this month that the pop star has fitted seamlessly with her family.

Parenthood: Zayn welcomed his first child, a daughter called Khai, with model Gigi Hadid (pictured) ten months ago

Gigi told how her family often have deep discussions over the dinner table, which Zayn has fit right into.

She said: 'At first he was like, 'How do I get a word in edgewise?' But now he is very comfortable. He speaks his mind...

'When he's in the middle of a family thing and everyone's like, "Zayn, whose side are you on?" he's charming. He's usually on my mom's side. So he's smart in that sense.'
Ewan McGregor's ex-wife Eve Mavrakis has revealed she is dating composer Jonathan Elias, four years after her split from the actor.

The French production designer, 55, confirmed she is in a relationship with the composer after sharing a loved-up snap from their 'magical' holiday to Italy.

Eve divorced actor Ewan in August 2020 after the couple split in 2017 following 22 years together, with the star welcoming a son Laurie with his new girlfriend Mary Elizabeth Winstead in June.

Loved-up: Ewan McGregor's ex-wife Eve Mavrakis, 55, has revealed she is dating composer Jonathan Elias, 65

Eve took to Instagram on Friday to share a loved-up snap alongside Jonathan after the pair enjoyed a romantic meal together in Lake Como, later confirming to The Daily Mail's Richard Eden that they are a couple.

She captioned the post: 'Lake Como. Magical. Thank you Jonathan.'

Eve's daughter Clara, 25, appeared to showcase her approval for the romance by liking the snap.

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Eve Mavrakis and Jonathan Elias for comment.

Over: The French production designer revealed her new romance after divorced Ewan in August 2020, three years after they first announced their split (pictured in 2011)

Composer Jonathan recently collaborated with the likes of Sting and Sinead O'Connor and has also worked with Duran Duran and Grace Jones.

Ewan shares Clara, and daughters Esther, 19, Jamyan, 20, and Anouk, 10, with ex-wife Eve, they split in 2017 after 22 years of marriage and their divorce was finalised in August 2020.

The couple, who met on the set of the TV crime drama Kavanagh QC and married in July 1995, first confirmed their split in 2017 amid claims Ewan had been seen kissing Mary Elizabeth Winstead in a London restaurant.

Eve was pictured without her wedding ring at around the same time.

Baby news: It comes after Ewan became a father for the fifth time last month, welcoming son Laurie with partner Mary Elizabeth Winstead (his daughter Clara is pictured holding the tot)

Ewan  who blamed 'irreconcilable differences' for the split  then began dating Mary. However, his decision to do so left the couple's eldest daughter Clara furious.

Ewan filed for divorce in 2018, with documents lodged at the LA Superior Court that year revealing that he and Eve were already locked into a dispute over money.

The papers showed the Trainspotting star believed he was paying more than he was obliged to to support his family, while Eve  who described the split as 'disappointing and upsetting'  believed the amount was too little.

New romance: Ewan began dating Mary (pictured in 2017) after it was claimed the pair were seen kissing while he and Eve were still married

She described the actress as 'a piece of trash' on Instagram, which accompanied a photograph of her father and Mary kissing at the Vanity Fair Oscars party in 2014.

In the post's caption, the fan had referred to Mary as 'the most beautiful and talented woman on earth' - something Clara was more than ready to refute.

'Most beautiful and talented woman on earth??? Oh man y'all are delusional. The girl is a piece of trash :),' wrote Clara in the post's comment section.

Over: Ewan filed for divorce in 2018, with documents lodged at the LA Superior Court that year revealing that he and Eve (pictured in 2012) were already locked into a dispute over money

Soon after her reply, another Winstead fan urged her to 'say it to [Mary Elizabeth's] face not [on] social media.'

They added: 'It took TWO to undo this marriage. If a man OR woman is happy w/ their marriage no outside interference can destroy that!'

To the fan's surprise, Clara firmly agrees with their assessment. 'Yup it took two!! Mary & my father :),' she wrote.

In an interview with The Times in August that year, Clara openly acknowledged the immaturity of her Instagram banter, but claimed that her rage was justified.

'It wasn't the most mature way to go about things, but I was angry and upset.'

Drama: In July 2018, Clara fired verbal shots at Mary Elizabeth after a fan of the actress tagged her in a photo of Ewan and Mary sharing a kiss at a Vanity Fair Oscars party (pictured in 2018)

Family: Ewan shares Clara, and daughters Esther, 19, Jamyan, 20, and Anouk, 10, with ex-wife Eve (pictured with his daughters Clara and Esther Rose back in 2003)

According to Clara, there were things going on behind-the-scenes that became 'a lot to deal with' and eventually sent her over the edge.

'There had been a lot building up to it and a lot to deal with - not to make excuses or anything - but, yeah, it wasn't my finest moment,' she admitted.

She also explained that she kept 'being tagged in the photograph' and was 'seeing negative things about [her] mom.'

'I said how I felt and I didn't want to apologise for it. It wasn't the right way to go about things, but it's a hard thing to wrap your head around when you feel you had this idea of what the family unit is and then to have that shift. It's very weird.'

Eve is known for her work on Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Imagine Me & You and Bandit Queen.

Last month it was also revealed Ewan had become a father for the fifth time after welcoming his first child with partner Mary, a son named Laurie.
Reece Hawkins has finally been spotted with his wife London and four-month son Stone.

The 26-year-old trainer and influencer had been missing in action over the previous month but was filmed by his model wife on Friday cuddling up to Stone.

London, 23, shared the video to her Instagram Stories and captioned it with: 'All the love.'

Spotted! Reece Hawkins, 26, reunited with his four-month old son Stone and wife London Goheen, 23, during a family trip to Mexico. Reece and Stone pictured

The video was also shared on Reece's Instagram as London posted another clip with Reece adorably playing with their son's feet during a leisurely swim at a local pool.

The couple reunited during a family trip down to Mexico after spending a month apart.

In June, London had jetted back to her home state of Florida with Stone while Reece remained on the Gold Coast.





Together at last: The couple reunited after spending a month apart. London had jetted back to America in June

London celebrated her young son turning four months old earlier this month.

The American model shared a sweet picture of herself and her bub to her 548,000 followers on Instagram.

'I LOVE YOUUUU SO MUCH STONEY HAWKINS!!!!' she dotingly wrote.

'I love you so much Stoney!' London celebrated her young son turning four months old earlier this month and shared a sweet picture with her bub

The model gave birth to Stone back in March, posting the first picture of the tot cuddled up to her chest.

Stone is London's first child, but Reece's third, as he already shares two children with his ex-girlfriend Tammy Hembrow; son Wolf, five, and daughter Saskia, four.

Reece and London revealed their baby news back in September and got married towards the end of last year.
He never fails to make a statement when he steps out before a big day on the track.

And Lewis Hamilton turned heads once again on Saturday as he strolled through Budapest in silver Celine trousers and a red Balmain jumper ahead of his race in the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The Formula One star, 36, carefully compiled his ensemble with red-soled boots that matched his vibrant top.

Dapper: Lewis Hamilton turned heads on Saturday as he strolled through Budapest in silver Celine trousers and a red Balmain jumper ahead of his race in the Hungarian Grand Prix

Lewis layered a chic black windbreaker over the eye-catching Balmain jumper and added a chunky chain necklace to complete the look.

Striding through Hungary before his upcoming race that is due to take place on Sunday, the Hertfordshire-born star's metallic trousers glinted in the daylight.

He decorated his ear lobes with two silver hoop earrings and a stud on the other side and offered a glimpse of his neck and hand tattoos as he walked.

The outing comes after Lewis showed support for Hungary's LGBTQ+ community on his Instagram stories earlier this week.

Stylish: The Formula One star carefully compiled his ensemble with red-soled boots that matched his vibrant top

The F1 star heavily criticised the recent legislation in Hungary which bans the depiction of homosexuality to young people.

Taking to his Instagram stories he wrote: 'To all in this beautiful country Hungary. Ahead of the Grand Prix this weekend, I want to share my support for those affected by the government's anti-LGBTQ+ law...

'It is unacceptable, cowardly and misguiding for those in power suggest such a law. Everyone deserves to have the freedom to be themselves, no matter who they love or how they identify.

Stylish: Lewis layered a chic black windbreaker over the eye-catching Balmain jumper and added a chunky chain necklace to complete the look as his metallic trousers caught the light

'I urge the people of Hungary to vote in the upcoming referendum to protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, they need our support more than ever.

'Please show love for those around you because love will always win. Sending you positivity #lgbtq'

And Lewis has recently faced discrimination of his own after his controversial British Grand Prix win against Max Verstappen.

'I want to share my support': The outing comes after Lewis showed support for Hungary's LGBTQ+ community on his Instagram stories earlier this week (pictured in Budapest)

Following the race, where Sir Lewis was hit by a 10 second penalty but went on to win the race and close the gap in the title race to just eight points, he received a slew of racist abuse on Instagram.

The star's team at Mercedes said in a joint statement with Formula One: 'These people have no place in our sport and we urge that those responsible should be held accountable for their actions...

'Formula 1, the FIA, the drivers and the teams are working to build a more diverse and inclusive sport, and such unacceptable instances of online abuse must be highlighted and eliminated.'
Ulrika Jonsson has accused Caprice Bourret of 'blurring the line of consent' after the model advised married women 'not to say no' to sex with their husbands in a new interview.

Hitting out at Caprice's views in her column in The Sun, presenter Ulrika, 53, told how she was 'embarrassed' for women like the Dancing On Ice star who still holds 'antiquated' viewers of 'gender-typical roles' in a relationship.

The former Gladiators host also remarked that Caprice's comments were 'dangerous' and questioned whether she'd be dishing out the same advice if she had a daughter of her own.

Not impressed: Ulrika Jonsson has accused Caprice Bourret of 'blurring the line of consent' after the model advised married women 'not to say no' to sex with their husbands in a new interview (pictured in 2020)

Caprice, 49, who shares twin sons with husband Ty Comfort, suggested that women should still have sex with their spouses even if they are tired as it's 'just 10 minutes of your life', noting that she and Ty were 'at it like rabbits'.

But hitting out at her words, Ulrika wrote: 'There I was thinking women had forged a way forward over these past, equality-inducing decades, where they no longer had a sense of obligation to perform sexual favours for their partners but were quite at liberty to have sex only if they wanted to.'

She went on to say that she was of the belief that the days of men demanding sex from their wife was 'well and truly over'.

Thoughts: Hitting out at Caprice's views in her column in The Sun , presenter Ulrika, 53, told how she was 'embarrassed' for women like the Dancing On Ice star who still holds 'antiquated' viewers of 'gender-typical roles' in a relationship

She added that while she herself has a 'high sex drive' and would mostly welcome sex, if she didn't feel like making love, 'it aint happening'.

Ulrika continued: 'I feel embarrassed for women like Caprice who still have such an antiquated view of gender-typical roles in a relationship. Its almost as cringe-inducing as when ex-PM Theresa May claimed when talking about domestic bliss with husband Philip that there are boy jobs and girl jobs.'

Amid her scathing criticism, the former weather presenter accused the model's remarks of being 'dangerous' as it could almost muddle the line of consent.

'Dangerous': The former Gladiators host also remarked that Caprice's comments were 'dangerous' and questioned whether she'd be dishing out the same advice if she had a daughter of her own

Candid: Caprice, 49, who shares twin sons with husband Ty Comfort, suggested that women should still have sex with their spouses even if they are tired as it's 'just 10 minutes of your life', noting that she and Ty were 'at it like rabbits'

She added: 'But Caprices comments are considerably more dangerous. Shes blurring a very precarious line of consent. If she had a daughter, would she be urging her to lie back and think of England as she heads off into life to build healthy, respectful, egalitarian relationships?'

It comes after Caprice recently revealed that the secret to her and 55-year-old business man Ty's relationship is that they're at it 'like rabbits' in the bedroom, with the blonde beauty warning married women 'not to say no' to sex with their husbands in a new interview.

'It's just 10 minutes of your life,' the mother-of-two insisted from her 100-acre estate in Ibiza, adding: 'You can't say ''I'm tired'' or ''I have a headache''  no!'

Having her say: 'Caprices comments are considerably more dangerous. Shes blurring a very precarious line of consent'

Speaking to OK!, Caprice  who is currently enjoying time with Ty and their eight-year-old sons Jett and Jax in Spain  said: 'Girls, my advice - even if you aren't in the mood because it's been a long day  it's just ten minute of your life. Or 15!'

The blonde beauty had been asked whether or not it's true that her sex life has improved since tying the knot, and the runway star certainly didn't hold back.

'If the sex goes in the relationship, it's done and dusted,' Caprice said frankly, adding: 'You have to keep it alive. And if you can settle down from your day and enjoy it, it's fricking awesome. It's the best stress reliever.'

Steamy: Caprice recently revealed the secret to her and 55-year-old Ty Comfort's relationship is that they're at it 'like rabbits' and warned married women 'not to say no' to sex

The star also told the outlet that during the UK's first lockdown she had managed to stay active and creative, however found the second 'more stressful'.

Since jetting off to Ibiza, however, she insisted that her and Ty are 'like rabbits' in the bedroom.

Caprice's candid new interview echoes November reports that she had been 'passing time in lockdown by getting busy between the sheets with her husband'.

Candid: 'It's just 10 minutes of your life,' the mother-of-two insisted from her 100-acre estate in Ibiza

A source told MailOnline at the time: 'Caprice is passing the time during lockdown by getting busy between the sheets with her husband Ty.

'She loved spending time with her hubby during the last lockdown and they plan to have a date night a minimum three times a week! If they can fit in more they will!'

Caprice reportedly told friends last year: 'Thank goodness he had his tubes tied otherwise there would definitely be a bundle of joy on the way by now'.
She always knows how to put on an incredible display.

And Carol Vorderman, 60, did just that on Saturday morning when she took to Instagram to share a provocative bikini snap.

The Welsh star showed off her ample assets in a skimpy black bikini - which she wore back-to-front - as she posed for a selfie looking away from the camera.

Bikini clad: Carol Vorderman, 60, showcased her incredible figure in a black bikini as she joked she is a 'happy scruff' wearing it back-to-front on Instagram on Saturday

Carol looked relaxed as she took the snap, her brown tresses wet after spending time by the Welsh coast.

In the same post, the former Countdown presenter also shared an image of her wearing an anorak in Bristol - and she penned a post how someone should have a word with 'Mr RainCloud'.

'Last week.....#sunbatheing....#Wales. This week.....raindodging....#Bristol #storm

Evert.

Rainy day: In the same post, the former Countdown presenter also shared an image of her wearing an anorak in Bristol

Happy scruff! The former Countdown presented revealed she was wearing the bikini back-to-front

'Can someone have a word with Mr RainCloud, in need of more summer. And yes I'm a #happyscruff.....#bikini top inside out (with huge apologies to @elizabethhurley1... Queen of the bikinis),' she penned.

Carol continued: '....one day I'll learn to posh up a bit....but probably not going to happen anytime soon. Happy Saturday every Saturday from 1130-2pm on BBC RADIO WALES @taylormorrisofficial'.

The mother-of-two also revealed her 'best news this week' to her Twitter followers on Saturday.

Beat The Chasers: The mother-of-two also revealed her 'best news this week' to her Twitter followers on Saturday

Prior to her BBC Radio Wales show, she asked listeners to tell her their best news for a shoutout and explained that she had been watching lots of Beat The Chasers and answering the questions.

'Reason...I'm filming with them on Sunday and not been revising [laughing emoji and thinking emoji]', she admitted.

Carol looked chic for her radio show on Saturday morning, stunning in a wrap-around beige dress and a matching shade of heeled boots.
Jake Gyllenhaal revealed on Friday that he is a huge Great British Bake Off fan and he confessed to being 'mesmerised' by the show's judge Prue Leith.

The cooking enthusiast and actor, 40, declared that nothing can top the Channel 4 competition while also praising fellow GBBO judge Paul Hollywood.

Speaking about how he has improved his baking skills throughout the pandemic, he said to PA news agency: 'I have always cooked and Ive always loved to cook.

'Nothing can beat it': Jake Gyllenhaal revealed on Friday that he is a huge Great British Bake Off fan and he confessed to being 'mesmerised' by the show's judge Prue Leith

'And there are many things that I have hoped and wished that I would be able to do, that I had always deemed in my mind to be impossible.

'And then I made them and its opened my entire world. Things like, literally no joke, a black and white cookie.

'Ive searched the world for the perfect black and white cookie and never found it, and so now I get to try and make the perfect one for myself.'

When asked if he would ever put his cooking skills to the test on a TV programme, he declared his love for GBBO.

Fan: The actor, 40, declared that nothing can top the Channel 4 competition while praising the South African restaurateur, 81, (pictured) and fellow GBBO judge Paul Hollywood

He responded: 'In my mind, theres literally nothing that can beat The Great British Baking Show [the US title for GBBO]. So no, the answer to that is no.

'Though Prue is my favourite. Im mesmerised by her spectacles. Her coats or spectacles change and its almost as if they change every shot.

'Or do they change every show? I cant figure it out. And I just adore her. Prues fantastic. I do really love Mr Hollywood, but you know, shes amazing.'

Jake has spent the pandemic cooking up a storm in the kitchen and spending time with his girlfriend Jeanne Cadieu.

Love: 'Though Prue is my favourite. Im mesmerised by her spectacles,' he said before adding: 'I just adore her. Prues fantastic. I do really love Mr Hollywood, but you know, shes amazing'

In May, he discussed the possibility of becoming a father during an interview with Access Hollywood.

The Donnie Darko star chatted with the outlet while promoting his new film Spirit Untamed alongside voice co-star Julianne Moore.

When asked if she could see Jake as a father, the Oscar-winning actress, 60, exclaimed: 'Oh my God, I think hed be the perfect dad, period!'

She then teased Jake, stating: 'What's the hold up Jake? Come on man!'

'Thats a bigger question I think, one that I think is important for Access Hollywood to know about!' the actor quipped before giving a serious response: 'Truly, I dont know I think that its getting to be time.'

The Bubble Boy actor has been linked to his French girlfriend, 25, since 2018, when sources told Us Weekly that the relationship had become serious.

'Jeanne is very mature for her age. She's quirky, smart and loves history, reading; she's a really great and well-rounded person,' a source told the magazine.
Jeanie Drynan starred in one of Australia's most iconic comedies, Muriel's Wedding, in 1994.

Taking on the role of Muriel's mother, Betty Heslop, was one of the most beloved characters in the film.

These days Jeanie is based Los Angeles, but says she is still stopped on the street by fans of the film, close to 30 years since it debuted in theatres.

Star: Jeanie Drynan starred in one of Australia's most iconic comedies, Muriel's Wedding, in 1994. Taking on the role of Muriel's mother, Betty Heslop, was one of the most beloved characters in the film. Pictured in this week's Stellar

'[It was] a wonderful role. I came home to do it and just loved working with PJ Hogan and that brilliant cast,' she tells this week's Stellar Magazine.

'It meant a lot to me and all these years later, people will still stop me in the street and tell me why the film resonated with them.'

Jeanie recently returned to Australia with her screenwriter and director husband, Antony, after a long stint living in the United States, in order to spend time with her grandson.

Loves it: 'It meant a lot to me and all these years later, people will still stop me in the street and tell me why the film resonated with them,' she said. Pictured with Toni Collette in the 1994 film

She says the process of mandatory hotel quarantine was 'scary'.

'No fresh air and a wave of claustrophobia. We soon came to the harsh reality that we couldnt leave this small, sealed room for two weeks,' she said.

'In the end the hotel was OK and very efficient, with a nurse checking up on us every day. The food was ordinary so we lived on croissants and coffee. Oh, and wine!'

Memories: '[It was] a wonderful role. I came home to do it and just loved working with PJ Hogan and that brilliant cast,' she added

Back in town: Jeanie recently returned to Australia with her screenwriter and director husband, Antony, after a long stint living in the United States, in order to spend time with her grandson and work on her comeback film, Arrivederci

The actress, who has also worked as a producer, is making a comeback to the big screen in he upcoming film Arrivederci, being shot in rural NSW later this year.

Muriel's Wedding was an international smash success that made household names of several of its stars.

The '90s classic follows Muriel, played by Toni Collette, who spends her days dreaming of the perfect wedding day - despite never having been on a date.
PR guru Roxy Jacenko is known to have a huge circle of friends.

And on Saturday, the 41-year-old revealed there are some big names in that group, as she posted throwback photos with American rapper Snoop Dogg and music icon Elton John.

Roxy shared the pictures to her Instagram Stories on Saturday to reminiscence about the time she hung with the two very famous music artists.

'I've had quite a life!!' Roxy Jacenko, 41, revealed some of her famous friends including Snoop Dogg (pictured) and Elton John in Instagram posts on Saturday

The first photo sees a Roxy standing proudly next to Snoop Dogg as the two smile.

'I've had quite the life!!' the Real Housewives of Melbourne star gleefully says in the caption.

The next post has a younger Roxy with Elton John, who's wearing a flashy pair of red Ray-bans, which she tagged with the word, 'Royalty!!'

Music royalty: Roxy shared the pictures to her Instagram Stories on Saturday to reminiscence about the time she hung with the two very famous music artists. Pictured with Eleton John

The final picture is an old photo of Roxy hanging and Luxe Listings Sydney star Gavin Rubinstein.

The real-estate agent is seen kissing the celebrity publicist as she smiles at the camera.

The businesswoman tagged her friend and commented, 'Lol, before you were famous.'

Friends: The final picture is an old photo of Roxy hanging with Luxe Listings Sydney star Gavin Rubinstein (pictured)

On Wednesday, the reality TV star discovered her Sweaty Betty PR headquarters in Paddington had been targeted by a cyclist who dumped their rubbish outside.

The publicist uploaded CCTV footage to Instagram on Thursday of the cyclist arriving at the property's garage and putting down three large bags next to a commercial bin.

'Seriously. I put a lock on our commercial premises garbage bin so you dump your household rubbish next to the bin,' Jacenko furiously wrote.

It's not the first time Roxy has had to deal with people leaving waste behind. In 2019, a female jogger was famously caught on camera defecating outside Roxy's office.
They always turn heads with their form-fitting ensembles.

And Love Island stars Jess and Eve Gale highlighted their sensational figures once more on Friday in skintight outfits as they attended Adora's swimwear show in London.

Jess, 22, put her ample assets on display in a plunging cream dress which contrasted against her bronzed complexion while her twin Eve slipped into a skimpy unitard in a beige hue.

Twinning: Love Island stars Jess and Eve Gale highlighted their sensational figures on Friday in skintight outfits as they attended Adora's swimwear show in London

Her dress featured ruched fabric trailing down the centre and she teamed the look with a Dior Saddle bag and Perspex heels.

Eve also rocked transparent shoes and she accesorised tastefully with a Louis Vuitton handbag.

The duo styled their blonde tresses in loose waves and opted for full coverage make-up as they posed for pictures at the star-studded event.

Eve took things up a level the night before as she slipped her curves into a barely-there sexy black dress with cut-outs across her cleavage and sides.

Glamourpuss: Jess, 22, put her ample assets on display in a plunging cream dress which contrasted against her bronzed complexion for the star-studded event

Busty look: Meanwhile her twin Eve slipped into a skimpy unitard in a beige hue which she teamed with a Louis Vuitton clutch and Perspex heels

The Love Island star sizzled in the revealing number while joining her leggy twin Jess for dinner at Bagatelle restaurant in Mayfair, London.

Eve looked sensational as she flaunted her incredible figure in the slinky number, ensuring to work all her angles for the camera.

Her dress highlighted her ample assets and showcased her toned stomach, with the blonde beauty adding some extra height to her frame with a pair of heels.

Adding a designer touch to her look, Eve toted a Louis Vuitton clutch bag and went without any accessories which might distract from her jaw-dropping dress.

Flaunt it! Eve took things up a level the night before as she slipped her curves into a barely-there sexy black dress with cut-outs across her cleavage and sides

The reality star's twin sister Jess also cut a very sexy figure for their meal in the city, also opting for a figure-hugging little black dress.

Jess flaunted her cleavage with a plunging neckline and drew attention to her enviable curves with some white piping down the sides of her outfit.

She wore her long blonde locks down, letting them cascade over her shoulders, and carried her Dior Saddle bag.

Eve and Jess were also just two of many celebrities who jetted to Dubai throughout the pandemic, as they visited the sun-soaked city in December.

They joined many other Love Islanders including Joanna Chimonides, Hayley Hughes and Francesca Allen.

After Dubai joined UK's travel ban list, celebrities then began flocking to Mexico's bars and beaches as it established itself as the next COVID getaway destination.

Many stars insisted their trips were for 'work purposes' after criticism from the Home Secretary Priti Patel.
They've been cruising around Europe on a $130million yacht for her luxury 52nd birthday trip.

And Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck looked happier than ever on Saturday as they shared a passionate kiss at a port in Naples amid their sun-soaked, romantic holiday.

Jennifer, 52, looked sensational in a chic patterned kaftan and oversized sunglasses as she and her on-again beau prepared to climb aboard a smaller vessel before heading back to the super yacht.

Can't get enough: Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck looked happier than ever on Saturday as they shared a passionate kiss at a port in Naples amid their sun-soaked, romantic holiday

The stunner was then seen stretching out her legs on the boat while a small crew worked around her.

The couple appeared relaxed in each other's company after seemingly enjoying a day on land in the Italian city.

Ben and Jennifer had been set to wed in 2003 but postponed their wedding before calling off their relationship.

They rekindled their romance a few months ago after her split from Alex Rodriguez in April 2021 following four years of dating.

Wow: Jennifer, 52, looked sensational in a chic patterned kaftan and oversized sunglasses as she and her on-again beau prepared to climb aboard a smaller vessel before heading back to the super yacht

And since going public with their romance, Ben and Jennifer have been enjoying a luxury yacht holiday with stops in Monaco, St Tropez and Capri as well as Nerano.

Jennifer's ex ARod has also been in St Tropez in recent days, celebrating his 46th birthday on a rented Ocean Paradise yacht, which has an eye-watering price tag of 27,000,000 ($31,860,810) and can hold 12 guests and another 12 crew.

Yet that is no match for Jennifer's Valerie, priced at 110,000,000 ($129,817,600) where earlier this week she and Ben were seen recreating steamy scenes from her 2002 music video Jenny from the Block.

Jen's rented 85-metre vessel Valerie was built by Lurssen in 2011 and underwent an extensive refit in 2019. It can accommodate 17 guests in nine well-appointed cabins with space for a 27-strong crew.

An relax! The stunner was then seen stretching out her legs on the boat while a small crew worked around her

The Valerie boasts seven bedrooms across six decks on which to enjoy the voyage, and the theme of wellness runs throughout with a steam room and even a Hamman, said to be decorated with mosaics - according to Boat International.

There are also massage rooms and spaces for beauty treatments. While a gym with a panoramic view of the ocean opens out onto an outdoor space with room for dining and a fountain that lights up at night.

Launched in 2011 and refitted in 2019, the vessel has six decks all served by an elevator and has an onboard 20 foot-long pool and a Jacuzzi which is one of five outdoor spaces. With its spectacular outdoor dining area, the boat was designed with London's iconic hotel Claridge's in mind.

Fun times: They've been cruising around Europe on a $130million yacht for her luxury 52nd birthday trip

The main deck and lounge are designed for hosting and centered around a uniquely designed self-playing piano.

Speaking about the new couple's relationship, a source said recently: 'They [Jennifer and Ben] are having a beautiful trip. 'They celebrated Jen's birthday at a club. She looked gorgeous and very happy.'

Jennifer is said to be 'fully committed' to Ben but doesn't want to jump into an engagement or marriage any time soon.

Back together: Jennifer and Ben haven't been shy about showing their affection towards each other amid their romantic European holiday

A source explained: '[They] are fully committed to each other... They have been meshing their lives and families and don't feel the need to get engaged yet or even tie the knot.

'They have both been there and don't feel it's necessary. They are both very secure within their relationship and Ben worships her.

'It's truly meant to be and everyone around them thinks they are a perfect match.'

How they stack up: There was quite the difference between the two luxury vessels

But it doesn't look like it will be long before the loved-up pair take their relationship to the next level by moving in together.

An insider said: 'Their friends wouldn't be surprised if they move in together and ultimately end up together. They're spending all of their free time together and making each other a priority.'

Ben has children Violet, 15, Seraphina, 12, and Samuel, nine, with his ex-wife Jennifer Garner, while Jennifer has 13-year-old twins Emme and Max with ex Marc Anthony.
She's never shied away from making a statement with her looks.

And Naomie Harris highlighted her svelte physique in a colourful striped dress with a frilled hem as she enjoyed a day at the races at Goodwood Festival on Saturday.

The No Time To Die star, 44, commanded attention in her bold ensemble as she posed with model Ajak Deng at the racecourse in Cheshire.

Glamorous: Naomie Harris, 44, (right) highlighted her svelte physique in a colourful striped dress with a frilled hem as she enjoyed a day at the races at Goodwood Festival on Saturday

Naomi showcased her fun fashion sense by opting for the bold blue dress that boasted yellow and black stripes.

The Moonlight star teamed her look with matching chunky heels and an orange clutch bag.

Finishing her outfit with a sophisticated headband, once she arrived at the racecourse Naomie posed alongside model Ajak.

Gorgeous: The No Time To Die star commanded attention in her bold ensemble as she posed with model Ajak Deng at the racecourse in Cheshire

Elegant: Finishing her outfit with a sophisticated headband, Naomi appeared to be in high spirits as she arrived at the racecourse in Cheshire

The Australian model, 31, put on a leggy display in a revealing black spotted dress, teamed with metallic gold heels.

Meanwhile, it was recently announced that Naomie would be returning to the small screen in Showtime's The Man Who Fell to Earth.

The actress signed on the new series, based on the 1963 sci-fi novel of the same name by Walter Tevis.

Best pals: Naomie was also seen posing with model Jodie Kidd, who channelled her boho-inspired fashion sense in a white dress and kimono

Say cheese! They were also joined by Daisy Lowe and Pips Taylor for a fun-filled day at the races at Goodwood

She joins Chiwetel Ejiofor in the new series, which is slated to bring production this spring in London, debuting in 2022 on Showtime.

Harris is set to portray Justin Falls, described as, 'a brilliant scientist and engineer who must conquer her own demons in the race to save two worlds.'

She joins Ejiofor, who plays a new alien character who was not featured in the original novel.
She recently returned from a sun-soaked Ibiza getaway.

And Molly-Mae cut a casual figure on Saturday as she ran errands back home in Cheshire in grey leggings and a chic oversized biker jacket.

The Love Island star, 22, looked comfy but stylish in the lycra leggings which she paired with a plain white jumper and the tough jacket.

Busy: Molly-Mae cut a casual figure on Saturday as she ran errands back home in Cheshire in skin tight grey leggings and a chic oversized biker jacket after an Ibiza getaway

Molly-Mae added shape to the laid-back ensemble with the large leather jacket and toted an envy-inducing Hermes bag for extra glam.

She completed the smart-casual ensemble with a pair of purple, tan and white lace-up trainers as she ran around town completing her to-do list.

The reality star swept up her long blonde tresses into a white claw clip and flaunted her natural beauty as she forewent makeup for the outing.

Keeping her essentials close by, Molly-Mae carried her phone in one hand and her keys in the other as she cut about town after her recent holiday.

Laidback look: The Love Island star looked comfy but stylish in the lycra leggings which she paired with a plain white jumper

Molly-Mae recently enjoyed a trip to Ibiza where she set her fans' pulses racing with a slew of sultry snaps.

Last week, the star 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.

Chic: Molly-Mae added shape to the laidback ensemble with the large leather jacket and toted an enviable Hermes bag for extra glam

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.'

Stunning: Molly-Mae recently enjoyed a trip to Ibiza where she set her fan's pulses racing with a slew of sultry snaps
Rapper Gonzoe has died after being fatally shot near a gas station in Seattle, Washington on Thursday night.

According to a report from TMZ, the former Outlawz member, 45, was shot three times in the chest and was transported to Harborview Medical Center where he passed away overnight. The gunmen has not yet been apprehended.

Gonzoe - real name Ronald Moore - was a friend of rap legends such as Tupac and Ice Cube, even earning his nickname 'Young Ritzy Outlaw' from Pac.

RIP: Rapper Gonzoe was shot and killed near a gas station in Seattle, Washington

After Gonzoe was shot, he reportedly fled to a nearby Shell station before collapsing. A vehicle with bullet holes was found nearby, indicating that Gonzoe may have been driving when he was shot.

On July 29, the King County Sheriff's department tweeted, 'KCSO is investigating a shooting in the 2800 blk. of SW Roxbury St.

'One victim has been transported to Harborview with life threatening injuries. We thank the White Center community for their patience as this will likely remain an active scene for several hours.'

At large: The gunmen has not yet been apprehended after fleeing the scene

King County Sheriffs Office spokesperson Sgt. Tim Meyer, who did not identify the victim, confirmed that he passed away overnight in the hospital.

Gonzoe was a member of the rap trio Kausion which he founded in the late 90s with friends Cel and Kaydo. In 1995, the group was signed by Ice Cube's Lynch Mob Records.

Kausion's first and only album South Central Los Skanless was released in October 1995 and peaked at the 37th spot on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. It included the hit single, What You Wanna Do? featuring Ice Cube.

Paying his respects: Gonzoe formed the celebrity boxing league Glovez Up Gunz Down with rapper Boskoe100. On Friday, Boskoe100 took to Instagram to share a tribute to Gonzoe

The group left Lynch Mob Records after a contract dispute with Ice Cube and disbanded in 1996. Gonzoe went on to join rap group The ReGime before leaving to pursue a solo career. He met Tupac through their manager Sherri Knight after Pac joined Death Row Records.

Gonzoe formed the celebrity boxing league Glovez Up Gunz Down with his former rival, rapper Boskoe100. The partnership came after the two squared off against each other in a boxing match in April 2021, during which Snoop Dogg was the guest commentator.

The league's Instagram page states that it is 'Where all #HipHop beef is Settled!' The organization also promotes an end to gun violence. According to HipHopDX, Gonzoe was reportedly working on numerous business deals following his fight with Boskoe100.

On Friday, Boskoe100 shared a tribute to Gonzoe on his Instagram page, posting two photos from the pair's match. In the caption, Boskoe100 wrote, 'Damn I hate to have to say this. Rest In Peace @imgonzoe. We really made history together bro. I feel for your son and family. I hope somebody knows what happened and slide on it. #StayFocusedBlacks'

Sad: Boskoe posted two photos from the pair's last boxing match in April 2021 with a heartfelt caption

Revolt TV reported that Boskoe later provided additional details on the circumstances of Gonzoe's murder.

The outlet stated, 'According to Boskoe, Gonzoe left a late-night studio session to grab a bite to eat from a nearby bowling alley. At the bowling alley, Gonzoe allegedly got into an altercation. The assailant followed Gonzoe outside the bowling alley, Boskoe said in an IG LIVE and fatally shot him.'

Rapper C-bo also paid his respects with post on Instagram. He shared a video of the two having drinks with the caption: 'RIP my Loc Gonzo I hate to see the repeated cycle of killing those that finally have made a change in their life for the better smh fuck the shooter!!!! Buster must couldnt fight . I wish the family and kids the best !!!! #RIPGONZO.'
Katie Price has enjoyed a private helicopter ride with her family as she kick starts her fourth trip abroad in two months - shortly after she was unknowingly embroiled in an online scam.

The model, 43, fled the UK for sunny Saint Lucia with her family on Friday after being left 'absolutely devastated' that her fans had lost thousands of pounds because she promoted a conman's business on Instagram.

After arriving on the Caribbean island, Katie's fiance Carl Woods, 31, shared selfies with her daughter Princess, 14, and filmed her son Harvey, 19, as they prepared to fly in a helicopter.

What a treat! Katie Price has enjoyed a private helicopter ride with her fiance Carl Woods and children Harvey and Princess as she kick starts her fourth trip abroad in two months

Carl captured a helicopter on a runway as the former Love Islander, Katie, Princess and her son Harvey made their way towards it.

'Harv' what do you reckon, on a helicopter?' he said to her eldest child who excitedly responded: 'Yes!'

'I bet you can't wait!' Carl added. Flight attendants gingerly carried their luggage to the aircraft before loading it on board.

Katie grabbed Harvey's top and guided him towards the helicopter entrance doorway while her fiance gave an animated expression towards his camera.

Relaxing: The Saint Lucia trip adds to an impressive line-up of destinations visited by Katie and Carl in recent months after they visited Portugal (pictured), Turkey and Spain

Exciting: The clip shared to Instagram shows the teenager preparing to get onto the helicopter

Later that day, he captured the view from inside the aircraft as they prepared to land at an unknown location on the island.

The Saint Lucia trip adds to an impressive line-up of international destinations visited by Katie and Carl in recent months after they visited Portugal, Turkey and Spain.

At the end of May, Katie and Carl jetted to Portugal for a relaxing break before they headed to Turkey for her major cosmetic surgery.

On June 15, Katie had liposuction, a Brazilian bum lift, lip and eyelid surgery. She later defended this jaunt as a work trip because it will feature on her reality show.

New ride: Without commenting on recent news that Katie's fans had lost thousands of pounds because she promoted a conman on Instagram, Carl captured a helicopter on a runway

Fly away: The former Love Islander also seemed impressed at the luxury mode of transport

Don't be afraid of heights! Later that day, Carl captured the view from inside the aircraft as they prepared to land at an unknown location on the island

It was then reported on June 23 that Katie and Carl had swapped red list Turkey for sunny Spain and were staying in a luxury villa while she recovered.

However, the family visit to Saint Lucia is the couples first long haul holiday since they visited the Maldives last October.

In another snap taken during their latest trip, Carl can be seen posing with Katie's eldest daughter.

Carl was seen rocking a khaki vest which exposed his arm tattoos while Princess sported a grey top. The 14-year-old's naturally curly tresses tumbled down as she delivered a pout to the camera.

Selfie time: He also posed for a picture with Katie's daughter Princess, 14, during their travels

Hard at work: Katie has previously said her Turkey trip was for work as the surgery she underwent will feature in her reality show (pictured at the airport ahead of flying to Turkey)

Noting the similarity to her model mother, Carl penned on the Instagram snap: 'Definitely her mothers daughter @katieprice @officialprincess_andre #minime.'

The last-minute holiday comes after Katie promoted the rogue Forex trader 'Josh Chandler' on her Instagram.

She was paid an estimated 3,000 without declaring they were sponsored posts and fans were ultimately conned by the individual, having spent hundreds in the scam to receive nothing back.

Ahead of her holiday, the model took the opportunity to set the record straight with her fans by posting a lengthy statement on her Instagram stories.

She lamented: 'I am absolutely devastated to receive the news about this rogue trader Josh Chandler, if that's even his real name

Shocking: Katie promoted the rogue Forex trader 'Josh Chandler' on her Instagram and fans were conned by the individual, having spent hundreds in the scam to receive nothing back

'He has conned not only me but my family, friends, loyal fans and supporters.'

'I want to thank Action Fraud for reaching out, for working with me in investigating this awful situation.'

Katie continued: 'This is precisely why Harvey's Law is yet again so relevant, if we had the much needed support channels in place and required by law to provide ID's to be set up on social Media accounts then people like this so called Josh Chandler would not be able to hide themselves, target venerable people [sic].

'My heart goes out to all those that this conman's deceit has affected. I pledge to you all I will seek justice,' Katie signed off as she hopped on her flight abroad.

The model's representatives told the MailOnline: 'This has hit Katie hard, mentally, she needs some down time before embarking on setting out in putting a stop to these parasites that poach on vulnerable and honest souls.'

'I will seek justice': Ahead of her holiday, the model took the opportunity to set the record straight with her fans by posting a lengthy statement on her Instagram stories

The statement comes after it was revealed that Katie's Instagram followers had been conned out of thousands of pounds by the rogue trader she promoted.

The model was paid to advertise the supposed money-making skills of Forex trader 'Josh Chandler' to her 2.6million followers.

Kate Dalrymple, 40, a nurse from Newcastle Upon Tyne, said she lost 825, nearly a month's wages, to the scheme.

She was guaranteed 1,250 if she transferred 100, but was then asked to pay a 'release fee' of 725 with the promise of receiving 4,000.

The nurse reported the scam to Action Fraud and at least five others were conned into sending money to the scam.

Katie Price's team said the star was also conned and had no idea it was a scam.

Online users have been warned about rogue Forex traders who promise huge profits for small investments.

But many do not have the necessary accreditation or qualifications to offer these services, which makes them illegal and means aspiring customers risk seeing their profits flop.

Forex trading allows you to speculate on the changes in the strengths of different currencies over time and buy and sell them against each other.

Ms Dalrymple told The Sun: 'I feel so stupid. But I was always a fan of Katie's. I thought she was a good mother and related to her.

'Now I feel so let down and embarrassed. How could she put her name to this?'

The nurse said she saw Katie promoting Josh on her Instagram Stories and believed it to be genuine.

She said: 'My bank, Lloyds, even called me to flag that it looked like fraudulent activity but, again, because Katie Price had endorsed it, I told them it was genuine.'

Once she realised what had happened, Ms Dalrymple messaged Katie on Instagram but says she never received a reply and is 'disgusted' by her behaviour.

Katie praised 'Josh's' services at least twice on her Instagram Stories where she encouraged her followers to invest in order to make a 'safe income'.

Shocking: Kate Dalrymple (pictured), 40, a nurse from Newcastle upon Tyne, said she lost 825, nearly a month's wages, to the scheme

It is believed the glamour model made as much as 3,000 each time she promoted him.

Last month, Katie said in an Instagram post still visible on 'Josh's' profile: 'Hey guys, so I want to tell you about a friend of mine called Josh.

'He's amazing at what he does and you may have heard about him or seen him on other media sites, if you're interested in securing a new, safe and good income... '

Lloyds Bank say they are investigating the payment made by Ms Dalrymple but believe they will not be able to retrieve her 825.

In her messages to 'Josh', she was asked to give her bank details, date of birth and copy of her driving license to open an account on crypto.com.

Oh dear: Katie praised 'Josh's' services at least twice on Instagram where she encouraged her followers to invest in order to make a 'safe income' (pictured with Carl and Princess)

The mother-of-one was then asked to transfer increasing amounts of money.

She became concerned and asked for reassurance that it wasn't a scam, to which 'Josh' replied: 'Katie Price does not promote fraud.'

When Ms Dalrymple grew worried and demanded to know what had happened to her money, 'Josh' made vile threats to her four-year-old son, adding: 'Clearly u deserve to be scammed you racist motherf****r.'

It is forbidden to post sponsored content on Instagram without having disclosed it using the hashtag #ad, the Advertising Standards Authority say, but Katie did not declare that she was advertising the scam and being paid for it.

It is not the first time that Katie, who was declared bankrupt in 2019, has promoted Forex traders online.

The star, who still owns an estimated 3.2million to creditors, endorsed the Instagram page XChloesWorld, an unauthorised trader, six months ago.

Terrible: The model was paid to advertise the supposed money-making skills of Forex trader 'Josh Chandler' to her 2.6million followers (Josh's one Instagram post is pictured)

Financial authorities were asked to remove the account after backlash online.

The Financial Conduct Authority has made warnings about unauthorised traders on social media sites hiding behind fake profiles.

Katie's spokeswoman admitted the reality star had benefitted financially from the scheme but did not know it was a con and said she had no idea of any previous warnings from financial authorities.

She said: 'Katie would never knowingly engage in a social media endorsement if it were questionable. This recent information has left her devastated.'

She added that Katie is also a victim and is not the only celebrity targeted, with Too Hot to Handle star Nicole O'Brien also promoting 'Josh's' scam.
Matt Damon got 'overwhelmed' with emotion and cried when he first returned to movie theaters.

The actor admitted he was overcome with feelings when he sat down with guests to preview his new film Stillwater at the Cannes Film Festival, his first screenings since the coronavirus pandemic began.

A video from inside the theatre showed him and the cast receiving a standing ovation for five minutes as he got emotional at seeing so many people packed into the theatre again.

And later asked by Variety what made him cry, he said: 'the feeling of being in a movie theatre again and how much I missed that, and why we do that'.

Happy to be back: Matt Damon was brought to tears when he returned to the movie theaters to screen his film Stillwater at Cannes earlier this month, seen above at the film festival on July 9th

He added: 'It was a great reminder that we need to go as a community of strangers and turn the lights off and have this experience all at the same time together.

'There's something beautiful and valuable about that.

'I just kind of got overwhelmed in the moment because I just hadn't done that in almost two years. It was great. I was happy. I was just very moved by it.'

Matt had previously revealed how he got into the mindset of playing an absentee father in the movie, which follows an out-of-work oil rig worker from Oklahoma who relocates to France, where his daughter (Abigail Breslin) is in prison.

Rugged: Matt plays an out-of-work oil rig worker from Oklahoma who relocates to France, where his daughter (Abigail Breslin) is in prison in Stillwater

Speaking about spending time with the American roughnecks to work on his character he said: 'They were wary at first because these are the kind of guys that Hollywood movies look down their nose at a lot of the time.

They were like, 'What are your intentions? You say you want to play [a] roughneck. What kind of movie are you making here?'

'I think that once they saw the script and they talked to Tom and to me, they realized that our intentions were pure and that we were really trying to get it right.

And then they could not have been more helpful.'
Chinese-Canadian pop star Kris Wu has been detained by Beijing police on suspicion of rape, police announced Saturday.

His arrest comes following an accusation the former member of the Korean boy band EXO lured young women into sexual relationships.

Wu, 30, earlier was accused by a teenager of having sex with her while she was drunk. Wu denied the accusation.

The teenager said seven other women contacted her to say Wu seduced them with promises of jobs and other opportunities. She said some were under 18 but gave no indication whether they were younger than China's age of consent of 14.

Detained: Chinese-Canadian pop star Kris Wu has been detained by Beijing police on suspicion of rape. He's seen in 2017 above

Wu has been 'criminally detained' on suspicion of rape 'in response to relevant information reported on the internet' including that he 'repeatedly lured young women to have sexual relations,' the police statement said. It gave no other details.

The teenager publicized her accusations on social media and later in an interview with internet portal NetEase.

A day after that interview appeared, at least 10 brands including Porsche and Louis Vuitton broke off endorsement and other deals with Wu.

'There was no 'groupie sex'! There was no 'underage'!' Wu wrote last month on his social media account.

Accusations: Wu, 30, earlier was accused by a teenager of having sex with her while she was drunk. Wu denied the accusation

'If there were this kind of thing, please everyone relax, I would put myself in jail!'

The teenager and Wu both said they had asked authorities to investigate.

Saturday's statement didn't mention that case and gave no information about the status of that investigation.
They've been happily dating for more than a year.

And Daisy Lowe looked sensational as she cosied up to her beau Jordan Saul at the Qatar Goodwood Festival in Chichester on Saturday.

The model, 32, cut a very fashionable figure for the races and rocked a pretty white and yellow floral dress which boasted statement sleeves and a square neckline.

Stunning pair: Daisy Lowe looked sensational as she cosied up to her beau Jordan Saul at the Qatar Goodwood Festival in Chichester on Saturday

Daisy appeared to be in great spirits as she posed for some snaps with her hunky beau and showcased her sensational figure in front of the cameras.

The star's dress sat off her shoulders and teased a glimpse at her ample cleavage while also highlighting her curves with a matching belt around the midriff.

She wore her dark locks tied back and added a pastel yellow bow to complement her dress before completing her race day look with a pair of nude heels.

Day at the races: The model, 32, cut a very fashionable figure in her a pretty white and yellow floral dress which boasted statement sleeves and a square neckline

Jordan also ensured to look sharp for the occasion, rocking a grey checked suit and smart white shirt.

Adding some finishing touches to his outfit, Jordan added a pair of chunky brown boots and styled his look with a polka-dot blue tie.

It has been a busy month for the couple with them also being seen at Bvlgari's summer party in London and Dazn x Matchroom VIP launch in recent days.

The duo have been dating for over a year and were spotted for the first time together in June 2020 - despite being under government-ordered lockdown for 10 weeks.

Look sharp: Jordan sported a grey checked suit and polka-dot tie as he posed for some snaps

Lovely: Daisy exuded style in her elegant ensemble, which also featured a matching hair bow

Pals: Daisy was full of smiles while chatting with Pips Taylor, Naomie Harris and Jodie Kidd

Daisy took to Instagram in June to mark their first anniversary and reveal to her followers how she met he beau with a sweet post where she called Jordan her 'hero'.

She captioned the upload: 'A year ago today I went to meet @misstilda for a walk on the Heath. But I was running a little late- Mercury was in retrograde [crying laughing emoji].

'When I arrived, Monty ran straight towards a very handsome Belgium shepherd, attached to this handsome dog was a rather handsome man.

'I dawdled around having some dog chat we ended up walking together for a couple of hours, what a dog walk!'

Fashion show: The women all looked incredible in their eye-catching dresses, with Jodie (far right) opting for a white mini dress and monochrome kimono

She continued: 'Here we are a year later, through countless lockdowns, adventures, disasters and triumphs. You @jordanjaysaul have been my hero.

'Through and through. Thanks for feeling like home & always making me giggle even when I really dont want to! Its my absolute favourite making you laugh so much your legs give way.

'I am very happy I was 5 mins late to meet Tilds that day & I am so very grateful you are mine. Happy anniversary my pain in the ass. I love you .' [sic]
They have an incredibly close bond.

And proud mum Heidi Klum looked sensational as she and her lookalike daughter Leni, 17, attended the LuisaViaRoma for Unicef event in Capri, Italy, on Saturday.

The German-American model, 48, flaunted her sizzling figure in a sequinned silver dress which boasted a chic one-shoulder design and racy thigh-high split.

Seeing double! Heidi Klum looked sensational as she and her lookalike daughter Leni, 17, dazzled at the LuisaViaRoma for Unicef event in Capri, Italy, on Saturday

Heidi posed up a storm as she arrived for the event at La Certosa di San Giacomo, working all her angles while standing by a stunning flower wall.

She exuded style in the silver dress which featured a fitted bodice to showcase her svelte figure and a pretty flowing skirt.

The blonde beauty wore her long locks down and styled poker straight, letting her tresses cascade over her toned shoulder and onto her show-stopping gown.

Leni, who is also a budding model, followed in her mother's fashion footsteps for the event and opted for a stunning sequinned gold dress by Versace.

Stunning: The German-American model, 48, flaunted her sizzling figure in a sequinned silver dress which boasted a racy thigh-high split

The teenager also wore her blonde locks down and completed her gala look with a pair of sparkling stud earrings.

Heidi shares Leni with controversial businessman Flavio Briatore, although she was later taken under the wing of Heidi's former husband Seal.

Heidi's husband Tom Kaulitz, 31, also put on a dapper display in a shimmering light blue suit which he styled with trainers.

Luxury retailer LuisaViaRoma hosts an annual gala for the Unicef and in honour of the third anniversary of their partnership, the 2021 gala will focus on supporting all children in need.

The swanky and star-studded event is hosted by celebrities, followed by a special appearance by a famous musical act.

Coordinated: Proud mum Heidi and her teenager daughter both wore their blonde locks down

Like mother, like daughter: The beautiful duo posed up a storm as they arrived for the event at La Certosa di San Giacomo

Following in her footsteps: Leni, who is also a budding model, followed her mother's lead for the event and also opted for a stunning sequinned gold dress

Couple goals: Heidi's husband hunky Tom Kaulitz, 31, also put on a dapper display in a shimmering light blue suit which he styled with trainers

Fashion: Tom wore his impressive tresses down and his black shirt open for the fundraiser

Also seen at the event was Brooklyn Beckham's ex Hana Cross, 23, model Emily Ratajkowski, 30, and actress Vanessa Hudgens, 32.

The mother and daughter duo's glam appearance comes after Heidi revealed the tips she gave her 17-year-old on joining the family business and becoming a model.

Leni, who has covered such magazines as Glamour Germany and Vogue Germany in her mother's native land, is Heidi's firstborn.

'I said to her, at the end of the day you have to be happy with yourself. And don't do anything you don't want to do. It's okay to say no,' Heidi told People.

She added: 'You don't always have to please people. But I'm always with Leni. And she has a very good head on her shoulders.'

In fact when Leni hit the cover of Vogue Germany for its January issue this year she was accompanied by her famous mother.

Heidi said of Leni's modeling work: 'It's a fun thing for her to do. She's not afraid of cameras because she's always come to my sets and my shows.'

Leni is signed with CAA Fashion, according to a WWD report released in July, and in her new interview Heidi talked about her own role in her daughter's business affairs.

'I've been helping her with deals and she has so many things in the pipeline. It's really exciting. She's doing the things I was always dreaming to do!'

Heidi also has three children her ex-husband Seal - Henry, 15, Johann, 14, and Lou, 11.
She rose to fame as one of the stars of Pretty Little Liars.

And Lucy Hale looked lovely as ever while fetching something to drink at the celeb-beloved Alfred Coffee in Studio City, California.

The Truth Or Dare actress, 32, gave her toned arms a chance to tan wearing a stylish blue tie-dye tank top with sporty leggings.

Sporty and chic: Lucy Hale looked pretty as ever while fetching coffee at celeb-beloved Alfred in Studio City

Keeping a low profile, Lucy slicked her caramel-highlighted brunette locks into a low bun and popped on a pair of round sunglasses.

The Memphis, Tennessee native juggled her purse and a cup of iced coffee while on the go.

She had a face mask pulled under her chin, ready to slip on whenever she dipped inside.

Got everything? The Memphis, Tennessee native juggled her purse and a cup of iced coffee while on the go

Lucy was out after congratulating young actress Bailee Madison for getting cast in the upcoming Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin reboot set for HBO Max.

Commenting on a Bailee's Instagram announcement, Hale wrote: 'I'm so proud of you Bailee you deserve all amazing things in life & I support you always !!! Go get em mama.'

Fellow Pretty Little Liars alum Shay Mitchell also sent her love, commenting: 'Congrats babe!'

Last November Lucy told Us Weekly she was looking forward to seeing the story expand.

Next generation! Lucy was out after congratulating young actress Bailee Madison for getting cast in the upcoming Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin reboot set for HBO Max

'I sincerely wish everyone the best and I hope it's a huge success. Some people get angry about a reboot, but I think it's important to be supportive of up-and-coming artists. I'm curious to see what they do with it!'

Hale has several of her own exciting projects in the works.

Her survival thriller Borrego had its first screening during Cannes Film Festival earlier this month. It is currently looking for distribution.
13 Reasons Why actress Tommy Dorfman was all smiles when she was spotted out in New York City on Saturday.

The 29-year-old Netflix star, who recently re-introduced herself as a trans-woman, looked cheerful as she strolled down the streets of Soho with Snowpiercer actress Rowan Blanchard.

Tommy donned a ruched drawstring white crop top that bared a sliver of her midriff for her outing.

Cheerful: 13 Reasons Why actress Tommy Dorfman was all smiles when she was spotted out in NYC

Dorfman paired her crop top with a stylish swirl-patterned green and yellow skirt that hung to her mid-calves.

She sported black sandals with silver buckles and toted a bright blue leather handbag.

Tommy wore her light-brown hair parted to the side and down with a few strands tucked behind her ear.

Dorfman accessorized with gold jewelry including hoop earring, a delicate necklace, thin rings and several bracelets as well as a beaded anklet.

She shielded her eyes with a pair of black oval sunglasses.

Out and about: The pals, who stepped out together for coffee on Thursday, were on their way to have lunch in the upscale Manhattan neighborhood

Rowan, 19, sported a yellow halter minidress with asymmetric hemline over a pair of aqua-colored drawstring shorts.

Her footwear consisted of magenta and white sneakers with black socks.

Blanchard tied her hair back in a ponytail with a pink scrunchie and wore a pair of pearl drop earrings.

The pals, who stepped out together for coffee on Thursday, were on their way to have lunch in the upscale Manhattan neighborhood.

Tommy recently came out as as a trans-woman with pronouns of she/her in a moving conversation with TIME, after grappling with the idea of transitioning for 'many years.'

Speaking out: Tommy recently re-introduced herself to the world as a trans-woman with pronouns of she/her in a moving conversation with TIME magazine; pictured July 22

Last week the Atlanta-born Netflix star spoke about making the decision to transition and proclaimed: 'For a year now, I have been privately identifying and living as a womana trans woman.'

'You know, some people moved houses during the pandemic, some people changed genders,' she said with a laugh later adding that she had started to 'transition medically.'

'For many years I wanted to start transitioning and I just couldn't. It felt really daunting and really scary to embark on that journey,' she confessed citing her budding career in Hollywood as a source of worry.

Dorfman said the pandemic afforded her time to really look inward and envision what she wanted her life to look like 40 years from now. 'All I could see was a woman,' the Love in the Time of Corona actress said.

Allow her to re-introduce herself! 'For a year now, I have been privately identifying and living as a womana trans woman,' Dorfman told TIME last week as she announced her pronouns were 'she/her'; pictured July 9

Leading lady: 'Everything I've done up until the last year has been in the wrong body, and not in my truth,' she shared and her first acting role as a woman will be in Dunham's upcoming film Sharp Stick; pictured June 10

And when it comes to her stacked list of future projects which include directing an adaptation of the book I Wish You All The Best, starring in a Channel 4 series called Fracture and her first role as a female in Lena Dunham's movie Sharp Stick, she said she's excited to play female characters.

'It's impossible for me to separate my personal and professional transition, because my body and face are linked to my career...everything I've done up until the last year has been in the wrong body, and not in my truth.'

Dorfman has been married to Peter Zurkhulen since 2016 but said that as she's settled into her identity as a trans-woman things have romantically shifted.

'I was in a nine-year relationship in which I was thought of as a more male-bodied person, with a gay man. I love him so much, but we've been learning that as a trans woman, what I'm interested in is not necessarily reflected in a gay man. So we've had incredible conversations to redefine our relationship as friends.'
Jessica Mauboy announced her shock departure from Sony Music in December, 16 years after signing with the record label.

And while Sony has faced plenty of bad publicity recently amid reports of workplace 'bullying and harassment', Jessica says the reason for her departure was purely a creative decision.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph on Saturday, the 31-year-old said she felt stifled by her contract with Sony, as the label expected her to maintain a saccharine, pop-star image that didn't reflect her true personality.

'I have a bit of grunge, I've got a deeper story': Jessica Mauboy, 31, told The Daily Telegraph on Saturday that the reason for her departure from Sony Music was purely a creative decision

'I have a bit of grunge, I've got a deeper story, but that has always been covered up. It's nice to be completely real now,' said Jessica, who has since signed with Warner Music Australia.

Jessica said she's sick of fans remembering her as an Australian Idol star, insisting: 'People need to see a deeper story now.'

'I'm clearly stronger than I was before; I have a lot more clarity in where I'm going and what I'm saying within my music,' she added.

'It's nice to be completely real now': Jessica she felt stifled by her contract with Sony, as the label expected her to maintain a saccharine, pop-star image that didn't reflect her true personality

Moving on: Jessica said she's sick of fans remembering her as an Australian Idol star, insisting: 'People need to see a deeper story now'

Jessica released four albums with Sony - Been Waiting in 2008, Get 'Em Girls in 2010, Beautiful in 2013 and most recently, Hilda in 2019.

In February, she also split from former manager David Champion, who signed her at 16.

At the time, Jessica said the pair 'see things differently' when it comes to her career.

Cutting ties: In February, she also split from former manager David Champion, who signed her at 16

'I found a new way to be the boss lady in the room. I started to put my foot down, and people listened,' she told Private Sydney.

Jessica explained she and David separated because from a 'business and musical perspective, we see things differently' but said there were on 'good terms'.

Meanwhile, Jessica is now preparing to return to screens as a judge on The Voice Australia this Sunday.

She will be joined on the all-star panel by Keith Urban, Rita Ora and Guy Sebastian.
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County OKs camping rules for Naconiche

Josh Edwards/The Daily Sentinel Josh Edwards/The Daily Sentinel Lake Naconiche manager Bill Plunkett surveys one of three primitive camping sites Thursday at the county-owned lake. Commissioners this week approved camping fees and regulations.

A three-night limit and $10 daily fee will apply to those visiting Lake Naconiches newly installed primitive camping sites, Nacogdoches County Commissioners decided Tuesday.

The 692-acre lake northeast of the city off U.S. 59 opened to the public in fall 2012. Overnight camping has been prohibited until now.

Primitive tent sites were constructed earlier in the summer by the Rotary Club of Nacogdoches, which previously donated a pavilion and playground at the park.

We had requests from people who are hiking or kayaking for primitive camping, said lake manager Bill Plunkett. The three camping sites are along the north edge of the lake park in a wooded area between the fishing pier and swimming area. Each site contains a grill, a picnic table and a pole where a lantern can hang.

Recommended by the County Parks Board, the new camping rules approved Tuesday by commissioners include a maximum of six people per campsite and a 10 a.m. check out time. The three-day limit may be extended at the park officers discretion, County Judge Greg Sowell said.

Rotary Club of Nacogdoches has been a frequent contributor to Lake Naconiche and has also helped fund construction of a pavilion and playground.

Also on Tuesday, commissioners approved a list of election judges, clerks, ballot board members, signature verification committee and central counting station personnel for upcoming local elections.

Every two years by law Im required to present the list of all the election judges and clerks who will be helping in the upcoming primaries and general elections, Elections Administrator Todd Stallings said. Both local parties help me to come up with those names.

Many on the list have assisted the elections office for years, he said.

I hate in the news they have negative stories about poll workers, but I dont think we ever have any here and we shouldnt because we have such wonderful people who do this. I admire them a great deal.
FAIRMONT, W.Va. (AP)  Renee Verbanic often thinks about water and the power it carries.

Just as the drop that splashes atop a rock may not make an impact the first time, but given years of drops, water will leave a visible impression on the rock. She often quotes a song about water.

Can we be like drops of water falling on the stone, Verbanic said. The water is seemingly weak, but given time, the rock will wear away and thats what Communities of Shalom is all about.

Verbanic, in her role as director of Marion County Communities of Shalom Inc., said her hope is that the two-day Building Bridges of Respect conference that wrapped up last Sunday at LIFE United Methodist Church will act like water and ripple through the community. She said nonprofits networked together to discuss such issues as addiction, the LGBTQ community, different religions and races.

She often relies on the power of word of mouth, and neighbor talking to neighbor to spread the word about what Communities of Shalom does.

The event was not about raising money because it was underwritten by grants the organization obtained through its role as a branch of West Virginia Prevention Solutions where it receives federal funding to promote alcohol, tobacco and drug prevention.

Verbanic said vendors asked prior to signing up if they would be charged a fee for attending. Again, she turned to the metaphor about water and instead told them to bring bottled water.

Again, its that symbol of that ripple effect out in the community and we know, slow and steady, the rock will wear away. And the rock, of course, being intolerance, being hate-filled comments, this idea that we have all the answers  thats the rock and being open to other ideas, to other concepts, other ways of life.

Ryan Glaspell, of Fairmont, said he did not attend last Saturdays events for the Building Bridges of Respect conference because of a prior engagement but was drawn to the Sunday portion after reading about the conferences goals and mission on social media.

I think there are so many different local things to choose from but just having an event that explicitly was about bringing people together and quite literally building bridges with other people was something that made me really want to bring my four-year-old to come and just have some of those values seen firsthand through different events and activities, Glaspell said.

On Sunday, Verbanic taught conference guests how to make their own Shalom Flag, which were patterned after Tibetan Prayer Flags. The flags symbolize healthy community-building and show others that its owner stands up for inclusivity, representation and diversity.

Shalom Flags are used to promote peace and compassion and health and strength and wisdom, said Verbanic, who made one as an example in support of her mothers upcoming 90th birthday.

Fairmont residents Cherish Davis, and her thirteen-year-old son Ezra Davis, made a Shalom Flag that called for prayers for children, unity, pastors, faith, love and understanding. Cherish said she believed everyone should attend.

It is amazing. Its good for children  everyone should have came out and supported it. Everyone needs to come together so its a great time for it, Cherish Davis said. Its good to support every culture. Everyone comes from a different background and everyone needs to understand how it is for everyone.

Verbanic said Communities of Shalom hasnt measured success in terms of numbers of attendees in its 20 years as an organization. She strives for quality over quantity.

What we heard from the two dozen or more organizations that we had  and they were all nonprofit, helping organizations that were there (Saturday)  almost every one of them stopped by and said, This has been terrific. The networking has been so helpful, Verbanic said.

She said COVID-19 pandemic guidelines made it difficult to host resource fairs last year, so many guests mentioned how grateful they were to have been invited to the events at the Wave-Tek Pool on Saturday.

She said while the conference organizers are still counting guests, she knows that 150 kids and adults attended Saturday.

What we look for is  were connections being made, did we have the diversity that we were looking for, did we have young and old? Yes, we did. The oldest one there was probably 95 and the youngest was a babe in arms.

Did we have gay and straight? You betcha. Did we have all faiths? For Marion County, we did. We had Jewish, we had Islamic, we had Buddhists, we had Atheists, we had Christians, so we look for the diversity, the representation. That was our goal, inclusivity, representation, diversity.

In its role as the resource provider for drug and alcohol prevention education, Communities of Shalom is tasked with connecting human service agencies to each other and the community.

We had, I think, two people say, Wed like to make a donation to the Communities of Shalom. Where do we do that? and I pointed out our treasurer. No, this was not a fundraiser, Verbanic said.

The events organizers have hoped from the beginning that the conference would help broaden guests horizons and to have conversations with others theyve never had before.

To add more tools to their toolbox regarding conflict resolution, regarding understanding the different gender identities and understanding the different religions and understanding what different organizations have to offer regarding wellness and regarding stigma reduction and understanding what it takes for a person living with addiction what it takes to recover and what their recovering process looks like, Verbanic said.

Jim Nolan, a board member of both the Fairmont Human Rights Commission and Communities of Shalom, said he received a lot of positive feedback during both days events. The HRC also helped sponsor the conference.

A lot of people tell me theyre so happy that we had this event. They feel like theyre included. They feel like theres a group of people that are open to other ways of thinking, so its been good from that perspective, Nolan said.

Nolan said there were a number of groups there representing the LGBTQ community and other groups that are often underrepresented, such as PFLAG and Fairness West Virginia.

Theres lot of different types of groups in Fairmont, lots of different types of lifestyles and races, and ethnicities, so this is a celebration of all groups of people, so when people come they feel, Oh, this is a good thing, Nolan said. Its been a really good experience for all of us.
Joseline Tlacomulco, 23, applied and received Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, in 2012, when it was first introduced.

Since then, she has seen repeated legal efforts to overturn or stop the presidential order signed by then President Barack Obama. Since she already has DACA she is not currently at risk of losing her status.

So when she first heard that Texas federal judge Andrew Hanen ruled DACA unconstitutional, Tlacomulco greeted the news with an air of resignation.

Well, here we go again, said Tlacomulco, who lives in New Haven.

The decision in federal court wasnt a surprise to Jon Bauer, who directs the University of Connecticut Law Schools Asylum and Human Rights Clinic. Because Hanen is known for his conservative judicial philosophy, according to Bauer, the ruling was expected to interfere with DACA in some capacity.

But Bauer said the ruling could be overturned.

The reasoning of the decision is very weak, in my opinion. The judge, I think, misconstrued the scope of the Department of Homeland Security's authority to engage in what's called deferred action, which is what the DACA program is, Bauer said.

Connecticut has 3,560 residents who have DACA, as of March 2020, according to the Department of Homeland Security which administers the policy. Current recipients arent in immediate danger of losing their status, since the ruling as of now only prevents first time applicants from getting DACA.

Bauer said that non-citizens have long been allowed to work with deferred action. While the federal government can conceivably attempt a legislative path to citizenship for DACA recipients, the road ahead to any permanent solution is uncertain due to the divisive nature of the current Congress.

Aaron Bryce Lee, a clinical intern at the Yale Law School Clinic, said that the recent decision was murky. The only clear result is that new applicants will still be able to apply and the applications will be processed, but nothing will be done with them due to the judges decision.

Because of this, Lee said that the ruling has further complicated an already complex situation.

That is all we know until either Congress passes a legislative solution or something else happens in court, or whether something happens in adjacent courts, Lee said.

William Tong, the states attorney general, recently issued a statement implying his office would join an expected appeal by the federal government.

This decision is disappointing, but its not a defeat. Weve been here before. The State of Connecticut defended DACA all the way to the Supreme Court last year  and we won. The Biden administration has appropriately indicated it will appeal this decision and we will look to all ways to support their fight, Tong said.

Advocates have had successes within Connecticut over the past decade, giving some measure of protection to recipients.

Carolina Bortolleto, of Danbury, is a DACA recipient and a co-founder of CT Students For a Dream, a statewide network advocating for undocumented students.

She listed the groups successes over the years, from getting undocumented students access to higher education to fighting for public universities in the state to give those students access to institutional financial aid.

The efforts not only gave added protection but she emphasized that recipients were not just waiting on others to help them.

For six years, we fought for laws to pass to make that happen, Bortolleto said.

Tlacomulco, also a member of CT Students For a Dream, cannot vote due to her status but she is a campaign organizer for Karen DuBois-Walton, a Democratic candidate for mayor in New Haven. She took a liking to DuBois-Walton for her stances on immigration. Tlacomulco is now working and saving money so she can go back to school at UConn.

She said she does what she does because the stakes are not only personally high but, but its one of the only ways she can push for a change.

That's what I do, I push people to get the work done that should have been done a long time ago, she said.
Daytona Beach, FL (32114)

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Overcast. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 87F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph..

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Showers early, then cloudy overnight. Low 73F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.


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HYDERABAD: Tourism minister V. Srinivas Goud directed officials to fulfill all the conditions laid down by the Unesco while according world heritage site status to the famous Ramappa temple in Mulugu district recently, on a war-footing.

The minister asked officials to prepare a comprehensive report on the steps taken by the Telangana government for conservation of Ramappa temple, which has to be submitted to the Unesco in December 2022. He held a meeting with officials of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), tourism, culture and heritage departments here on Friday to discuss the measures to be taken to meet the conditions and guidelines stipulated by the Unesco for world heritage site status.

Goud asked officials to conserve historical structures and small temples constructed near Ramappa temple during Kakatiya dynasty rule and devise plans to develop the entire area as Kakatiya Heritage Circuit to promote tourism.

He instructed officials to identify boundaries of Ramappa temple that comes under the purview of the ASI.

He said he would soon submit a report to Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on the steps to be taken from the state government's side for the conservation of Ramappa temple as per the guidelines stipulated by the Unesco.

The Chief Minister was keen to sanction any amount of funds for the conservation of Ramappa temple, which brought glory to Telangana at international-level, the minister added.
First lady Jill Biden underwent a medical procedure on Thursday to flush out debris from a puncture wound on her left foot, her spokesperson said.

Michael LaRosa said Jill Bidens foot was punctured while she was walking on a beach in Hawaii last weekend, but it was unclear what object caused the puncture.

After the procedure at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, LaRosa said, The wound is now clean, free of infection and it is anticipated that it will heal nicely.

President Joe Biden joined his wife at Walter Reed for the procedure. The Bidens returned to the White House Thursday night.

The incident occurred last weekend before Jill Bidens two official events in Hawaii, where she went after attending the start of the Olympics in Tokyo, LaRosa said.

During her time in Hawaii, she visited a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Waipahu and later joined military families for a barbecue at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
Karimnagar: BJP leader Etala Rajendar fell ill on Friday on the 12th day of his padayatra and was shifted to Hyderabad for treatment. The padayatra has been suspended for the present.

He fell ill after having lunch at Kondapaka village of Veenavanka mandal. A doctor, who was called in, found his blood pressure at 90/60 and sugar level at 265. Rajendars oxygen level was down, and the doctor recommended that the leader be taken to Hyderabad for treatment.

Former MLA Enugu Ravinder Reddy, who was accompanying Rajendar, said that for the past few days Rajendar was suffering from fever. His legs were swollen due to continuous walking.

Rajendar, who started the padayatra on July 19, has so far covered 222 km and visited 70 villages.

In a statement, Rajendar said he would resume the padayatra after recovering.

Meanwhile, BJP state president Bandi Sanjay Kumar enquired about Rajendar's health condition. Party vice-president D.K. Aruna called Rajendars family members on the phone to know his health condition.
The Higher Education Department issued orders to implement the "Let's Go Digital" project and setting up a committee for the same, an official statement said. (Representational image: PTI)

Thiruvananthapuram: After schools, the higher education institutions will adopt digital path for studies in Kerala as regular classes are not possible due to the continuing threat of the COVID-19 spread. The state government recently formed a special committee to implement the digital education in higher education institutions including colleges and universities.

The Higher Education Department issued orders to implement the "Let's Go Digital" project and setting up a committee for the same, an official statement said here. The 19-member committee, chaired by Higher Education Minister R Bindhu, would have eminent academicians Rajan Gurukkal and Saji Gopinath as vice chairpersons and additional chief secretary V Venu as convener.

The panel would ensure the Learning Management System (LMS), based on Moodle (an open source learning platform) , to all institutions, would provide the necessary Cloud to impart training to teachers and students in digital learning and to set up smart classes in all institutions, it said.

The committee would begin its operations soon, official sources here added. The government had already made the 'digital reopening' of the state-run and aided schools in the state in June by launching online classes through its KITE-Victers channel as the institutions were shut due to the spread of the pandemic.
KAKINADA: Maoist Week celebrations are underway in the Agency area from July 28 to August 3. Even as police strongly feel that there is no significance of Maoist activities in West Godavari district, the outlawed group created a stir in Kukkunuru mandal on Saturday by pasting pamphlets with red clothes at the panchayat office at Veluru, a merged village from Telangana as part of Polavaram Irrigation Project.

There was a threat to nursery owners, Telugu Desam and YSR Congress leaders and non-tribal farmers who were asked to stop exploitation of small nursery growers. They warned that they would meet the same fate as that of one Ramireddy who was murdered in a public court in Banjara Gudem. The same pamphlets were pasted at Amaravaram panchayat a week back.

The pamphlet, written in the name of CPI (Maoist) Party of Communist Party of India, stated that some TD and YSRC leaders were colluding with big nursery traders, who come from outside and purchase at cheap rates from small growers and sell them at exorbitant prices.

If these leaders and traders dont change their attitude, they face elimination, said the pamphlets, adding that TD and YSRC leaders had formed a syndicate.

Though non-tribal farmers have got land compensation for Polavaram Project, they are still cultivating and doing injustice to the poor tribal people in the mandal, which should be stopped forthwith, it said.

Meanwhile, Kukkunuru Circle Inspector Durga Prasad said that the pamphlets appearing at Veleru and Amaravaram villages, pasted by the Maoists were similar. They were investigating whether the pamphlets were really written by Maoists or not. A case has been registered on the issue.

Meanwhile, it is said that the non-tribal farmers are worried over the threatening letter. They said that cultivation is their livelihood but if the government settles their R&R packages, they would immediately vacate the villages.
China has a serious problem. Beijing claims that it liberated Tibet 70 years ago, but in the recent confrontation in eastern Ladakh, it was the Tibetan troops serving with the Indian Army who successfully fought against the Chinese.

When Chinas overlord Xi Jinping, who is also chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited Lhasa last week, on July 22 and 23, he is bound to have discussed this burning issue, especially after his tour of the Indian border region the previous day.

In Lhasa, Mr Xi met the PLAs top brass stationed in Tibet as well as their Western Theatre Command bosses from Chengdu. Mr Xi didnt mention the recruitment in his speech. Over the past 70 years, troops of the Tibet Military District successfully completed a series of heavy tasks in the snowy plateau and withstood the test of the arduous environment and complexity of the country in order to uphold national security and unity and promote the development of Tibet, he said. With Gen. Zhang Youxia, CMC vice-chairman, and a large number of three and two-star generals in attendance, the issue must have come up at a closed meeting.

The question of Tibetans recruitment in the PLA has become acute for the CMC after Nyima Tenzin, a Tibetan officer, sacrificed his life during an Indian Army operation to take control of the Kailash range on the southern bank of Pangong Tso (lake) in Ladakh on August 29, 2020. At that time, many in India discovered the existence of the Special Frontier Force (SFF) Tibetan troops, also known as Establishment 22 or Vikas Regiment. In the night of August 29-30, Tibetan commandos managed to capture from the Chinese a string of strategic high-altitude areas on the Kailash range. It was a resounding victory for India.

The PLA, in contrast, has very few Tibetan soldiers and practically no local officers.

From that time, rumours circulated that the PLA wanted to replicate the SFF, but its doubtful if Beijing can succeed, for several reasons.

In the meantime, the Chinese propaganda machine is working full swing. A few weeks ago, a Tibetan female sniper called Dawa Choekar came into the limelight: she was described by CCTV Military as an amazing female soldier in Special Forces. It said: The story of her efforts to achieve a counterattack [against India?] is more exciting than you think!

Dawa belonged to the first mobile detachment of PAPs Tibet Corps; she enlisted in the Army in September 2013. She broke through the language barrier, kept reading the news and looking up the dictionary every day, the website said, adding she could write a neat application for joining the party. It is worth noting that recruits have to first join the Communist Party.

Nobody can deny Tibetans have always been good warriors; in the 1950s-60s, the Khampa freedom fighters gave a nightmare to Chinese generals for years. There were persistent rumours recently that the PLA was recruiting exclusive military formations of ethnic Tibetans That would be entirely new, and difficult to corroborate.

On June 4, China National Defence News commented on the National Defence Education under Conditions of Dispersion: a farmer living near the border was quoted as saying: Our village has a special geographical location, and our home is connected to the gate of the nation [Indian border]. To protect our home is to defend the border.

In summer 2020, it was reported the Shigatse military sub-district sent a national defence education propaganda team to the border: The alpine pasture in Gyeru Village in Kampa County [north of Sikkim] carried out national defence education for grazing people on the borders. The sub-district is focusing on national defence education and often sends out preaching teams to open mobile classrooms to ensure national defence education strengthens the nation and brings awareness for jointly guarding the border.

That is the formula repeated ad nauseum by party cadres; the website says that in Shigatse City enlistment has risen by an average of 25.8 per cent: With the continuous advancement of the preaching squad, the national defence awareness of herdsmen continued to increase it has become the norm for the military and civilians to join hands to defend the border.

On March 10, 2021, China Tibet News referred to the recruitment process. It appears some 3,800 people applied for recruitment in Tibet in the first half of the year; it was not specified if they were Tibetans, probably they were, though the recruitment appears to cover the PAP and the militia too.

On March 8, 22 young women from all seven cities (also known as prefectures) in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) passed the preliminary screening and took part in the final conscription medical examination at TMD hospital. Under Chinas Military Service Law, male citizens who have turned 18 can each year register for military service before June 30. The applicants are regular high school graduates, full-time college graduates and current students, all between 18 and 22.

If this information is correct (17 women selected out of 753 candidates), the induction of Tibetans is minimal, some two per cent for the women, which means around 60-65 men would be selected. One can think the proportion may be higher for men, but even if it is five per cent, it makes 150 recruits. Given that there are two recruitment sessions every year, one can evaluate the number of new male recruits may be 300 per year.

This is without taking into account special recruitment drives, if any. (Nothing has been reported so far in Chinese websites and blogs).

It is, however, certain that a large number of candidates wont be able to pass the political exam, which is crucial for the PLA or the paramilitary forces like the militia.

Communist China sees with a certain envy, if not jealousy, how India has managed to recruit several thousands of Special Forces troops among the Tibetan community in exile. The PLA also knows well they cant trust the Tibetans: a word from their Leader in Dharamsala and the troops will desert. Its much easier to do propaganda films than to change the hearts of the local population.

Theres no doubt that all these issues were discussed at the encounter between Xi Jinping and the generals in Lhasa on July 23. And while all this is ominous for India, it will remain a formidable task for the CMC to recruit Tibetans that the Communist Party can actually trust.
ANANTAPUR: IIT Hyderabad has done around 1,400 experiments in 13 disciplines for engineering academics through virtual labs during the lockdown. Taking this virtual lab concept as inspiration, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Anantapur (JNTUA) has introduced it in all its engineering colleges in the Rayalaseema districts.

JNTUA vice-chancellor Prof. G. Ranga Janardhan said that at least 25 percent of laboratory activities will be through virtual labs.

IIT Hyderabad uploaded 1,400 experiments of the Indian curriculum related to engineering technology on its website. Our university is utilizing the virtual laboratory concept and also encouraging private engineering colleges to make use of them during the lockdown period, he said.

Though, the virtual lab method would not be more effective than conducting experiments at the laboratories of university and colleges, closure of colleges during Covid has made it difficult to provide practical knowledge to students and virtual mode would be helpful, the VC opined.

Meanwhile, JNTUA plans to introduce other subjects in the curriculum under the MERO programme to improve skills among the students in other subjects.

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The highly transmissible Delta variant of coronavirus is spreading rapidly across Sri Lanka and comprise around 30 per cent of the new cases reported in Colombo, the health authorities said on Monday, advising the government to stop relaxing travel restrictions.

Deputy Director-General of health services Dr Hemantha Herath told reporters that the Delta variant, first reported in India, has also spread to the southern districts of Galle, and Matara, as well as to the northern districts of Jaffna and Kilinochchi.

We have noticed that between 25-30 per cent of new cases reported from Colombo are of the Delta variant, Herath said.

The health officials said that about 35 cases of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, have been found in Sri Lanka so far.

Sri Lanka is fighting the third wave of coronavirus. More than 1,000 new Covid-19 infections are recorded daily, in addition to nearly 50 deaths.

The authorities have relaxed restrictions placed since early May. Still inter-provincial travel remains in limbo until August 1.

The first detected five cases of the Delta variant came from Colombo on June 17.

The public health inspectors have advised the government against further relaxing travel restrictions.

Sri Lanka has recorded near 300,000 cases since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020 with deaths nearing 3,700. Over 256,000 people have recovered from the virus.
Deepika on her character Meera on 12 Years of Love Aaj Kal: "She was simply beautiful, inside out"

Deepika Padukone is one actor who has time and again proved her versatility in her films. But Imtiaz Ali's Love Aaj Kal remains one of her most memorable works. Not only was she appreciated for her performance as Meera in the movie but it also proved to be one of he actress' most cherished character.

As the film ticks 12 years, the actor went on a trip down the memory lane and celebrated her character 'Meera'. Speaking about the film, Deepika shares, I cant believe its been 12 years since Love Aaj Kal already!Meera, I believe, was simply beautiful; inside out. A character many related to at the time. Just reminiscing about all those months we spent filming in Delhi and London, brings a smile to my face.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by #DeepveerMADRID/SPAIN (@deepikafaanpaage)

It was the actress' first film with director Imitaz Ali, who is known for his strong female characters in movies. The movie was a take on modern-day relationships and Deepika's performance as the free-spirited Meera was received well by the fans, and is still fresh in the minds of the audience. The actress' career graph is considered that of a legend, with a success strike rate of second to none.
Hansal Mehta pleads for 'dignity and privacy' for Shilpa Shetty, takes a dig at celebs for the lack of support during bad times

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta stood up in support for actress Shilpa Shetty whose name is being dragged through controversies after her husband Raj Kundras arrest. The actress recently approached the Bombay High Court to file a defamation suit against media houses for maligning her reputation and sought damages worth Rs. 25 crores.

Hansal Mehta in a series of tweets spoke in support of the actress asking everyone to leave her alone. If you cannot stand up for her at least leave Shilpa Shetty alone and let the law decide? Allow her some dignity and privacy. It is unfortunate that people in public life ultimately are left to fend for themselves and are proclaimed guilty even before justice is meted out.

If you cannot stand up for her at least leave Shilpa Shetty alone and let the law decide? Allow her some dignity and privacy. It is unfortunate that people in public life ultimately are left to fend for themselves and are proclaimed guilty even before justice is meted out.  Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) July 30, 2021

The filmmaker further took an indirect dig at colleagues of Shilpa in the industry who are nowhere to be seen. This silence is a pattern. In good times everybody parties together. In bad times there is deafening silence. There is isolation. No matter what the ultimate truth the damage is already done, Hansal added.

Talking about celebs in a crisis falling prey to trashy gossip he wrote, This vilification is a pattern. If the allegations are against a film person there is a rush to invade privacy, to pass sweeping judgement, to character-assassinate, to fill 'news' with trashy gossip - all at the cost of individuals and their dignity. This is the cost of silence.

This vilification is a pattern. If the allegations are against a film person there is a rush to invade privacy, to pass sweeping judgement, to character-assassinate, to fill 'news' with trashy gossip - all at the cost of individuals and their dignity. This is the cost of silence.  Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) July 30, 2021

Shilpa Shettys involvement in the porn racket came under question after her husband Raj Kundra was arrested as a key conspirator in the case by the police. The actress has apparently in a statement to the police denied knowing about the content of the Hotshots app where adult content allegedly produced by Kundra was uploaded.
Sidharth Malhotra joins Kiara Advani's intimate midnight birthday bash, attended by her parents and close friends

Kiara Advani rang in her 29th birthday with her closest friends, family and alleged boyfriend Sidharth Malhotra. The actress gave fans a sneak peek into her birthday celebrations from last night. The actress seems to be having a great time with her oldest goldest gang but Sidharth sitting next to the next in a group picture definitely caught the attention of her fans.

Dressed in a yellow satin top paired with white pants, Kiara looked stunning as she rang in her birthday. She can also be seen dancing on top of a couch and with a friend later. Sidharth dressed in blue is also seen clicking pictures of the birthday girl while he posed with Kiara and her friends in another.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by KIARA (@kiaraaliaadvani)

The Shershaah co-stars have been rumoured to be dating since they got cast for the film. They are often seen entertaining fans with their social media banter and are frequently clicked in each others company.

While the two actors refuse to comment on their relationship, their vacations and dinner dates certainly gave wind to the rumours. On Kiaras birthday today, Sidharth shared a sweet post for the actress. He wrote in an Instagram story, Happy Birthday Ki, Shershaahs journey with has been incredible. Lots of memories from this one Stay amazing. Big Love.

Their film Shershaah will release on Amazon Prime Video on August 12.
Bigg Boss OTT: Former contestant Vivek Mishra was asked to do nude yoga

Bigg Boss OTT is currently the show grabbing all the healines. The show would be taking the digital route for the first time and Karan Johar would be hosting this one. Neha Bhasin has been confirmed as a contestant and unofficially a number of names have been floating around. Now, former Bigg Boss contestant Vivek Mishra, who was seen in the 7th season, said he was also approached.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Team Vivek Mishra (@yogavivek)

In an interview with ETimes, he said makers approached him to spice up the show by doing nude yoga! Yes, you heard that right. He said, "I was offered to be a part of OTT and do nude yoga or semi nude yoga to spice up the content. I was taken aback to hear it. They said that they are looking for 5 former contestants to spice up the show. Been there done that, so why would I perform nude yoga to add content to a pioneer reality show. I am too sexy and expensive to do that. I did say to them that if you expect me to do this then pay me Rs 50 lakhs for a day. I am not a starlet or want to get featured in a show on the basis on nude yoga."

So yes, he has turned down the show! Well, earlier Mallika Sherawat has also claimed that she was approached but has turned it down. The show will stream from 8th August.
Bigg Boss OTT host Karan Johar wants Ranbir and Kareena Kapoor to be locked inside the house

Well, ever since India's biggest reality show Bigg Boss OTT has been announced, there have been rounds of speculations about which contestant will be participating. Lets wait for that list to be announced! But, when we asked Karan Johar, who he thinks will be a great fit to enter the house amongst his friends circle, you wont believe what he said! He quipped, Two people who can get the OverTheTop quotient right would be Ranbir and Bebo! They share the same vibe!! And will great fun to watch. Wow, if only. Watching Kareena Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor will be Over The Top, in true sense. What do you think??

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Voot (@voot)

He added, Im really looking forward to meeting all the contestants and making some life-long memories with them. Believe it or not! This season, Bigg Boss OTT will have lots of drama and will surely be Over the Top. I can tell!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by  Ranbir Kapoor  (@ranbirsfandom)

Fans can expect a one-of-a-kind experience with direct and deeper engagement, empowerment, and indulgence in the ongoing daily drama of the house, where a line-up of some of the most sensational names from showbiz are likely to compete.
A shocking nine people have drowned at waterways on the island of Ireland in seven days.

This has prompted Water Safety Ireland to make a national stay safe appeal to the public throughout the Bank Holiday weekend and the month of August.

People are advised to swim only at Lifeguarded waterways or in areas that are traditionally known to be safe and have ringbuoys available for rescues.

Water Safety Irelands Better Safe, Than Sorry appeal

1. As you social distance, avoid swimming in unfamiliar areas that are potentially unsafe. Swim at Designated Bathing Areas where lifeguards are on duty  full list available at www.watersafety.ie/lifeguards/

2. If there is no Designated Bathing Area near you, then visit https://watersafety.ie/open-water-swimming/ for comprehensive advice. Swim at known traditional bathing areas where there are ringbuoys erected that you can use for rescues. Ask for local knowledge to determine local hazards and safest areas to swim. Pay attention to any safety signage identifying hazards.

3. Swim within your depth and stay within your depth. Make sure that the edges are shallow shelving so that you can safely and easily enter and exit the water.

4. To escape a rip current, swim parallel to the shore and then swim back ashore. See www.watersafety.ie/rip-currents/

5. Inflatable toys pose a real threat to life and should not be used at open water locations as the slightest breeze can take children away from shore, out of their depth. Parents and guardians need to be particularly careful to ensure that children are supervised at all times in, near or on water.

6. Never swim in quarries or reservoirs.

7. Alcohol is a factor in one third of drownings  never mix alcohol with water activities.

8. Always wear a correctly fitting lifejacket when boating and have a means of communication in a waterproof pouch.

9. Beware of stranding by incoming tides. Carry a charged phone at all times and in an emergency, call 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

10. If you see somebody in trouble in the water: SHOUT  REACH  THROW

a. SHOUT to calm, encourage and orientate them;

b. REACH with anything that prevents you from entering the water (clothing/stick);

c. THROW a ringbuoy or any floating object to them.

Know The Lifeguard Flags

No Lifeguard flag means that there is no Lifeguard on duty.

A red flag means that a Lifeguard is on duty but has deemed conditions to be too unsafe to swim.

The red and yellow flags mean a Lifeguard is on duty and the Lifeguard is patrolling between those flags.

Visit www.watersafety.ie for more information.
A family of a teenage girl say they are thrilled that the HSE has finally sorted out a system for allowing them to purchase life-changing medicinal cannabis under a ministerial licence.

The issue of Abigail McQuillan (16) from Blackrock, Dundalk, had been raised in the Dail earlier this year by Deputy Ruairi O Murchu, who also contacted Health Minister Stephen Donnelly about it.

Abigails family had been paying 600 per month for the treatment through a chemist in Newry, but the family was facing a bill of 4,000 up front for three months supply from The Hague, after issues after Brexit meant the Northern prescription was no longer valid.

However, last week her mother, Deborah Downey, was contacted by the HSE to say that a new scheme is in place that means she will no longer have to find the cash to pay for the treatment from The Hague.

Under the new scheme, the HSE will pay the medicinal cannabis provider directly, leaving the family without the stress of having to come up with the money.

Deputy O Murchu said he was pleased to see a resolution to the situation, which has been ongoing for more than eight months.

He said: Abigails mother, Deborah Downey, contacted my constituency office in December and since then, we have been working to try to get a resolution to this for the family.

I raised it directly with Ministers Varadkar and Donnelly in March, and had numerous contacts with the health ministers department, subsequently.

But progress was very slow. The system was much too complicated for people to navigate.

Abigail has been in receipt of the ministerial-approved medicinal cannabis for almost a year for Lennox Gastaut Syndrome.

The burden of having to pay for this life enhancing treatment for her was weighing heavily on her family.

Under the new scheme, the medicinal cannabis for Abigail will be supplied to her without the cumbersome system of the family paying first and the reimbursement taking months to come through.

The HSE will pay the medicine supplier directly. This is really good news for Abigails family, who tell me that she has now gone more than 70 days without a seizure and, for the first time in a long while, they are looking forward.

I want to pay tribute to Deborah for her tenacity in bringing this to a successful conclusion.
FILE - In this Oct. 14, 2020, file photo, housing activists erect a sign in Swampscott, Mass. A federal freeze on most evictions is set to expire soon. The moratorium, put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in September, was the only tool keeping millions of tenants in their homes. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)
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
The United Arab Emirates has sent six Yemeni detainees who were first held at the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and then in the Gulf Arab federation, to their home nation of Yemen


Kristina Beggen is an organizer with Food & Water Watch and the Stand Up to Factory Farms Coalition. She works at the nexus of environmental and social justice.
CORK Penny Dinners were thrilled to have a visit from Speedo Mick, who is on a 3,200km (2,000-mile), five-month trek across Ireland and the UK. He is donating to a number of local charities along the way.

As well as raising funds, he has been donating to charities and good causes, through his charity, the SpeedoMick Foundation.

One of his selected charities was Cork Penny Dinners, who were over the moon to get a visit from the Liverpool man, real name Michael Cullen, but better known as Speedo Mick.

Sure, were over the moon, said Caitriona Twomey, of Cork Penny Dinners.

Speedo Mick visit to Cork Penny Dinners, Little Hanover Street, Cork.

Hes a survivor. Hes very courageous in what he is doing and going around and spreading the word about his foundation and giving back the way he gives back.

He has a great back story himself  a hard, tough one  but he has come out the other end of it, so, I suppose, we in Penny Dinners would see that happening in our recovery meetings, and stuff like that, and helping people get back on their feet. Its a beautiful thing hes doing.

Ms Twomey said it is always nice to get more money for Penny Dinners, but, as Mick himself said, its not about the money, its more about the time that we share with each other.

I think that kind of epitomises us, as well. Were all about the heart and the love, she said.

The latest leg of Speedo Micks tour commenced in Cork on Friday.

The mission of the SpeedoMick Foundation is to provide support for young people through education, poverty relief, or mental and physical health support.

Speedo Mick, singing I Can See Clearly Now, with Caitriona Twomey, Cork Penny Dinners, with members of the Cork Missing Persons Search & Recovery, Everton Supporters Group and High Hopes Choir, on Little Hanover Street Picture: Jim Coughlan.

What Mick is doing now is hes sharing his story, sharing his time, raising his money to help othersand bringing a bit of fun and craic to it, said Ms Twomey.

Speaking ahead of his journey to Cork, Speedo Mick told The Echo.

I was the hopeless case sitting in the doorway, Mr Cullen said. I suffered from addiction, self-loathing, and everything else that went with that. I could never say I fought back, but what I did do was surrender. I surrendered to someone elses idea of how to live.

[Now]I try to give away as much as possible. However, its me who gets back the spiritual dollars. This walk isnt just about fundraising. Its about raising smiles and connecting with people.

Mr Cullen said he could never have envisioned himself wearing Speedos among friends, never mind publicly. Before, when I was told I could only swim the Channel wearing Speedos, I refused and tried to persuade them to let me wear my shorts, instead, Mr Cullen said. Weve all had those dreams where we find ourselves in public in our underwear, but this is what Im doing every day. Its all about the power of being vulnerable.

Id like to encourage as many people as possible to open up and be vulnerable, too.

Speedo Micks charity, Leave the Light On, runs community projects for disadvantaged people of all ages and has an emphasis on mental health and positivity.

The Everton FC fan will clock up more than 1,000 miles on his journey and also hopes to meet relatives. I have cousins in Cork, who Im really looking forward to meeting, Mr Cullen said.

The Liverpool native has been overwhelmed by the positive reaction from strangers.

There are people who say, You have made such a difference to me and Do you mind if I walk with you? One woman told me that I saved her life, after she heard me talking on the radio, and that meant so much. Every day you dont talk to someone, that weight you are carrying around gets heavier. Thats why Ive been picking up a stone to put in my bag every day of the walk, Mr Cullen said.

Its a good reminder of what that extra weight can feel like. My bag has become very heavy now, but this is nothing compared to what people are carrying around, because of reasons like a fear of rejection.
A NUMBER of Cork children are at risk of permanent joint damage because they are waiting as long as three years for a juvenile-arthritis diagnosis.

Chairperson of juvenile-arthritis awareness charity, iCAN, Wendy Costello, highlighted the concerns for parents in Cork whose children are spending years on waiting lists.

Ms Costello said that international health advice recommends that children be seen within six weeks of arthritis symptoms, yet many are waiting years just for a diagnosis.

The average waiting time for a diagnosis used to be two years, but now this has increased to three years, she said. The real danger is that there are different types of arthritis, so its difficult to predict just how severe the risks could be. For example, systemic idiopathic arthritis means there is a possibility it might not just affect the joints, but also organs like the liver, lungs, and heart.

The situation is also frustrating for the consultants treating children with juvenile arthritis.

Every child, irrespective of what type of juvenile arthritis they have, needs to be seen quickly, Ms Costello said. This is extremely frustrating for consultants, because the longer kids have to wait, the stronger the medication they have to endure and more intense their physio will have to be. The fact that children are having to wait this long to be seen is unacceptable.

Some of the children on waiting lists in Cork suffer from Down syndrome-associated arthritis (DA). It is an aggressive, erosive, inflammatory arthritis affecting one in every 50 children with Down syndrome.

Eithne Hayes, from Rochestown, whose 10-year-old daughter, Tara, suffers from the condition, expressed concern that the illness may be going undetected in many children with Down syndrome.

Tara was part of a study that was done as part of research, Ms Hayes said. If it wasnt for this, we would have had no idea that she might have it, or that there might be a higher instance in children with Down syndrome. The GP never suspected that this may be the case with Tara, as she is hyper-mobile. We were really surprised to get the diagnosis. Tara only has a few words, so it was hard for her to get across what she was feeling. The only thing that indicated to us that she was in any pain at all was when she would bite her hands. It was only when she was in excruciating pain that she started crying. Sometimes, a child can just be in an irritable mood, so it can be hard to make that connection.

Despite being in the system, there are still challenges, Ms Hayes said: Tara is undergoing immuno-suppressive therapy, which means she has to get injections every two weeks. We also need to get bloods done to make sure her immune system is not so suppressed that she wouldnt be able to fight common infections. When the cyber attack hit, we werent able to get bloods done, so we had to get on to Crumlin to see if we could still give her immuno-suppressive therapy. You are always nervous about giving an injection to a child, not knowing how stable their immune system is.

The mother of three said she feels for children who are on the waiting list, after seeing the physical pain that results from her own daughters condition.

Its so hard knowing that your child is in pain and that there is something that can be done. When this is the case, it makes it even more difficult to see your child suffering.

To find out more about the charity iCan, visit their website.
A GROUP of bars in Cork has set up a first-of-its-kind Covid-19 testing system to ensure peace of mind for staff and customers alike.

The Reardens Group of Bars, which includes Reardens, the Oliver Plunkett, Chambers, and Preachers Bar, has commenced a daily programme of Covid-19 antigen testing for all members of staff.

The Reardens Groups 200 employees are antigen tested at a dedicated facility, which is located alongside Preachers Bar, and cannot attend work until they receive a negative result.

All members of staff are paid to attend work 30 minutes before their shift when they head to the facility where they take an antigen test under supervision.

Staff cannot go to work or enter the premises they work in without a green armband to signal that their test was negative.

Paul O'Driscoll, duty manager of the Oliver Plunkett Bar, undertaking the antigen test before his work shift started, at the Reardens Group antigen testing centre in Cork.

The testing system officially began this week and according to Reardens Group general manager John Styles, their aim is to ensure both staff and customers feel safe and comfortable.

Mr Styles said the idea came about following concerns around the Delta variant and their young staff, in addition to the move to indoor dining.

We have a lot of young people in here and we were concerned, and we dont need an outbreak in the venue, he said.

Its important that now that weve gone indoors, that we can facilitate people properly indoors.

Though the process is expensive, Mr Styles said the company believes the staff and customers deserve safety and it could be the future for large events.

A number of medical students who are all also staff members from across the group oversee the testing progress.

Medical student Caoileann Nic a Bhaird, who worked as a waitress at the Oliver Plunkett prior to the creation of the facility, said they see more than 120 members of staff tested per day.

I think a lot of people come in a bit nervous because it makes everything very kind of real, she said.

But then theyre all very relieved when they go to work, and I think its nice to be able to go into work and be able to know OK, well Im not putting anyone in danger here. I can serve everyone very safely and its actually a nice feeling.

Staff conduct the antigen test themselves under the supervision of those manning the testing system.

They see their results within 15 minutes and if they are positive, they are sent for a PCR test immediately.

Thankfully, there has not yet been a positive test.

Reardens duty manager Abbie Murray described the process as quick and easy.

You go in there and its done within 10 or 15 minutes, she said.

Its just basically for peace of mind. You know youre coming in here, you know youre coming into a safe environment and its the same with the customers.
A twelve-year-old Limerick boy was attacked by an adult couple and robbed of his mobile phone in an apparent case of mistaken identity where the couple wrongly believed the boy had been bullying younger girls.

These were the allegations made in the course of a bail hearing.

Detective Garda Dave Barry objected to bail being granted to Denise OKeeffe, 33, and Damian Fitzgerald, 35, who both had an address at Ballynanty Road, Limerick, and are not charged with robbery.

The case was dealt with at Cork District Court.

We have a situation where a twelve-year-old boy was attacked and robbed on the street by two grown adults, Detective Garda Barry said.

Despite objections to bail being granted to Denise OKeeffe, Judge Olann Kelleher did grant her bail on condition that she would have no contact direct or indict with the 12-year-old alleged victim. She is also required to stay out of Limerick city and county and keep a nightly curfew at an address in Cork city between 9pm and 7am.

The address in Cork was given to gardai but not disclosed in court.

Defence solicitor, Diarmuid Kelleher, said there were reprisals for this alleged incident and Denise OKeeffe was attacked that night  July 20  at a relatives home in Limerick.

Det. Garda Barry said it was alleged that this was a case of mistaken identity where OKeeffe and Fitzgerald mistakenly believed this 12-year-old boy had been bullying younger girls.

It was alleged that the boy was attacked by the couple, in the course of which his phone was robbed from him.

OKeeffes case was adjourned until September 1.

Fitzgerald has yet to apply for bail. He was remanded in custody on the same robbery charge to appear at Limerick District Court on August 4 when it is anticipated that he will make an application for bail.
CLONAKILTY was among the first areas in the county this weekend to offer walk-in vaccinations for those yet to register.

Clonakilty GAA Club was transformed into a walk-in centre to cater for vaccine recipients who turned out at the venue between 11am and 3pm on Saturday. The facility offered first doses of the Pfizer vaccine for those over the age of 16.

Pictured is 16 year old, Ciara Brady, from Clonakility, after her vacination, at The Clonakilty Covid-19 walk-in vaccination centre

Healthcare workers continue to work around the clock to ensure as many people are vaccinated as possible. It comes as the Delta variant continues to wreak havoc around the world.

Meanwhile, the roll-out of other vaccination hubs are still underway with a walk-in clinic set to operate at Bantry Primary Care centre from 11am and 3pm on Sunday. Cork City Hall will also offer the service, between 1pm and 4pm on Sunday.

Twins Sean and Liam Gallagher, 17 years old, Bandon, after receiving the vaccine by appointment which was also the first day of walk-in vaccinations for Covid-19 at Clonakilty GAA Club, Co. Cork.

Anyone over the age of 16 who has not received the vaccine is welcome to come along.

Chief Director of Nursing/Midwifery, vaccination lead for the South/South West Hospital Group, Bridie OSullivan, said the walk-in clinics provide a "great opportunity for anyone who hasnt yet registered for any reason to get their vaccine.

We are pleased to be in a position to make it as easy as possible for anyone who wishes to get a vaccination to do so as quickly as possible," she added.

"Vaccines offer our best protection against the effects of another wave of Covid-19 infections. Vaccination is free, safe and efficient."

Orla Moroney, 16 years old, Enniskeane, Co. Cork, arriving with her mother Susan on the first day of walk-in vaccinations for Covid-19 at Clonakilty GAA Club, Co. Cork.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin praised the success of Covid-19 vaccinations at walk-in clinics via social media.

Great to see the walk-in #Covid19 vaccine clinics up and running  and the positive uptake already," he said on Twitter.

The vaccination programme across Cork and Kerry is run in partnership by the South/South West Hospital Group and Cork Kerry Commuity Healthcare, with the support of many parts of the HSE including HSE Estates; ICT and others.
The sun is beating down in Cork city, and the streets are just slightly uncomfortably full of people out on a Saturday evening, considering the wider circumstances.





Its your writers first in-person interview in at least 16 months, and if Dylan Howe, fresh from his bands celebratory proceedings the night previous, is also apprehensive, hes playing it very cool, strolling out of a crowd to sit down outside our agreed coffee shop - albeit visibly amused by a drink sent flying as my hand shoots up to wave hello.





Its been a busy time for the band hes in, of course - Cork-based trio Rowan started the pandemic scrambling for higher ground along with so many others in their position, but by sheer dint of the reach of the internet, their debut EP, a source of some very real pre-pandemic momentum locally, ended up in the ears of A&R types at Beverly Martel, a Los Angeles-based indie label. Howe and bandmates were skeptical at first.





Within two minutes, he rang me, and it was just like, "yes, we like your stuff, and I want to sign ye"

We released that EP in November (of 2020). And Sandy (Roberton, label head) heard it then, by January, I think. He manages a bunch of producers, and I think one of the producers was a fan of ours, he sent it on to Sandy, who just got onto us. We kind-of thought it was a bit of a scam, at first, we were like, who is this guy? Like, LA labels? I dunno, like "prince of Nigeria" stuff, like?

Chimes in Fionn Hennessy-Hayes, weighing in somewhere between solar-powered optimism and being fresh from peeling himself from his couch: It was very much an email out of the blue. We weren't expecting it, it was like, "hey, can you guys jump on a quick call? Give me your number." And then, within two minutes, he rang me, and it was just like, "yes, we like your stuff, and I want to sign ye." We went, "okay".

It's been a busy year for Rowan

Its an odd spot they find themselves in, then, much like many Irish bands whose work and daily mundanities have suddenly taken on a transatlantic aspect - straddling the worlds of Irelands comparatively close-knit music scene and the promise of broader horizons.





While the pandemic has put paid to the practical part of that work for now at least, the lads are glad to have a hand with the business of being a band.



It hasn't really felt that different (in one way). I mean, we're still, we're still doing stuff ourselves, says Howe.

The biggest thing for us, I think, is it takes away the PR side of things, the emails and the press releases, all that stuff. We were doing all of that ourselves, and it was getting in the way of actually writing music, meeting up and playing music together.



It's just the approach that the PR company takes, like, the label and the PR company, they already have an 'in', adds Fionn.





That's something that we didn't have, and even in terms of scheduling social posts and that sort of thing, it's like it's a whole new thing. So having them with the ideas and the brains behind that side of it has been great.



The bands second EP, Everybody Talks, came out last Friday, alongside the video for its third single, post-punk-inflected shimmerer One of These Days.





At a time when survival is success, the band are delighted with its release at all, much less the reaction and support its drawn - including BBC Radio airplay across the pond.





Yeah, I think the singles have done really well, says Fionn.





Like, TodayFM has given the first two singles a lot of play. And then our second single was track of the week, and it was played everyday on 2FM.



I'm extremely proud. We wrote a lot of the songs over lockdown, and it was kind of a real combined effort in terms of the whole writing process, which is kind of a new thing for us. So I think that comes across that they're much, much bandier and bigger than on the last EP.



Keeping that momentum going and even building over the course of immensely challenging circumstances for artists is a testament to the hard graft put in by the bands constituent parts.





Rowans Everybody Talks EP is available for streaming.

Theres challenges and upsides to the new processes and communication that artists have worked with over the last 16 months, and the lads are no exception.





It was definitely tough, because the three of us were based in Cork, and it was easy to meet up, says Rowe. With the pandemic, everyone kind-of went home.





So Fionn was up in Longford, and Kevin was up in Donegal, so we really had to make a conscious effort to be like, "right, what are we doing today? Why are we doing it? Can we write something, email people, whatever it may be? We're like, let's just not let it stop the momentum.





I think it really afforded us the freedom to hone in solely on Rowan, adds Fionn, speaking of said upsides.





We just said "right, this is it. This is our thing. This is what we're going to just hone in on"

The three of us were very busy session musicians, pre-pandemic, so when all of those things went out the window, we just said "right, this is it. This is our thing. This is what we're going to just hone in on."

The question of what next for the band is tied to their wants and needs from the post-pandemic picture in their home city - a pertinent question considering the slow upward shift in gear in recent times around music and cultural spaces.



I would love, for Cork in particular anyway, just to have a bit more support behind venues, Rowe opines.





I think there's a major gap in venues and like I mean, you can do Coughlan's, which is an 80-capacity venue. The next step up is Cyprus Avenue, which is 500-plus cap. That gap is huge. There needs to be a bit of a revival in venues.

Rowans Everybody Talks EP is available for streaming on all the usual services via Beverly Martel Records.
Homelessness groups have said they are deeply concerned about a new rise in family homelessness in Ireland.

Figures released today by the Department of Housing show the number of people experiencing homelessness returned to above 8,000 in June.

The increase saw 23 more adults and children recorded as homeless, bringing the total figure to 8,014.

The increases fell most heavily on Dublin, where the number of homeless adults rose by 15 to 4,069 and the number of families rose by 14 to break the 700 threshold again at 702.

Outside the capital there were 412 homeless adults in Cork, 218 in Limerick and 62 in Waterford.

We must have a plan in place coming into the winter months

Anthony Flynn, chief executive of Inner City Helping Homeless (ICHH), said the country was moving into a trend of increases across the homeless spectrum.

Whats worrying is... an increase of 123 per cent in families entering homeless for the second quarter on the same period last year, he said.

With restrictions being lifted and an increase in eviction notices now being sent to tenants we will continue to see more enter homelessness in the coming weeks and months... We must have a plan in place coming into the winter months.

The organisation also cautioned that current homelessness figures do not include people sleeping rough, families in womens domestic violence shelters, people in direct provision, travellers awaiting proper housing or site supports and people couch surfing.

'Precarious progress'

Also responding to the figures, director of advocacy at Focus Ireland Mike Allen said the increase in family homelessness in June is a stark reminder of how precarious the progress in tackling homelessness really is.

In the last year and a half we have seen great progress reducing the overall figures, but this was a result of an immediate response to the pandemic with welcome measures like the eviction moratorium rather than a long-term plan, he said.

We have to remember that, even with the recent progress, the number of families homeless remains four times the level it was in 2014, when the then Minister for Housing declared it an emergency crisis.

The Government has decided not to continue many of the policies which cut family homelessness  such as greater protections against evictions  and the underlying causes of the problem has not been addressed, and must be in the Government's Housing for All strategy.

Mr Allen said Focus Ireland services across the country were reporting households experiencing increased financial stress as the economy reopens, which is leading to families being on the verge of homelessness.

He said people can show their support for the #FocusOnFamilies campaign by contacting their local TDs on the issue through its campaign page.
Mary Helen McDowell, 97, of Athens, passed away Friday at her residence. Mrs. McDowell was born August 28, 1923 in Oakman, Alabama. She was a graduate of Phillips High School and Howard College. She later was employed as a telephone operator in Sheridan, Illinois, then as a teacher at Sherid
Mobile app shops are cracking down on one of the higher-profile communities spreading anti-vax misnformation. Bloomberg reports that Apple has removed Unjected, a hybrid social and dating app for the unvaccinated, for "inappropriately" referencing the COVID-19 pandemic's concept and themes. While Unjected bills itself as a place to find others who support "medical autonomy and free speech," social posts on the site have included false claims that vaccines modify genes, connect to 5G and serve as "bioweapons."

The app founders are also embroiled in a fight over their Android app. Google told Unjected on July 16th that it had two weeks to remove the misleading posts from its app to avoid a Play Store ban. The developers responded by pulling the social feed. However, co-creator Shelby Thompson said Unjected planned to defy the request by restoring both the feed and the offending posts.

We've asked Apple and Google for comment. Unjected still has a presence on Instagram despite that social network's anti-misinformation stance, although that account mostly promotes its views on "freedom" and only occasionally mentions falsehoods, such as incorrect claims that mRNA vaccines alter DNA. We've asked Facebook for a response as well.

Unjected is small compared to mainstream social networks, with roughly 18,000 app downloads (according to Apptopia). However, the crackdown clearly serves as a warning  Apple and Google won't tolerate apps that knowingly accept and encourage the creation anti-vax content, even if they aren't directly producing that material.

Update 7/31 6:18PM ET: Apple told Engadget that Unjected violated rules demanding reliable COVID-19 information from trustworthy sources, like health agencies and medical institutions. The tech firm further accused Unjected of less-than-honest tactics. The app producer reversed changes made to comply with App Store rules, and encouraged users to help it dodge those rules by avoiding the use of telltale words. Trying to cheat the system is itself grounds for a ban, according to Apple. Don't expect Unjected to come back.
Rivian might not be focused solely on expanding its US production. Sky News sources claim the EV designer is in talks with the British government to build a manufacturing plant near Bristol. The discussions aren't yet in late stages, but the focus is reportedly on production for the vehicles themselves rather than batteries, although there was room for an all-encompassing Tesla-style gigafactory.

Rival proposals have come from Germany and the Netherlands, Sky claimed. If the UK plant did go ahead, though, the government could supposedly invest "well over" 1 billion (about $1.39 billion). Rivian declined to comment.

There's certainly pressure to commit to international expansion. Rivian has just one factory, a former Mitsubishi plant in Illinois, and it only just unveiled plans for a second American facility that might also produce batteries. That output could limit potential sales, especially outside of North America, and might hamper Amazon's electric delivery van rollout.

This could help Rivian scale to counter rivals like Tesla and Volkswagen, both of which are rapidly growing their EV manufacturing bases. The UK intends to ban sales of combustion engine cars in 2035, and that means switching local production to EVs. A Rivian factory could help the country transition to EV manufacturing, not to mention encourage sales that would make public acceptance that much stronger.
The perpetrators of the SolarWinds hacks apparently targeted key parts of the American legal system. According to the AP, the Justice Department says hackers targeted federal prosecutors between May 2020 and December 2020. There were 27 US Attorney offices where the intruders compromised at least one email account, officials said.

The victims included some of the more prominent federal offices, including those in the Eastern and Souther Districts of New York as well as Miami, Los Angeles and Washington.

The DOJ said it had alerted all victims and was taking steps to blunt the risks resulting from the hack. The Department previously said there was no evidence the SolarWinds hackers broke into classified systems, but federal attorneys frequently exchange sensitive case details.

The Biden administration has officially blamed Russia's state-backed Cozy Bear group for the hacks, and retaliated by expelling diplomats and sanctioning 32 "entities and individuals." Russia has denied involvement.

It's not certain if the US will escalate its response. The damage has already been done, after all. This further illustrates the severity of the attacks, however, and hints at the focus  they were clearly interested in legal data in addition to source code and other valuable information.
Graveside services for Annie (Thibodeaux) Rowley, 72, Enid, are 10:00 am, Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at Enid Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home. Condolences may be made at www.ladusauevans.com.
One of the functions of Parliament is to provide institutional space, promote deliberation and offer discursive/communicative space for hitherto marginalised, muted sections to acquire skill and power of knowledge to make speeches that are proportionate to the public cause they are supposed to represent in Parliament. The culture of deliberation in Parliament is a measure to assess the normative quality of the speech in terms of how close it is to the social reality that lies outside Parliament. Deliberation becomes robust because it is packed with the force of transformative reason and processed through democratic procedures. Transformative reason finds its purpose and validity in an enactment of pro-people legislations. It is needless to mention that legislating on public matters is the result of thoughtful and careful deliberations. The question that needs to be raised here is, if reason is the main driving force of deliberative speeches, why does one find an increasing use of emotions in the speeches made by the members of Parliament (MPs)?

Here we need to acknowledge that deliberation in the Indian context has been accommodating in it, both ethical/moral as well as rational elements. Apart from the power of reason, deliberation for its reinforcement also requires an additional power of morality that seems to be required to not only drive the point home but also to get other members to appreciate the importance of the public concern being articulated in the speech. Some of the members are forced to invoke emotions in particular contexts of social and health tragedy. Invoking emotions in the speech, arguably, becomes unavoidable when the opposition members fail to yield any response from the government. Hence, speech with good emotions becomes necessary to recover the moral valuation of the victims of various forms of incarceration and, in the recent case, of COVID-19. Without the aid of either reason or good emotions, such valuation is likely to be lost between the denial of intensity and magnitude of tragedy and its accurate description. It has been alleged that some of the government authorities have not been providing entire data regarding steps taken to control the pandemic or the exact figure of the dead. The laps in accurate description of the pandemic by the medical experts has been another problem.

The deliberation negotiated through the narrative mode of speech by some of the members from the opposition reveals the truth which is proportionate to the trauma and tragedy that was the result of the transgression evident in the collective failure of both the state and those who were motivated by belief to participate in their own precarity through different ways.

The deliberative speech takes a realist turn which assigns emotions a benign function to inflict a moral burden on the sentient, if not a thinking being. For example, when a particular MP from the opposition is narrating the seriousness of human tragedy, such as mutilation of a rape victim or humiliation of the dead bodies, or the predicament of the protesting farmers and the minorities, the other members are supposed to take the moral burden, at least to listen to the member making the speech. In fact, members even from the treasury benches are supposed to reflectively absorb in the speech that apparently seems to be riven by emotions that would perhaps bring about change in their conduct in the house. It is in this sense, speeches packed with benign emotions are quite absorptive.

In the more recent years, the speeches made by the MPs can thus be characterised as absorptive at their best and theatrical at their worst. Theatrical speeches do contain emotions but they are bereft of sincerity of purpose and authenticity of representation. Sincerity of purpose could be defined in terms of being consistent, both inside and outside Parliament in opposing forces that inflict violence against the tormented masses. Authenticity of representation could be understood in terms of standing on the side of truth as evident in social realities such as victims of rape, caste atrocities and COVID-19 deaths. Arguably, theatrical articulation was evident in the speeches that were made in the tragic aftermath of Rohith Vemulas death. It suggests that there is an absence of prosaic truth which acts as a matrix of moral sensibilities. The prosaic truth is evident in the narrative speeches that are shared in the house of Parliament. Such speeches are bereft of speculative, contemplative, spiritual and metaphysical content but are emotional and hence are absorptive involving the intensity and magnitude of the tragedy, which is immediate and hence morally troubling.

Put differently, deliberative speech is not aimed at mesmerising the opponents or the members from the treasury benches but inviting them to participate in the discussion. Ethics involve the expectation that the members listen to each other and it also incorporates standards of rationality in argumentation. It ultimately contributes to the dignity of Parliament.
CONTACT: Pamela D. Wilson +1 303-810-1816

Email: Inquiry_For_Pamela@pameladwilson.com

Golden, Colorado  July 31, 2021

The Caring Generation Things Caregivers Wish Parents Knew

Golden CO- Caregiver subject matter expert Pamela D. Wilson hosts The Caring Generation podcast show for caregivers and aging adults. This coming Wednesday, August 4, 2021, Wilson shares insights about what adult children wish aging parents knew about the challenges brought about by caregiving responsibilities.

New podcasts for The Caring Generation series are released on Wednesdays. Featured are tips and conversations about aging, caregiving, family relationships, and health. In addition, listeners receive information on how to plan for care situations and avoid mistakes due to a lack of experience and knowledge. The Caring Generation is available on Wilson's website and all major podcast and music apps.

Caregivers Have the Best of Intentions

Family caregivers and caregivers working in home healthcare, care communities, and healthcare professions have the best intentions. Desiring to be helpful, caregivers often go the extra mile, sometimes to the point of exhaustion and self-neglect.

When care expectations are not thoroughly discussed within families or in the workplace, caregivers can make faulty assumptions. For example, aging parents may expect children who live 2,000 miles across the country to fly home every time there is an emergency. Some parents expect adult children to move into their home, or vice versa, to provide care.

Setting clear expectations and boundaries for what caregivers should and should not do is essential in the workplace. Care workers can become personally attached to clients by sharing personal information or by treating clients like family members. While taking a personal interest in a client can be seen as an act of caring, when professional caregivers are emotionally swayed to act against company guidelines or policies, crossing professional boundaries can be problematic.

Caregivers ask, "what's the problem with giving a client my cell number, or why is bringing my children to the home of a client a bad thing?" When a client calls the caregiver for a health emergency at midnight instead of 911 or when the client's family begins to question why a parent is giving money or gifts to a caregiver for their children, caregivers' best intentions and personal motivations raise questions.

Caregivers Feel Bad About Sharing Their Feelings

Caregiver burnout and resentment happen when adult-child caregivers trade their lives and time to care for elderly parents. In many cultures expressing feelings to aging parents of exhaustion, stress or frustration is taboo. The idea of duty to family and doing whatever it takes is admirable. Still, it often results in physical and emotional health issues for caregivers who take on sole responsibility for parents' care.

Adult children caregivers don't express their feelings to elderly parents because they don't want to make parents feel like their care is a burden. However, the reality is that many adult children caregivers give up careers, lose jobs, become financially disadvantaged, delay education, experience marital break-ups, and damage personal relationships to care for aging parents.

While discussions may be uncomfortable, talking about caregiving challenges with aging parents is critical to ensure that relationships do not become resentment-filled. While adult children have good intentions, they cannot always fulfill promises to keep a parent out of a nursing home or keep a parent at home.

In addition, when health conditions change and care situations become more demanding, caregivers may not provide safe and appropriate care for elderly parents. Things caregivers wish parents knew is that they have the best intentions but may not be the permanent or only solution to provide care for the remainder of a parent's life.

Wilson works with family caregivers, groups, and corporations worldwide to educate about the role strain that caregivers experience, managing, and planning for health and aging issues. More about Wilson's online courses for elderly care, individual elder care consultations, caregiver support, webinars, and speaking engagements are on her website www.pameladwilson.com. Pamela may also be contacted at +1 303-810-1816 or through the contact Me page on her website.

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JOSEPH, Ore. (AP)  Quincy Ellenwood smiled as a pair of young Nez Perce men rode their horses across a hay field here Thursday.

Their pace  slow and steady  quickened without warning. Soon the two men, one shirtless and the other wearing a beaded vest, raced across the grassy slope.

"There they go, look at them. They get to do that now, said Ellenwood as he fanned himself with an eagle wing. Can you imagine how a whole camp was here and boys and young men and young ladies would ride their horses all around. It was like that all day, every day.

As he spoke, other Nimiipuu people sang, danced and drummed in a longhouse, celebrating and blessing the 148-acre property the tribe purchased last December.

The people are excited to come back home, said Casey Mitchell, a member of the tribes executive committee. When we sing our songs and we dance, we are letting our ancestors know we are back and that our love for this land will never die.

Known as Amsaaxpa, or place of the boulders, the land is a traditional campsite and one of the last places occupied by Chief Joseph and his band before they left the Wallowa Valley and their northeastern Oregon homeland under threat of military force in the spring of 1877.

The Army was forcing them to live in Idaho and within the boundaries of a reservation defined by the 1863 Treaty. At just 770,000 acres, it was a fraction of the territory they were promised in the Treaty of 1855 and smaller yet than the tribes 17 million acre traditional homeland.

Tribal Chairman Samuel Penney said to this day Nez Perce people call it the Steal Treaty because few of the tribes bands signed on to the rushed agreement precipitated by pressure from settlers and the discovery of gold near Pierce. But in the governments eyes, the treaty was valid and Nez Perce from places like the Wallowas, the Salmon River, White Bird and the Palouse were forced to relocate.

Later that summer, friction over the treaty and the forced exile led to war. A faction of the tribe engaged with the army in a series of battles that stretched nearly 1,200 miles across Idaho and Montana. Chief Joseph eventually surrendered in the Bear Paw Mountains. He and many of his people were never allowed to return to the Wallowa Valley.

Despite the official exile, other Nez Perce people have been coming to the valley for more than a century to practice their religion, visit grave sites, hunt, fish, dig roots and pick berries. For decades they have participated in the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo that is being held this week. But the purchase gives them a place to stay, to be more than visitors in their own homeland.

We are resilient people. We were forced out of here, but now look, weve come back, said Ellenwood, also a member of the tribes executive committee. We never really left but now its in black and white. Its ours.

A few hours earlier, tribal leaders on horseback headed a procession of riders and walkers from Joseph High School west along Wallowa Avenue, following the tribes traditional Imnaha Route to the property. Some wore traditional dress while others stuck with modern outfits. Among the crowd were elders, toddlers and every age between.

I think its realy cool seeing all of us come together and being able to walk on our homelands and take back our culture, said Gabby Lewis, 23, of Spokane.

The short, 1-mile ride and walk was a symbolic nod to the heartbreaking trip Joseph and his people made as they left the scenic valley framed by towering peaks.

There was a point where our elders turned back and thought they would never come back to this place and many never did, said Nakia Williamson, director of the tribes cultural resource program. As our people left on horses, we wanted to return on horseback.

It was also a day for healing. Some of the differences and rifts  brought on by those who signed onto the 1863 Treaty and those who didnt, those who practice traditional religion and those who follow Chrstianity  have persisted. The nontreaty Nez Perce were sent to Oklahoma and later to the Colville Reservation in northeastern Washington.

Our people are buried in different areas, but this is where they are from, said Jewie Davis, a Nez Perce man who lives at Nespelem on the Colville Reservation. Those of us descended from Nespelem and those from Lapwai and those from Pendleton  there needs to come a time and a day when there is healing between all of us.

Shannon Wheeler, vice chairman and a descendant of Chief Josephs sister, said the Place of the Boulders belongs to everyone.

We are all the same people. We are no different, he said. We can point to the things that separated our people. That is behind us.

We are all equal to the land. That is what this place is for. That is what this blessing is for.

Its also a chance to strengthen relationships with the land that Williamson said are central to the Nez Perce. The land is more than just crops it can grow or animals it can support.

The land and us is the same, he said. What you call resources is a part of our life, and so when we advocate for these resources we not only advocate for our life but all of humanity, all of you and for us to continue this life that has been carried on for thousands of years, thousands of generations.
Civil rights advocates, politicians and celebrities gathered again at the Texas Capitol on Saturday to rally in favor of voting rights, as Democrats hope to keep momentum with just a week left before the end of the special legislative session in Austin.

The rally, which drew several thousand attendees, marked the end of a Selma-style march to the Capitol  a 27-mile journey from Georgetown to Austin that activists split over four days. It was organized by the Poor Peoples Campaign, a group inspired by Martin Luther King Jr., and is at least the fourth such demonstration thats taken place at the Capitol since May.

As demonstrators finished the last leg of their march, they greeted a crowd in front of the Capitol holding signs: Texas deserves better, Its about us, We care, we vote. They sang along with the performers on the center stage as they belted out the labor movement anthem We Shall Not Be Moved.

The right time to do right is right now, the Rev. William J. Barber II, a national civil rights leader who spearheaded the march, repeated throughout the rally.

It culminated with a live performance by Willie Nelson, who sang the classics Whiskey River and Good Hearted Woman. His set ended with a newer song, Vote Em Out, which opens with the line: If you dont like whos in there, vote em out; thats what Election Day is all about.

The marchers have demands ranging from a $15 minimum wage to immigration reform, but their most pressing concern is new voting restrictions that have been proposed or passed in GOP-led states. Texas, which already has some of the nations strictest laws on voter registration and mail ballots, is among them.

TEXAS TAKE: Get the latest news on Texas politics sent directly to your inbox every weekday

This summer, Republican leaders at the Capitol are pushing a bill they say would improve election security. But critics call it another attempt to make it more difficult for all Texans  but especially Black and Latino voters  to cast their ballots.

Marchers approached the Capitol on Saturday carrying a lilac-colored casket, which Barber said represented that extremists in statehouses all over the country are trying to have a funeral for our voting rights and living wage.

Theyre trying to bury them, but we are the moral resurrection, and it will not happen on our watch, he said.

Speakers included faith leaders, voting rights advocates and people who said theyd be affected by the Texas legislation. The lineup also featured Julian Castro, the former San Antonio mayor and U.S. secretary of housing and urban development, and Beto ORourke, the former congressman from El Paso whos considering a run for Texas governor.

We are the courage this country needs, ORourke said.

The rally comes at a critical time for Texas House Democrats, who are still riding the high of a headline-grabbing quorum break that has blocked the GOPs voting bill, at least for now.

More than 50 Democratic legislators fled to Washington, D.C., last month to deny Republicans the quorum needed to pass the voting bill. The AWOL Democrats hope to buy time for Congress to pass federal voting legislation that would nullify the proposed state-level changes. Theyve pledged to stay in Washington until the special session in Austin ends Aug. 7.

But it seems inevitable that the Republican bill will eventually pass, despite the stalling tactics. Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, has pledged to call as many special sessions as needed until a voting measure passes  and will start the next one as soon as Aug. 8.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the GOP head of the Senate, declared last month that this bill is going to pass.

The latest version of the legislation, though much narrower than a bill that prompted another Democratic walkout in the House, on May 30, would still touch nearly every corner of Texas election law.

It would outlaw voting methods piloted in Harris County last fall, including drive-thru and 24-hour voting, and introduce new ID requirements for absentee ballots. The bill also removes some restrictions on partisan poll watchers, which Democrats say could lead to voter intimidation.

But the measure also expands the number of counties that need to keep polls open for at least 12 hours during the last week of early voting, and it introduces a new process for voters to correct absentee ballot signatures so that their votes are not discarded.

It would standardize voting hours across the state, opening a voting window starting at 6 a.m. and ending at either 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. (The Senate version of the legislation dictates 9 p.m.; the House bill, 10 p.m.)

A small group of Republican counterprotesters was also present Saturday, setting up on the sidewalk in front of the Capitol. As the voting rights rally went on, they chanted: One person, one vote. Their signs sent clear messages, too: Democrats dont stand a chance when its hard to cheat and easy to vote, Read the bill. Democrats lie.

State Sen. Bryan Hughes, a Mineola Republican who authored the Senate version of the legislation, said in a Friday interview that criticism of the measure comes down to partisan generalizations on social media that dont necessarily reflect the bills language or its impact. He said Texas legislation has been unfairly lumped in with more far-reaching measures in other states.

This is an ongoing process for us, but theyre trying to drag us into this national debate about other states, what theyre doing, Hughes said. And so, yes, its frustrating. When were able to focus on what is in Senate Bill 1, people are fine.

cayla.harris@express-news.net
The Mission San Antonio de Valero proved to be the most enduring of the more than 35 Spanish-Indigenous missions established in Texas, according to local expert Susan Snow.

Snow was one of several historians to detail the transition of the mission into El Alamo  a site fortified with the addition of walls, artillery and two roofs built by the U.S. Army for about $3,000. The Alamo Citizens Advisory Committee is hosting a series of discussions on the significance of the fort as plans to build a $250 million museum and visitor center on the historical site move forward.

It actually is the most successful mission because its the center of the South Texas community, said Snow, archaeologist with the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

The mission was one of five along the San Antonio River that were open with dirt roads running through each. It was established in 1718 and moved twice, settling at its permanent spot in 1724. Mission de Valero was enclosed with an outer perimeter wall by the 1780s.

Then, the Spanish government began phasing out presidios in Texas, except for those in San Antonio and Goliad that had been built for protection.

Theres many reports of inadequate support from the Presidio de Bejar, Snow said during the discussion last week. In fact, there are reports where they call out, particularly to Mission San Jose, which had the largest Indigenous militia with up to 103 armed men at a time, to come and help because they didnt have enough soldiers at the presidio.

By 1780, all five of the San Antonio missions as well Espiritu Santo (Goliad) further south are described as having walled compounds, Snow added.

On ExpressNews.com: Is planned Alamo exhibit hall too plain?

Even though friars saw a decline in converts at the missions, the churches were completed and perimeter walls were expanded before the missions began secularizing in the 1790s. Even Rancho de las Cabras, a compound near Floresville that served Mission Espada, added a chapel and enlarged outer wall, possibly to protect private ranchers.

When the villagers of Bejar are under threat, they dont go to the presidio because it still doesnt have any fortifications. They come to San Antonio de Valero for protection because its a fortified site, Snow said.

Decades later, under Mexican rule, a March 1835 law required that artillery be placed in a central location.

Thats part of the reason why the Alamo is chosen as the site for battle, Alamo history researcher Kolby Lanham said.

In 1836, the Alamo had 24 cannons  the largest concentration of artillery west of the Mississippi. Many were on makeshift carriages and werent positioned well for the few men in the fort to fire them from the walls.

So even though the Texans had the benefit of the artillery, they lacked the appropriate angles, Lanham said.

After the U.S. annexation of Texas in 1846, the Alamo was converted to a quartermaster depot and used as a staging area for military operations. Saddles, uniforms and everything from a can of smoked oysters to a horseshoe landed in government shipments at Indianola and was brought to the Alamo before being sent to frontier posts, said Donald Frazier, director of The Texas Center at Schreiner University in Kerrville.

This is not sexy real estate, Frazier said. This is central receiving and shipping for the entire Texas line of forts.

But a remodel of the two-story Long Barrack, deemed the Alamos principal building by the Army, and the church to serve as a warehouse, ensured a future for the two mission structures. In 1850, the church got its first permanent roof, made of 13,552 feet of lumber, 400,000 shingles and 500 pounds of nails.

On ExpressNews.com: replace this text with your teaser head and add hyperlink

Frederick Law Olmsted, a landscape architect, abolitionist and journalist, wrote in 1857 that the Alamo was a mere wreck of its former grandeur, with a few irregular stuccoed buildings, huddled against the old church, in a large court surrounded by a rude wall.

Since the heroic defense of (William Barret) Travis and his handful of men, in 36, it has been a monument, not so much to faith as to courage, he wrote in A Journey Through Texas.

Snow said the site has fulfilled its purpose.

Its been used and reused and continues to be the center, regardless of what stage of building construction its in, she said. It remains that monument to its beginnings and its future.

Two more discussion sessions are planned: Whos Who, Where and When on Aug. 10; and Civil Rights Movement on Aug. 17. The sessions begin at 5:30 p.m. and are streamed live and archived at youtube.com/cosagov.

shuddleston@express-news.net
Courtesy /Bexar County Sheriffs Office

A San Antonio firefighter has been arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated after police say they saw him driving without his headlights on in the popular St. Marys nightlife strip.

After officers turned on their emergency lights to pull him over early Friday morning, Nicolas R. Delacruz, 27, drove onto the sidewalk and parked there, according to preliminary information from the police department.
The state has ignored San Antonios request for 550 nurses to help fill a shortage caused by a flood of COVID-19 patients, telling the city it will have to use its own federal stimulus money to pay for the reinforcements.

The state previously had hired staffing companies to send travel nurses, doctors and respiratory therapists to help hospitals keep up with surges of COVID-19 patients.

But in a letter sent Thursday to city and county leaders across Texas, the state directed local governments to instead make their own plans to increase hospital staffs before asking the state for help.

Thats a reversal from the earlier approach, when the state spent about $5.39 billion  which was reimbursed by the federal government  to hire staffing companies to send thousands of medical providers to help hospitals keep up with surges of COVID-19 patients, according to state data.

The move has left health care leaders, hospital administrators and government officials across Texas scrambling to find a way to quickly hire more medical staff at a time when hospitals are struggling to retain employees and keep up with patient volumes.

Since the start of July, the number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Texas has shot up by 250 percent. In San Antonio, the situation is even more dire: COVID-19 hospitalizations are up by 430 percent.

We have patients waiting in the lobby; we have patients in the hallway, said Tommye Austin, the chief nurse executive for University Health, one of the largest hospitals in San Antonio. Every nook and cranny in this organization has a patient.

At the height of the pandemic, about 1,600 nurses and respiratory therapists were sent through state contracts to help San Antonio-area hospitals. But the last reinforcements left in May.

Now, as the more infectious delta variant spreads across San Antonio, emergency rooms are filling up again and hospitals say they need 550 more nurses to treat patients.

Exhausted nurses are again being asked to take on more shifts. Hospitals are competing with each other to recruit employees, as communities all over the U.S. deal with similar staffing shortages driven by rampant burnout among medical providers stretched thin by the pandemic.

Gov. Abbott is not thinking about any nurse, Austin said. We have been in the trenches nonstop for the last 16-plus months.

Gov. Greg Abbott has left little if any authority to cities, counties and school districts to fight the spread of COVID-19 and make sure people get vaccinated.

Abbott lifted the states mask mandate in March and occupancy restrictions for businesses like restaurants, retailers and movie theaters. He has resisted calls to put them back in place and stripped mayors and county judges of the ability to enact their own rules as the virus rages anew.

With the new school year on the horizon, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff called on Abbott this week to at least allow school districts to adopt their own mask mandates. Children under the age of 12 cant get the vaccine, they noted. But Abbott held firm.

Abbott also has made clear he has no intention of making vaccinations mandatory in Texas.

On Thursday, he issued an executive order firming up a previous order that forbids local governments and any entities that receive public dollars from mandating vaccinations  at least until the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines win final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Right now, the vaccines are approved under an emergency authorization.

The states move baffled Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, who said he couldnt understand why the state should operate differently than it did during previous surges. Using federal stimulus dollars to help pay for medical staff isnt off the table, he said, but its not clear how much it would cost.

Theres been so many failures at the state level, its hard to enumerate them, Wolff said. This is one thats totally unnecessary. I dont know why they couldnt do what they did before because its 100 percent refundable.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg declined to comment.

The state health department said San Antonio and Bexar County have received more than $700 million in federal recovery dollars, which can be used to pay for medical staff need to care for a surge of COVID-19 patients.

Seth Christensen, a spokesman for the Texas Division of Emergency Management, said that only when the resources are exhausted from a local level do we then initiate and ask for state assistance.

He said the state was also hoping to solve a problem that arose when the state provided contracted medical staff: Some nurses quit their jobs at Texas hospitals to join staffing companies that offered higher pay.

How does the private sector health care system work in Texas on a daily basis? They deal with these staffing fluctuations, Christensen said. And so were asking them to use the (federal) funding that has been made available to them to meet their staffing needs today.

But the move has caused anxiety among health providers across the state, particularly those in rural communities that had trouble attracting nurses and doctors to their hospitals even before the pandemic.

In a letter sent this week, John Henderson, the CEO of the Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals, urged Gov. Greg Abbott to immediately take steps to provide additional medical staffing to the states rural hospitals.

Before the pandemic, many rural hospitals in Texas were already experiencing financial crises, a situation driven by declining reimbursements from government insurers; rising operating costs; shrinking populations in rural communities; and a growing number of medical bills that patients cant afford to pay.

Then the pandemic struck. Henderson told the governor that some of the hospitals came precariously close to closure during the first surge.

Most of these hospitals have not fully recovered financially from the first surge, Henderson wrote. Staffing is more challenging today because health care workers have been pushed to the boundary of human performance, staff have been lured away by higher pay and others chose to leave or retire.

marina.riker@express-news.net

jfechter@express-news.net
Two Latina leaders who raised money for the Biden campaign have decided its time to confront the White House about the dismal job its doing recruiting, interviewing, hiring and appointing Latinas to top posts in the Biden administration.

They wonder if Latinas have been ghosted by a man to whom they gave overwhelming support. They call Latina appointments spanx slim, a reference to tight-fitting garments designed to make women appear thin.

Elaine Coronado and Maria Rita Jaramillo say Latinas have become an invisible constituency.

Theyve reached a limit, even with a president they admire.

Coronado is a San Antonian who lives in Washington, D.C., most of the year. She co-produced the Latino Inaugural, a tribute to Latino resiliency, democracy and promise. Actress-activist Eva Longoria Baston and Democratic fundraiser Henry R. Munoz III, who both have San Antonio ties, were executive producers of the event.

Jaramillo, a federal retiree, has experience in various agencies and has worked in multiple administrations.

Theyve co-founded a national network of Latina powerhouses called Leonas, Spanish for lionesses. The organization has 800 members who advocate for equity and inclusion nationwide.

If theyre anything like Jaramillo and Coronado, theyre fierce, empowered and tired of excuses. They say the networks name fits their state of mind.

Theyve tried to influence the Biden administration behind the scenes. Theyve collected resumes and sent them to the right people. Theyve identified Latinas from past administrations who are ready to serve.

Some havent even been interviewed, they say.

Its been hard to come by data that would show with precision how well or badly the Biden administration is doing on Latina hiring.

But leonas have eyes.

They pay attention to whos in the White House, whos been hired for top posts by Cabinet members and whos been named to ambassadorships.

If the administration was doing well on hiring Latinas, they would broadcast it.

Coronado and Jaramillo say the Biden administration is failing Latinas, who are under-represented in the new administration despite having raised money for the president and having delivered votes to help elect him.

The leonas tout the data they do have.

Latinas make up 19 percent of the U.S. female population, and half a million Latinas turn 18 every year. By 2060, one in every three women in the U.S. will be Latina. Nearly a third of the population will be Latino by then.

Sixty-eight percent of Latinos voted for Biden, and Latinas voted 3 to 1 for Biden.

So, Leonas are done being polite.

Theyre making decisions without us in the room, Jaramillo said. Its bad politics. Its bad policy. Its bad personnel.

Leonas grew out of a political fundraising group led by Munoz . The Presidente Finance Council ultimately raised $40 million for the Biden campaign, and that doesnt include what Latinos donated directly or through other groups.

Leonas arent the only Latino group fighting for inclusive hiring. Proyecto 20%, a coalition of Latino organizations, is pressing Biden to commit to filling 20 percent of his administrations 4,000 appointed positions with Hispanics.

But Leonas may be the only effort focused solely on Latina hiring.

After Coronado and Jaramillo raised $100,000 for Biden, they convened a group of Latinas at Munozs request. He suggested they could call themselves comadres for Biden.

For Coronado and Jaramillo, that friendly, familial title  Spanish for co-mother or godmother  didnt reflect how they felt about fairness and equity. Leonas felt right.

They acknowledge that Biden named Isabella Guzman, a Latina entrepreneur and a veteran of the Obama administration, to head the Small Business Administration. They applaud Biden for giving 58 percent of his appointments to women.

Jaramillo said two Latinas are working in hiring and personnel roles in the administration. Thats good. They are trying. But something is not right.

They have no idea if Biden is aware of the problem or of the tension among Latinas who worked so passionately to get him elected.

Neither would speculate as to what could be behind the void. But they note that there is a general misconception about Latinos in the United States  that theyre primarily immigrants and not yet formally educated, professionally trained and experienced.

Its a myth.

Rita and I have great respect for President Joe Biden and believe he is a decent and good man, Coronado said. But we believe he can do better with fulfilling his campaign promise of making his administration look like the faces of the United States.

Many senior jobs have been filled, but the eventual game of musical chairs will create new opportunities.

Coronado and Jaramillo thought of someone who could help the Biden administration correct course, and it wasnt a Latina. We need a Julian Castro, someone of that stature, who brings history and knowledge to the Biden administration, Jaramillo said.

Theyre political, and they know the payback that results from broken promises.

Coronado, as an independent, isnt tied to one party anymore.

Jaramillo says shes flexible, too.

I might be convinced to join her, she said, especially if the Biden administration doesnt respond to a pair of roaring Leonas backed by 800 more.

eayala@express-news.net
Saturday marked the third time in as many months that former U.S. Rep. Beto ORourke has headlined a voting rights rally at the Texas Capitol, as Democrats hope to keep momentum with just a week left before the end of the special session in Austin.

The rally, which drew several thousand attendees, marked the end of a Selma-style march to the state Capitol  a roughly 27-mile journey from Georgetown to Austin that activists split over four days. It was organized by the Poor Peoples Campaign, a group inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr.

As demonstrators finished the last leg of their march, they greeted a crowd in front of the Capitol holding signs: Texas deserves better, Its about us, We care, we vote. They sang along with the performers on the center stage as they belted out the labor movement anthem, We Shall Not Be Moved.

The right time to do right is right now, the Rev. William J. Barber II, a national civil rights leader who spearheaded the march, repeated throughout the rally.

It culminated with a live performance by Willie Nelson, who sang the classics Whiskey River and Good Hearted Woman. His set ended with a newer song, Vote Em Out, which opens with the line: If you dont like whos in there, vote em out; thats what Election Day is all about.

The marchers have demands ranging from a $15 minimum wage to immigration reform, but their most pressing concern is new voting restrictions that have been proposed or passed in GOP-led states. Texas, which already has some of the nations strictest laws on voter registration and mail ballots, is among them.

TEXAS TAKE: Get the latest news on Texas politics sent directly to your inbox every weekday

This summer, Republican leaders at the Capitol are pushing a bill that they say would improve election security. Critics call it another attempt to make it more difficult for all Texans  but especially Black and Latino voters  to cast their ballots.

Marchers approached the Texas Capitol on Saturday carrying a lilac-colored casket, which Barber said represented that extremists in statehouses all over the country are trying to have a funeral for our voting rights and living wage.

Theyre trying to bury them, but we are the moral resurrection, and it will not happen on our watch, he said.

Speakers included faith leaders, voting rights advocates and people who said theyd be impacted by the Texas legislation. The lineup also featured Julian Castro, the former San Antonio mayor and U.S. secretary of housing and urban development.

We are the courage this country needs, said ORourke, who hasnt ruled out a run for Texas governor.

The rally comes at a critical time for Texas House Democrats, who are still riding the high of a headline-grabbing quorum break that tanked the GOPs voting bill, at least for now. More than 50 of them fled to Washington, D.C., earlier this month hoping to buy time for Congress to pass federal voting legislation, and theyve pledged to stay there until the special session ends on Aug. 7.

But it seems inevitable that the bill will eventually pass, despite the stall tactics. Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, has pledged to call as many special sessions as needed until a voting measure passes  and will start the next one as soon as Aug. 8.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee arrested at voting rights protest in D.C.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the GOP head of the Senate, declared at a news conference earlier this month that this bill is going to pass.

The latest version of the legislation, though much narrower now than the bill that prompted the first Democratic walkout in the House on May 30, would still touch nearly every corner of Texas election law. It would outlaw voting methods piloted in Harris County last fall, including drive-thru and 24-hour voting, and introduce new ID requirements for absentee ballots. The bill also removes some restrictions for partisan poll watchers, which Democrats say could lead to voter intimidation.

But the measure also expands the number of counties that need to keep polls open for at least 12 hours during the last week of early voting, and it introduces a new process for voters to correct absentee ballot signatures that would otherwise be tossed for not matching. It would standardize voting hours across the state, opening a voting window starting at 6 a.m. and ending at either 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. (The Senate version of the legislation dictates 9 p.m.; the House bill, 10 p.m.)

A small group of Republican counterprotesters was present on Saturday, setting up on the sidewalk in front of the Capitol. As the voting rights rally went on, they chanted: One person, one vote. Their signs sent clear messages, too: Democrats dont stand a chance when its hard to cheat and easy to vote, Read the bill. Democrats lie.

State Sen. Bryan Hughes, a Mineola Republican who authored the Senate version of the elections legislation, said in a Friday interview that criticism of the measure now comes down to partisan generalizations on social media that dont necessarily reflect the bills language or its impact. He said Texas legislation has been unfairly lumped in with more far-reaching measures in other states.

This is an ongoing process for us, but theyre trying to drag us into this national debate about other states, what theyre doing, Hughes said. And so, yes, its frustrating. When were able to focus on what is in Senate Bill 1, people are fine.

cayla.harris@express-news.net


Croatia Airlines recorded a net loss of 19.6 million euros during the first half of the year and has warned its business could be further impacted by the spread of new variants of Covid-19. The airlines financial performance is an improvement on last years loss of 23 million euros but still behind its 2019 half-yearly result which amounted to 12.1 million euros in the red. Expenditure was lower due to fewer operated flights and passengers carried. Despite greater expectations, the achieved results show a notable decline compared to the same period last year, the carrier said. It should be noted that part of the first quarter of 2020 was unaffected by the pandemic. Croatia Airlines recorded a net loss of 19.6 million euros during the first half of the year and has warned its business could be further impacted by the spread of new variants of Covid-19. The airlines financial performance is an improvement on last years loss of 23 million euros but still behind its 2019 half-yearly result which amounted to 12.1 million euros in the red. Expenditure was lower due to fewer operated flights and passengers carried. Despite greater expectations, the achieved results show a notable decline compared to the same period last year, the carrier said. It should be noted that part of the first quarter of 2020 was unaffected by the pandemic.





During the first six months of 2021, Croatia Airlines handled 208.657 passengers, representing a decrease of 36.9%. The average cabin load factor stood at 45.3% down 13.4 points on H1 2020. The carrier welcomed 71.367 travellers on domestic flights, down 15%, while 131.181 passengers flew on the airlines international operations, a decrease of 46%. The remaining 6.109 travellers were carried on charter services, representing an increase of 8%, however, this segment accounted for just 3% of total operations. The average cabin load factor on domestic routes amounted to 40.5%, down 13.4% points, while the average cabin occupancy on international services declined 12.5 points to 47.6%. A total of 5.421 flights were operated during the six-month period, down 4% on 2020. Over the first half of the year, the airline had 938 employees on the books, down from 1.029.





Commenting on its results, Croatia Airlines said, Despite some positive developments during the second quarter of the year, the company is still facing reduced demand and ticket sales, subsequently resulting in depleted revenue. In the coming period, this may again raise the issue of maintaining liquidity, especially given the unpredictability of the crisis. The company is undertaking all necessary measures to actively monitor liquidity and optimise operations. It continues to apply rigorous cost-saving measures. It added, Despite the company having greater expectations from the normalisation of operations and the resumption of flight, the ongoing crisis and the spread of the delta variant of the coronavirus will continue to impact on business.








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.

___

Associated Press writers Hope Yen and Josh Boak contributed to this report.
PARIS (AP)  Thousands of people protested France's special virus pass with marches through Paris and other French cities on Saturday. Most demonstrations were peaceful, but sporadic clashes with riot police marked protests in the French capital.

Some 3,000 security forces deployed around Paris for a third weekend of protests against the pass that will be needed soon to enter restaurants and other places. Police took up posts along the Champs-Elysees to guard against an invasion of the famed avenue.

With virus infections spiking and hospitalizations rising, French lawmakers have passed a bill requiring the pass in most places as of Aug. 9. Polls show a majority of French support the pass, but some are adamantly opposed. The pass requires a vaccination or a quick negative test or proof of a recent recovery from COVID-19 and mandates vaccine shots for all health care workers by mid-September.

Across the Alps, thousands of anti-vaccine pass demonstrators marched in Italian cities including Rome, Milan and Naples for the second consecutive week. Milan demonstrators stopped outside the citys courthouse chanting Truth! Shame! and Liberty! while in Rome they marched behind a banner reading Resistance. Those demonstrations were noisy but peaceful.

For anti-vaccine pass demonstrators in France, Iiberty was the slogan of the day. The marches drew some 204,000 people around the country. Some 14,250 people hostile to the pass protested in Paris, several thousand more than a week ago.

Hager Ameur, a 37-year-old nurse, said she resigned from her job, accusing the government of using a form of blackmail."

I think that we mustnt be told what to do, she told The Associated Press, adding that French medical workers during the first wave of COVID-19 were quite mistreated. "And now, suddenly we are told that if we dont get vaccinated it is our fault that people are contaminated. I think it is sickening.

Tensions flared in front of the famed Moulin Rouge nightclub in northern Paris during what appeared to be the largest demonstration. Lines of police faced down protesters in up-close confrontations during the march. Police used their fists on several occasions.

As marchers headed eastward and some pelted police with objects, police fired tear gas into the crowds, plumes of smoke filling the sky. A male protester was seen with a bleeding head and a police officer was carried away by colleagues. Three officers were injured, the French press quoted police as saying. Police, again responding to rowdy crowds, also turned a water cannon on protesters as the march ended at the Bastille.

A calmer march was led by the former top lieutenant of far-right leader Marine Le Pen who left to form his own small anti-EU party. But Florian Philippot's new cause, against the virus pass, seems far more popular. His contingent of hundreds marched Saturday to the Health Ministry.

Among those not present this week was Francois Asselineau, leader of another tiny anti-EU party, the Popular Republican Union, and an ardent campaigner against the health pass, who came down with COVID-19. In a video on his partys website, Asselineau, who was not hospitalized, called on people to denounce the absurd, unjust and totally liberty-killing health pass.

French authorities are implementing the health pass because the highly contagious delta variant is making strong inroads. More than 24,000 new daily cases were confirmed Friday night  compared to just a few thousand cases a day at the start of the month.

The government announcement that the health pass would take effect on Aug. 9 has driven many unvaccinated French to sign up for inoculations so their social lives wont get shut down during the summer holiday season. Vaccinations are now available at a wide variety of places, including some beaches. More than 52% of the French population has been vaccinated.

About 112,000 people have died of the virus in France since the start of the pandemic.

___

Patrick Hermansen and Michel Euler in Paris contributed.

___

Follow all AP stories on the global pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic.
Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media

BRIDGEPORT  Detectives are investigating leads after one person was shot on Remington Street Thursday night, according to police officials.

Capt. Kevin Gilleran said the citys Emergency Operations Center received a report about 6:20 p.m. of a person being threatened by another individual, armed with a gun, in the 100 block of Remington Street. Moments later, a second call came in, this one reporting a person shot at the same location, Gilleran said.
Flight attendants' and teachers' unions whose members are on the front lines of disputed covid safety protocols are ardent enforcers of mask mandates for the public but do not require their members to get vaccinated. Such inoculation is widely acknowledged as the most effective measure in stopping the spread of the highly infectious new Delta variant, while masking is viewed as of secondary importance and many are highly skeptical of its effectiveness and critical of its inconvenience.

As the Association of Flight Attendants continues to urge federal authorities to allow flight attendants to police passengers for masking  a policy that has led to fisticuffs on some flights  the union has struck an agreement with at least one airline, United, to allow unvaccinated members to fly. American Airlines and Southwest Air say they also do not require their flight attendants or other employees to vaccinate. Flight attendants for both airlines are unionized. Other airlines did not respond to inquiries.

Meanwhile, the American Federation of Teachers has refrained from demanding that its members be vaccinated, but it insists on masks for the nations mostly unvaccinated schoolchildren despite their low vulnerability to infection. The union also pushes for hazard pay and generous sick leave for teachers.

Related: Widespread New Moves to Require Worker Vaccines Washington Post

With President Randi Weingarten of the AFT, the nations largest teachers union, praising recent Centers for Disease Control guidance requiring unvaccinated students to mask up, some districts are imposing mask requirements for students regardless of vaccine status -- Philadelphia and Detroit public schools among them. The state of California is also imposing the requirement. Meanwhile, the Chicago Teachers Union is demanding that 80 percent of students be vaccinated before teachers return to the classroom. AFT affiliates represent teachers in all of those cities as well as parts of California.

The unions have maintained their stances throughout the pandemic. While virus cases in the U.S. have dropped 80 percent since January, the rapid spread of the Delta variant has alarmed public health officials and union leaders.

But there appears to be a disconnect between the positions of the two unions and their close allies in the Biden administration, which has always urged vaccination. Administration officials are now reported to increasingly refer to the current outbreak as a pandemic of the unvaccinated, although a new mask policy is said to be also under consideration.

In a June 30 letter to federal authorities, President Sara Nelson of the flight attendants union cited the Delta variant as a reason to keep passengers masked. The union did not reply to requests for comment on its vaccination position.

Masks not only help to protect more vulnerable passengers from the Delta variant, but they also help to protect passengers and crewmembers who are unable to get vaccinated for valid medical reasons -- but still need to fly, Nelson wrote in the letter to the Centers for Disease Control and the Transportation Security Administration. The letter came days after two Republican Senators introduced a bill in Congress to end mandatory masking on public transportation.

On planes, flight attendants conduct safety and mask checks, repeatedly cruising the cabin for violators. The flight attendants union as well as Air Line Pilots Association, International, the pilots union, insist on masking for their members to work safely.

Nelson claimed in her letter that while most passengers are compliant with mask mandates on airplanes, the number of in-flight conflicts between passengers and flight attendants was at an all-time high. In response, some flight attendants this month will begin self-defense training to deal physically with passengers who might react violently to orders.

Delta and United Airlines now require all new U.S. hires, including flight attendants and pilots, to be vaccinated, but vaccinations are not required for previously hired United flight attendants, per a deal between the union and the airline. Delta, where flight attendants are not unionized, did not respond to an emailed request for comment, nor did other airlines -- JetBlue, Frontier, Alaska, Spirit and Allegiant. Federal law can allow businesses to require the COVID-19 vaccine for employees under certain conditions.

American Airlines and United offer staffers extra vacation time off as an incentive to get vaccinated.

In public schools, no vaccine requirement has been imposed for students or staffers.

Weingarten told NPR recently that [nine] out of 10 of my members have taken the vaccines, while lauding the CDC guideline that keeps children under 12 masked this fall. But she may have misspoken: An AFT spokesman in an email said her statement referred to a poll in March by Democratic pollsters Hart Research Associates that found that 76 percent had been vaccinated. The telephone survey queried 1,700 of the AFTs 1.6 million members.

Weingarten, who for months advocated keeping schools closed despite numerous studies that found children were highly unlikely to carry the virus, declined an interview request.

With no vaccine requirement, school districts have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on barriers and masks.

The Texas State Teachers Association, an affiliate of the National Education Association teachers union, demanded protection for its members when the state forced public schools to resume in-person learning. So the district in the Dallas suburb of Richardson spent $663,000 on plexiglass shields to protect teachers, even as students were masked.

The teachers association was pushing hard for this, said Lynn Davenport, a local activist who has pushed back against strict mandates since the outset of the pandemic. They said it was what the teachers wanted.

Unions have used the virus to seek extra pay in some cases, citing hazard pay provisions in their contracts. And coronavirus stimulus pay has gone to teachers in some districts.

In the Lakeside Union School District in Southern California, the Lakeside Teachers Association negotiated nearly $247,000 in bonus payments to teachers, including monthly stipends between October and June totaling $167,000 for maintaining distance learning attendance records.

Richard Berman, executive director of Union Facts, a group that tracks and often criticizes organized labor, says that while the demands of flight attendants are somewhat understandable, much of the pressure coming from the two unions illustrates the political power dynamics at play. In both cases, the parents and the flyers are the most inconvenienced by these sought-after actions, Berman said.

In this case, parents and flyers are very unorganized and cant do anything to object in a meaningful way like a company can, Berman said. So even if the demands are unreasonable, it gives the union in both cases more power than they would usually have.

Union political donations, including those from the teachers' federation and flight attendants union, overwhelmingly support Democrats and liberal causes.

The unions Democratic allies in Congress last year advocated for the most stringent measures to fight the virus, including lockdowns, cancellations, closures and masking.

In May the CDC declared that masks were unnecessary for the vaccinated persons, even in indoor settings. Despite that, the two unions have lobbied Congress to continue masking restrictions.

The union message has been we want all schools to be open but on our terms, said Nat Malkus, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, who runs the Return to Learn tracker, which follows districts returning to in-person learning.

And that turns, a lot of the time, into demands for a list of things to be done before reopening that can be very difficult to accomplish.

In contrast, many private schools have reopened quickly for in-person learning.

Six states, all led by Democratic governors, say they will require masks in K-12 schools this fall, regardless of vaccination status. The AFT helped shaped school guidance by the CDC last year, emails show, including mask requirements.

The United Teachers Los Angeles made mandatory masking of students part of its agreement with the district to return to the classroom. UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz did not respond to an email seeking comment.

Seeking to relax the air travel restrictions, Republican Sens. Rick Scott of Florida and Mike Lee of Utah introduced a measure in June that would allow airlines to set their own mask policies, but that was shut down by Democrats amid union opposition.

The science just does not support keeping the mandate in place, Scott said in introducing the failed measure. His office said the senator would continue to battle the efforts by Democrats to ignore the science.

Last year, a move to assure the authority of the Federal Aviation Administration in dictating mask requirements was led by two regular recipients of political donations by the flight attendants' union PAC, Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), who chairs the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and committee member Rick Larsen (D-Wash.).

The PAC donates almost exclusively to Democrats, which last year gave rise to speculation that Nelson could become Joe Bidens running mate. Nelson did not respond to an interview request.

Last week, the United Airlines Master Executive Council of the pilots union, which represents United Airline pilots, met in person for the first time since early 2020. Vaccinated members were not required to mask.
First Milk has announced that its September milk price will stay the same after four months of consecutive rises.

The British farmer-owned co-op announced its liquid standard litre will be held at its current level.

This means its standard litre will stay at 31.0p per litre - including its member premium.

This move follows four consecutive months of milk price increases.

Robert Craig, vice chairman said: First Milk is performing in line with expectations and we are pleased to be able to offer stability in price at this time.

"We remain focused on delivering dairy prosperity for our members.

In March, the co-op unveiled new 12.5m capital investment in its cheese and whey processing facilities for the forthcoming financial year.

This included 9m invested at its Lake District Creamery in Aspatria, Cumbria, with a further 3.5m invested at its Haverfordwest Creamery.


If youre done and dusted with The Maldives, Mauritius is now welcoming Indian travellers again

If youre ready for a holiday in the sun, with nature, culture and amazing food thrown in, Mauritius is now welcoming both vaccinated and non-vaccinated travellers. Just keep this in mind though: you will need to make this a longish holiday.

As part of Phase 1 of the reopening of Mauritiuss birders, which ends September 30, 2021, vaccinated guests may stay in one of the 14 designated resort bubbles (COVID-19 safe hotels) on the Indian Ocean island, and may enjoy the facilities in their chosen hotel, which, no worries, include access to the beach and swimming pool.

Heres where the longish holiday comes in: if guests stay for 14 days and test negative, they will then have the free run of the island nation, and its many attractions will entrance them as they have captivated so many before.

Visitors staying for less than 14 days will be restricted to their resort bubble, before they travel back home.

The certified COVID-19 safe hotels can be booked through tour operators, travel agents or directly with the accommodation. A mandatory PCR test will be conducted at the airport on your day of arrival, while PCR tests will also apply on day 17, and day 14 of your stay, depending on the length of your break, with a negative test result on day 14 giving you the freedom to explore.

Unvaccinated guests, on the other hand, must book a quarantine stay in an official quarantine hotel, which includes meals and transfers, and stay in said hotel room for 14 days. Meals will be delivered to your room. The same schedule of PCR testing applies  on the day of arrival, day 7 and day 14  as for vaccinated travellers, and, again,a negative test result on day 14 will give you carte blanche to freely explore the island. You can also move into a new stay option at this point. We think short stays (less than 14 days) make no sense whatsoever for unvaccinated travellers at this point. (Get vaccinated, do!)









The reopening of Mauritiuss borders comes after a successful acceleration of the countrys vaccination programme. As international tourism is vital to the island nations economy, the government decided in January to include tourism workers and hotel staff as frontline workers to ensure visitors would be welcomed into a safe and secure environment.

Mauritius is delighted to be welcoming international visitors into our safe and secure environment on the island, said Hon Steven Obeegadoo, Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius and Minister of Tourism. 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.

On October 1, 2021, as part of Phase 2 of the reopening, vaccinated visitors will be able to enter Mauritius without restrictions on presentation of a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of departure.

Details of entry requirements, safety protocols and approved Covid-19 safe resorts are available on the Mauritius Now website.



Images: Shutterstock



Also see: 5 things to do in Mauritius


Over the last year during the COVID pandemic, the driving trend in the Turkish property market is to get out of the big cities into less congested destinations. Uzumlu in the Fethiye region is one such destination that has seen a surge in buyers, thanks to its off the beaten track location. Sitting a 30-minute drive from Fethiye town centre on Turkeys Mediterranean coast, the small village is a scenic getaway combined with traditional Turkish lifestyles.

Turkey Homes owner Tolga Ertukel talks with local Steve Parsley, who has recently moved to Uzumlu, to find out what makes it such a special place to buy (or build) a property.

If you want to know more, Uzumlu heres a link to an informative blog by Turkey Homes.

Why Uzumlu in Fethiye attracts foreign property buyers

About Us

We are Turkey Homes, a real estate specialist with offices all over Turkey. Weve helped thousands of buyers become homeowners. We have also taken all our teams combined knowledge and formed our own blog about Turkey that will be of interest to anyone thinking of buying property here.

If you are interested in knowing more about the properties we have for sale in Fethiye and surrounding areas, please follow the link below.

Property for sale in Fethiye

How to Contact Us

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 Fethiye Office: +90 (0) 252 614 3738

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This is a sponsored advertorial brought to you in association with Turkey Homes
After Hansal Mehta came out in strong support of actress Shilpa Shetty, Richa Chadha has also voiced her support for her. Weve made a national sport out of blaming women for the mistakes of the men in their lives. Glad shes suing, Richa tweeted. She was referring to Shilpa Shettys defamation suit against media publications and social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook.The Bombay High Court had earlier refused to pass a blanket gag order on any media reportage that goes against Shilpa Shetty, saying that such an order would have a chilling effect on the freedom of the press.

We've made a national sport out of blaming women for the mistakes of the men in their lives. Glad she's suing. https://t.co/XSK2sQY0uo

Late last evening, Hansal Mehta had tweeted in favour of Shilpa Shetty and also slammed his peers in the industry for not voicing their support for the actress.





"If you cannot stand up for her, at least leave Shilpa Shetty alone and let the law decide? Allow her some dignity and privacy. It is unfortunate that people in public life ultimately are left to fend for themselves and are proclaimed guilty even before justice is meted out. This silence is a pattern. In good times everybody parties together. In bad times there is deafening silence. There is isolation. No matter what the ultimate truth the damage is already done," he wrote on Twitter.

Shilpa Shettys husband, businessman Raj Kundra has been arrested for allegedly distributing pornographic material via an app.
Shilpa Shetty made her comeback to movies with Hungama 2. The film is produced by Ratan Jain, who she has worked with before in Dhadkan and Hathyar. The film released last week and Shilpa requested the audience to not let her husband, businessman Raj Kundras arrest stop the audience from watching the hard work of the entire cast and crew.









Following the release, Ratan Jain spoke about Shilpa's involvement in the case with an online portal. He took a stand and supported the actor, As much as I know Shilpa, she will not do something like that at all. I cant really say how much she really knows about her husband's business, but I don't think she was involved in it. Any family person should not do this kind of work and jitna main Shilpa ko jaanta hoon woh aisa kaam nahi karegi. But, having said that, one has to leave it to agencies that are investigating the case.









Raj Kundra is currently in extended custody for fourteen days after his bail plea yesterday was rejected by the Bombay High Court.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 30, 2021) - Western Troy Capital Resources Inc. (TSXV: WRY.H) ("Western Troy" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed a non-brokered private placement previously announced on June 21, 2021 (the "Private Placement") for aggregate gross proceeds of $364,125. The Private Placement involves the issuance of 2,427,500 units ("Units") at a price of $0.15 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital stock the Company (a "Common Share") and one warrant. Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one Common Share for $0.20 at any time within one year after closing. All securities issued pursuant to this Private Placement will be subject to a four-month hold period.

Insiders of the Company acquired directly and indirectly a total of $30,000 worth of Units or 200,000 Units in the Private Placement on the same basis as other participants. The direct and indirect participation in the Private Placement by an insider of the Company constitutes a "related party transaction" as such term is defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on the exemptions from the formal valuation (section 5.5(b)) and minority approval requirements (section 5.7(1)(b)) under MI 61-101.

A material change report in connection with the Private Placements will be filed less than 21 days before the closing of the Private Placement. The Company believes this shorter period is reasonable and necessary in the circumstances as the Company wished to complete the Private Placements in a timely manner.

The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Private Placement towards for project investigation and acquisition costs and for general working capital purposes.

About Western Troy

Western Troy has been engaged in mineral exploration and mine development, as well is reviewing potential alternatives to enhance shareholder value.

Contact Information:

Western Troy Capital Resources

Stephen Dunn, CEO

Tel: 416-361-2827

Email: dunnsteve@protonmail.com

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT:

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange (including the NEX Board) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws and regulations, including statements regarding the future activities of the Company. Forward-looking statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of management and are identified by the use of words including "intends", "will", "anticipates", "expected to", "plans", "planned" and other similar words. Actual results may differ significantly. The achievement of the results expressed in forward-looking statements is subject to a number of risks, including those described in the Company's management discussion and analysis as filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which are available at www.sedar.com. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/91794
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 30, 2021 / Gold Mountain Mining Corp. ("Gold Mountain" or the "Company") (TSXV:GMTN)(OTCQB:GMTNF)(FRA:5XFA) would like to provide clarification on the release it put out on July 12, 2021 regarding the update to its M-199 Mining Permit amendment.

It has been brought to Gold Mountain's attention that some of the language in the company's most recent press release came across as dismissive and insensitive to Indigenous Nations' laws, governments, land rights, and independent decision-making process. For that, the Company offers its sincere apologies to Elders, Leadership and community members that may have found those comments disrespectful.

While the Provincial review and the corresponding Mine Review Committee process may be coming to a close, Gold Mountain is also aware and acknowledges each respective Indigenous Nation's decision-making process may continue independently from the Province of British Columbia. To date, the Company has made a concerted effort to build strong relationships with communities that are affected by the development of the Elk Gold project and looks forward to continued collaboration with all Indigenous Nations that have interests in the Elk Gold mine.

Gold Mountain recognizes that the past year has been very difficult for many of the surrounding Indigenous Nations, given the COVID-19 pandemic, the Residential School unmarked graves tragedies and the current wildfires occurring throughout the region. Gold Mountain also wishes to communicate its commitment to continued direct engagement and consultation between the Company and each respective Indigenous Nation.

Gold Mountain also wishes to address the importance of the Environmental Assessment Act ("EA") review process, should it wish to pursue expansion of its production profile beyond what is contemplated in its current M-199 Mining Permit amendment application. The EA review has been a key discussion point and the commitment to adhere to the EA process is woven into many of the initial process agreements that are in place, or being drafted, with surrounding Indigenous Nations. The Company also recognizes that similar language could be included as a permit condition and confirms this obligation will be transferable and binding on any future holder of the mines act permits, should the project be transitioned to new ownership.

"British Columbia has a rich history of mining and resource development. Part of that history is an unfortunate legacy of mining companies completing insufficient engagement and consultation with Indigenous Nations. Since inception, the team at Gold Mountain has committed to engaging in inclusive conversations about our plans for the Elk Gold mine. It is an important part of our business to build strong, lasting relationships with all neighboring Indigenous communities and governments," commented Kevin Smith, CEO and Director of Gold Mountain.

"We received comments that our tone in the July 12th permit update came across as dismissive regarding the importance of Indigenous decision-making. This press release is about ensuring we correct our messaging, so it accurately reflects our Company's credo. We are appreciative of the local communities' willingness to review our plans to revitalize the Elk Gold mine and look forward to developing a new legacy where mining companies and Indigenous Nations can enjoy the positive net benefits of British Columbia's resource sector, while still respecting the surrounding communities and lands in which they operate."

M-199 Mining Permit

The M-199 Mining Permit contains conditions relating to monitoring, operating, reporting and inspection requirements during the construction and operation of the mine. The document also details the reclamation and closure plan, short-term and long-term water management plans and the financial assurance conditions, including amounts required to begin operations at the Elk Gold Mine.

About Gold Mountain Mining

Gold Mountain is a British Columbia based gold and silver exploration and development company focused on resource expansion at the Elk Gold Project, a past-producing mine located 57 KM from Merritt in South Central British Columbia. Additional information is available at www.sedar.com or on the Company's new website at www.gold-mountain.ca.

For Further Information, Please Contact:

Gold Mountain Mining Corp.

Kevin Smith, Director and Chief Executive Officer

Phone: 604-309-6340

Email: ks@gold-mountain.ca

Website: www.gold-mountain.ca

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Release

This news release includes certain 'forward-looking statements' under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward- looking statements include statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. Forward looking statements in the press release include but are not limited to: the Company increasing its production rate at the Elk Gold Project to require an EA. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals; the price of gold; and the results of current exploration. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Gold Mountain disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. For a comprehensive overview of all risks that may impact the Company, please see the Management Discussion and Analysis for the year ended January 31, 2021 filed on Gold Mountain's SEDAR profile on June 29, 2021.

SOURCE: Gold Mountain Mining Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/657880/Gold-Mountain-Provides-Clarification-on-Its-July-12th-Release
TALLINN, Estonia, July 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In light of growing demand for digital marketing opportunities worldwide, reputable affiliate marketing platform Promo Leads has announced it is introducing special customer-oriented packages. These packages, according to the company, are tailored for freelancers looking for lead generation opportunities for the long term, and are supposed to suit different budgets and marketing strategies.

"While our competitors are just starting to grasp the recent digital revolution," explained Promo Leads' spokesperson Samuel Adams, "we are staying one step ahead, as always. Some viewed digital marketing and lead generation as a trend during times of health-related restrictions. We knew even back in 2020 that this is more than just a phase, and as a practice, it is here to stay. That's why we're offering these packages - to provide some sort of security to the thousands around the world using our platform for freelance work."

The future of lead generation

As governments around the world gradually lift restrictions and lockdowns, and as economies start planning their return to routine, it is evident that many aspects of life, which have been shifted to the online sphere, are there to stay. In that sense, digital marketing is probably going to remain a dominant part of companies' and brands' strategies for the long term. For that reason, Promo Leads is building a bridge between those looking for online marketing services and those willing to provide it.

"It took us months of hard work, and the efforts of our best minds, to design this platform and make it suitable for a wide global crowd," added Adams, "and by the high level of satisfaction we are witnessing, I can definitely say we did something right. These new packages are also a result of careful planning and research, and I'm sure they will be to our users' benefit, regardless of what they plan to achieve."

About Promo Leads
ROME, July 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

Cultural leaders of the G20 have met for the second time since Saudi Arabia inaugurated the Cultural Ministerial Meeting during its presidency last year

inaugurated the Cultural Ministerial Meeting during its presidency last year The G20 Culture Ministerial Meeting is a leading cultural policy forum for a sector worth US$2.3 trillion globally

globally Saudi Arabia moves forward with its cultural transformation, fostering its domestic creative talent and supporting multilateral efforts to conserve global culture

The second G20 Culture Ministerial Meeting (CMM) has taken place in Rome, building on the success of the Saudi-led initiative inaugurated under its presidency last year.

A Ministerial Declaration on culture will be adopted by the G20 members. It is expected that Ministers will agree to strengthen rules combatting illicit trafficking of cultural property and give greater prominence to the role of culture as a driver of climate action, particularly the preservation of cultural heritage. They are also likely to promise greater investment in culture-related education, training, employment and provide greater access to culture online.

In a statement following the meeting, UNESCO celebrated the expected outcomes: "Italy has taken important steps with a view to integrating culture on a permanent basis in the G20 This dynamic is in line with the historic advance achieved at the initiative of Saudi Arabia, which put culture on the G20's agenda in 2020."

The CMM is a high-level platform intended to tackle issues of critical importance to the global cultural and creative economy, which is estimated to be worth US$2.3 trillion. The addition of a cultural pillar to the G20 agenda boosts a sector affected by the pandemic more than most, given that G20 members represent 60% of the world's population and 80% of global GDP.

The Kingdom was represented by HH Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture, who said:

"Saudi Arabia celebrates the return of culture to the annual G20 Agenda, recognizing the importance of culture in advancing the G20 mission for greater global economic cooperation. We thank our Italian hosts for building on the momentum generated in Riyadh last year.

"For the last two years, G20 members have discussed the critical importance of culture - its preservation and development - as a driver of economic growth.

"Saudi Arabia is seeing the benefits firsthand as we undergo a cultural transformation across the Kingdom - from the addition of the ?ima Cultural Area as our sixth UNESCO World Heritage Site, to celebrating home-grown talent on the global stage at world renowned events, such as the Venice Biennale and Cannes Film Festival."

Saudi Arabia, which is undergoing a cultural transformation as part of Vison 2030, has made great strides towards preserving and developing its cultural sector. This includes developing a world-leading center to preserve underwater cultural heritage in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf Region, announced at last year's CMM, the establishment of new cultural festivals throughout the Kingdom, and the creation of new support ecosystems for Saudi creatives.

Saudi Arabia is also supporting other multilateral efforts to conserve global culture. In 2019, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UNESCO to contribute $25 million to the preservation of heritage worldwide. The Kingdom invests in initiatives that will enhance international cooperation for research and capacity building, education, training and to explore the tremendous potential of digitalization in the cultural sector.

Notes to Editors:

UNESCO

- UNESCO statement: G20 adopts Culture Declaration for the first time .

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1585684/G20_Rome.jpg
This is the story of one of many rangers around the globe whose hard work is celebrated on World Ranger Day on July 31.

HARARE, Zimbabwe, July 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ranger Margaret Darawanda has not looked back since she joined the International Anti-Poaching Foundation's all-female Akashinga conservation program that is expanding its footprint across southern Africa, protecting the natural world.

The International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF), founded by former Australian special forces soldier Damien Mander, is inching closer towards its goal of deploying 1,000 Akashinga rangers across 20 reserves throughout the region by 2026.

Last month, 25 new rangers graduated from basic training, and in early September they will be joined by 46 more, enabling three reserves under IAPF management to begin receiving full and regular patrols.

Ms Darawanda, 24, who was part of the first intake of Akashinga rangers to start patrolling Phundundu Wildlife Area in the Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe in 2017, said: "I think it's a special thing protecting something that cannot protect itself."

After completing her training, Ms Darawanda soon found her stride patrolling, collecting and keeping records, tracking and arresting poachers, investigating and educating the local community about the importance of wildlife. She has also become the proud breadwinner for her entire family who live in the nearby village of Nyamakate - her widowed mother, her two-year-old daughter and her four siblings, some of whom have families of their own.

The opportunity to become a ranger came when the IAPF moved into her area just after she completed high school, and while she acknowledges there are hardships with her role as a ranger, it can also be very rewarding. "I just loved that day when we rescued a lion from a snare ... it was not that badly hurt as it only had its leg caught, but because it was not able to free itself, we had to help it. It had been there a day."

She has also been amazed at the amount of wildlife that has returned to the area since the Akashinga began patrols - it was unheard of to see elephant, leopard and hippo four years ago, but now they are regularly sighted. "It's very different from when we started. You'd see maybe old elephant dung, or old animal spoors meaning there were not a lot of animals active in the area, and we would only see a few of the smaller antelope."

Mr Mander said rangers form the first and last line of defence for nature, and at a time when Covid-19 had brought civilization to its knees as a direct result of the way that humanity treats the natural world, the importance of a ranger and the role they fulfil in society had never been more prominently highlighted. "We need to be giving an increased amount of focus as a global community into the protection of nature and rangers are at the front of that fight," Mr Mander said.

"For the IAPF, every day is World Ranger Day as we deploy hundreds of rangers out protecting nature in some of the most remote and hostile locations on the African continent," he said. "But for the rest of the world, today is a day to come together and celebrate the hard work and often thankless task that these rangers perform on behalf of all of us."

For more information CONTACT: marianne.betts@iapf.org or visit https://www.iapf.org

Related Files

Meet a Margaret Darawanda, a Dedicated Akashinga Ranger on World Ranger Day. Press Release. final.pdf

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Meet Margaret Darawanda, a Dedicated Akashinga Ranger on World Ranger Day

Akashinga ranger Margaret Darawanda (right) on patrol in Phundundu Wildlife Area, Zimbabwe.

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https://vimeo.com/580500374
Montrium, a Montreal, Canada-based provider of cloud-based software solutions for life sciences, secured $2m in non-dilutive funding from BDC Capital (Canada), Growth and Transition Capital division.

The funding will be used to bolster product development and expand the engineering team.

The company is led by Paul Fenton, CEO.

FinSMEs

31/07/2021

THE PRESS RELEASE

Montrium Secures $2M Funding from BDC Capital Growth and Transition Capital Division

MONTREAL, July 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/  Montrium, a leader in cloud-based software solutions for life sciences, today announced that it has secured $2 million in non-dilutive funding from BDC Capital (Canada), Growth and Transition Capital division.

With the COVID-19 pandemic driving the adoption of virtual, collaborative systems such as those offered by Montrium, the company has been able to demonstrate a strong demand for its products that will continue to grow as digital infrastructure plays an increasingly crucial role within life sciences organizations. Montrium was able to secure the funding as a result of its robust product offerings, solid business operations, skilled management team, and promising industry niche.

The funding will be used to bolster product development and expand the engineering team, allowing Montrium to poise itself for immense growth in an industry that is ready for the next generation of systems. We are thrilled that BDC Capital has chosen to partner with us as we strive to develop our cutting-edge products and shape software solutions. This financing represents an incredible opportunity for Montrium and will allow us to continue demonstrating that we are an innovative, dynamic company driven by market demand, stated Paul Fenton, CEO of Montrium.

We have followed Montrium for several years and now feel that the moment is right for taking this leap forward. We really liked the protected and specialized industry that Montrium is in, as well as how it addresses the strong need for smaller contract research organizations (CROs) and pharmaceutical companies to have access to more structured tools. We also felt that the management team was very complementary, with a clear vision and the right skills to execute it, stated Jean-Philippe Poissant, Director of Growth and Transition Capital at BDC Capital.
Tampa, FL (33646)

Today

Thunderstorms. High 82F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Overcast with rain showers at times. Low around 75F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.
Thompson Health, part of UR Medicine, is the parent corporation overseeing the operation of five affiliate healthcare organizations in Ontario, Livingston and Wayne counties. The corporations include F.F. Thompson Hospital, M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center, FFTH Properties and Services, F.F. Thompson Foundation and F.F.T. Senior Communities. With a respected medical staff numbering more than 650, a community volunteer group with over 200 members and more than 1,800 associates, Thompson provides quality health care to approximately 215,000 residents of the greater Finger Lakes region. Visit www.ThompsonHealth.com for more information.
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MOBILE, Ala. (WALA)  With three faculty members still sidelined over pictures that emerged earlier this year of a 7-year-old Halloween party, the University of South Alabama has indicated that an investigation is nearing is conclusion.

Interim university President John Smith told students and employees that the lawyer hired by the school, Suntrease Williams Maynard, has finished interviews with numerous people. She is expected soon to present a report on three faculty members who at a 2014 Halloween party wore what some regarded as racially insensitive costumes.

Then-President Tony Waldrop launched the probe ion March after controversy erupted over the photos, depicting professor Bob Wood dressed in a Confederate solider uniform, professor Alex Sharland dressed as a hanging judge, and professor Teresa Weldy holding a noose.

After Maynard presents her findings, Smith wrote, the university will decide whether the professors violated the Faculty Handbook as it existed in 2014.

If the facts presented are not adequate grounds to support a policy violation against any one of the faculty members, there will be no further proceedings involving that individual, Smith wrote in the letter. The matter will then proceed with any of the faculty members for whom the information in the report may support a finding of a policy violation.

That handbook states that complaints may be based on unlawful discrimination based upon sex (including pregnancy) or sexual orientation, or unlawful discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or genetic information.

Revelations of the photos sparked a protest on campus, with some students calling for the professors to be fired. Wood, Sharland and Weldy remain on paid administrative leave.
LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -- Two weeks ago, life was great for Jessica DuPreez. She was on vacation in San Diego with her fiance Michael Freedy, (better known as Big Mike at the M Resort where he worked), and their five kids ages 17, 10, 7, 6 and 17 months.
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As campuses prepare to open, some families in Galveston County continue to home school

STUART VILLANUEVA/The Daily News Crystal Cervantez listens as her daughter, Sophia, 9, reads aloud from a book in the childrens section of the Moore Public Library in Texas City on Friday, July 30, 2021. Cervantez home schooled her daughter last year because of the coronavirus pandemic and has decided to continue home schooling for the first semester this year. STUART VILLANUEVA/The Daily News Crystal Cervantez looks over a craft activity with her daughter, Sophia, 9, in the childrens section of the Moore Public Library in Texas City on Friday, July 30, 2021. STUART VILLANUEVA/The Daily News Crystal Cervantez and her daughter, Sophia, 9, search for books in the childrens section of the Moore Public Library in Texas City on Friday, July 30, 2021.

With the school year fast approaching and COVID cases rising in the county, Crystal Cervantez found herself in a difficult position.

Would she send her 9-year-old daughter back to school or would she continue to home school her, like she did for the 2020-2021 school year?

Cervantez had been in a similar position just a year before when Texas City Independent School District reopened schools with the option for virtual learning. But rather than taking the virtual option, Cervantez opted to home school her daughter for third grade using a curriculum.

Although it had been successful and Cervantezs daughter had done well in the program, both mother and daughter knew returning to the brick-and-mortar classroom this year was the preference.

And that had been the plan until the recent spike in cases.

This is not what we wanted, Cervantez said. This is not what we were planning for, but I just cant chance it.

SAME BUT DIFFERENT

As students prepare to return to in-person learning, parents like Cervantez find themselves facing another year of uncertainty. Unlike last year, there is no option for virtual learning, and parents who dont want their children to attend live classes are forced to look outside the school district for options.

For some, that means home schooling, a practice that has increased significantly since the start of the pandemic.

Nationally, between the beginning of May 2020 and the beginning of October 2020, the number of households home schooling their children doubled, from 5.4 percent to 11.1 percent, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureaus Household Pulse Survey.

The Texas Home School Coalition has seen that trend reflected in Texas, said Stephen Howsley, assistant manager of public policy and development for the coalition. The coalition offers resources for Texas families interested in home schooling their children, including a tool to create a letter to send to schools to withdraw enrolled students.

At the peak of COVID, there was a 1,700 percent increase in using that tool, Howsley said.

I think, generally, home schooling has just become very popular and very common among families in the United States but also internationally as well, he said.

Whether that interest will continue into the new school year remains to be seen, but Howsley expects to see some families continue with the practice after realizing its a better fit for their children.

Theyre realizing now on the other side of 2020 that, actually, this is the best fit for our family, he said.

HOME SCHOOLING IN TEXAS

Texas is one of the most home-school friendly states in the nation, according to the coalition. But the state has a few requirements.

First, the education must be real, not a sham, Howsley said. Second, the curriculum must be visual, which could be a book, live stream or video. And third, the curriculum must cover five basic subjects: math, reading, spelling, grammar and good citizenship, which is similar to a civics class.

Starting the home-schooling process is fairly straightforward. If children have never been enrolled in public school, then parents can simply start teaching them at home. If they have been enrolled, then they will need to be withdrawn, Howsley said.

That means sending a letter to the district stating the child will be withdrawn and listing the dates the home schooling will start, he said. In some cases, the district might want to verify the child is being home schooled. In that case, the family can send a letter of assurance, he said.

Both a withdrawal letter generator and a sample assurance letter are on the Texas Home School Coalition website.

A CHANGE IN PUBLIC PERCEPTION

Initially, home schooling attracted a religious crowd, people who were concerned with the moral instruction of their children, said Jeremy Newman, the coalitions director of public policy. And for years, that was cited as the primary reason parents chose to educate their children at home.

But in recent years, there has been a shift. Now, the most commonly cited reason for home schooling is unhappiness with the public school environment, followed by dissatisfaction with the academics, Newman said.

There also has been a gradual change in public opinion. When Darlene Smith, president of the Galveston Homeschool Performing Arts Co-op, started home schooling her children nearly 20 years ago, home schooling was less common.

Strangers in the grocery would stop us and tell us they were concerned about their socialization, she said.

Its been years since Smith has heard anyone express that concern, she said.

The pandemic has played a part in improving public opinion, and surveys show that COVID has positively changed how many people view the practice, Newman said.

Its no longer the case that a home-school kid is the thing that you hear about reading online but youve never met, he said.

It also may lead to diversification of the industry because people now have more reasons to opt for home schooling, he said.

A BETTER FIT

Channel Tabors family is one of the families that tried home schooling after dissatisfaction with virtual learning. She has decided to stick with it.

Tabor, who lives in Galveston, always had considered home schooling her three children, but she didnt take the leap until the pandemic hit. Tabor, a holistic health practitioner, didnt want her children to have to wear masks as part of pandemic protocols, and she preferred the flexibility home schooling gave her.

We decide how we are going to approach school, she said. We decide when we are going to study, when were going to take tests, if were going to go outside.

Tabor, who has a background in education and more than 12 years of experience working with children, opted to design her own curriculum. The result has been more than she imagined, with her children experiencing less stress and having more time to explore their interests, she said.

I saw the difference in their personalities, she said. I saw the difference in their confidence.

At first, Tabors children, particularly her oldest two, who are now 12 and 11, were resistant to the idea of home schooling. Their biggest fear was not seeing their friends, Tabor said. And initially, her children did feel separated from their friends. But their feelings have since changed, and Tabor has decided to continue home schooling.

They feel very valued now as individuals because they dont feel like they have to compete with every single student, Tabor said.

How long her children will be home schooled has yet to be decided. She plans to reevaluate when each child prepares to start high school. Her oldest is now in seventh grade.

I want the door open for them, she said.

SOME CHALLENGES

Like Tabor, Cervantez was happy with the education her daughter received while home schooled, she said.

At first, the adjustment was difficult, but Cervantez realized she and her daughter didnt need to stick to the regular school schedule.

Once I learned that I dont have to be set for her schedule and I can cater to her, things went by a lot smoother, she said.

They also didnt have to just study at the table. Class could be done in the car or on the trampoline.

There also were times when Cervantez and her daughter butted heads. But with time, theyve gotten into a routine.

Instead of being mad at each other, well just look at each other, take a breath, and shell go her way, and Ill go mine, she said.

The upcoming semester should be even easier since Cervantez and her daughter are already familiar with the process, she said.

THE SOCIAL ASPECT

Lack of social interaction was a fear Cervantez had when she first started home schooling her daughter, and its her main complaint with home schooling.

Throughout the pandemic, Cervantez has done her best to prevent her family from contracting COVID, from wearing a mask, to leaving her daughter at home when she runs errands, to eventually getting vaccinated.

Clubs and groups exist for home-schooled kids, but taking advantage of them during the pandemic has been hard.

Even if they had outside stuff to do, it only defeated the purpose of my home schooling and staying home for COVID, she said.

It doesnt help that her daughter is almost an only child because her brother is 20 years older.

In pre-pandemic times, meeting up with other home-school groups was easy. The county has several, including Smiths Galveston Homeschool Performing Arts Co-op.

For Smith, the result was so many opportunities to socialize that her family eventually had to start turning down invitations.

But during the pandemic, many parents might have been afraid to let their children go to events for fear of contracting the virus and exposing vulnerable family members.

One solution was online gaming, which is how Raquel Daniels son stayed in touch with his friends. But her daughter, who had started at a new school before the pandemic began, struggled. Daniels, who kept her children in virtual school in Texas City ISD last year, said she had to look for opportunities with a cousin close to her daughters age for friendship.

Deliberately finding opportunities to be with other children is a part of home schooling, Tabor said. And although it might seem like school is the best way to socialize children, thats not the case, she said.

She believes her youngest daughter, who is 5, is better socialized now because of all the time she spends with her brother and sister and out in the community.

Cervantez would like her daughter to be able to return to school for the social aspect, she said. Although that might happen in January, for now, shes looking at continuing to have her daughter participate in swim team or another activity where the children can socially distance.

A COMPROMISE

Although home schooling worked well for Cervantez and her daughter, they both were hoping to resume in-person learning for the 2021-2022 school year. And up until last week, that had been the plan.

COVID was starting to go away, or so we thought, so lets go back, she said.

But in recent weeks, the country has seen an upward trend in COVID cases, and Cervantezs fears of infecting her parents or other close family members prompted her to decide to home school her daughter for at least the first part of the school year.

Although making the decision was hard, telling her daughter also was difficult.

I knew she was going to be devastated, she said.

As expected, her daughter, who Cervantez said is very outgoing and loves to be with friends, was disappointed to not go back. To try to ease the disappointment, Cervantez plans to redo her daughters room to make it more functional for school. And instead of buying a new backpack for the school year like they usually do, Cervantez suggested her daughter buy a new suitcase to use when she visits her grandparents.

If all goes well with school, Cervantez has promised to buy her daughter a pet guinea pig for her birthday in December.

Ultimately, despite whatever difficulties might arise this year as Cervantez and her daughter embark on another semester of home schooling, the decision will be the right one, she said.

I just feel like whatever keeps her safe, its worth it, she said.
In another big setback for the nations efforts to stamp out the coronavirus, scientists who studied a big COVID-19 outbreak in Massachusetts concluded that vaccinated people who got so-called breakthrough infections carried about the same amount of the coronavirus as those who did not get the shots
Galveston, TX (77553)

Today

Cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 88F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Rain showers this evening with numerous thunderstorms developing overnight. Low 79F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)  A federal freeze on most evictions enacted last year is scheduled to expire Saturday, after the Biden administration extended the original date by a month. The moratorium, put in place by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in September, was the only tool keeping millions of tenants in their homes. Many of them lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic and had fallen months behind on their rent.

Landlords successfully challenged the order in court, arguing they also had bills to pay. They pointed out that tenants could access nearly $47 billion in federal money set aside to help pay rents and related expenses.

Advocates for tenants said the distribution of the money had been slow and that more time was needed to distribute it and repay landlords. Without an extension, they feared a spike in evictions and lawsuits seeking to boot out tenants who were behind on their rents.

Even with the delay, roughly 3.6 million people in the U.S. as of July 5 said they face eviction in the next two months, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus Household Pulse Survey. The survey measures the social and economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic every two weeks through online responses from a representative sample of U.S. households.

Heres the situation in Oregon:
New York held a ticker-tape parade Wednesday for the health care workers and others who help
Now more than ever, BLM needs Stone-Manning
NEW ORLEANS, July 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors of pending deadlines in the following securities class action lawsuits:

RLX Technology Inc. (RLX)

Class Period: Shares issued in connection with the January 2021 initial public stock offering

Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: August 9, 2021

MISLEADING PROSPECTUS

To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-rlx-technology-inc-american-depositary-shares-securities-litigation

Athira Pharma, Inc. (ATHA)

Class Period: 9/18/2020 - 6/17/2021, or purchase of shares issued either in or after the September 2020 Initial Public Offering

Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: August 24, 2021

SECURITIES FRAUD, MISLEADING PROSPECTUS

To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-athira-pharma-inc-securities-litigation

Rocket Companies, Inc. (RKT)

Class Period: 2/25/2021 - 5/5/2021

Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: August 30, 2021

SECURITIES FRAUD

To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-rocket-companies-inc-securities-litigation

If you purchased shares of the above companies and would like to discuss your legal rights and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact us toll-free (844) 367-9658 or visit the case links above.

If you wish to serve as a Lead Plaintiff in the class action, you must petition the Court on or before the Lead Plaintiff Motion deadline.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com
English Dutch

PRESS RELEASE

31 July 2021, 18:00 CET





Fire Incident at Biocartis Warehouse in Mechelen, Belgium





Mechelen, Belgium, 31 July 2021  Biocartis Group NV (the Company or Biocartis) (Euronext Brussels: BCART) reports that a fire broke out at one of the Companys warehouse facilities in Mechelen, Belgium, during the night of 30 July 2021.

No one was injured and all Biocartis staff on the site were safe. While the fire incident caused considerable damage to the warehouse facility and raw materials stock, the production line (ML2) located in the affected building was not damaged. Production will however be disrupted because of the structural damage to the building from both the fire as well as the water damage from the fire extinguishing efforts.

Biocartis is now assessing the impact on production continuity from the lost raw materials and preparing a plan to maximize the transfer of production from production line ML2 in the affected building to production line ML1, which is located in another building at the Mechelen site. In addition, the Company is evaluating options to source raw materials from different suppliers in order to minimize production delay.

Biocartis would like to thank the Mechelen Fire Department and Biocartis staff for their swift action and professionalism in dealing with this incident.

Further updates will be made as appropriate.

--- END ---

Contact information:

Jean-Marc Roelandt

Chief Financial Officer Biocartis

e-mail jroelandt@biocartis.com

mobile +32 477 95 25 08





About Biocartis

Biocartis (Euronext Brussels: BCART) is an innovative molecular diagnostics (MDx) company providing next generation diagnostic solutions aimed at improving clinical practice for the benefit of patients, clinicians, payers and industry. Biocartis' proprietary MDx Idylla platform is a fully automated sample-to-result, real-time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) system that offers accurate, highly reliable molecular information from virtually any biological sample in virtually any setting. Biocartis is developing and marketing a continuously expanding test menu addressing key unmet clinical needs, with a focus in oncology, which represents the fastest growing segment of the MDx market worldwide. Today, Biocartis offers tests supporting melanoma, colorectal and lung cancer, as well as for SARS-CoV-2 and sepsis. More information: www.biocartis.com. Follow us on Twitter: @Biocartis_.



Biocartis and Idylla are registered trademarks in Europe, the United States and other countries. The Biocartis and Idylla trademark and logo are used trademarks owned by Biocartis. This press release is not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in any jurisdiction where to do so would be unlawful. Any persons reading this press release should inform themselves of and observe any such restrictions. Biocartis takes no responsibility for any violation of any such restrictions by any person. Please refer to the product labeling for applicable intended uses for each individual Biocartis product. This press release does not constitute an offer or invitation for the sale or purchase of securities in any jurisdiction. No securities of Biocartis may be offered or sold in the United States of America absent registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements, beliefs and opinions in this press release are forward-looking, which reflect the Company's or, as appropriate, the Company directors' or managements' current expectations and projections concerning future events such as the Company's results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, performance, prospects, growth, strategies and the industry in which the Company operates. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, assumptions and factors could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. A multitude of factors including, but not limited to, changes in demand, competition and technology, can cause actual events, performance or results to differ significantly from any anticipated development. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release regarding past trends or activities are not guarantees of future performance and should not be taken as a representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. In addition, even if actual results or developments are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in future periods. No representations and warranties are made as to the accuracy or fairness of such forward-looking statements. As a result, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this press release as a result of any change in expectations or any change in events, conditions, assumptions or circumstances on which these forward-looking statements are based, except if specifically required to do so by law or regulation. Neither the Company nor its advisers or representatives nor any of its subsidiary undertakings or any such person's officers or employees guarantees that the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are free from errors nor does either accept any responsibility for the future accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or the actual occurrence of the forecasted developments. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, July 31, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Our latest Mission Matters Podcast Marketing Masterclass episode offers insights from Qamar Zaman and Adam Torres. In this podcast, they explain the basics of link building and how to adapt to the new Google update.

Although many small businesses know how important content marketing is for their business growth, SEO and content marketing are more complicated than they seem. In a new episode of the Mission Matters podcast, Qamar Zaman explains the basics of optimizing your content for Google.



SEO Consultant Qamar Zaman (Right) - Podcast Host Adam Torres Left















































Google Marketing Masterclass by Mission Matters and Qamar Zaman mainly focuses on creating content that helps small businesses gain traction. Adam and Qamar discuss how to prepare such content so that it can be found by search engines. They also share valuable information about Google's recent update to links in YouTube episode 5 [Optimizing Your Content for Google]

Qamar's digital marketing consultancy, KissPR, uses a unique storytelling approach to help businesses grow organically while building relationships with customers. A member of the Forbes Agency Council and a published author, Qamar is considered a thought leader in search engine marketing.

(Podcast >> Listen to the full episode here.)



Podcast Episode: Qamar Zaman talks about topics such as optimizing content for Google and the basics of linking. Also, how to adapt to the Google update.

Background.

Google updates history.

How to Prepare your content for Google Search

Links - Dofollow and Nofollow links.

Types of anchor texts

Rather than hiring one consultant to manage the SEO audit and another to handle the SEO, Qamar recommends that business owners hire two consultants. This will ensure that there are checks and balances and that you are only provided with the services you need.

About: KISS PR Digital

Qamar Zman established Kiss PR, a leading digital growth company, in Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands) in 2003. Zaman has been a successful entrepreneur for years and has helped elite law firms and companies reach new heights. Businesses can grow their online presence, save time and money, and grow their business with KISS PR. Brands all over the world have used this unique storytelling model. Keeping small businesses on their path to success, KissPR has told over 31,000 stories. Visit KissPR at https://kisspr.com.

The Mission Matters Podcast by Adam Torres

Adam Torres hosts the Mission Matters Business Podcast. Everyday, leaders are interviewed in a 15-20 minute format. Their podcast is for busy people who are on the go. No fluff. Mission Matters Business with Adam Torres on Apple Podcasts. Resource >> https://rebrand.ly/mission-matters-podcast-nf

You can find the podcast on any of your preferred listening platforms:

Youtube: https://youtu.be/SvPEi6eA8Rs

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/713046553505060090

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/p/CQwHO5ggQJR/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/i/status/1410277973241040902

Facebook: https://fb.watch/6smnvSokxl/

Media contact:

Az@kisspr.com

Sources

Related Post: Google Link Spam Algorithm Update Rolling Out on July 26





Attachment
CANMORE, Alberta, July 31, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The boil water order issued by Alberta Health Services on July 29 has been lifted for Dead Mans Flats, Harvie Heights, the Canmore Nordic Centre, Three Sisters Resort, Peaks of Grassi, portions of Rundleview and portions of the Homesteads (see links below for detailed maps). Effective immediately, residents and businesses in the green areas no longer need to boil their water before consumption. Residents and business in the remainder of the town of Canmore (red areas on the maps) are still required to boil water before consumption, until further notice.



EPCOR is working as quickly as possible to ensure the safety of the water supply. Residents and businesses may temporarily experience low water pressure or a temporary water outage as we work to flush and test the system to restore regular water service.

For areas remaining under the boil water order, water directly from the tap should not be consumed.

Consumption of microbiologically-contaminated water may result in illness and stomach flu-like symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps and headaches.

Until further notice, residents and business owners in the areas identified in red on the maps must bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute prior to:

drinking

brushing teeth

cleaning raw foods

preparing infant formula or juices

making ice

handwashing dishes

Water used for bathing, flushing or laundering clothes does not need to be boiled. Dishwashers can also be used if they are in good working order and have a hot temperature sanitizer cycle.

Residents may instead choose to purchase and consume bottled water for the duration of this order. Water is also available from 9 am to 8 pm at:

Canmore Recreation Centre, 1900 Eight Avenue, Canmore

Elizabeth Rummel School, 1033 Cougar Creek Drive, Canmore

WorldMark, #91 Three Sisters Drive, Canmore

Elevation Place, 700 Railway Ave #100, Canmore

Related Information - Maps

Town of Canmore  Green and Red Zones 1 http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/fda62fc1-b9d5-480c-b35f-5290cec6b023

Town of Canmore - Green and Red Zones 2 http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/6036ea97-da05-49c2-8001-ddc5b8e75dc3

Town of Canmore  Harvie Heights 3 http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/a04274a3-2ea9-4add-93c4-d77bcb137a8f

Residents can find more information on boil water advisories here.

Anyone requiring additional information, is asked to call EPCOR at 403-609-6400.

Health-related questions should be directed to Health Link at 811 or MyHealth.Alberta.ca.

For more information contact:

Media Relations

780-721-9001

epcormedia@epcor.com

About EPCOR

EPCOR, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, builds, owns and operates electrical, natural gas and water transmission and distribution networks, water and wastewater treatment facilities, sanitary and stormwater systems, and infrastructure in Canada and the United States. The company also provides electricity, natural gas and water products and services to residential and commercial customers. EPCOR, headquartered in Edmonton, is an Alberta Top 75 employer.
The towers of the Byron Nuclear Generating Station form a backdrop to a quiet farm near Rochelle, Illinois in 2014.
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A Hungarian government minister has slammed Lewis Hamilton for wading into the country's political debate.

Backed by Sebastian Vettel, who wore rainbow-themed 'Pride' Converse shoes in the Hungaroring paddock on Thursday, Hamilton lashed out at what he called Hungary's "anti-LGBTQ law" with a post on social media.

"It is unacceptable, cowardly and misguiding for those in power to suggest such a law. Everyone deserves to have the freedom to be themselves, no matter who they love or how they identify," said the Mercedes driver.

However, the Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung claims the law in fact only "restricts the information rights of young people with regard to homosexuality and transexuality".

Hungarian justice minister Judit Varga says Hamilton is even spreading "fake news".

"I have sadly seen that Lewis Hamilton is also joining the camp of international fake news manufacturers by attacking our child protection law," said Varga, who reports directly to prime minister Viktor Orban.

She said all the law does is empower Hungarian parents to protect their children from LGBT indoctrination.

"I suggest that Lewis Hamilton should read the Hungarian Child Protection Act," said Varga. "And then the shoe-maker should stick to making shoes, and a F1 driver should stick to driving."

(GMM)
Red Bull is ready to move on from the saga surrounding Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton's highly contentious clash at Silverstone.

"As far as we are concerned, the chapter is closed now," said team boss Christian Horner, after Red Bull lost an appeal against the leniency of British GP winner Hamilton's subsequent penalty.

Also speaking in Hungary, Dr Helmut Marko agrees: "The reasoning (of the stewards) was different from ours and we accept that."

However, Red Bull wanted to close the controversy with a reply to Mercedes' official statement accusing the Austrian team of questioning Hamilton's "good name and sporting integrity".

Horner said he was "a bit surprised" when that statement dropped.

"That was a bit hostile," he quipped.

Marko, who is Red Bull's top Austrian F1 official, also hit back at the FIA's admitted concern about "certain allegations" made in Thursday's stewards appeal.

"That's a bit mysterious," he said.

"I can only imagine that is relates to our complaint about Toto Wolff going to the stewards with questionable documents. Maybe that's what they meant by that.

"We understood that as a kind of attempted influence."

Marko also says a lot is being made of the controversy from a "political" point of view - namely, the criticism aimed at Hamilton.

For instance, although it is true Red Bull has fired an employee for alleged racism, sources say it had nothing to do with any abuse aimed at Hamilton following the Silverstone crash.

Marko says: "We would have commented on any other driver the same way as we did with Hamilton. It has nothing to do with Hamilton. No matter which driver, we would have acted the same way."

As for whether Red Bull will now continue to perpetuate the crash saga, he insisted: "No, there is no aftermath now. You have to let it go."

Wolff, though, makes clear that he rejects the way Red Bull handled the criticism of Hamilton, telling Sky Deutschland: "That is not how you talk about a seven time world champion who goes all out for a good cause.

"Sometimes you have to put yourself in someone else's shoes and ask yourself how it would feel. Some people are intellectually and emotionally not always capable of doing this."

Ralf Schumacher, though, rejects that statement.

"I don't think it's good for Mercedes to treat criticism of Hamilton as though it's blasphemy against a royal or something. At the end of the day, Lewis goes to the same bathroom as all of us."

(GMM)
ArcelorMittal announced with the Government of Canada its intention for a CAD 1.765-billion (US$1.4-billion) investment in decarbonization technologies at ArcelorMittal Dofascos plant in Hamilton.

At the heart of the plan is a 2 million tonne capacity Reduced Iron (DRI) facility and an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) facility capable of producing 2.4 million tonnes of high-quality steel through its existing secondary metallurgy and secondary casting facilities.





Innovative DRI. Source: ArcelorMittal

Modification of the existing EAF facility and continuous casters will also be undertaken to align productivity, quality and energy capabilities between all assets in the new footprint.

The intended investments will reduce annual CO 2 emissions at ArcelorMittals Hamilton, Ontario operations by approximately 3 million tonnesapproximately 60% of emissionswithin the next seven years.

ArcelorMittal will introduce new manufacturing processes that contribute to a considerable reduction of CO 2 emissions and deliver other positive environmental impacts including the elimination of emissions and flaring from coke-making and ironmaking operations.





Smart Carbon. Source: ArcelorMittal

The investment is contingent on support from the governments of Canada and Ontario. The Government of Canada announced it will invest CAD 400 million (US$321 million) in the project. The company is in discussions with the Government of Ontario regarding its support.

The new DRI and EAF will be in production before the end of 2028.

This project is part of ArcelorMittals new global 25% CO 2 2030 emissions reduction target which was announced yesterday in our second climate action report. DRI-EAF technology, such as that being introduced in Dofasco, is at the heart of our new target although we do also continue to develop our smart carbon technology route. Transitioning from the blast furnace route to the DRI-route offers an immediate significant reduction in emissions in the first phase through natural gas and then in a second phase, which we call innovative DRI, harnessing green hydrogen or other Smart Carbon technologies. This is the first significant decarbonization project we have announced outside Europe and again reflects ArcelorMittals determination to lead the decarbonization of the steel industry. Across the company our people are highly motivated to demonstrate that steel can reach net zero and will be the core material for a carbon-neutral world. This project in Dofasco is a very significant and important milestone in this journey. Aditya Mittal, CEO ArcelorMittal

ArcelorMittal has an ambition to be net-zero by 2050. The company recently published its second group Climate Action Report in which it set a new 2030 global carbon emissions intensity reduction target of 25%. It has also increased its European 2030 carbon emissions intensity target to 35%, from 30%.

ArcelorMittal estimates the cost of achieving its global 2030 carbon reduction target is around US$10 billion and believes government funding support of approximately 50% is required to enable the company to remain competitive regionally and globally through the transition period given the capital investment required and higher operating costs of low-carbon steelmaking technologies.

The company expects to deploy approximately 35% of this $10-billion investment by 2025 with the remainder in the second part of this decade.

The Company has developed two technology pathways, Smart Carbon and Innovative DRI, both of which it believes will have an important role to play in helping the company achieve net zero by 2050.
Hyundai Motor Company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hyundai Electric & Energy Systems Co. (Hyundai Electric), a leading electrical equipment manufacturer and energy solution provider, to develop a hydrogen fuel cell package for mobile power generation.

The endeavor combines Hyundai Motors decades-long fuel cell experience and Hyundai Electrics power equipment expertise. Under the MOU, the two parties will develop a hydrogen fuel cell package dedicated for mobile power generators and alternative maritime power (AMP) supply solutions, based on Hyundai Motors polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system that is used in Hyundai Motors fuel cell vehicles.

Environmentally-friendly, distributed power solutions like the one planned can address carbon-neutral electric needs in a variety of industrial sectors such as port facilities, construction sites and industrial complexes.

Under the agreement, Hyundai Motor will supply PEMFC fuel cell systems and provide technical support while Hyundai Electric will develop and commercialize a fuel cell-based power generation package which includes mobile generators and AMP supply systems. Hyundai Electric will also explore a variety of business models for marketing the new package in Korea and abroad.
Greene County historian Tim Massey is an award-winning writer for Civil War News with more than 40 photos featured on various magazine covers. He has served on various boards and held positions in several historic organizations. He can be reached at horses319@comcast.net.
Danny Tyree is a lifelong resident of Marshall County in Middle Tennessee. He welcomes email responses at tyreetyrades@aol.com and visits to his Facebook fan page Tyrees Tyrades. Copyright 2021 Danny Tyree, distributed by Cagle Cartoons Inc. newspaper syndicate.
Support local journalism

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When Johnny Salas Lizama joined the Coast Guard Reserve in 1977, he wondered if hed last six years. Military seemed like a natural path after ROTC at Father Duenas Memorial School. He even considered active duty, but his father, who had retired from the Navy, wanted him to finish college.

As an appeasement, I joined the reserves, then went to University of Guam, Lizama, 61, said. He graduated from college in 1982 and soon married.

After retiring as a brigadier general with 43 years of military service in various branches, Lizama reflected on his career, which included tours in San Diego and Hawaii as well as a deployment to Afghanistan in 2006. He retired in April 1, but held the ceremony last week.

One of the most stressing points in life was going to a combat zone and being there for that period of time with my family back home, Lizama said.

As an executive officer to the Air Force general in charge at Afghanistan, he traveled through the different bases, including Bagram, on foot and by helicopter.

Lizama tried to reach his wife daily through letters or phone calls.

On several occasions, one in particular, we had a rocket attack and suicide bombers at the base concurrently, and it was blacked out, Lizama said.  It was on the news, so my wife panicked. A couple hours later, I was able to get a hold of her, but she had to get back to what we talked about. If something goes down, dont think of the worst. Stand by and let me get a hold of you.

His wife, Doris Dee San Nicolas Lizama, spent 38 years of their marriage accustomed to traveling. But Afghanistan, she said, felt different.

Usually when he goes on temporary duty travels, we go as a family to the airport and see him off, Doris Lizama said. But for this time, when he went to deploy, he told me, You dont have to go all the way.

It hit me right then and there that this is a different kind of being separated, Doris Lizama added. We have to say our goodbyes right at the car.

The hard part after her husband left, she said, was juggling four kids and teaching fourth grade students at Harry S. Truman Elementary School. Now a retired teacher, Doris Lizama used to wait for her husbands phone call at lunchtime.

Back then it was just a phone call. We didnt even have FaceTime, Lizama said. Sometimes when we would converse, it would cut off because we only had a certain time.

Once, Doris Lizama sent a care package with desserts to her husband. By the time the package arrived in Afghanistan, it had grown mold. But her husband said that he loved the thought.

I always tell Johnny that everything was going well at home, Doris Lizama said. We were paying the bills on time and getting the kids ready for school. We made it like a normal thing.

As the third youngest of nine children, Doris Lizama received help from her older siblings. Three of her own four children enlisted in the military, and one graduated from the Naval Academy.

Retirement ceremony

After his retirement, Lizama said that he felt grateful to be alive. He recalled losing a comrade, who was from the Virgin Islands, while in Afghanistan.

We had conversations about living on an island, Lizama said. Within the first two months of being there, my friend had to take a helicopter ride and go to a meeting in another city. The helicopter was shot down, and my friend was killed.

His friends death shocked him.

I was just talking to him like yesterday, and then I found out the next day that hes dead, Lizama said.

But Lizama and his wife grew closer over the comrades death, and he began talking to other troops and their families. Today, they share contingency plans with families whose loved ones leave for disasters or combat zones.

Like many military couples, the Lizamas also worked on their marriage.

We had some trying times with the different travel times and temporary duties or hours getting extended, Lizama said. In most recent times, being in the Air National Guard, we were always called up for whatever local disasters. My kids knew that if there was a typhoon, per se, dad was going to get up and go to work. Or dad was going to have to go to sleep at work.

Lizamas travels constantly took him away from home. As brigadier general, he traveled to the Pentagon four times a year. His temporary duties took him from California to Washington to Arizona.

So when the retirement ceremony took place  after four decades of sweat and tears and heartache, Lizama said that time flew by.

43 years. Thats kind of daunting to think about the number of years but it went by pretty fast, he said. All the way up until this time, Im grateful to be alive and thankful for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
A new baby after experiencing the loss of a child is referred to as a rainbow baby.

My youngest daughter who will soon be 2 is our rainbow baby.

In 2016, we experienced a stillbirth. It was one that I never had imagined going through and one that I found myself wandering in very low and negative thoughts.

I didnt have any alarming complications during my pregnancy. He would be our first boy. Going through that was a scary shock. I never wouldve thought that we would be preparing for a funeral for the baby we were supposed to raise.

How I coped

I felt numb. I had a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old at home to care for, to love  but I was a robot. I catered to them as needed and then I planted myself on the couch trying to absorb the loss. I wasnt prepared for that.

People tried to lift me up but for some reason it made me feel like I was suffocating even more. I tried to see if going off island would help. That was a very short-lived distraction  we came back and I felt even worse.

I started writing poems on my phone when I would stay up at night crying. I couldnt say my feelings out loud, but writing them helped. I would go back to them and reread each one each time I felt my heart needed the release.

I then found March of Dimes. There I would read beautiful stories of many other mothers who lost their child.

Suddenly I didnt feel so alone. I was inspired to write my story. No matter how much it pained me. I knew I needed to write it. I read this story often.

My oldest daughter gave me the most important self-realization. I remembered her shaking my arm one day as I sat on the couch staring at the blank wall.

She begged, Mommy, please, we need you. I cried the most I ever did holding her and my 2-year-old at the time so close.

I called my husband and told him I need to seek help. I didnt know how we would pay for it but we had to find a way. Our daughters needed their mother.

I also found light in a book called The Courage to Grieve by Joan Tate and Judy Tatelbaum. I learned the different stages of grieving and I looked back at my own experience and understood that there was no one way to grieve. It has guided me and continues to.

In 2018, we experienced yet another loss through a miscarriage. This time there were complications. We were told to prepare. We held on as long as we could and loved him through it all.

How I coped

Coping was a little different this time because we knew of the chances but also, I had incredible support from our first loss. I went back to that same support, read the book again and allowed myself to feel everything I needed to  no distractions ... none of the keeping it all in.

Learning that I was pregnant again was very stressful and scary. I prayed even harder and tried to care for myself better.

If I knew then what I do now, I wouldve given myself grace and changed my mindset. I cried almost every night in fear of losing another baby.

Thankfully, even after many special circumstances during this pregnancy I would birth via a VBAC (vaginal birth after a cesarean), feeling so empowered and blessed to meet our rainbow baby. She is such a joy and definitely brings lots of fun and laughter every single day.

Where to find support

If you experience a loss through miscarriage, stillbirth, or loss of a child, your health care providers have resources available.

March of Dimes is a nonprofit organization that not only provides support and research, it also holds a space for mothers like us to share their stories.

We have a local support available through the Hope Circle of Guam. Their mission is to help in the healing process by giving a voice to grief and trauma that comes with infertility and miscarriage, while connecting people in the community of Guam who have had similar experiences.

How to support

I recently reflected on the things my family and friends did for me as I grieved both times. This list isnt perfect but I hope that it could help anyone who is unsure of how to support a loved one who experienced the loss of a child
ALL VILLAGES

Report threats to fish and wildlife such as illegal hunting, fishing, or forest fires to 864-TOKA (8652) a 24/7 hotline.

Report suspicious activity to the Guam Police Department. Call your mayors office to join a neighborhood watch program in your village.

If you have information that can solve a crime, call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 477-HELP (4357) or submit a tip to http://guam.crimestoppersweb.com. You can remain anonymous. Tips that lead to an arrest and conviction may earn you a cash reward.

Visit your mayors office to update residential information. Call for required documents. The head of household must be present to make changes.

Report burned-out streetlights, overgrown vegetation, water leaks, etc., to your mayors office.

Report illegal dumping to your mayors office, gpdlitterbug@gmail.com or call 647-8923.

Burning without a permit is illegal. Call your local fire station for more information.

Animal Control, police and mayors are authorized to remove unleashed animals from public or private property. Owners may be held liable for injuries inflicted by pets. Report strays to your mayors office or call 300-7965.

AGANA HEIGHTS

Mayor Paul M. McDonald

472-6393/8285/6

mayor.mcdonald671@gmail.com

AGAT

Mayor Kevin James T. Susuico

Vice Mayor Christopher J. Fejeran

565-2524/4330/4335

agatmayor@yahoo.com

ASAN-MAINA

Mayor Frankie A. Salas

472-6581/479-2726

asanmainamayor@gmail.com

BARRIGADA

Mayor June U. Blas

Vice Mayor Jessie P. Bautista

734-3724-5/34/36

mayorbarrigada@gmail.com

For residents needing verifications or essential emergency assistance, a walk-up service window is available at the front of the office, or you can contact the mayors office at (671) 734-3737/3859 from 8 a.m.  5 p.m., Monday to Friday or email barrigadaoffice@gmail.com, or fax: 734-1988.

CHALAN PAGO-ORDOT

Mayor Jessy C. Gogue

472-8302/03/477-1333 or fax 477-7131

ocp.mayor@gmail.com

DEDEDO

Mayor Melissa B. Savares

Vice Mayor Peter John S. Benavente

632-5203/5019/637-9014

melissa.savares@gmail.com

onedededo@gmail.com

Flea Market reservations and transactions can be made at the office on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call Charlene or Boboy at 637-9014 for more information.

HAGATNA

Mayor John A. Cruz

477-8045/7

hagatnamayor@hotmail.com

INARAJAN

Mayor Anthony P. Chargualaf

475-2509/10/11

inalahanmayor@gmail.com

MANGILAO

Mayor Allan G. Ungacta

Vice Mayor Kevin Delgado

734-2163/5731 Fax- 734-4130

Mayorallan.ungacta@yahoo.com

mangilao.vicemayor@gmail.com

MERIZO

Mayor Ernest T. Chargualaf

828-8312/2941/8772

mayorernest@yahoo.com

MONGMONG-TOTO-MAITE

Mayor Rudy A. Paco

477-6758/9090 FAX 472-6494

mtmmayorpaco17@gmail.com.

Call the office to request for a mayors verification. Pick up window is open from 8 a.m.  11 a.m. and 1 p.m.  4 p.m. or it can be emailed or faxed.

The office is offering MixxFit Classes on Mondays at 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the community center. Contact the office to sign up for the class. Limited spots available.

Anyone who is caught illegally dumping will be issued a citation and fined up to $1,000. The mayors office will not be responsible for removing junk debris, cars, white goods, household trash, electronics, etc. from rental units and/or apartments.

PITIMayor Jesse L.G. Alig

472-1232/3

Jesse.alig@pitiguam.com

SANTA RITA

Mayor Dale E. Alvarez

565-2514/4337/4302/04

daleealvarez@gmail.com

SINAJANA

Mayor Robert Hofmann

Vice Mayor Rudy Don Iriarte

472-6707/477-3323/9229;FAX 462-5084

sinajanamayorsoffice@gmail.com

TALOFOFO

Mayor Vicente S. Taitague

789-1421/3262/4821

talofofomayor@gmail.com

TAMUNING-TUMON-HARMON

Mayor Louise C. Rivera

Vice Mayor Albert M. Toves

646-5211/8646

mayorlcrivera.tatuha@gmail.com

atoves.tatuha@gmail.com

UMATAC

Mayor Johnny A. Quinata

828-8251/52

umatacmo@gmail.com

Mayors verifications must be requested 24 hours in advance and shall consist of all individuals registered under that address.

Beginning August, the office will be collecting the following: refrigerators, water heaters, freezers, washers, dryers, stoves and microwaves. Call the office with your information and you will be contacted for scheduled pickup date and time. Please do not place white goods curbside.

The office is now accepting loose metal drop-off to our bin. Authorized metals are as follows: Bicycle and auto parts (no tires), plumbing pipes, faucets, roofing material, bed frames, barbecue pits, and furniture. No appliances, tires, electronics, TVs, construction debris, or household hazardous waste accepted. Drop-off is weekdays 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Residents must sign in at the office and truckloads will be inspected before disposal.

Reservation requests to utilize the Umatac Bay Pavilions and Playground Pavilions are accepted via email or in person and must be made two weeks prior to event date. Reservations are based upon availability and will not be honored via office phone or cell.

The office will not be lending out equipment to residents due to maintenance assessment and repair other than chairs and tables until further notice.

For additional information/inquiries call 828-8251/2, email umatacmo@gmail.com or visit the office Monday through Friday. For updated information, visit our facebook page at www.facebook.com/umatacmo.

YIGO

Mayor Anthony P. Sanchez

Vice Mayor Loreto V. Leones

653-5248/653-9446

ymayortony@gmail.com

lloretoleones@gmail.com

YONA

Mayor Bill A. Quenga

789-4798/1525-6

yonamayor2020@gmail.com
The Guam Visitors Bureau is providing free trolley services for island residents and visitors from July 30 to Aug. 30 in Tumon.

The free service is part of the efforts to continue revitalizing Guams No. 1 industry, according to a news release from the tourism agency.

We want to instill confidence for businesses to reopen as we begin to welcome back visitors and overcome this pandemic, said Carl T.C. Gutierrez, GVB president and CEO.

Partnering with Lam Lam tours to provide this transportation free of charge will provide an opportunity for our locals, military and visitors to get around the island and support our local business community, he said.

The Guahan Trolley Service is offered daily from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. between GPO and Micronesia Mall, with multiple stops in Tumon, the release stated.

GVB wants pedestrian shelter at Kmart intersection The government could install a pedestrian shelter along Marine Corps Drive, at the corner of
Its no secret that Merizo floods during heavy rain, according to village Mayor Ernest Chargualaf.

He said the government is to blame for the flooding caused during Saturdays downpour because it failed to keep culverts clear.

There was fair warning, Chargualaf said. We need to stop being reactionary and be proactive.

The mayor said Department of Public Works equipment, which was prepositioned in the village to keep culverts clear of debris during heavy rain, recently was relocated from the Barcinas area, which is prone to flooding.

The timing was bad, he said.

They removed the excavator (Friday) and the flood happened today, Chargualaf said. If the excavator was there, the flooding in that area would have been averted.

If the culverts arent cleared, storm water, which flows down from the mountains, starts to rise into peoples yards and homes, Chargualaf said.

The personnel are out there, but the personnel cant do anything. Its the equipment that needs to remove the debris that plugs up the culverts, he said.

Preposition the equipment in the problematic areas, not to mitigate, but to avert the flooding issues, Chargualaf said. We dont control Mother Nature. The only thing we have to do is prepare ourselves to minimize.  Weve been doing this for umpteen years. We already know what to do.

The National Weather Service Guam office at 1:15 Saturday issued a flash flood warning for southern Guam, upgrading an existing urban and small stream flood advisory.

According to the Weather Service, at 1:15 p.m., parts of southern Guam, including Umatac and Merizo, were experiencing heavy rain, at a rate of up to three inches per hour. At that time, one or two inches of rain already had fallen, with two to three more inches expected.

As of Saturday afternoon, with the rain subsiding, Chargualaf said his employees were clearing flooded roads in the village to make them passable and starting to prepare a post-flood report of residents who may have been impacted.

The extent of the flooding was unclear, he said, but some residents reported water entering their property.

Its all over the place, he said.

If necessary, the mayors office will help coordinate assistance for residents from the American Red Cross, he said.
Dozens of Taiwanese visitors, here for the vaccination tourism program, have visited the Valley of the Latte Adventure Park during the past week, said David Tydingco, managing director for the Talofofo cultural visitor attraction.

We believe the Korean market is on the cusp of reopening, which could allow the adventure park to reopen seven days a week by October  a full return to its pre-pandemic schedule, Tydingco said. He said the adventure park generally has operated tours only Wednesday through Sunday since reopening early this year.

The adventure park on Saturday organized a day-long Haanin Minagof festival, with vendors and cultural performances, to symbolically reopen its doors and to officially launch a new cultural attraction, the Micronesia Village.

The whole meaning of Haanin Minagof is a day to feel great, a day to feel happy. And its kind of our liberation from COVID, Tydingco said. Were seeing, at least from our perspective, our island come back to life. And were just really fortunate and glad were able to be a part of it.

As of Saturday morning, nearly 800 tickets had been sold for the days event, with additional requests coming in, Tydingco said. The profits from the event will be donated to the villages of Inalahan and Talofofo for community improvements.

Desirable tour

The reopening of the Valley of the Latte is symbolic in a couple of ways, said Guam Visitors Bureau Vice President Gerry Perez, who attended Saturdays event. The first is the startup and reopening of our tourism industry and a very, very attractive and desirable option tour.

The second thing is it helps to differentiate us from other resorts by highlighting the culture and history of the CHamoru people and the brand identity surrounding it, Perez said.

According to GVB, the islands Air V&V  for vacation and vaccination  tourism program, which launched in early July, so far has brought nearly 1,100 Taiwanese visitors to Guam on charter flights. About 630 more visitors are expected to arrive on charter flights from Taiwan through Aug. 12.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero eased the travel quarantine, effective July 4, allowing visitors who test negative for COVID-19 before arriving on Guam to skip quarantine. Fully vaccinated visitors already were exempt from quarantine.

Airlines operating out of South Korea are scheduled to offer more regular flights to Guam, starting Saturday, and GVB officials have said the island expects to see more Korean tourists by September.

Restaurants and tourism-related businesses have been encouraged to reopen if possible so visitors will have more activities while here.

A premiere place

Acting Gov. Joshua Tenorio, who attended Saturdays event, described the adventure park as one of the premiere places to visit on Guam.

Not only for our visitors, but for all of us, the people of Guam, Tenorio said. This is a great opportunity to showcase our culture and I cant think of a better way to start this next venture of ours as we continue to reopen safely.

Tydingco said it was important for Guam to heal itself, and for residents to feel safe, before the island could welcome visitors from abroad.

And now we can open up to the rest of the world. We really feel good about that, he said.

He said Taiwanese tourists have started trickling in to the adventure park  about 40 during the past week  and the number continues to grow.

But what has been a real godsend for us is the support we got from our local community and our military, Tydingco said. In the next couple of weeks there are (military) ship visits, and we are getting a lot of calls from (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) and other military folks that are wanting to come down.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

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Haiti - FLASH : Martine Moise very seriously plans to run for president of Haiti





Friday July 30, 2021, the former First Lady Martine Moise currently in the United States to undergo a new surgical operation following the injuries received during the assassination of her husband President Jovenel Moise on July 7, 2021 granted her first interview to the newspaper American New York Times since the day of the drama.



In this interview where she returns to some trying and moving aspects of the murder of her husband, she said that she did not have confidence in the ongoing investigation, describing as very suspicious the fact that among the very many police officers assigned to protection of the President [members of special units] none were injured during the attack on the residence. She thinks there is a powerful mastermind behind it who ordered this assassination and provided the money.



Recall that for Martine Moise, as she had declared at the funeral of her late husband, https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34307-haiti-flash-martine-moise-declares-that-the-president-has-been-betrayed-video.html there is no doubt that the sponsors are part of the oligarchs of Haiti.



In addition, Martine Moise (47) did not exclude to run for the next presidential elections and acknowledged that she was thinking about it "very seriously" in order to defend and continue the development of Haiti initiated by her husband "President Jovenel had a vision and we Haitians are not going to let her die", confirming by his words the rumors that were already circulating in the country on his possible candidacy for the presidency.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34354-haiti-news-zapping.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34351-haiti-flash-all-the-arrested-colombian-ex-soldiers-were-aware-of-a-plan-to-kill-president-moise.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34307-haiti-flash-martine-moise-declares-that-the-president-has-been-betrayed-video.html

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-34258-haiti-flash-the-first-lady-back-in-haiti.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-34233-haiti-flash-new-message-from-martine-moise-first-photo.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-34209-icihaiti-flash-martine-moise-s-surgery-went-well.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34201-haiti-flash-authenticated-message-from-the-first-lady-martine-moise-audio.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-34182-icihaiti-assassination-of-president-moise-15-days-of-national-mourning-text-of-the-decree.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34172-haiti-flash-martine-moise-in-florida-for-treatment.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34162-haiti-flash-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-by-mercenaries-official-updated-7am-+-video.html



PI/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Elections : party registration ends at midnight

The process of registering and confirming political parties and groups ended on Friday, July 30, 2021, at midnight local time.



Umpteenth version of the crisis exit solution

The Commission for the search for a Haitian solution to the crisis released on Friday a new version of the draft agreement between the different sectors on the post-Jovenel Moise. In the document, provision is made for the establishment of a National Transition Council of 14 members from different sectors which will have the particular mission of choosing a President and a Prime Minister to ensure the transition for 2 years.



The Constitutional referendum still planned

The Independent Advisory Committee for the Drafting of the New Constitution on Thursday confirmed to Prime Minister Henry that it will send him the final document of the draft of the new Constitution within 3 weeks due to the delay caused by the assassination of President Moise. In this final version for re-reading, the Senate would have been re-included. The CEP will have to take this delay into account and modify the date of the referendum if necessary.



Diaspora : Requiem Mass Invitation for President Moise

The Embassy of Haiti in Washington DC invites the Haitian community and friends of Haiti to a Requiem Mass for the rest of the soul of the 58th President of the Republic of Haiti, Jovenel Moise, tragically assassinated on July 7, 2021 The ceremony will be sung on Thursday August 5, 2021 at 6:00 pm at the "Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception".



Dress Code: Dark

Address: 400 Michigan Ave. BORN.

Washington D.C. 20017



Covid-19 : Vaccination follow-up

Artibonite :

The Health Director of Artibonite (DSA), Dr Marcel Chatelier, launched on July 30, 2021, vaccination operations against Covid-19 and its variants in the second most populous department of the country. Chatelier was the first to be vaccinated, followed by the Government Commissioner and the Departmental Director of the Haitian National Police.



Jacmel :

Vaccination activities in the South-East department were launched on Thursday. The Saint Michel de Jacmel hospital is the department's first open vaccination center. Each new center opened demonstrates the Ministry's commitment to bringing immunization services closer to the population.



Hinche :

On Thursday, the Centre's health department launched vaccination activities to fight Covid-19 at Sainte-Therese hospital in Hinche. It was the departmental director, Dr. Jean Baptiste Denis Joseph, who received the first dose of the vaccine.



List of open vaccination sites : https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-34349-icihaiti-covid-19-list-of-covid-19-vaccination-sites.html



See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34369-haiti-diaspora-covid-19-daily-bulletin-498.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















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Mary Lou Montgomery, retired as editor of the Hannibal (Mo.) Courier-Post in 2014. She researches and writes narrative-style stories about the people who served as building blocks for this regions foundation. Books available on Amazon.com by this author: "The Notorious Madam Shaw," "Pioneers in Medicine from Northeast Missouri," and "The Historic Murphy House, Hannibal, Mo., Circa 1870." She can be reached at Montgomery.editor@yahoo.com Her collective works can be found at www.maryloumontgomery.com
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After almost a year and a half, here we are stuck in the middle again on covid-19,
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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
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Big Oil is back, earning gigantic profits as coronavirus vaccines, reopening economies and rising crude demand lift the fortunes of the nations largest oil companies.

Yet even as crude prices have rebounded to near $74 a barrel  higher than before the pandemic  the once swashbuckling oil giants remain humbled by the pandemic-driven oil bust. Instead of planning further drilling, more hiring and increased production, Exxon Mobil and Chevron promised skittish shareholders that they will focus on holding down expenses, reducing debt and raising dividends.

The organization remains very focused on continuing to leverage the changes weve implemented over the last several years, Exxon CEO Darren Woods told analysts in a conference call Friday. As the market improves, weve maintained a disciplined approach, doing more with less.

Thats bad news for the 81,500 workers in Texas oil exploration, drilling and production sectors who were laid off during the worst of the oil bust last year. As long as oil giants remain restrained in their capital spending, new drilling projects  and jobs  will be slow to return, analysts said.

Indeed, only about 14,200 of the sectors jobs have come back so far, according to the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers, a trade group.

DIFFERENCE OF OPINION: Oil major quits API because of climate positions

While Exxon said it plans to spend more money during the second half of the year on key projects, including new wells in Guyana, Brazil and the Permian Basin of West Texas, its full-year spending will remain near the lower end of its $16 billion to $19 billion target. The company has paid down $7 billion of its debt this year.

Chevron said its year-to-date spending on new projects is one-third less compared with a year ago. Instead of raising its capital budget, the company on Friday said it will resume its stock repurchase program, committing $2 billion to $3 billion a year to buy back shares from investors.

Capital discipline remains the focus of the oil industry, said Peter McNally, an energy leader at New York investment firm Third Bridge Group. Like their peers, Chevron is committing to repurchasing shares instead of immediately investing their cash flow in more energy projects.

Calls for austerity came even as Exxon and Chevron on Friday reported their largest profits in a year and better-than-expected results for the second-straight quarter.

Exxon, the Irving oil major, made $4.7 billion during the three months ended June 30, compared with a loss of $1.1 billion during the same period a year earlier. Revenue more than doubled to $67.7 billion from $32.6 billion a year earlier.

Chevron, the California oil major, made $3 billion in the second quarter compared with a loss of $8.3 billion during the same period last year. Revenue nearly tripled to $37.6 billion from $13.5 billion a year earlier.

THE LONG RUN: Oil field service companies anticipate multi-year recovery from pandemic

Their European counterparts Royal Dutch Shell and TotalEnergies similarly posted profits of $5.5 billion and $3.5 billion, respectively. BP is set to release second-quarter results next week.

These banner results are yet another sign of the slow but steady recovery underway in the oil patch.

West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. crude benchmark, settled Friday in New York at $73.95 a barrel, up from $48 a barrel in January.

U.S. drillers added 137 rigs so far this year, raising the nations count to 488, according to Baker Hughes and energy research firm Enverus. A year ago, 251 rigs were operating.

In Texas, the rig count has more than doubled in a year to 230. More drilling permits were issued in Texas last month than in the first six months of 2020, according to data from the states Railroad Commission, which oversees the industry.

Still, the number of operating rigs and drilling activity is rising at a snails pace, considering that oil is priced higher than $70, at which most producers can turn a healthy profit. U.S. shale drilling is expected to grow more slowly in the second half of the year as oil majors continue to hold the reins on spending to increase profits, satisfy shareholders and woo back investors.

Karr Ingham, a petroleum economist with the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers, said he would be surprised if oil majors remain on the sidelines for long, however, especially if crude continues to climb.

Texas oil and gas producers understand the message behind higher prices for crude oil and natural gas, and that is to provide additional product to the marketplace if possible, Ingham said. If prices continue to climb and operators do not respond by drilling more wells and pushing the rig count upward, it would be the first time ever that that would be the case.

paul.takahashi@chron.com

twitter.com/paultakahashi
Empty seats and dry eyes were hard to spot at Saturdays sacred White Coat Ceremony for UH College of Medicines first in-person celebration to welcome the Class of 2025.

A captivated audience listened as Dr. Stephen Spann, the founding dean of the College of Medicine, and Dr. Brian C. Reed, chair of clinical science, shared their wisdom with UH College of students.

All people deserve access to healthcare, Spann said inside the Conrad N. Hilton Grand Ballroom on UH campus. Commit to serving historically disadvantaged communities serve them with cultural humility.

He cautioned the medical students about the dangers of fatigue and burnout. And to recognize the importance of self-care.

You cant take care of others if you dont take care of yourselves, he said in closing. Competence and compassion go hand-in-hand.

Since 1993, when the Arnold P. Gold Foundation initiated the tradition for the entering class of Columbia Universitys College of Physicians and Surgeons, cloaking new medical students in their first white coats has remained a hallowed rite of passage for all new medical students.

Last year, due to COVID-19, University of Houston College of Medicines inaugural class members put on their own white coats. Only the students and university leadership were in attendance. The historic ceremony was celebratory, if not a little remote. Friends and family cheered on via livestream.

It just wasnt the same. This year feels more symbolic, said Rashda Khan, a UH staffer.

UHs inaugural class had 1,728 applications, That jumped to 6,000 applications this year. Thirty students were chosen both years. At least half of this years class received a $100,000, four-year scholarship to cover tuition and fees.

More than 60% are considered low socioeconomic status, as defined by Texas Medical Dental Schools Application Services, and 60% represent minorities in medicine: Black and Hispanic/Latino.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Inside Louis Vuitton's Houston Galleria men's store, the first in Texas

UHs College of Medicine was founded to address a leading contributor to poor health: a shortage of primary care doctors. The schools educational programming prioritizes food insecurity, housing and environment to eliminate health disparities in under-served urban and rural communities.

With this white coat comes a responsibility that is unmatched in many other professions in the world, said Reed, the ceremonys keynote speaker. Seek balance. This is a profession that can take a toll on your soul.

He assured the students that becoming a physician is worth the years of study and time away from friends and family, because the payoff is a life filled with purpose.

When I practice medicine, Im doing what I love and what some divine being designed me to do, he said before sharing a bit of parting wisdom. Stay connected. Thats my one regret  I missed a lot of weddings, anniversaries and birthdays.

Its a lesson the class of 2025 appeared to have already learned.

Onyeomachi Iheanacho, a Houston-native, guessed around 20 of her family members attended Saturdays White Coat Ceremony. Were Nigerian, you cant tell one of us about an event and not expect everyone to come, she explained with a wide smile.

College of Medicine leadership urged the crowd to hold applause until ceremonys end. Request, denied. Clapping and cheering erupted for all 30 class members.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Enchanted, first of its kind Menil Collection exhibit, explores visual history of the Andes

Alex Garcia, director of student affairs, read aloud brief statements written by each medical student as they crossed the stage to be cloaked. Many thanked their God, family, friends and spouses. Elliot John Flint, from Texarkana, thanked his partner and fanned away tears as he walked. Adriana Gil, from Cypress, requested her remarks read in Spanish.

Iheanacho paid tribute to her parents. I would not be here without your sacrifice, Garcia read. This white coat is as much a symbol of your hard work as it is mine.

After the ceremony, the class of 2025 stood together to recite their jointly-written oath, led by Isaiah Carter, also a Houston-native. Above all, they said in unison. I commit to do no harm and act as a servant of humanity. I will always strive to be a competent and compassionate physician.

Later, during the reception, Iheanachos brother pinched her ear. I whispered that we all knew this day would be possible, he said. It was such a journey to get here.

Cookies made by Three Brothers Bakery were served as cameras flashed.

While his family discussed brunch options, Flint stepped away to reflect on what it meant to receive his white coat.

Looking out at my family and my partner, I just got emotional, he said. Id been thinking about applying to med school for 10 years. The day I dreamed of finally arrived.

amber.elliott@chron.com
WASHINGTON (AP)  Anger and frustration mounted in Congress as a nationwide eviction moratorium expired at midnight Saturday  one Democratic lawmaker even camping outside the Capitol in protest as millions of Americans faced being forced from their homes.

Lawmakers said they were blindsided by President Joe Bidens inaction as the deadline neared, some furious that he called on Congress to provide a last-minute solution to protect renters. The rare division between the president and his party carried potential lasting political ramifications.

Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., the chair of the Financial Services Committee, said Saturday on CNN: We thought that the White House was in charge.

Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., camped outside the Capitol, said: I dont plan to leave before some type of change happens."

We are only hours away from a fully preventable housing crisis, said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., during a floor speech in a rare Saturday session as senators labored over an infrastructure package.

We have the tools and we have the funding," Warren said. "What we need is the time.

More than 3.6 million Americans are at risk of eviction, some in a matter of days. The moratorium was put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of the COVID-19 crisis when jobs shifted and many workers lost income.

The eviction ban was intended to prevent further virus spread by people put out on the streets and into shelters. Congress approved nearly $47 billion in federal housing aid to the states during the pandemic, but it has been slow to make it into the hands of renters and landlords owed payments.

The day before the ban was set to expire, Biden called on local governments to take all possible steps to immediately disburse the funds.

There can be no excuse for any state or locality not accelerating funds to landlords and tenants that have been hurt during this pandemic, he said in a statement late Friday.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pointed Democratic House members in the same direction, urging them in a letter Saturday night to check into how the money already allocated has been distributed so far in their own states and localities. She said the Treasury Department, which transferred the funds earlier in the year, offered to brief lawmakers next week.

Biden set off the scramble by announcing Thursday he would allow the eviction ban to expire instead of challenging a recent Supreme Court ruling signaling this would be the last deadline.

The White House has been clear that Biden would have liked to extend the federal eviction moratorium because of the spread of the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus. But there were also concerns that challenging the court could lead to a ruling restricting the administrations ability to respond to future public health crises.

On a 5-4 vote in late June, the Supreme Court allowed the broad eviction ban to continue through the end of July. One of those in the majority, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, made clear he would block any additional extensions unless there was clear and specific congressional authorization.

Biden, heeding the court's warning, called on Congress on Thursday to swiftly pass legislation to extend the date.

Racing to respond, Democrats strained to draft a bill and rally the votes. Pelosi implored colleagues to pass legislation extending the deadline, calling it a moral imperative, to protect renters and also the landlords who are owed compensation.

Waters quickly produced a draft of a bill that would require the CDC to continue the ban through Dec. 31. At a hastily arranged hearing Friday morning to consider the bill she urged her colleagues to act.

But Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington, the top Republican on another panel handling the issue, said the Democrats bill was rushed.

This is not the way to legislate, she said.

Landlords, who have opposed the moratorium and challenged it repeatedly in court, are against any extension. They, too, are arguing for speeding up the distribution of rental assistance.

The National Apartment Association and several others this week filed a federal lawsuit asking for $26 billion in damages because of the impact of the moratorium.

Despite behind-the-scenes wrangling throughout the day, Democratic lawmakers had questions and concerns and could not muster support to extend the ban.

Revising the emergency legislation to shorten the eviction deadline to Oct. 18, in line with federal COVID-19 guidelines, drew a few more lawmakers in support  but still not enough for passage.

House Democrats, leaders tried to simply approve an extension by consent, without a formal vote, but House Republicans objected.

Democratic lawmakers were livid at the prospect of evictions in the middle of a surging pandemic.

Bush, who experienced homelessness as a young mother of two in her 20s, said that, at the time, she was working in a low-wage job.

I dont want anyone else to have to go through what I went through, ever, said Bush, now 45, wiping away tears during an interview at the Capitol, where dozens had joined her protest. I dont care what the circumstances are and so Im going to fight now that Im in a position to be able to do something about it.

Waters said House leaders should have forced a vote and Biden should not have let the warnings form one justice on the Supreme Court prevent him from taking executive action to prevent evictions.

The president should have moved on it, Waters said. She vowed to try to pass the bill again when lawmakers return from a recess.

By the end of March, 6.4 million American households were behind on their rent, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. As of July 5, roughly 3.6 million people in the U.S. said they faced eviction in the next two months, according to the Census Bureaus Household Pulse Survey.

Some places are likely to see spikes in evictions starting Monday, while other jurisdictions will see an increase in court filings that will lead to evictions over several months.

The administration is trying to keep renters in place through other means. It released more than $1.5 billion in rental assistance in June, which helped nearly 300,000 households. The departments of Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture and Veterans Affairs extended their foreclosure-related eviction moratoriums through the end of September on households living in federally insured, single-family homes late Friday, after Biden had asked them to do so.

Aides to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, the chair of the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, said the two were working on legislation to extend the moratorium and were asking Republicans not to block it.

___

Associated Press writers Alexandra Jaffe, Mark Sherman and Alan Fram contributed to this report.
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)  With U.S. health officials recommending that children mask up in school this fall, parents and policy makers across the nation have been plunged anew into a debate over whether face coverings should be optional or a mandate.

The delta variant of the coronavirus now threatens to upend normal instruction for a third consecutive school year. Some states have indicated they will probably heed the federal government's guidance and require masks. Others will leave the decision up to parents.

The controversy is unfolding at a time when many Americans are at their wits' end with pandemic restrictions and others fear their children will be put at risk by those who don't take the virus seriously enough. In a handful of Republican-led states, lawmakers made it illegal for schools to require masks.

In Connecticut, anti-mask rallies have happened outside Gov. Ned Lamonts official residence in Hartford, and lawn signs and bumper stickers call on him to unmask our kids. The Democrat has said that hes likely to follow the latest advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC on Tuesday recommended indoor masks for all teachers, staff, students and visitors at schools nationwide, regardless of vaccination status. The agency cited the risk of spread of the highly contagious delta variant, even among vaccinated people.

Alima Bryant, 33, a mother of four who organizes anti-mask parents in Branford, Connecticut, said she's not a conspiracy theorist, but she believes scientists have overstated the dangers of COVID-19, especially for children. She said she will take her children out of school rather than subject them to wearing masks, which she believes are more likely to make them ill than the virus.

Especially with little kids, I can imagine how often they're touching dirty things, then touching the mask, she said. Also, in kindergarten, you have to learn social cues, and even with speech and everything, it's so important to not be wearing a mask.

But parents such as Ryan Zuimmerman, of Lenexa, Kansas, fear that approach will prolong the pandemic.

In Johnson County, Kansas, the states most populous county, five districts recommend but do not require masks. A sixth district has not yet decided.

Zimmerman, speaking at a recent meeting of country commissioners, said that if masks are only recommended and not required, 95% of kids wont be wearing them.

"This isnt about comfort or control or obedience or your rights. It is not conspiracy or child abuse. It is about doing unto others as you want them to do unto you, he said.

I ask you this: If it was your kid who was high risk, what if you had to send that kid you had spent your whole life protecting to school in this environment?"

Another public meeting, this one in Broward County, Florida, had to be postponed for a day this week after roughly two dozen mask opponents waged screaming matches with school board members and burned masks outside the building.

When the discussion resumed Wednesday, it was limited to 10 public speakers, and all but one spoke vehemently against masks, saying their personal rights were being eroded.

Vivian Hug, a Navy veteran, brought her twins with her as she addressed board members, saying she was tired of the fear mongering and giving up freedoms in the name of safety.

Please stop the insanity. You have already done damage to these kids having to wear masks, she said before putting her daughter up to the microphone, where the little girl complained that masks make it hard for her to breathe and give her headaches.

But Dr. Karyl Rattay, director of the Delaware Division of Public Health, said there is no credible evidence masks are unsafe for children. She said the science is clear that face coverings have prevented the spread of COVID-19 in schools.

If we want to have kids in school this fall, and as many kids as we possibly can get into school, masks are a key component, she said.

Amid the debate, there is also a push to get more older kids vaccinated. President Joe Biden has asked schools to host vaccine clinics for the those 12 and older, and states are also beginning to discuss whether to mandate that school employees either be vaccinated or undergo frequent testing for the coronavirus.

To me that seems very reasonable, said Dr. Joseph Kanter, the state health officer of the Louisiana Department of Health. You achieve the goal of providing a safe environment. You maintain some choice in there. And clearly most people are going to look at that and say it make sense for them to get vaccinated, given that context.

The push to vaccinate children varies by country. Half of 12- to 17-year-olds in Estonia's second-largest city of Tartu have received their first vaccine shot, and local health officials are working to push the number to 70% before the school year begins. Countries such as Denmark and France also are actively encouraging vaccination of children, while others such Sweden and the United Kingdom have yet to begin mass vaccinations for those under 18.

The Pfizer shot is currently the only U.S. vaccine authorized for children 12 years and up. Moderna expects the Food and Drug Administration to rule soon on its application for children in the same age group.

Moderna said Monday that it expects to have enough data to apply for FDA authorization for younger children by late this year or early 2022. Pfizer has said it expects to apply in September for children ages 5 through 11.

But some parents, such as Bryant, say they will not get their children vaccinated, even after the kids are eligible, until they know more about potential side effects. Bryant said she knows people who have had severe reactions and others who believe it has affected their menstrual cycles.

Kanter urges families to vaccinate all eligible children. He said the argument that they rarely get severely ill from COVID-19 is becoming outdated.

As an absolute number, we are seeing younger individuals and kids get sicker in higher numbers and get more severe numbers with delta than they have before, he said.

Young people themselves have been wrestling with misinformation and vaccine hesitancy among parents and peers.

Angelica Granados, 16, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, finally got permission from her mother to take a COVID-19 vaccine last month. She worried about a potential allergic reaction.

Ive always wanted to take it, Granados said, describing the shot as a choice between going back to normal living" or risking infection.

Her mother, Erica Gonzales, stood by as she got the injection and waited with her during an extended 30-minute observation period.

I didnt want her to take it, but I mean, thats her choice. Its her body. She knows it best, Gonzales said.

___

Associated Press writers Kelli Kennedy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Cedar Attanasio in Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Heather Hollingsworth in Mission, Kansas, contributed to this report.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  After being closed by the raging pandemic for months, the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa was brought back to life by the filming of the current season of The Bachelorette.

(Having the production at the resort) helped me bring back 80% of the staff, said Claudia Wattenberg, the resort's general manager told the Albuquerque Journal. They allowed me to bring back my team and I wanted them to be here. We were closed in January and February and we wouldnt have opened with the lack of demand. We were relying on the out-of-state driving market and it wasnt happening. It was very restrictive until July 1.

The current season  the reality series 17th  premiered in June on ABC. This season follows bachelorette Katie Thurston on her quest for love.

Since its premiere, the series has hovered at just under 4 million viewers and easily is at the top of the advertiser coveted 18-49 demographic each week.

According to Variety, in 2018 it cost $153,096 for a 30-second ad on The Bachelorette.

Wattenberg said the national exposure has been a blessing for the property, which is located on Santa Ana Pueblo. Production took place for two months earlier this year.

For nine weeks, our property will be seen by millions, she said. We couldnt pay for this type of exposure.

The direct effect is the Tamaya is booked weekends through August and there is a significant increase in people looking at it for wedding and engagement parties.

This is huge for Hyatt, Wattenberg said. Were one of the leading brands and to have one of our resorts, its been fantastic to showcase not only the resort but New Mexico and most importantly, Santa Ana Pueblo.

According to the New Mexico Tourism Department, film tourism is listed as a special interest activity for an estimated 10% of New Mexico visitors in 2019.

This doesnt mean that a film location was the reason someone made a trip to New Mexico, but it does indicate that while on their trip, 10% of visitors reported that they found an opportunity to engage in some sort of film tourism activity, said Cody Johnson, New Mexico Tourism Department spokesman.

Wattenberg said interest in the resort began to pick up when the location was leaked via Twitter in February.

Amber Dodson, New Mexico Film Office director, said having the production film in New Mexico has a positive impact in the state.

Viewers from around the globe are tuning in each week and seeing the incredibly beautiful scenery at the Tamaya Resort on the Santa Ana Pueblo, Dodson said. The production shot during the pandemic maintaining a COVID-safe bubble. This in turn generated revenue for Native-owned businesses and the Tamaya, that was otherwise experiencing unprecedented financial hardships.
There are several reasons to have high hopes for U.S. Rep. Jake Ellzey, a Republican from Ellis County who was sworn in to represent Texas 6th Congressional District on Friday after winning a special runoff election for the seat.

Chief among them is this: Unlike some of his peers, he isnt afraid of Donald Trump and doesnt owe the former president anything.

Indeed, Trump had backed Ellzeys opponent, Susan Wright, in the special election to fill the seat previously held by her husband, U.S. Rep. Ron Wright, who died from complications of COVID-19 in February. Ellzeys election was considered something of an upset, as well as a setback for Trump, whose endorsement has been coveted in GOP primaries.

Still, according to Ellzey consultant Craig Murphy, Trump didnt appear to have any hard feelings. The former president spoke with Ellzey on Wednesday, joking with him and sharing his number, saying the new congressman could call him anytime. Trump has talked of running again for president in 2024.

I think Trump was a huge help to Wright, theres no doubt about it, Murphy said, noting that complete data on the race wont be available for a couple of weeks. But Jake Ellzeys just a really good candidate  his life experience, all the stuff hes done.

Ellzey, 51, is a fighter pilot by background, who served in the Navy for two decades; he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2020. He had the backing of a number of high-profile Texas Republicans, including U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw of Harris County and longtime Gov. Rick Perry, who has otherwise kept a low profile since leaving the Trump administration.

Trump has disavowed any responsibility for Wrights defeat, and most Republicans are declining to lay the blame at his feet. They point instead to Wrights consultants, who attacked Ellzey in a flurry of negative ads, and the D.C.-based Club for Growth, which financed most of the mailers.

All of them were, like, beautiful works of art, Murphy said, reflecting on that aspect of the campaign. They would take Ellzey and draw him in some demonic shape and have somebody above him as a puppeteer, and stuff like that. But they just advertised themselves as negative advertising.  I think that really hurt them.

Insert the usual caveats here: This was a special election runoff, and so turnout was low, but not bad for a special election. Theres also anecdotal evidence that Ellzey was the beneficiary of crossover votes from Democrats, who  perhaps in light of Trumps endorsement of his opponent  deemed him the lesser of two evils.

All the same, theres no reason to put an asterisk on Ellzeys victory or to question his conservative bona fides. He illustrated that a respected mainstream Republican with a solid record can still prevail at the ballot box even if Trump backs the other candidate.

By contrast, consider whats happening in the GOP primary fight for attorney general. Trump this week announced that he had decided to endorse the embattled incumbent, Ken Paxton, rather than Land Commissioner George P. Bush  who had backed Trump and sought his support despite a history of friction between 45 and members of the Bush family.

It is going to take a PATRIOT like Ken Paxton to advance America First policies in order to Make America Great Again, Trump said in a statement announcing that Paxton had won his complete and total endorsement. He is a true Texan who will keep Texas safe  and will never let you down!

In reality, Paxton lets us down on a regular basis. He remains under indictment for securities fraud and faces an FBI probe of alleged abuse of his office; he has denied the allegations. In December, he did Trumps bidding when he filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the results of the presidential election in four battleground states. The Supreme Court quickly rejected it.

Still, Trumps endorsement of Paxton, while not totally unexpected, couldnt have been the news Bush was looking for.

The only person who came out of this mini-saga looking good is former Texas Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman, who launched her own campaign for attorney general last month. She was appointed to family court in Harris County by Gov. George W. Bush in 1999, and two years later was tapped by Gov. Rick Perry for the 14th District Court of Appeals. She served on the state Supreme Court from 2009 until this year.

While Guzman has been generally supportive of Trump, she didnt grovel for his endorsement or otherwise indicate that she considered it crucial to her prospects in next years GOP primary.

For Republicans to continue to seek Trumps endorsement makes sense, say many political observers. His appeal to primary voters may be waning, but its still considerable. And the anti-endorsements Trump occasionally doles out tend to leave a mark, even now that they emanate from a remove, as Trump remains banned from Twitter and has to issue statements from his Mar-a-Lago bolthole.

Still, Ellzeys victory should serve as a reminder that theres another path to victory even as most congressional Republicans continue to support the Big Lie and refuse to hold Trump accountable for his actions Jan. 6.

Lets hope more Republicans follow this alternative path, for the good of their party  and the country.

erica.grieder@chron.com
Scott Engle

A body believed to be a Cleveland man reported missing two weeks ago was found Friday night, according to authorities.

Marvin Ramirez, 33, was reported missing July 16. Around 6 p.m. Friday, one of his family members called Cleveland Police to report they believed they found his body. Police were unable to confirm the identity of the deceased and took the body to Beaumont for autopsy.
Cedric Trice stands in front of his bus at the intersection of South Lake Park Avenue and Hyde Park Boulevard.
A new law will phase in school board elections in Chicago for the first time in city history and grow the size of the board from seven to 21.
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The state is planning to completely reconstruct a half-mile of East Street in fiscal 2026.

MassDOT Holds Public Hearing For East Street Reconstruction Proposal



The state is continuing to take written public comments on the East Street project.

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is in the 25 percent design stage of a $9 million to $10 million reconstruction of East Street, or Route 9.

On Thursday, MassDOT held a public hearing for the proposed overhaul that extends about a half-mile from the westerly side of East Street near Lyman Street to the easterly side at the intersection of Merril Road.



Project elements include widening of the existing roadway, turn lanes at intersections, a 14-foot grass median, reconstructed traffic signals, and infrastructure that is currently lacking.



The Federal Highway Administration is funding 80 percent of the total construction costs with MassDOT funding the additional 20 percent. It is scheduled to be programmed with the statewide Transportation Improvement Program in fiscal 2026.



The project goal is to improve safety, accessibility, and aesthetics with minimum impacts to the environment while supporting Pittsfield as a gateway city.



Several elements within the roadway prompted the need for a reconstruction proposal. MassDOT identified issues with traffic management, outdated equipment, and deficient accommodation for multi-modal forms of transportation including Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations.



Project engineer Paul Milewski described the current sidewalk conditions as "deteriorating." He also cited a lack of proper ADA compliance on a curb cut at Lyman Street looking East and a confusing unused driveway that is blocked by concrete barriers among other issues.



The corridor also has insufficient drainage which calls for a new stormwater drainage system included in the proposal.



This section of East Street is largely comprised of commercial and retail spaces with a couple of residential properties, all of which will be considered during the process.



During construction, roadways will remain open to vehicular traffic with lane shifts implements to keep two lanes open. Travel lanes may be reduced to one-lane traffic outside of rush hours to minimize disruption to travelers and abutters.



"We want to make sure we pay close attention to the abutters, those folks that are directly impacted by this project construction," Milewski said. "So we want to make sure we maintain access to all the residences and businesses while also considering access management."



Berkshire Regional Transportation Authority general manager Rauley Caine told the project team that the authority received requests from customers who want improved lighting at bus facilities and requested for that to be prioritized.

The city's Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales was also in attendance at the meeting and has been in conversation with the project team about the proposal.



Public input on the renovations is welcomed and encouraged. Written statements can be sent to:



Carrie Lavallee, P.E., Acting Chief Engineer, MassDOT, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116, Attention: Project Management, Project File No. 604003.
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Biden meets with Inslee, other governors to address wildfires, need for more resources
As the pandemic drags on, some enterprises are forced into reducing their workforce, or worse even shutting down due to the subsequent recession that followed.

Data from the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) released last March showed that the economy shrunk more than expected in the first quarter this year, extending the recession to five straight quarters. The country's GDP declined to -4.2 percent in the first quarter of 2021, which is significantly lower to -0.7 percent in 2020 Q1 and 5.9 percent in 2019 Q1.

Whats more, the pandemic has drastically changed the way businesses operate, pushing businesses to reject former processes and create working environments that entail less physical interaction. There were notable enterprises that barely flinched amid the lockdowns since their operations have integrated cloud technology.

Making Enterprises Agile

In recent years, cloud technology has helped businesses streamline their processes and create a virtual office, giving them the flexibility to operate their services anywhere at any time. And with the growing number of web-enabled devices in today's work environment, access to data is also made even more available.

Take it from Lockton Philippines Insurance & Reinsurance Brokers, Inc., who started their cloud journey with migration to the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud platform in 2020 with the services of Stratpoint Technologies, a digital transformation enabler delivering enterprise-grade solutions.

Lockton knows that as an insurance brokerage firm amid a global health crisis, they must ensure that their clients have 24/7 access to insurance policy information and claims. Being in the cloud lets them continue servicing their customers regardless of limited movement and restricted office operating hours. They continued conducting their business transactions as they worked remotely.

Stratpoint assisted Lockton with tools, methodologies, frameworks, and best practices to ensure an accelerated, streamlined migration to the cloud. Now, the insurance brokerage firm is benefitting from a reliable infrastructure, automated backup, and disaster recovery in place, without requiring a large team to maintain it.

Stratpoint also helped Lockton implement their IT roadmap to scale, expecting more savings from cost efficiency due to AWS's elasticity, scalability, and the OPEX subscription model.

Building a Future-proof Business with AWS

Recognizing the full potential and benefits of cloud services for Filipino enterprises, Stratpoint offers a full suite of cloud-based services for AWS, allowing businesses to innovate operations, integrate digital solutions, and grow despite challenges, helping them thrive amid uncertain times.

AWS is a comprehensive, evolving cloud computing platform provided by Amazon that includes a mixture of infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and packaged software as a service (SaaS) offering. It offers organizations tools such as compute power, database storage, and content delivery services.

Businesses can modernize their applications on AWS, giving them the ability to scale to potentially millions of users quickly, have a broad reach, manage extensive data, and respond to customer needs fast. It allows organizations to innovate faster while reducing risk, time to market, and total cost of ownership.

A Partner for Growth, Resilience

As an AWS Advanced Consulting Partner, Stratpoint can help businesses take full advantage of everything AWS has to offer and accelerate their journey to the cloud, with over 90 percent of the Fortune 100 companies and most Fortune 500 companies using AWS Partner solutions and services.

"Migrating to the cloud with AWS presents opportunities for businesses of all sizes to embrace digital transformation while keeping initial investment costs low. Developing an agile mindset and adopting new technologies will help Filipino enterprises thrive and be in fighting form amid these uncertain times," said Mary Rose Dela Cruz, Stratpoint Chief Executive Officer.

Stratpoint is also offering an AWS Migration Promo for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the same promotion Lockton availed to start its AWS migration, to help companies cope with today's challenges.

Any company interested in availing the promo will receive three months worth of AWS credits, allowing them to save up to $20,000 of costs to jumpstart their AWS migration. Stratpoint is still offering their promo to any interested companies who want to start their migration to the cloud.

We want to help more companies like Lockton in accelerating their cloud journey. We understand how transitioning from a traditional server setup to the cloud can be overwhelming, especially for companies with lean IT teams and budgets. Bringing our decade-long experience into our cloud projects, translated into best practices, methodologies, and templates, we make each cloud migration simple, seamless, and scalable, said Sonny Carlos, Stratpoint Head of Cloud Business.

Stratpoint builds modern applications for enterprises that elevate customer experiences and promote business growth in the digital economy today and in the future. The company leverages its expertise and experience with Filipino enterprises and Silicon Valley startups to design, develop, and manage software, cloud, data, and AI solutions, enabling companies to become agile, scalable, and competitive in the global market.

If you want to find out if your company qualifies for the AWS Migration Promo (and save up to $20,000 or 1,000,000), send Stratpoint a message at hello@stratpoint.com.
Bill Maher has despaired over so-called cancel culture and called it an insanity that is swallowing up the world.

The late-night TV hosts New Rules monologue in the newly returned Real Time on HBO featured a criticism of the ongoing Tokyo Olympic Games, in which he compared it to this years Oscars ceremony.

During the segment, Maher listed various examples at this years Summer Games where officials had come under scrutiny over historic behaviour  in some cases incidents that took place decades ago.

This included the opening ceremonys musical director who was criticised over a 1994 interview, in which he admitted to bullying fellow students when he was a child.

Remember when your teacher used to scare you, theyd say You know, this is going to go down on your permanent record.? Maher said. No longer an empty threat.

In the clip, he also addressed claims that his political stance has shifted, responding: I am reacting to politics that have [changed].

He used the hashtag #WokeOlympics as he shared the clip on Twitter, adding: How bad does this atmosphere were living in have to get before the people who say cancel culture is overblown admit it is in fact an insanity that is swallowing up the world?

Snitches and bitches, thats not being liberal, he said.
Millions of households could see their gas and electricity bills jump by almost 150 a year at a time when household finances are already under pressure.

Regulator Ofgem is expected to lift the price cap by 150 a year for gas and electricity bills next week.

The cost hike will affect 11 million families on default or standard variable tariffs who have not switched suppliers in the past year.

An additional 4 million households with pre-payment meters will face a similar increase.

In October, average annual bills will go up from 1,138 to around 1,288, an increase of 13 per cent. The move will affect significant numbers of the UKs most vulnerable households who are more likely to be on default tariffs or pre-payment meters.

Ofgem reviews the cap, which was introduced in 2019, every six months. The rising cap is mainly due to soaring wholesale energy costs, in a year that has seen gas prices increase by 55 per cent since January.

It comes as Boris Johnson has been urged to step up efforts to meet his commitment to hit net-zero emissions by 2050 ahead of the Cop26 climate conference in Glasgow.

Craig Mackinlay, Conservative MP for South Thanet, told The Times: The main driver of this current price hike is broadly due to wholesale gas prices. With a dash to uncosted net zero, this rise will be the first of even more catastrophic rises to family fuel bills.

Jonathan Brearley, the Ofgem chief executive, explained the increase in a blog.

When legitimate costs of supplying energy increase, this needs to be reflected in the price cap, he wrote. Without this, companies would be unable to continue to supply energy to their customers.

Regrettably, the increase in wholesale costs will feed through to this price cap and, although final analysis is not complete and other costs will also determine the overall level, it could add around 150 per household to the next level of the price cap, Mr Brearley wrote.
Prime minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie are expecting their second child.

The news comes less than three months after the couple married in an intimate wedding ceremony at Westminster Cathedral.

In a post to her Instagram, Ms Johnson revealed that she had suffered a miscarriage earlier in the year, and feels incredibly blessed to be pregnant again.

She said she is expecting to give birth to the baby in December.

At the beginning of the year, I had a miscarriage which left me heartbroken, she wrote. I feel incredibly blessed to be pregnant again but Ive also felt like a bag of nerves.

Opening up about her miscarriage, Ms Johnson said she had found comfort in speaking to others who had also experienced a similar loss.

Fertility issues can be really hard for many people, particularly when on platforms like Instagram it can look like everything is only ever going well.

I found it a real comfort to hear from people who had also experienced loss so I hope that in some very small way sharing this might help others too, she said.

Her announcement suggests that she was pregnant at the time of their wedding.

The couple were engaged in late 2019 and welcomed their first child, a son named Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson, in April 2020.

While this baby will be Ms Johnsons second child, Mr Johnson is more familiar with the experience of parenthood. However, the exact number of offspring the prime minister has remains unclear.

Here is everything you need to know about Mr Johnsons children.

When was the prime ministers youngest baby born?

The youngest of Mr Johnson's children is his son with Carrie Symonds who was born on 29 April 2020.

(Getty)

The couple first announced that they were expecting a child in February 2020 and told the public that the child would be born in the early summer.

How many other children does Boris Johnson have?

It is believed that the prime minister has seven children, however, he has not officially confirmed the exact number.

What is known is that the prime minister and his second wife, Marina Wheeler, who separated in 2018, have four children together: Lara Lettice, 27, Milo Arthur, 25, Cassia Peaches, 23, and Theodore Apollo, 21.

Boris Johnson pictured with his daughter Lara Johnson at a polling station after casting their votes in the election for the next Mayor of London in 2012 (G

Mr Johnson also has a fifth child, Stephanie Macintyre, who was fathered as a result of an affair with art consultant Helen Macintyre.

The Appeal Court ruled in 2013 that the public had a right to know that he had fathered a daughter during an adulterous liaison while Mayor of London in 2009.

The core information in this story, namely that the father had an adulterous affair with the mother, deceiving both his wife and the mothers partner and that the claimant, born about nine months later, was likely to be the fathers child, was a public interest matter which the electorate was entitled to know when considering his fitness for high public office, the court said.

Why is the number of children Mr Johnson has vague?

During the court proceedings, it was alleged that Stephanie Macintyre was one of two children the prime minister fathered as a result of an affair.

16 pictures of the royal family when they were children Show all 16 1 /16 16 pictures of the royal family when they were children 16 pictures of the royal family when they were children Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex A two-year-old Prince Harry holds the hand of his mother, Princess Diana, at Aberdeen Airport. (1986) Photo by Carraro/REX 16 pictures of the royal family when they were children Prince William, Duke of Cambridge Aged two years old, Prince William is photographed outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital, London, following the birth of his younger brother Prince Harry. (1984) Photo by Mauro Carraro/REX 16 pictures of the royal family when they were children Prince George Prince George arrives for his first day of school at Thomas's London Day School in Battersea. (2017) AFP/Getty Images 16 pictures of the royal family when they were children Princess Charlotte Princess Charlotte waves on the steps of St George's Chapel, Windsor, as she arrives at the wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank. (2018) Photo by Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images 16 pictures of the royal family when they were children Prince Louis A newborn Prince Louis is pictured outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital, London. (23 April 2018) Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images 16 pictures of the royal family when they were children Queen Elizabeth II A portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, then Princess Elizabeth, aged three or four years old. (circa 1929-1930) Photo by Universal History Archive/REX 16 pictures of the royal family when they were children Princess Margaret and Queen Elizabeth II Princess Margaret is pictured alongside her elder sister Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth II. Princess Elizabeth carries a purse embroidered with the letter "E" and a crown. (circa 1933) Photo by Richard Gardner/REX 16 pictures of the royal family when they were children Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip is pictured in Corfu, Greece, at the age of 14 months. (1922) Photo by REX 16 pictures of the royal family when they were children Prince Charles, Prince of Wales Prince Charles waves after his parents Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh as they drive a procession of welcome following their return from Canada (1951) AFP/Getty Images 16 pictures of the royal family when they were children Prince Andrew, Duke of York A six-year-old Prince Andrew looks out from a window at Buckingham Palace. (1966) Photo by McCabe/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images 16 pictures of the royal family when they were children Princess Anne, Princess Royal An official portrait is taken of Princess Anne, a day before her fourth birthday. (1954) STF/AFP/Getty Images 16 pictures of the royal family when they were children Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex A four-year-old Prince Edward turns in his seat as he attends the annual Royal Windsor Horse Show. (1968) Photo by P. Felix/Daily Express/Getty Images 16 pictures of the royal family when they were children Princess Beatrice A two-year-old Princess Beatrice sits underneath a presentation table at the Royal Berkshire Polo Club, holding a fluffy toy. (1991) Bill Cross/Daily Mail/REX 16 pictures of the royal family when they were children Princess Eugenie A young Princess Eugenie holds her mother, the Duchess of York's hand as she leaves Upton House School Windsor on her elder sister's first day of school. (1991) Photo by Mike Forster/ANL/REX 16 pictures of the royal family when they were children Camilla Parker Bowles, Duchess of Cornwall A four-year-old Camilla Parker Bowles, later the Duchess of Cornwall, is pictured with her two-year-old sister Annabel. (1952) Photo by Ann Cleaver/REX 16 pictures of the royal family when they were children Zara Phillips Zara Phillips, daughter of Princess Anne, attends the Royal Windsor Horse Show aged two. Zara went on to become an equestrian and Olympian. (1983) Photo by Paul Massey/Mail On Sunday/REX

The three appeal court judges said: It was not material to the judge's conclusion whether contraceptive precautions were taken.

What was material was that the father's infidelities resulted in the conception of children on two occasions.

Has the prime minister ever spoken publicly about his children?

Boris Johnson has famously diverted questions about his family and personal life, especially during the election campaign in 2019.

During a radio interview with LBC, presenter Nick Ferrari asked the prime minister how many children he had and if he was fully involved in their lives.

Recommended Boris Johnson baby name odds revealed by bookmakers

The prime minister responded: I love my children very much but they are not standing at this election.

I'm not therefore going to comment on them.

He added: I am not going to put them onto the pitch in their election campaign when I think what people want to hear is what my plans are for the country, what this government is determined to do and how we are going to take this country forward.

That is the way all parties should be judged.
Englands chief midwife Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent is appealing for hesitant pregnant women to book their jabs after new research from Oxford University found more than 99 per cent of expectant mothers admitted to hospital with Covid-19 are unvaccinated.

Scientists say that the Delta variant of the virus poses a significantly greater risk of severe disease, and currently, one in 10 pregnant women admitted to hospital with symptoms of Covid-19 require intensive care.

Vaccination against coronavirus is recommended by The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in pregnancy, but the decision of whether to have the vaccine is your choice.

To help you make an informed decision, here are some key facts.

Initial trials have shown that there are no safety concerns

Pregnant women in the UK are offered both the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines. Data from the US, where over 130,000 pregnant women have had these types of vaccines, has not raised any safety concerns.

Some 4,000 pregnant women in Scotland have also received a vaccine with no adverse effects recorded.

However, the charity Tommys and the RCOG note that the Covid-19 vaccines have not yet been tested specifically in pregnant women, and future studies should give us more information on how effective the vaccine is in pregnancy.

Women who have received a vaccine pass on antibodies to their babies

A study conducted by Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian has shown that women who have received a vaccine pregnancy pass on protective antibodies to their babies through the umbilical cord.

Studying 122 women, the researchers reported that 99 per cent of newborns had present antibodies after their mothers received both vaccine doses, and 44 per cent of babies had antibodies after just one dose.

Antibodies are protective proteins produced by the immune system to help detect harmful substances, called antigens, which can lead to sickness with Covid-19.

The vaccines cannot give you or your baby Covid-19

The NHS stress that you cannot catch Covid-19 from having the vaccines and you also cant pass it to your baby through your breast milk.

Vaccines teach our immune systems how to recognise and fight specific viruses. None of the authorised vaccines in the UK contain the live virus that causes Covid-19.

Pregnant people are at an increased risk for severe illness from Covid-19

Studies, as reported in the British Medical Journal, have found that pregnant people are more likely to get severely ill from Covid-19 compared to non-pregnant people, and they are more likely to be admitted to intensive care.

This is because the changes that happen in the body during pregnancy increase the risk of getting severely ill with respiratory viral infections.

Dr Nitu Bajekal says: While many pregnant women may have mild symptoms, 1 in 10 are at risk of getting admitted and of getting rather unwell. We are seeing an increase in the number of women admitted with more serious complications from Covid-19 while pregnant, including twice the risk of stillbirth and twice the risk of preterm labour.

All stages of pregnancy are safe to have the vaccine.

Marian Knight, professor of maternal and child population health at the Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, commented: It is very concerning that admissions of pregnant women to hospital with Covid-19 are increasing and that pregnant women appear to be more severely affected by the Delta variant of the disease.

Around 200 pregnant women were admitted to hospital with Covid-19 last week.

No double-jabbed pregnant women have been admitted to hospital with Covid-19 in England

Data from the recent Oxford University study reveals that the majority of the pregnant women hospitalised with the virus since mid-May had not received a Covid-19 vaccine.

This was compared to just three women who had received a first dose, and no fully vaccinated pregnant women.
Chinese-Canadian pop star Kris Wu has been detained by Beijing police on suspicion of rape, police announced Saturday, following an accusation the former member of the Korean boy band EXO lured young women into sexual relationships.

Wu, 30, earlier was accused by a teenager of having sex with her while she was drunk. Wu denied the accusation.

The teenager said seven other women contacted her to say Wu seduced them with promises of jobs and other opportunities. She said some were under 18 but gave no indication whether they were younger than China's age of consent of 14.

Wu has been criminally detained" on suspicion of rape "in response to relevant information reported on the internet" including that he repeatedly lured young women to have sexual relations, the police statement said. It gave no other details.

The teenager publicized her accusations on social media and later in an interview with internet portal NetEase. A day after that interview appeared, at least 10 brands including Porsche and Louis Vuitton broke off endorsement and other deals with Wu.

There was no groupie sex! There was no underage! Wu wrote last month on his social media account. If there were this kind of thing, please everyone relax, I would put myself in jail!

The teenager and Wu both said they had asked authorities to investigate.

Saturday's statement didn't mention that case and gave no information about the status of that investigation.
Five teenagers and a 24-year-old have been jailed for a total of 81 years after they stabbed to death a complete stranger in an alleyway.

Bradley Gledhill, 20, was chased down the road before being knifed, kicked and stamped on during the horrifying attack in Batley, West Yorkshire.

Two of his friends were also stabbed during the incident  which started after the gang chanced across the three pals walking through an alleyway.

All six of the attackers  Usman Karolia, 20, of Lime Tree Avenue, Batley; Ahmed Karolia, 24, of Lime Tree Avenue, Batley; Raja Nawaz, 19, Longfield Road, Heckmondwike; Nabeel Naseer, 18, of Gordale Close, Dewsbury; Irfan Hussain, 17, of Church Walk, Batley; and Nikash Hussain, 17, of Low Road, Dewsbury  were convicted of his murder following a trial that lasted several weeks at Leeds Crown Court.

Handing them all life sentences, Mr Justice Kerr said: You thought nothing of killing him in the open air, in the street, in public.

And he added: You thought nothing of the unending pain you would cause Bradley's family.

The horror unfolded on at 10pm on 21 June last year, jurors were told.

As Mr Gledhill and his two friends, Kasey Hall and Joel Ramsden, entered the alley, they were approached by the six attackers who demanded to know what they were doing there.

As violence erupted, the three victims fled the scene but Mr Gledhill was cornered and caught in the towns Park Croft cul-de-sac. He was held to the ground as his six killers took it in turns to stab, punch and stamp on him before leaving him bleeding to death the street.

So callous was the attack that not even the fact a young child happened to be in the same road deterred the gang, the court was told. In an audio clip played to jurors, they could later be heard bragging about what they had done.

Residents alerted by the commotion tried to save Mr Gledhill, the court was told, but he was pronounced dead at Leeds General Infirmary at 11.18pm.

In a statement read out after the sentencing, Mr Gledhill's mother, Kelly Hubbard, said her family has been handed a life sentence as they tried to come to terms with his loss.

The 42-year-old said that her son has been robbed of his life and of a future and that no mother should have to bury their child, adding: It goes against human nature."

Karolia was sentenced to a minimum of 21 years in prison; Karolia to a minimum of 16 years; Nawaz, to a minimum of 12 years; Naseer and Irfan Hussain to a minimum of 11 years each; and Nikash Hussain to a minimum of 10 years.
The father of a woman who vanished without a trace in Germany 20 years ago is appealing for fresh clues.

Phil Kerton is hoping that a member of the public or German, Belgian or British police forces have new information as to what happened to his daughter Louise Kerton on the 20th anniversary of her disappearance.

Louise was a 24-year-old student nurse who has been in Germany on holiday with her fiance Peter Simon, who was 38, and his family when she went missing. She is believed to have travelled there through Belgium by rail and ferry.

She was travelling home on her own on 30 July 2001, but she never made it back to the UK following the five-week break in the village of Strassfeld, near Bonn.

Mr Simons mother Ramana said she had dropped Louise off at Aachen train station, in Germany, and saw her walk to the platform from where she planned to take a train to the Belgian port of Ostend, and then a Hovercraft to Dover.

However, no witnesses have said that they saw Louise at any stage of her journey back home to Kent.

There is some doubt as to whether she even got on the train from Germany to Belgium.

No body has been found, despite searches of fields, bodies of water, and gravel pits. No arrests have been made.

Mr Kerton, said: Wed just like to know what happened. Maybe somebody remembers something. Ive kept the same mobile phone number in the hope she might one day call, however remote that possibility is.

Louises fiance Mr Simon is half German and lived with her in Broadstairs, Kent. He had travelled back to the UK from Germany, two days before Louise left his familys home in Strassfeld, to pick up some building materials.

He went to Dover Hoverport on the evening of 30 July when she was scheduled to arrive. He then called Louises sister Francesca.

Describing the call, Mr Kerton said: He cried, and said she must be dead, whereupon my daughter, Francesca, said, Why dont you consider the possibility she might turn up on the next ferry?

Louises other sister Angela said that, in the following days, Mr Simon told her that he had seen Louises ghost.

There are some doubts that Louise boarded the train from Germany to Belgium (Creative Commons/International Missing Persons Wiki)

At the time of Louises disappearance, the case garnered considerable public attention  partly because she had attended the same school as Lucie Blackman, a 21-year-old who was raped and murdered in Japan in 2000.

Clare Tiltman, who was stabbed to death in 1993 at the age of 16 and whose killer was only convicted in 2014, also went to the private school Walthamstow Hall in Sevenoaks, Kent.

Mr Kerton said: We had talked about these cases a lot. She grew up very aware of them, and of the distress they caused their families.

Louises case regained the German publics attention after true crime podcast Akte Rhineland  translated to Rhineland File  reported on her disappearance in March last year.

The podcast suggests that she may have been unhappy in her relationship. It also reported that Strassfeld villagers said that Louise  who had failed part of her nursing course before travelling to Germany  had seemed depressed.

The podcast also mentions that Mr Simons older brother Michael, who had lived next to the couple with his mother, had been charged and then acquitted of the murder of a 79-year-old woman in the UK in 1993.

Their mother Ramana left the UK to live in Germany after Michael was acquitted. Detectives in Kent and Germany have said that they had no reason to believe Michael was involved with Louises disappearance.

The Simon family have always insisted that they did not have anything to do with Louise going missing. They have since moved out of their home in Strassfeld, which was searched by German police in 2002.

Mr Simon is said to now be living in Switzerland. Louises mother Kathleen died of stomach cancer 10 years ago without learning what happened to her daughter.

Detective Superintendent Paul Fotheringham, of Kent Police, said: Kent Police has not been made aware of any developments in the investigation by the German authorities and any further inquiries should be made to the Aachen state prosecutor.

Police in Aachen said they passed the case on to state police but that it is not an active investigation.
A five-year-old boy has died after he was found in a river in Bridgend in Wales, police have said.

Officers were alerted to the case of a missing child in the Sarn area at 5.45am on Saturday.

The child was discovered in the Ogmore River near Pandy Park and rushed to Princess of Wales Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

His family is being supported by specially trained officers, police said.

South Wales Police have launched an investigation into his death and are looking to hear from anyone who was in the area at or around 5.45am on Saturday, or who may have information about how the child ended up in the water.

Chief Inspector Geraint White said: This is a tragic incident in which a young child has sadly lost their life.

 We are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or who has any information, to get in touch.

We would ask the public not to speculate about this incident on social media as this is an active investigation.

If you have any information that can help, please report this to us.

Our thoughts are with the family and we are supporting them in every way we can.

Anyone with information can phone 101 and use the reference number 2100268674.
Severely disabled birds died of thirst, while carcasses were left to rot among the living at the UKs three largest poultry producers, according to an investigation by a vegan charity. The producers supply top brands including Tesco, Sainsbury, Lidl and KFC.

Chickens crammed into filthy, overcrowded sheds resorted to cannibalism, and many suffered ammonia burns, investigators say.

Viva!, the charity that secretly filmed at the three sites, says factory farms create breeding grounds for disease.

Tesco says it immediately launched an investigation when it learnt of the findings.

The three sites were all approved by Red Tractor, which says it guarantees animals have been well cared for.

But one expert described the scenes as highly disturbing, with animals clearly suffering.

The producers all use birds selectively bred to gain weight unnaturally quickly  a common practice in chicken farming to maximise numbers sold.

At a poultry company in Herefordshire, which supplies Avara Foods, Tescos biggest poultry meat supplier, the vegan charity said 30,000 birds crammed into one of 15 sheds were scrambling over each other to find space.

The videos showed birds collapsing because their legs were too weak to hold their grotesquely overweight bodies. It meant they could not access food or water points, causing death from starvation or dehydration, it was claimed.

The damning footage also shows dead birds trodden into the ground and covered with litter, which appear to have been left for some time  which is unsurprising given the sheer number of birds in the shed, a spokeswoman said.

Chickens bred to grow intensely rapidly are known to suffer heart attacks, broken bones and breathing difficulties.

Sick or injured birds were not humanely culled in line with government guidelines, the investigators claimed.

Recommended Supermarkets suspend farm where workers kicked pigs and dying animals left to rot among living

At a poultry farm in Somerset, which works for Hook 2 Sisters, investigators said they discovered numerous dead and decaying birds.

Many had painful hock burns caused by ammonia on the floor.

Investigators reportedly discovered other birds collapsed and panting heavily.

The 2 Sisters food group, whose customers include Aldi, the Co-op, KFC, Lidl, Sainsbury and Tesco, says it produces around a third of all poultry products eaten in the UK.

At a Derbyshire farm under contract to Moy Park, which sells chicken to Tesco and Sainsbury, footage showed countless dead birds, left to rot amongst the living.

A high number of chickens appeared to have lost feathers from being pecked at - said to be a sign of frustration in birds.

Moy Park is owned by Pilgrims Pride, an American company majority-owned by Brazilian meat giant JBS, which has been linked to Amazon deforestation.

Andrew Knight, a veterinary professor of animal welfare, said: This investigation footage is highly disturbing, and animals are clearly suffering on these farms.

I am concerned to see examples of cannibalism, feather-pecking and birds suffering severe feather loss.

Viva!s head of investigations Lex Rigby said: Our insatiable desire for cheap chicken has led to an alarming rise in US-style mega-farms that prioritise profit over welfare.

Vast industrial rearing facilities litter the countryside, causing unnecessary pain and suffering, as well as damaging our health and the environment.

Marketing leads consumers to believe the UK has some of the worlds highest animal-welfare standards but the reality is a far cry from the adverts.

The farms are considered industry-standard, she said.

The vast majority of UK supermarket chicken comes from 2 Sisters, Moy Park and Avara Foods.

A Tesco spokesperson said: We require all our suppliers to uphold high animal-welfare standards. Any claims of suppliers falling below these are unacceptable. We immediately began an investigation of these farms as soon as we were made aware of the allegations.

Independent audits of the three farms found that assurance scheme and legislative requirements were being met at the time of inspection, but we will continue to monitor the situation closely and further audits will be carried out.

Some chickens lay dying on the ammonia-soaked floors (Viva!)

A Sainsburys spokeswoman said the supermarket was committed to high welfare standards and regularly reviewed all of its sites.

Lidl said it was committed to building on its high welfare standards, adding: All our chicken complies with nationally recognised standards, including Red Tractor Assured, RSPCA certification and Organic Farmers and Growers. There are strict controls in place on how birds are handled and cared for, with compliance ensured through regular audits. The chain said it worked with suppliers to ensure continued progress.

A Moy Park spokesperson said the company had zero tolerance of anything that jeopardised birds health and welfare, and it carried out a thorough investigation on receiving the footage, adding: The farm was independently audited immediately and was certified as fully compliant with all animal-welfare standards.

They closely monitor welfare conditions on farms to ensure the highest standards are adhered to, they said.

A Red Tractor spokesperson said: Protecting animal health and welfare is a top priority. As soon as we were made aware of the footage, an investigation was launched to substantiate whether they presented an accurate representation of the farms management and implementation of our standards. All sites were found to be well managed and compliant with our scheme standards.

Avara said in a statement: The welfare of the animals in our care is of the highest importance to both us and our customers. After being made aware of this footage, we undertook a spot audit of the farm in question, as did Red Tractor. We were absolutely satisfied with the standard of bird welfare evident on the farm and Red Tractor found no major issues of concern.

A spokesman added that sick and lame birds had not been identified when the film was shot because it was done at night, and they would have been found in the morning.

He said it was reckless of the investigators to go onto the property during lockdown and a bird flu epidemic.

Andrew Opie, head of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, said: Our members take their responsibilities to animal welfare very seriously and work closely with trusted suppliers so that high welfare standards are upheld. They have strict processes in place, and will immediately investigate any allegations and take necessary actions.

A Hook 2 Sisters spokesman said: We abhor any reports of animal suffering and condemn any breaches of the high standards we expect everybody to uphold.

In this case, the allegations are untrue. This farm has been inspected by eight independent auditing bodies, and a recent veterinary surgeons report confirms no concerns have been highlighted at any point, including the last Red Tractor audit on July 22.

The Independent also asked the other brands to comment.
The Home Office set up a website targeting asylum seekers with misleading claims to deter them from journeying to Britain, The Independent can reveal.

It created a fake organisation called On The Move, complete with a logo and glossy branding, which claims to provide migrants in transit with free, reliable and important information.

Links to the website were pushed out to asylum seekers in France and Belgium as part of a social media campaign that cost the government 23,000 over five months.

The website, using a .org domain commonly associated with charities, contains no government branding and the about us section does not disclose any link to the Home Office.

Research by The Independent shows the website was set up in April 2020, using a private registration tool that conceals the owners personal information.

It invites asylum seekers to email On The Move with questions, without knowing that they would be contacting the British government.

The website, which remains online, tells readers the UK regularly returns people who enter via irregular routes but in reality, Britain has not been able to deport asylum seekers to EU countries since 1 January because of Brexit.

It also claims that steering a dinghy across the English Channel is a crime, although controversial prosecutions of boat pilots have recently been limited.

Nick Thomas-Symonds, Labours shadow home secretary, said: Priti Patels chaotic management of the Home Office has led to thousands of pounds of taxpayers money being spent on an advertising campaign thats false, disgraceful and dehumanising.

We need an asylum policy that focuses on tackling the gangs profiteering from people trafficking, reopening safe and legal routes and to drop the governments ineffective bill that breaks the Refugee Convention.

The website was created as part of a campaign with which the Home Office aimed to dissuade migrants in France and Belgium from attempting irregular entry into the UK.

The about us section of the Home Offices On The Move website (screengrab)

A Freedom of Information request by the PA news agency revealed it paid 23,200 for targeted adverts to be placed on Facebook and Instagram in English, Kurdish, Arabic, Persian and Pashto between December and April, all linked to the On The Move website and carrying slogans including dont put your or your childs life in danger, we will return you and there is no hiding place.

Clare Moseley, founder of charity Care4Calais, said: Im shocked that our government is determined to spend more time and money deterring and misleading vulnerable people.

Those who make it to our shores are often traumatised, having made life-threatening journeys to escape from some of the worlds most dangerous countries. Its about time this government showed some compassion and stepped up to help.

Anyone visiting the On The Move website is initially asked whether they are considering travelling to the UK irregularly.

The contact us section of the Home Offices On The Move website (screengrab)

Those clicking yes are taken to a page with links on the dangers of the journey, the legal risks and the realities of life in Europe.

The website has a page on safe and legal alternatives but none of them detail how to seek asylum in the UK specifically, or how to reach Britain.

Instead, it focuses on France, Belgium and other EU countries, or directs asylum seekers to information on how to return to their home country voluntarily.

The Home Office said that posts linking to the website were made from its clearly branded official Facebook and Instagram accounts as part of its campaign.

It said posts about prosecutions for steering boats predated changes to Crown Prosecution Service guidance, and maintained it can still deport asylum seekers.

The website was created amid record small boat crossings over the English Channel, which have risen despite an overall fall in asylum applications because of changes sparked by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Home Office has been pushing to jail asylum seekers who steer small boats as people smugglers and the Nationality and Borders Bill, if enacted, would criminalise any migrant who crosses the Channel by creating a new criminal offence.

Online records showing the Home Offices On The Move website uses a private domain registration (ICANN lookup)

It would also make it easier to prosecute migrants for steering boats or assisting asylum seekers who arrive via irregular routes.

Dan OMahoney, who was appointed clandestine channel threat commander last year, said: We are seeing an unacceptable rise in dangerous and unnecessary small boat crossings.

The migrants communications campaign ran to deter migrants located in France and Belgium who were intending to make dangerous attempts to enter the UK by small boat or hidden in lorries over the winter months.

The campaign featured a range of important messages, highlighting the risk to life of making these deadly journeys and providing information on claiming asylum in the safe country they are in. We make no excuse for providing important and potentially lifesaving information.
A baby monkey has been rescued from its miserable life being kept in a cage at a residential property in Essex.

The marmoset, which had been named TikTok after the social media app, was only a few months old. He had been prematurely taken away from his parents to be kept as an exotic pet in the town of Grays  the RSPCA said.

Primates need to live in groups and marmosets, unlike many other species, usually pair-up in monogamous relationships for life. But TikTok was depressed and kept alone in a parrot cage with no social stimulation.

He has been taken in at the Monkey World sanctuary in Dorset and has been adopted by an adult pair of marmosets called Clydie and Ronnie, who spend hours grooming and playing with him.

The baby is now being doted on by both adoptive parents, the RSPCA rescue charity said.

TikTok is enjoying his new life with Clydie and Ronnie at Monkey World (RSPCA)

A housing officer who visited the property in Essex in June reported that the baby monkey was being kept as an exotic pet in terrible conditions to the RSPCA.

RSPCA inspector Jack Taylor said: I was shocked by the conditions this poor boy was living in. He was living a miserable life, left all alone in a parrot cage with none of his essential needs being met.

Just like humans, primates can become depressed without adequate stimulation.

Sadly, inspectors like me are still seeing shocking situations where monkeys are cooped up in bird cages, fed fast food, sugary drinks or even Class A drugs, living in dirt and squalor and suffering from disease.

Marmosets originate from the rainforests of South America, and are the most common monkeys in the pet trade.

They usually eat tree sap and gum, as well as fruit, flowers, seeds, insects, spiders, frogs and lizards.

The South American rainforests are the natural habitat of marmosets (Getty)

Marmosets can live up to 17 years in the wild, but their life expectancy in captivity is drastically shortened to a maximum of seven years.

Up to 5,000 primates are being kept outside of licenced zoos in the UK, the government estimates.

Marmosets are the most commonly held primates in the UK, with capuchins, squirrel monkeys, lemurs and tamarins also among the most common species.

The RSPCA has called for a complete ban on the trading and keeping of primates as pets.

Squirrel monkeys are also being kept as pets in sub-par conditions (File pic/PA)

Monkey World, where TikTok was rehomed, has taken in more than 100 primates from the UK pet trade, and has a waiting list of more than 100.

The sanctuarys director Dr Alison Cronin has called for stricter laws to prevent the abuse and neglect of the animals, as there has been a dramatic increase in the numbers of primates being rescued recently.

She has also said that primates often arrive at the park malnourished, with rickets, mobility problems and psychologically damaged as a result of living in solitary confinement, inside peoples houses.

In December, the government launched a consultation over proposals to completely outlaw the keeping of monkeys as pets unless they are kept in zoo-like conditions.

In May, the government promised in the Queens Speech that the UK will be a global leader on animal welfare. It pledged to introduce a raft of legislation including on the banning of primates being kept as pets.
Two former BBC chairmen have called on the government to investigate changing broadcast rules so that viewers can watch more of the Olympic Games for free.

Lord Grade and Sir Michael Lyons told the Daily Mail that the lack of comprehensive coverage of Tokyo 2020 has been disappointing and asked politicians to consider broadening the rules on sporting events that must be shown on free-to-air TV.

Currently, the BBC can broadcast a maximum of two live Olympics events at a time  despite airing numerous simultaneous events during the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games.

The change came about as part of a near-1billion deal signed by the International Olympics Committee (IOC) and US media giant Discovery in 2016. As part of the deal, the BBC reportedly signed away its rights to show all Olympic sports in return for access to future Games.

Lorde Grade, who chaired the BBC between 2004 and 2006, told the Mail: I think that Parliament needs to look at this and find some way, not of interfering in the market, but making sure that there is fuller coverage on free-to-air.

Its a huge disappointment to people not to be able to have the usual fuller BBC coverage. The Olympic Games belong to everyone really.

Sir Michael, Lord Grades successor, said that listed events rules should be broadened to ensure free-to-air broadcasters like the BBC can show all Olympics events.

He told the Mail: It is disappointing to see so little.

The change has sparked a slew of complaints from viewers used to enjoying much wider ranging free coverage on the BBC.

One such complaint came from Julian Knight, chairman of the Commons digital, culture, media and sport committee, who told the Mail: It looks like the BBC got a very poor deal for both licence-fee payers and viewers.

Clearly Discovery were laughing all the way to the bank.

The BBC have repeatedly defended their Olympics coverage.

BBC Sports executive Ron Chakraborty wrote in a blog post: Whilst wed love to still have 24 live streams and our never miss a moment offer from London and Rio in 2016, our new rights deal simply doesnt allow it.

We might not have every moment, were confident that we can still be the home of the big moments.

He added the BBC understand that the need to jump in and out of sports to capture those big moments can be frustrating.
Two women have been seriously injured by a falling tree in Suffolk as Storm Evert lashes southern Britain.

Police say the pair, who are both in their twenties, were attending an outdoor party in Heveningham when the oak fell.

The women were taken to hospital, where one is being treated for spinal and head injuries and the other for pelvic and arm injuries.

Storm Evert, which has brought strong winds, showers and thunder, is predicted to cause more havoc over the weekend.

It has already brought disruption to southwest England. A number of people had to be rescued from the Isles of Scilly due to life-threatening situations, according to Falmouth Coastguard.

The storm is expected to move eastwards from the Cornwall area (PA Graphics)

It dealt with 22 incidents from the water around the islands on Thursday night and in the early hours of Friday morning.

Many of the calls were from people on yachts that were being blown towards rocks.

In Cornwall, there were reports of fallen trees blocking some roads, and people having to leave camping sites after their tents were flattened by the storm.

Alice Cresswell, who had travelled from London to Perranporth near Newquay, told the BBC that her family was forced to spend a stressful night in a car after their tent collapsed.

Matthew Szczepkowski, said the non-stop gale force winds made his car shake had his night absolutely horrendous.

Some campers had to cut their staycations short due to the damage caused by the terrifying storm.

Bryher Campsite on the Isles of Scilly was forced to move some campers into a community hall overnight.

We have had the campsite for six years, its the worst storm weve ever had, its owner Tom Matthews told the BBC.

Flooding and stormy weather has also led to disruption in some other parts of England.

Cumbria county council said 14 properties have been evacuated and some roads and footpaths have been closed due to a landslip in Parton, west Cumbria.

The Environment Agency has six flood alerts for areas including parts of south London and an area on the Isle of Wight.

Although named summer storms are not unprecedented, Evert is the first storm ever to be named in July.

Last year, Storm Ellen hit Britain on 19-20 August, before Storm Francis arrived a week later.
A former head of the UK armed forces has called on Boris Johnson to set out a new strategy for Afghanistan to prevent the country once more becoming a haven for international terror following the Wests defeat.

General Lord Richards said he was fed up with government silence over what comes next after the withdrawal of Western troops from the country, where he commanded the International Security Assistance Force between 2006 and 2007.

The pull-out represented the culmination of a pretty sorry tale of Western failed geo-strategy over the last 20 years, not only in Afghanistan but also in Iraq, Libya and Syria, he said.

And he warned that with European troops gone and US deployment set to follow within months, cities like Kandahar are likely to fall to the Taliban, creating ungoverned space which could provide a haven for the planning of future terrorist outrages like the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington in 2001.

Gen Richards, who served as chief of defence staff from 2010-13, said that he accepted a share of the blame for the failure to secure Afghanistan from eventual recapture by militant fighters. But he said Western politicians bore much of the responsibility because of a failure to pour in political and economic resources following the initial fall of the Taliban regime in 2001.

Gen Richards told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: We have invested - as a country, as the West and the United States particularly - 20 years of time and much money and many lives in Afghanistan.

Im getting a little bit fed up that Ive not heard from our government - indeed from the prime minister - as to why we have reached this nadir.

Its really not good enough, and I would like to hear from the government - I think its a prime ministerial obligation now - as to why weve got into this position and what we are now going to do about it.

The former army chief has been active in the campaign to allow Afghan military interpreters to resettle in the UK, but warned that this must not be allowed to deflect attention from the wider issues around the future of the region.

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Its deflecting attention from our defeat, said Gen Richards. Added to what happened in Iraq, Libya, Syria, its a pretty sorry tale of Western failed geo-strategy over the last 20 years.

And its time we had an explanation of why and what are we now going to do about it, to prevent it from happening in the way we all now fear might occur.

Gen Richards said that the light-touch political and economic approach pursued by United Nations envoy Lakhdar Brahimi meant that the international community failed to consolidate the military gains of the 2001 campaign to oust the Taliban, allowing the militant group to return as a threat in 2006-07.

As all soldiers will tell you, we know we cant win these things by military means alone, he said.

What we hoped we were doing was providing an opportunity for governments, the whole of the West, to act in the way they needed, not just militarily but politically and economically.

That didnt happen At the very moment, in 2002 to 2005, when the West should have poured in assets - and Im talking primarily non-military by the way - we didnt do so. The Taliban sensed an opportunity, they came back.

Gen Richards said it was inevitable that Afghanistans second city Kandahar will fall to the Taliban forces unless circumstances change.

And he said the capture of the totemic city would pave the way for the whole of the south of the country to fall into the groups hands.

My biggest worry at the moment is, with the Western forces having pulled out with no adequate explanation of what is going to replace them, we are going to see a potential collapse in Afghan Armed Forces morale, he said.

This most certainly raised the risk of a return of Islamist terror groups similar to Osama bin Ladens al-Qaida, which planned the 9/11 attacks as guests of the Taliban in Afghanistan, he said.

There will be ungoverned space and in that ungoverned space terrorist acts may yet again be planned and executed, warned Gen Richards.

I think we all forget too readily the scenes of 9/11, the Twin Towers and the attack in Washington.

That is actually why we went into Afghanistan, and weve been spectacularly successful in achieving what we aimed to do. That is now being put at risk, along with all the wonderful gains in terms of education, health, and democracy, allowing people to hope for the future.

All that is now, Im afraid at great risk. We dont have a substitute strategy and I want to hear what it should be.
The U.S. official who wrote a Pulitzer Prize-winning book on genocide landed Saturday in Khartoum aiming to support Sudans fragile transition to democracy before travelling to Ethiopia to press the government there to allow humanitarian aid to the war-torn Tigray region.

Samantha Power administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, is set to meet with top Sudanese officials including Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, head of the ruling sovereign council, and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, the civilian face of Sudans transitional government.

She will also travel to Sudans western region of Darfur where she said she investigated atrocities in the its civil war in the 2000s.

I first visited Sudan in 2004investigating a genocide in Darfur perpetrated by a regime whose grip on power seemed unshakeable. I couldnt imagine Sudan would one day be an inspiring example to the world that no leader is ever permanently immune from the will of their people, Power wrote on Twitter upon her arrival in Khartoum.

Powers visit to Khartoum is meant to strengthen the U.S. Governments partnership with Sudans transitional leaders and citizens, explore how to expand USAIDs support for Sudans transition to a civilian-led democracy, USAID said.

Sudan is now on a fragile path to democracy and is ruled by a military-civilian government after a popular uprising led to the military's ouster of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir in 2019. The Khartoum government, which seeks better ties with the U.S. and the West after nearly three decades of international isolation, faces towering economic and security challenges that threaten to derail its transition into chaos.

The U.S. official would also meet with Ethiopian refugees in Sudan who recently fled the conflict and atrocities in the Tigray region which borders Sudan.

Since the Tigray war began in November, tens of thousands of Ethiopians have crossed into Sudan, adding to the countrys economic and security challenges.

Power's five-day trip will also take her to Ethiopia as part of international efforts to prevent a looming famine in Tigray, a region of some 6 million people that has been devastated by the months-long war.

Power will meet with Ethiopian officials to press for unimpeded humanitarian access to prevent famine in Tigray and meet urgent needs in other conflict-affected regions of the country, USAID said.

The worlds worst hunger crisis in a decade is unfolding in Tigray, where the U.S. says up to 900,000 people now face famine conditions and international food security experts say the crucial planting season has largely been missed because of the war.

Ethiopias government has blamed the aid blockade on the resurgent Tigray forces who have retaken much of the region and crossed into the neighboring Amhara and Afar regions, but a senior official with the U.S. Agency for International Development this week told the AP that is 100% not the case.
When Joe Biden delivered his first ever primetime address to the nation as president, he spoke of his high hopes that 4 July this year would "mark independence" from Covid-19  as long as people got vaccinated.

Perhaps beachgoers in Provincetown, many of them comfortable in the knowledge that theyd done just that, remembered his words as they celebrated Independence Day over a relaxed weekend of barbecues, parties, packed bars and restaurants in the Massachusetts town on the tip of Cape Cod.

In fact, that weekend led to a Covid-19 outbreak that shocked health officials and upended medical assumptions, demonstrating as it did, that the Delta variant may be as transmissible by vaccinated as unvaccinated people.

As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) put it in a leaked data report revealed by the Washington Post: The war has changed.

Before Provincetown, it was considered extremely rare for a vaccinated person to become infected with Covid-19, let alone pass it on to others. But among the almost-900 confirmed Covid-19 cases linked to the cluster, 74 per cent were among vaccinated people.

The outbreak was a pivotal discovery about the Delta variant, said CDC chief Dr Rochelle Walensky in a statement about the new information, and it had led swiftly to the agencys release of new guidance about wearing masks earlier in the week.

The fresh guidelines announced by the CDC urged vaccinated people in Covid-19 hotspots to resume wearing masks in indoor public places, regardless of their vaccination status. It also recommended indoor masks for all teachers, staff, students and visitors at schools nationwide.

It was in part a retraction of the CDCs earlier guidance from May, which had said that vaccinated people no longer needed to wear masks in most settings, operating on the understanding that vaccines would largely prevent virus transmission.

But the latest CDC report, released on Friday, said that 127 vaccinated people infected with the Delta variant during the outbreak appeared to carry as much virus as 84 unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people who become infected.

Explaining the link between the Delta variant and so-called breakthrough cases where a person gets infected despite being fully vaccinated, Dr Walenskys statement said: High viral loads suggest an increased risk of transmission and raised concern that, unlike with other variants, vaccinated people infected with Delta can transmit the virus, adding: This finding is concerning.

Underscoring just how much of a concern the Delta variants contagiousness could be, a leaked CDC slide presentation described the Delta variant as being as infectious as chicken pox, reported the Washington Post . Chicken pox affected as many as four million Americans a year before a vaccine was made available in the mid-1990s.

The Delta variant is more transmissible than the common cold, seasonal flu and smallpox according to the document, and each person infected with it can, on average, end up spreading the virus to eight or nine others.

It is not a welcome piece of news that masking is going to be a part of peoples lives who have already been vaccinated, Dr Walensky had said to reporters when she initially announced the CDCs update. This new guidance weighs heavily on me.

But while the new CDC mask guidance was been read by many as a step backwards in Americas fight against the virus, not everyone interpreted the Provincetown outbreak the same way.

Alex Morse, the towns manager, said that as he saw it: The vaccines are working.

Day by day, things are improving, Mr Morse told Y ahoo News , adding that though it was unwelcome, the towns speedy reimposition of a mask mandate had been crucial in improving infection rates.

Mr Morse also made a key point about the positive cases coming out of Provincetown: while 70 per cent of the cases were symptomatic, the symptoms were generally mild, there had been no surge in hospitalisations  and most importantly of all, none of the seven patients who were hospitalised with Covid-19 had died.

While any outbreak is of course tragic, said Washington, DC internist Dr Lucy McBride, this one demonstrates the power of the Covid vaccines, which have ensured that the overwhelming majority of Provincetown cases have been either mild or asymptomatic.

In contrast to commentators who have taken the new data on breakthrough cases to question the efficacy of vaccinations, the Provincetown cluster is in fact, she said, a stark reminder of the critical importance of getting vaccinated.

The CDCs leaked document, despite its alarming comparisons to other infectious diseases, echoed her analysis. It said vaccinated people are safer, with the risk of severe disease or death decreasing 10-fold and the risk of contracting infection reducing as much as three times.

Vaccines may be less effective at preventing infection or transmission, but prevent more than 90 per cent of severe disease it said.
The director of the US Centres for Disease Control said the agency would not be recommending any nationwide vaccination mandates, despite the spike in Delta variant Covid-19 cases around the country.

CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky said on Friday that "there will be no nationwide mandate" for the Covid-19 vaccine.

The announcement came days after Dr Walensky announced the CDC had updated its guidelines to recommend that fully vaccinated adults should start wearing masks indoors again if they live in high-transmission areas, which include most of the nation's largest cities.

Dr Walensky also noted that while vaccinated people can transmit the virus, the vast majority of transmission is unvaccinated people passing the virus onto other unvaccinated people.

The doctor felt the need to clarify earlier statements she made on Fox News, where she told Bret Baier that the Biden administration was "looking into" a federal vaccine mandate.

Overall, I think in general I am all for more vaccination. But, you know  I have nothing further to say on that except that we're looking into those policies. And, quite honestly as people were doing that locally, those are individual local decisions as well, Dr Walensky said.

On Friday, Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House's principal deputy press secretary, said that a "national vaccine requirement is not under consideration at this time."

Dr Walensky clarified her statements, saying she meant vaccination requirements by private businesses, not by the federal government.

There will be no nationwide mandate. I was referring to mandates by private institutions and portions of the federal government. There will be no federal mandate, Dr Walensky tweeted.

The guidance instructing fully vaccinated individuals to start wearing masks indoors again has irked some, including lawmakers, who argue that if transmission is largely from unvaccinated people to other unvaccinated people, they should not be forced to resume using face masks.

Only about 50 per cent of the adult population in the US is vaccinated, and no children under 11 have had the shot.

Democratic Governor of California Gavin Newsom appeared on CNN and said that he preferred a focus on getting the unvaccinated vaccinated. He said that masks were an effective mitigation tool, but that the focus now should solely be on stomping out the virus through vaccination.

Republican Governor of Florida Ron DeSantis also opposed further masking, and signed an executive order prohibiting schools in the state from forcing students to wear masks when schools re-open in the fall.

That order directly defies the guidance issued by the CDC, which recommends that all students, teachers and staff wear masks in the fall.

While a nationwide vaccine mandate does not appear to be in the works, Joe Biden has directed that all federal employees either take the vaccine or submit to weekly coronavirus testing. California, New York City and several companies have issued similar mandates for their employees.
Florida has become the latest epicentre of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, as cases in the Sunshine State now account for one in five new infections across the country.

Coronavirus cases in Florida have spiked by 50 per cent this week, according to the state's health department, continuing a six week spike in infections.

On Saturday, the CDC said that Florida saw its highest one-day total of new cases since the start of the pandemic, with 21,683 cases reported.

The figures come shortly after Republican Governor Ron DeSantis said schools would be prohibited from forcing students to wear masks when they return to school next month.

US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Doctor Rachel Walensky said the agency was recommending all students, staff and teachers to mask up when schools re-open this fall.

I have [three] young kids. My wife and I are not going to do the mask with the kids. We never have; we wont. I want to see my kids smiling. I want them having fun, Mr DeSantis said during a press conference.

The governor insists that masks are not an effective means at preventing an outbreak at schools, while his critics insist he is going to put children at risk for his political agenda.

We know that masks are a simple and effective way to help prevent virus spread, and from a medical perspective it makes absolutely zero sense to discourage their use, Dr Bernard Ashby, head of Floridas progressive Committee to Protect Health Care, told The Associated Press. DeSantis power grab will put the health of kids and teachers alike at risk.

The state recorded more than 110,000 new coronavirus cases over the past week, an increase from the 73,000 recorded the week before. Six weeks ago there were only 10,000 cases reported.

Hospitalizations are also nearing last year's peak, according to the Florida Hospital Association.

Last month, there were 1,845 hospitalisations. Now, there are more than 9,300 people hospitalised in the state. At its highest, there were 10,179 people hospitalised with Covid-19 in the state.

This week, the state reported 409 deaths, bringing the total to more than 39,000 since the first death in March. Florida hit its peak last August, when 1,266 people died over a seven day period.

Mr DeSantis has been supportive of the vaccination effort, holding a press conference last week to encourage residents in his state to take the shot. However, the governor has also faced a tidal wave of criticism over his frequent resistance to coronavirus mitigation efforts like mask mandates and lockdowns.

The governor used his executive authorities to end all emergency mandates issued by local governments throughout the state, and threatened cruise companies that planned to demand proof of vaccination from customers before boarding ships.

Despite the worsening outbreak in his state, Mr DeSantis has shrugged off the latest wave of coronavirus as a seasonal illness.
The fiancee of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi has accused the US authorities of hiding the facts over his murder, and said their failure at transparency could permit other similar killings.

Hatice Cengiz, a Turkish writer and activist, said if the American government did not reveal what it knew, it would show that the values of the US and all decent countries are empty and worthless.

The US Government should release all the information it has about the murder of Jamal so that the truth can come out, she told The Independent in a statement. She added: There is no reason to hide the facts.

Earlier this year, a report by US intelligence said it believed that Saudi Arabias crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman, commonly known as MBS, had ordered the October 2018 killing, after becoming angered by Khashoggis criticism of the kingdom.

The report by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) assessed MBS approved the murder, and named a dozen of so Saudi agents it believed had killed the journalist inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, before cutting up his body with a saw.

Yet, activists have accused the US of failing to make public what it knew in advance about a possible threat to the 57-year-old Washington Post columnist, who was a US resident. If the authorities were aware that his life was in danger, there was a legal obligation to warn him.

This week, Agnes Callamard, who investigated the killing in her position as UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions, told The Independent she believed it less and less likely the US was not aware of the threat.

Everything that we are hearing is pointing to such a close nexus between the US and Saudi Arabia, including at an intelligence level, said Ms Callamard, who is new secretary general of Amnesty International.

And this, coming on top of the leaks very early on Its only a hypothesis, I have no material evidence, but it [increases] the likelihood of the US having captured intelligence regarding threats to Jamal.

She added: If they have information of any kind, and any source, regarding the killing; if they have information pointing to the extent of the responsibility of MBS, or the stops in Cairo, and they are not making it public  they are making themselves complicit of impunity.

 CCTV footage shows Jamal Khashoggi entering Saudi embassy in Istanbul

Ms Callamard spent six months investigating the murder, and said in her 2019 report that Saudi Arabia was responsible for his premeditated execution. She also said that there was credible evidence of the liability of MBS.

Saudi Arabia denied the prince was responsible and claimed Khashoggi had been the victim of a rogue operation.

Since the murder of Khashoggi, a fuller image has emerged of his life. He had been married in Saudi Arabia, and was engaged to marry Ms Cengiz. He also had a wife or fiancee in Washington DC, Hanan Elatr.

Last week, it was reported the phones of both Ms Elatr and Ms Cengiz had been targeted by NSO Groups Pegasus spyware in the months before his killing.

Since his murder, Ms Cengiz, who had accompanied Khashoggi to the Saudi consulate and waited in vain for him to reemerge on what was the last time he was seen alive, had led an effort to secure justice for him.

Cengiz was last person to see Khashoggi alive - other than his killers (Getty Images)

In 2020, she claimed on Twitter that no-one has the right to pardon Khashoggis killers after his two sons announced they had forgiven those responsible, after a trial widely seen as non-transparent.

She was also among those who sued MBS over the killing. Meanwhile, the US government is being sued by two organisations demanding it release what information it has about the killing, whether it was collected by the FBI, the CIA or any other government agency.

The White House did not reply to inquiries. The CIA and the ODNI referred to the US intelligence report from February, but failed to respond to the issue of whether the US had information in advance about the threat to Khashoggi.

A State Department spokesperson said: On February 26, we took a series of significant steps against individuals directly involved in the operation that led to the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, including the release of the ODNI report on the Khashoggi murder to Congress.

The Saudi embassy in Washington DC, its foreign ministry, and one of its US lawyers also did not respond to a request for comment.

In her statement Ms Cengiz said: The US should be leading the way to hold the main and senior perpetrators of the killing to account.

If they do not, it will allow this tragedy to happen again. It will show that the values of the US and all decent countries are empty and worthless.

She added: We must all unite now to make certain that there is justice for Jamal.
Jeff Bezos lost his bid to block a $2.9bn (2.09bn) Nasa award to Elon Musks Space Exploration Technologies Corp for a landing system to return astronauts to the moon.

The billionaires space company, Blue Origin, lodged a 50-page protest of the decision with federal auditors at the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The company argued that Nasa misjudged Blue Origins proposal in the three-way competition to build the new Moon lander, which also involved a bid from the Alabama-based defence firm Dynetics.

The three companies were competing to build the landing craft that would be used in Nasas Artemis programme, which aims to land the first woman and next man on the surface of the moon by 2024.

Blue Origin had challenged the $2.9bn award to Elon Musks SpaceX for the lander, arguing Nasa was required to make multiple awards. The GAO said it denied the protest arguments that Nasa acted improperly in making a single award to SpaceX.

The company also offered to restore competition to the Human Landing System (HLS) programme by closing the US space agencys budgetary shortfall with a waiver of $2bn (1.44bn) on payments, in an open letter to Nasa Administrator Bill Nelson.

In addition, the company said it would also fund the space vehicles test launch to low-Earth orbit which is likely to cost millions more.

The space agencys evaluation of three lander proposals was reasonable, and consistent with applicable procurement law, regulation, and the announcements terms, GAO attorney Kenneth Patton said in a statement.

Blue Origin said on Friday it remained convinced that there were fundamental issues with Nasas decision, and that GAO was not able to address them due to their limited jurisdiction.
Millions of people in the U.S. who haven't gotten the COVID-19 vaccine could soon have a new reason to roll up their sleeves: money in their pockets.

President Joe Biden is calling on states and local governments to join those that are already handing out dollars for shots. New York the nation's biggest city, started doling out $100 awards on Friday.

The president, health officials and state leaders are betting that the financial incentive will spur hesitant people to get the shot just as the contagious and potentially more powerful delta variant sweeps through parts of the country  particularly those with low vaccination rates  and as the number of daily inoculations falls sharply from its April high.

Jay Vojno, getting his shot Friday in New York, said he figured some kind of incentive was coming, so he was willing to hold off on getting vaccinated until it did.

I knew they were going to do it, so I just waited," he said.

Bradley Sharp was among those getting a shot Friday in Times Square. The soon-to-be college student had been putting it off, but knew he would have to get vaccinated because the school he's going to attend requires it.

I thought Id come here and get it today and get my hundred dollars because Im going to get it anyway, Sharp said.

Other states are beginning programs to hand out money too. New Mexico helped pioneer cash incentives in June and is starting another $100 handout for vaccinations on Monday. Ohio is offering $100 to state employees who get vaccinated.

Minnesota s $100 incentive started Friday, although several people who showed up at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to get jabbed with the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine hadn't heard about the money.

Vidiya Sami, an office worker from the Minneapolis suburb of Richfield, went to the airport because it was the only location offering the one-and-done vaccine.

"Thats why I chose it, Sami said.

She said she delayed getting the shot because she was scared at first, especially reading about ... the side effects from other people."

And then I kind of made myself more paranoid by joining Facebook groups, and reading everybody elses symptoms after they got the shots, she said. I was basically just giving myself anxiety, but the more I researched about it, you know, the pros outweighed the cons.

Incentives are not new: States have tried lottery-like giveaways, free beer, gift cards and more. Whether they result in getting more people vaccinated is not clear, said Harald Schmidt, an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania and a research associate at the school's Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics.

Turning to such measures suggests that governments are facing a level of desperation in trying to get shots into arms, he said.

It is right to be alarmed," Schmidt said. It is right to be thinking how do we right this ship. He added that he understands the motivation for cash incentives, but questioned why they're needed in the first place.

If we just get needles into arms we havent really made any progress on the bigger picture, which is that whole communities are lacking trust in health care systems or the government," he said.

The Biden administration is betting the incentives will work. In a statement this week, the White House cited a grocery store chain that offered $100 to its workers to get the COVID-19 shot and then saw vaccination rates climb.

State and local governments can use federal American Rescue Plan relief funding to provide the $100, according to the statement.

___

Associated Press writers Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; David Martin in New York; Morgan Lee in Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Andrew Welsh-Huggins in Columbus, Ohio, contributed to this report.
Republican lawmakers in Georgia have started a process that could lead to a takeover of elections in the states most populous county.

Many in the GOP continue to claim wrongdoing in reliably Democratic Fulton County had stolen the 2020 election from Donald Trump even though an independent monitor found no evidence of fraud or impropriety.

Lawmakers are using a tool created by the state's sweeping new election law to exert influence over local elections. Democrats and voting rights advocates decry the takeover provision as an invitation for political interference. The county, with about 11% of the state's electorate, includes most of the city of Atlanta

But Fulton County has been plagued with problems for years and Republicans say it's time for answers. State House Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones and four other GOP state representatives whose districts include parts of Fulton submitted a letter Friday to the State Election Board demanding a performance review of the countys board of registration and elections.

I wrote the letter as a representative of constituents who have expressed concerns over the sloppy manner in which elections were conducted in Fulton County in 2020 and in the years leading up to then, Jones, who represents a suburban north Fulton district, said Friday.

Three Republican state senators representing parts of Fulton, as well as 24 other GOP senators, sent a slightly different letter this week.

The people deserve better and I want to see a comprehensive review and plan for improvement, state Sen. John Albers, also from north Fulton, wrote in an email Friday.

Rebecca Galanti, a spokesperson for the state Democratic Party, called the takeover effort "a shameless Republican power grab designed to suppress voters and inject partisan politics into our elections.

Under the law that Georgia Republicans pushed through this year, the letters could lead to the State Election Board removing Fulton's five-member election board. But there remains uncertainty about how the process would work.

The critics of it are alleging that this allows the board to just willy-nilly take over boards and change the results of elections, but theres a lot of due process thats built into this," said State Election Board member Matt Mashburn, a Republican.

GOP Gov. Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger expressed support, even though the new law took away Raffensperger's vote on the State Election Board.

I appreciate the General Assembly finally supporting my movement that something needs to be done in Fulton County, said Raffensperger. He has vigorously defended Georgias 2020 election results, but rarely misses an opportunity to criticize Fulton.

Mallory Blount, a spokesperson for Kemp, said the Fulton board has chronically shown poor management and incompetence.

This review process will hopefully provide greater transparency, ensure local accountability and restore voter confidence, Blount said.

Both Raffensperger and Kemp have taken withering criticism from Trump, who says Georgias 16 electoral votes were stolen from him. Both face 2022 GOP primary challenges from candidates echoing those criticisms, with Trump endorsing Raffensperger challenger and U.S. Rep. Jody Hice.

There could be procedural hiccups. The senators letter seeks review of a board employee, Fulton County Elections Director Richard Barron.

Jones, Albers and others say the Senate letter is sufficient to start the process. Mashburn declined to comment. Sara Tindal Ghazal, the only Democratic appointee to the state board, says she has questions.

Were not in charge of hiring and firing county staff, she said.

Under the new law, the state election board must mount a preliminary investigation and hold a hearing within 90 days of a request. The state board could suspend the county board if it finds evidence county officials violated state election law or rules three times since 2018 and havent fixed violations. It could also remove the county board if it finds that during at least two elections over two years the board has shown nonfeasance, malfeasance, or gross negligence.

The State Election Board, currently with a 3-1 Republican majority, would appoint a temporary administrator to run Fulton elections if it finds wrongdoing. The county board could seek reinstatement. If the state board refuses, its administrator would remain in place for at least nine months.

The state board must set rules for the process.

Mashburn said Fulton has done some great things, but said that since he began working in election law in 1988, Fulton has been the problem, every single election.

Mashburn called Fulton's long lines in the June 2020 primary election a watershed moment. The county spent millions to alleviate those problems.

The State Election Board entered into a consent order with the county to make changes for the general election, appointing independent monitor Carter Jones.

After observing from October through January, Jones wrote that he witnessed sloppy processes and systemic disorganization" but did not see any illegality, fraud or intentional malfeasance. He concluded major changes and a managerial shakeup were needed.

Democrats say Jones' findings prove Fulton's problems don't merit a takeover.

We already have a report from the secretary of state's hand-picked consultant saying there was no malfeasance, Tindal Ghazal said.

Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts, a Democrat, lays the blame at Trump's feet and warns of Republican efforts to subvert Fulton County elections in 2022 and 2024.

I will not let them get away with this circus unopposed, Pitts said in a statement Friday. "We are exploring every legal option that is on the table and I am hopeful we will prevail against these attacks that look more like political theater than good governing.
President Joe Biden is sounding the alarm about the need for more resources to fight a series of wildfires in western states, as climate change has worsened the spread and ferocity of the blazes.

Our resources are already being stretched to keep up, Biden told a bipartisan group of governors at a virtual meeting Friday. We need more help.

The president opened the meeting with a nod to Washington Gov. Jay Inslee who sought the Democratic nomination for president against Biden by stressing the threats from climate change. The mix of intense heat, droughts and other events tied to rising average temperatures has turned the fires into a national challenge as the smoke is worsening air quality as far away as New York City

Jay, youre beginning to convince the American people there is a thing called climate crisis, the president said at the start of his remarks, before reeling through a series of troubling numbers.

It was the second meeting between Biden and the governors, and the situation has only worsened since the first, putting a strain on aircraft, hoses and other supplies.

Since our last meeting, the number of large uncontained wildfires has nearly doubled to 66 fires, Biden said. The number of firefighters on the job to battle them has tripled. Over 3.4 million acres have already burned.

The Washington governor took the opportunity to discuss the shortage of supplies to stop the fires. But he said his biggest worry is that Biden's agenda to reduce carbon emissions and limit climate change won't clear Congress.

Thats going to ultimately decide whether these forests survive in the next century, Inslee said.

Other governors attending the virtual meeting included: Oregon's Kate Brown, Montana's Greg Gianforte, Wyoming's Mark Gordon, Idaho's Brad Little, California's Gavin Newsom and Minnesota's Tim Walz.
Marjorie Taylor Greene tried to make a mockery of the US Capitols mask rules by setting up a Covid Checkpoint Charlie in the Rotunda.

The Republican representative erected a fake barrier under the famous dome in the centre of the US Capitol to protest newly reinstated mask mandates.

In footage posted to Ms Greenes Twitter account on Friday, she beckons two masked people to pass through the checkpoint, consisting of a rope and stand placed in the middle of the Rotunda.

Thats the House side, Nancy Pelosi will have you arrested, she whispers while smirking and shooting a glance at the camera.

This is the Senate side, come on.

COVID Checkpoint Charlie pic.twitter.com/YGGeVa9S8X  Marjorie Taylor Greene  (@mtgreenee) July 30, 2021

Soon afterwards the rope and stands are taken away by security.

Democrats really hate walls. Especially my COVID border checkpoint, Ms Greene writes on Twitter.

Democrats really hate walls. Especially my COVID border checkpoint. pic.twitter.com/f6i3pBckJz  Marjorie Taylor Greene  (@mtgreenee) July 30, 2021

The reintroduction of compulsory mask use in the House has provoked days of performative outrage by Republicans.

On Thursday, 40 maskless Republican lawmakers including Ms Greene and Lauren Boebert burst into the Senate chamber to protest the regulations.

Ms Boebert is said to have thrown a face mask back at a congressional staffer after being asked to wear one and Ms Greene previously shredded a fine for refusing to wear a face covering.

The protests prompted the Capitol police chief Thomas Manger to order officers to report any members of Congress who refuse to wear a mask, warning they would be subject to arrest for unlawful entry under DC Code 22-3302 .

Meanwhile, House Republican representatives Thomas Massie and Nancy Mace dared Pelosi and police to come at them.

The Congress mask mandate came as cases of the Delta variant are rising in all 50 states, and the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention advised vaccinated Americans living in areas of high or substantial transmission to wear masks when indoors.

On Thursday the World Health Organisation confirmed the US had the most reported new cases of any country in the world last week, with just over 500,000 people becoming infected with the virus.
Six people are now known to have died in the vast wildfires ravaging southern and western Turkey, authorities said on Saturday.

Two firefighters lost their lives as they battled with flames near the town of Manavgat.

The tragedy was revealed as ministers said that, while 88 blazes had been brought under control, 10 were still burning dangerously across the landscape.

The blazes have been breaking out since Wednesday amid soaring temperatures and strong winds.

The southern coastal provinces of Antalya, Adana, Osmaniye, Mersin and the western region of Mugla have all been severely hit.

Hundreds of people have had to flee homes while thousands of firefighters have been deployed from across the country to deal with the crisis. More than 50 people have had to be taken to hospital, while hundreds of homes are thought to have been burned to the ground.

On Saturday morning, as some people began returning to properties in areas now considered safe, the full extent of the horror was revealed to them: homes left as charred ruins.

We are now left with the clothes we are wearing, me and my wife, one Mehmet Demir told the Reuters news agency after returning to find the family house where the couple had ived since 1982 destroyed. There is nothing to do. This is when words fail."

So vast have the fires been that satellite imagery shows the smoke from them is now reaching the island of Cyprus 100 miles across the Mediterranean Sea.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan has announced that it is sending hundreds of emergency responders to help with the effort, alongside helicopters and specialist equipment.

Russia and Ukraine have also sent planes to help tackle the fires from the skies, with neighbouring Greece offering assistance.

Among the others fatalities are an 82-year-old man, a married couple and a 25-year-old volunteer who was doing motorcycle runs with drinking water for firefighters on the front line.

Turkeys president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has promised an investigation to determine if any of the fires were caused deliberately.
Today Mozambiques President Filipe Nyusi backed The Independents Stop the Illegal Wildlife Trade campaign by joining The Giants Club, proving the nations lasting commitment to conserving Africas most important natural ecosystems and to protecting endangered species.

President Nyusi joined The Giants Club in a signing ceremony in Niassa Special Reserve, held as part of Mozambiques celebrations of World Ranger Day on 31 July.

After watching a parade by rangers who work on the frontline to protect Mozambiques wildlife, President Nyusi became the seventh African Head of State to join The Giants Club.

The Giants Club is an international forum of political leaders, businesspeople, financiers, philanthropists, conservationists and scientists, all dedicated to supporting Presidents to achieve their domestic conservation agendas.

President Nyusi joins President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana, President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, who are all joint leaders of The Giants Club. Botswanas Former President Ian Khama acts as President Emeritus.

The Giants Club is an initiative of the international conservation organisation Space for Giants which, with partner organisations, implements the programmes that The Giants Clubs Heads of State choose as their conservation priorities. Space for Giants is headquartered in Kenya and operates in 10 countries across Africa, including Mozambique.

Alongside the Heads of State, The Giant Clubs nearly 40 members include business people from Africa, the US, Europe, the UK, Russia, and the Gulf. Conservation scientists from Space for Giants and other organisations advise the Club.

Together these individuals combine their political muscle, extensive financial resources, pioneering scientific expertise, and global reach and influence to fulfil the Clubs goal to protect Africas remaining populations of large animals and their habitats.

Primarily it does this by advising governments as they build their nature-based economies, linking them to investment in conservation that boosts sustainable businesses and brings jobs as well as protects environments.

In joining The Giant Club President Nyusi is committing to forge new partnerships to protect nature, while driving development in Mozambique. It is a nation rich in natural resources ,and home to more than 4,000 wildlife species - including major mammals like elephants, rhinos, lions, and giraffes - and more than 5,500 species of plants. It has one of Africas longest coastlines with more than 1,800km of coral reefs, and 400,000 hectares of mangroves.

Sites of high biodiversity importance include the Great Inselberg Archipelago of Quirimbas, the Gorongosa Mountains, and the Chimanimani Massif. Three global biodiversity hotspots are in Mozambique: the Coastal Forests of Eastern Africa, the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany, and the Eastern Afromontane.

The Mozambican government, led by President Nyusi, is committed to building a strong national economy and is clear that this is compatible with achieving conservation goals. Preserving landscapes assists national wealth by generating foreign exchange, employment, and tax revenues in a wildlife economy.

Stuart Slabbert, Managing Director of Conservation at Space for Giants, said Space for Giants and The Giants Club are very proud that President Nyusi is joining to become our latest Head of State member. His commitment to conservation is clear, and partnering with organisations like Space for Giants supports Mozambique to meet challenges such as human-elephant conflict while also bringing in fresh expertise and experience to promote domestic and international investment in responsible conservation and tourism enterprises. Partnerships of the public and private sectors will generate new revenue from wildlife for the benefit of Mozambiques citizens, and can support efforts to deter the illegal wildlife trade.

The Giants Clubs Heads of State lead countries that are home to more than half of Africas 415,000 remaining elephants. Botswana hosts between herds up to 150,000 strong, mostly centred on the Okavango Delta in its north. Gabon has more than half of the continents remaining forest elephants, a distinct species, as well as lowland gorillas.


remaining of

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In a major relief to a large number of students headed to US from India for higher studies, Air India has announced that it will increase its flight frequency to the country from August first week.

Move as students flagged it on social media

The welcome move comes against the backdrop of several students flagging on social media the rescheduling of their Air India flights to the US, allegedly without prior notice.



Wikipedia

Air India told NDTV, "With the recent surge in COVID cases and the US Presidential Proclamation restricting flights from India, some of our flights to the USA, including those between Mumbai and Newark, had to be cancelled. These were effected well in advance and passengers were kept aware of these cancellations which were for reasons beyond our control."



From 11 to 22 flights per week

Speaking about its plans to step up the flight frequency to the US, it said, "Vis-a-vis the approximate 40 flights we used to operate to the USA before the Presidential proclamation, we could operate 11 flights per week to USA in July, 2021. The frequency is being increased to 22 from 7th August, 2021. With the frequency being enhanced on the US sector, all-out efforts are being made to accommodate as many passengers as possible in our US-bound flights from August."



AFP

Travel restrictions imposed by the United States, in addition to a curb on Indian travellers to the UAE, had led to a situation where students travelling to the US found themselves with significantly fewer travel options and inflated ticket prices. India and China are the top two countries from where student visas are issued for the US.



Dates, carriers of additional flights

In a tweet, the flag carrier said: Air India will operate additional flights between New Delhi & Newark on 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th August 21. These are in addition to the existing flights operating on this sector.

In addition to Air India, American carriers United and Delta also fly between the two nations. In the US, Air India operates flights to New York (John F Kennedy), Newark, Chicago, Washington and San Francisco. Following the US travel ban order, Air India had to cancel several of its flights.

Representational Image/BCCL

Because of the curtailed schedule, we had to reschedule the passengers in a staggered manner leading to some passengers getting reschedules that were almost a month after their original flight, the Air India official said, adding that the situation is expected to be better in August.

All students may not be able to join

Sector trackers, however, pointed out that not all students may be able to join the fall semester on time due to the curtailed flight schedules.

While the US government is allowing students to enter the country 30 days prior to the start of their studies, there is a shortage of flights to the country, which has led to a decline in seats and rise in ticket prices, EaseMyTrip CEO Nishant Pitti told The Indian Express.

BCCL

In fact, we are expecting an unprecedented surge of students travelling in the second half of this year as many of them have deferred their courses and study plans by a year, he said.


This young boy from Kolkata has earned plaudits from across the country. Why? He has authored a whole book on his own at a very young age.

Meet 10-year-old Reyansh Das from Kolkata who has recently written a book on Astrophysics. The book titled The Universe: The Past, The Present And The Future talks about the importance of science and astrophysics.

Sohini Routh

Contents of the book

The topics discussed in the book include a star that could be older than the universe, the Big Bang theory, a theory that says there are many universes, which of light or space is the fastest thing in the universe.

It further covers time dilation, possible multiverse theories, differences between Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton, the future of the universe, the life cycle of stars, the solar system, stellar remnants, the curvature, end, and composition of our universe, Dark matter and dark energy, spacetime and much more.

Research Scholar Nandita Raha commented that Reyanshs idea about space and his book content was crystal clear and very good. Physicists, too, are amazed by the book. So far there have been rave reviews from readers on Amazon.

Sohini Routh

Reyansh's words

Life Beyond Numbers got in touch with Reyansh and his mother Sohini Routh to learn more about the wonder child. Reyansh has always loved the stars, galaxies, and whats beyond the universe and it began pretty early when he was just 5-year-old.

I would look at the night sky and ask myself- what are those dots of light? How did they form? And why am I here? Reyansh shared. To quench his curiosity, Reyansh started reading different astronomical books and watched several space videos.

'Craving comes from within'

His mom Sohini adds that he started playing with the tab initially and then gradually drifted towards astronomy and astrophysics. And he was so prompt at picking up, his ideas were beyond comprehension. The craving for knowledge comes from within and from a very nascent stage, Reyansh started his explorations on his own. At times I get really intrigued but then he generally feeds his queries on his own and I encourage him on that. Also, he discusses a lot of stuff with my brother, she added.

Sohini Routh

Speaking of his future endeavors he said, There are a couple of professions that I like but my favorite one so far is being an astronaut because then I can explore space myself even more and who knows I might even find a new planet. I want to start human colonies on Mars and the Moon. But the government wont really do that so I guess I will take matters into my own hand when I grow up."


PV Sindhu Tokyo Olympics 2021 | Agency

PV Sindhu lost the semis clash to World No.1 Tai Tzu Ying in straight games on Saturday. The reigning world champion lost the first game 18-21 and was outplayed in the second game as she lost 12-21 in a match that lasted 40 minutes. Sindhu will now face He Bing Jiao in the bronze medal match at the Tokyo Olympics badminton event on Sunday. He Bing Jiao went down to compatriot Chen Yu Fei in the other semi-final. Read more



Himachal Landslides: Two BRO Officers Killed In Separate Mishaps During Rescue Operation

PTI

An Engineer And A Project Officer of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) were killed during two rescue and relief operations in Himachal Pradesh, which is witnessing flash floods and landslides due to heavy rainfall. The engineer, identified as Naik Reetesh Kumar Pal was part of the BRO's Project Deepak located at Shimla. He along with a team of BRO was despatched to Lahaul and Spiti Valley, where the Manali - Sarchu road was closed due to multiple landslides. Read more



Insurgents Take Bihar Railway Station Master Hostage, Stop Trains To Celebrate 'Maoist Week'

Indiarailinfo

Train services were disrupted for more than 4 hours around the Chaura railway station in Bihar on Saturday morning after a group of Maoists barged into there and took the station master hostage. According to reports, the incident happened around 6 a.m., when the insurgents, wearing police fatigues, reached Chaura and barged into the cabin of Station Master Vinay Kumar. Read more



NGT Orders Demolition Of Luxury Project In Bengaluru Over Environment Clearance Rule Violation

Godrej

It's a victory for environment, and the people of Bengaluru alike. The National Green Tribunal quashed the environmental clearance (EC) granted to a high-rise luxury project by Godrej Properties Limited and Wonder Projects Development Private Limited in Bengaluru and directed its immediate demolition. The decision is being taken on account of violation of environmental clearance rules on Kaikondarahalli Lake and its surrounding area. Read more

Amid Massive Student Rush, Air India To Double Number Of Flights To US

Representational Image/BCCL

In a major relief to a large number of students headed to US from India for higher studies, Air India has announced that it will increase its flight frequency to the country from August first week. The welcome move comes against the backdrop of several students flagging on social media the rescheduling of their Air India flights to the US, allegedly without prior notice. Read more


Google is banning "sugar daddy" apps from its Play Store as part of its new restrictions on inappropriate content.

From September 1, the app store will prohibit facilitating "sugar-daddy" services, often involving older, wealthier individuals dating and compensating younger partners with gifts and money in exchange for a relationship.

Representational Image/iStock

"Were updating the inappropriate content policy to institute new restrictions on sexual content, specifically prohibiting compensated sexual relationships," Google said in a notice to developers.



The Play Store already forbids apps offering services that may "be interpreted as providing sexual acts in exchange for compensation", but this update makes it far more explicit.



Representational Image/Shutterstock

The updated policy now expands to also include compensated dating or sexual arrangements where one participant is expected or implied to provide money, gifts or financial support to another participant (sugar dating).



Googles announcement doesnt explain why the apps are being banned now, but it comes amidst a crackdown on online sex work by platforms.



Google is also introducing new policies that will close inactive and abandoned developer accounts after a year of not being used as well as adding new restrictions on apps that target children.






Get Inolved! Learn how you can help protect 1000's of cultural, burial, and sacred sites in the region! Listen to and interact with the Tribal Chair of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band! Take an hour to learn about issues of concern to one of the most sidelined constituencies in the greater Bay Area--the local Indigenous population.



The San Francisco-Monterey Bay Area has experienced one of the most thorough genocides in human history. Colonialism exists here to the present day.



Topics covered will include:

--The Indigenous history of the region and the struggle to Speak Truth to misrepresentations of Mission and American history in the region

--The Amah Mutsun Tribal Band's efforts to promote Indigenous land stewardship and promote biodiversity

--The reintroduction of 'cultural burns' to combat potential catastrophic wildfires

--The ongoing effort to save Juristac, the most sacred Amah Mutsun ceremonial site

--How all local residents can use existing laws and advocacy to help protect Indigenous burial, cultural, and sacred sites (some notable examples will be given)



The Amah Mutsun Tribal Band consists of the descendants of those who were taken to Mission Santa Cruz and to Mission San Juan Bautista. Valentin Lopez is the current Tribal Chair. He is involved in numerous efforts of concern to the Indigenous populations of California. He has spoken at the United Nations.



Louis Chiaramonte organized the South Bay Indigenous Solidarity Group. He has been involved in advocating for burial, cultural, and sacred sites for many years. South Bay Indigenous Solidarity is a multi-ethnic group that supports Indigenous-led, grassroots efforts to promote human rights, restore Indigenous land stewardship and preserve threatened cultural, burial, and sacred sites.



Although this Talk will take place during the Guest Speaker section of a meeting of the Democratic Club or North Santa Cruz County, the views expressed in the presentation are those of the speakers themselves. South Bay Indigenous Solidarity seeks to act in solidarity with the Indigenous Peoples of the San Francisco-Monterey Bay Area, but does not represent any Tribal Group. To that end, the sections of the presentation given by South Bay Indigenous Solidarity will be separated from those given by Tribal Chair Lopez. The Tribal Chair will be available for an interactive question and answer session. For more event information: https://www.svslvdemocrats.org

Added to the calendar on Saturday Jul 31st, 2021 10:38 AM
New COVID-19 cases in Northern Virginia and statewide are nearly at the same levels as seen a year ago - before vaccines were available - and a new model projects that cases statewide could exceed January's peak by mid-September.

The surge over the past six weeks is due to spread of the Delta variant, which now exceeds 70% of all new cases in state, according to the Biocomplexity Institute at the University of Virginia.

"Delta poses a significant public health concern," the U.Va. Institute wrote in its July 30 modeling update on the pandemic. "It is considerably more transmissible and is thought to be largely responsible for the recent surge of cases in Virginia. Delta also causes more severe cases than prior variants."

While the Delta variant does appear to be causing more breakthrough cases in vaccinated individuals than earlier variants, only 2.75% of cases statewide since May 1 have been in fully vaccinated individuals, according to the state health department. In Northern Virginia, that number is even lower, at 1.91%, or just 123 cases out of over 6,400.

The U.Va. report noted that "evidence is mounting that it may be possible to catch and spread the Delta variant even if one is fully vaccinated. In such cases, the vaccinated individual may feel few or no symptoms of illness, but still be infectious to others. Though they are likely less infectious than someone who was not fully vaccinated and developed the disease, the potential to infect others still exists."

If the Delta variant continues to spread, cases statewide could peak at 103 per 100,000 by mid-September, equaling or exceeding the January peak, according to the model.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended this week that vaccinated individuals resume wearing masks indoors in areas with substantial to high transmission. Many of Virginia's counties fall in that range, although most Northern Virginia localities are still experiencing only moderate levels of transmission, according to U.Va.'s analysis.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam on Thursday also recommending wearing masks indoors, but did not issue a mandate requiring them. The District of Columbia is now requiring masks indoors for everyone over the age of 2 when not eating or drinking.

All measures of the spread of the pandemic rose again over the past week - both statewide and in Northern Virginia - and the state's seven-day average positivity rate for diagnostic tests is back over 5% for the first time since the spring. Health experts believe that a rate over 5% indicate the spread of the virus is not under control. Most Northern Virginia health districts are still under 5% positivity rates, although all have risen significantly over the past month.

In Northern Virginia, the seven-day average of new cases has jumped from as few as 16.9 in mid-June to 176.9 as of Friday. (The health department has stopped updating case information on weekends). That's the highest the average has been since May 9. On July 30, 2020, the region's seven-day average was 211.4.

Statewide, the seven-day average has soared to 869.1 cases, the highest since May 5, and Friday's 1,178 new cases were the most in a single day since April 30. The state's average has increased more than six-fold since hitting a low of 129.3 cases a day on June 20.

Virginia's seven-day average is now just 20.6% below the average on July 30, 2020, and that gap is narrowing every day.

Hospitalizations for treatment of COVID-19 continued their rise over the past week. The Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association reported Saturday that 475 confirmed or likely COVID-positive patients were being treated statewide, the most since June 4. Updated data on Northern Virginia hospitalizations was not available.

The pace of vaccinations statewide has remained steady over the past six weeks at between 11,000 and 12,000 a day, according to the state's vaccination dashboard. The U.Va. report noted that the number of first doses administered has increased slightly in late July, however.

Over 9.43 million vaccine doses have been administered to Virginians, with 65% of the adult population and 54% of the total population now fully vaccinated.

The number of deaths reported statewide from COVID-19 ticked back up slightly this week, with 32 reported. Deaths tend to be a lagging indicator and can often take several weeks to verify and report; throughout the pandemic, deaths have begun to increase three to four weeks after an increase in cases. In Northern Virginia, only two new deaths were reported this week, both in Prince William County.

LATEST COVID-19 DATA

New Cases/Deaths (Seven days ending Friday, July 30)

Northern Virginia: 1,238 new cases (up from 881 prior week); 2 new deaths (down from 3 prior week)

Statewide: 6,084 new cases (up from 3,801 prior week), 32 new deaths (up from 23 prior week)

Statewide Testing: 79,045 PCR diagnostic test results (up from 65,298 prior week)

Overall Totals

Northern Virginia: 187,638 cases, 2,407 deaths

Statewide: 694,384 cases, 11,532 deaths

Statewide Testing: 7.97 million PCR diagnostic tests (10.63 million when including antibody and antigen tests)

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) cases: 78 (including 14 in Fairfax, 10 in Prince William, two in Loudoun and Alexandria and one in Arlington).

*Provided by Virginia Department of Health. The health department's COVID-19 data is updated each morning (Monday through Friday) by 10 a.m. and includes reports by local health agencies before 5 p.m. the previous day.

Statewide Hospital Data (as of Saturday, July 31)

Hospitalizations: 475 (up from 434 on July 24)

Peak Hospitalizations: 3,209 reached Jan. 13

Patients in ICU: 121 (up from 105 on July 24)

Patients Discharged: 58,160 (399 this week)

*Provided by Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association

For updated national and international COVID-19 data, visit the Johns Hopkins University coronavirus dashboard.

Editor's note: InsideNoVa is providing regular COVID-19 updates every Friday. For daily reports, visit the Virginia Department of Health COVID-19 dashboard.
Already swamped hospital emergency departments are seeing a spike in older people with serious conditions which have worsened because they delayed seeking treatment during the pandemic.

The Irish Association for Emergency Medicine (IAEM) has demanded the rollout of dedicated rapid access clinics in general medicine and surgery in a bid to reduce the current congestion in EDs.

Figures from the HSE show there were 23,792 ED attendances for the week ending July 25, up 20% on the same period last year, and up 11% when compared to the same period in 2019.

The 3,279 over 75s who presented to EDs in that same week was 18% higher than during the same period last year and 15% higher than the same week in 2019.

Dr Fergal Hickey, consultant in emergency medicine at Sligo hospital and spokesman for the IAEM, said the increased ED attendances were being driven by a rise in genuinely sick people, falls and injuries, delayed presentations and people who have given up trying to get through to their GPs.

Many of those are elderly people who realise the wheels have come off the wagon. They are people who have chronic conditions, like chronic kidney disease, and werent getting their regular services or supports [during the lockdown], he said.

Now their chronic condition has deteriorated. They're running into crisis.

Dr Hickey said there were also people who delayed presenting to hospital during the worst of the pandemic, though it was less frequent than in previous waves.

We saw people who showed up a week after having a stroke or three or four days after a heart attack, he added.

Holidays exacerbating overcrowding

Holidays within Ireland have exacerbated the overcrowding in EDs, with an increase in injuries as a result of falls from mountains, cliffs, piers and trampolines, he added.

There were 217 people on trolleys as of 8am on Friday morning, 154 of whom were in EDs, according to the latest trolleywatch figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).

The cyberattack is also continuing to have "massive impacts" on the hospital system, Dr Hickey said, with this impact combined with increased demand resulting in many EDs struggling with the patient workload.

HSE chief Paul Reid said hospital services have been under a lot of pressure. Picture: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

HSE chief executive Paul Reid said hospital services have been under a lot of pressure.

There is significant reporting of delayed presentations  people who didnt present themselves during Covid. And a significant proportion of those presentations are from older people needing, in most cases, high acute care, he said.

That has significant pressures on our hospital system because [older people] have a much longer length of stay. Thats what were seeing of late. Older, more frail people who have delayed care coming through.

A spokesman for Health Minister Stephen Donnelly told the Irish Examiner that people with illnesses should always seek medical attention at the earliest opportunity, but that does not always mean presenting at an ED.

"People should not delay if they are sick," he said.

Mental health services

The impact of the pandemic is also being seen on the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHs) and eating disorder treatment facilities, according to Dr Anne OConnor, chief operations officer at the HSE.

HSE figures show there were 258 referrals to Irelands three specialist eating disorder treatment hubs in the first six months of this year, which is more than the 228 recorded throughout 2020.

Meanwhile, there has been a further increase in the number of Covid-19 patients in hospitals, up nine to 169 on Friday morning. Of those, 23 were in ICU.

An additional 1,501 cases of the virus were reported on Friday.
A Cork man who raped a woman in a public park after she lay there to sleep having become separated from her friends on a night out has been jailed for five-and-a-half years.

Dermot O'Connor (49) was sleeping rough in the park that night, when the 20-year-old victim, who was clearly intoxicated, came in and found a secluded place to sleep. He first sexually assaulted the woman while she was sleeping and left, but returned again to rape her.

OConnor of St John Terrace, Worlds End, Kinsale, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to rape at the park on July 21, 2019.

An investigating garda told Siobhan Lankford SC, prosecuting, that the woman texted a work colleague after the attack and told them she had been raped. She then made her way to a nearby taxi base where the gardai met her.

The garda said the woman was too intoxicated to be examined in the sexual assault treatment unit when she arrived but swabs were taken from her later.

He told Ms Lankford that 60 witness statements were taken and 300 hours of CCTV footage was viewed during the course of the investigation.

OConnor was nominated as a suspect after the CCTV footage showed him leaving the park shortly after the first sexual assault and returning again at the time of the rape.

There were only three entry points into the park and no other person apart from the victim were captured on CCTV footage going in or out of it.

The garda also confirmed that DNA found in semen that was recovered from the swabs taken in the SATU matched that of OConnor.

OConnor was arrested at his home and later interviewed by gardai. He claimed he never had sex with the woman but could not account for his presence in the park at the time or his DNA being found on her swabs.

Victim impact statement

The now 22-year-old woman read her victim impact statement into the record.

She said that prior to the rape she suffered with anxiety and depression. She became separated from her work friends that night and went to sleep outside. She found a secluded spot she was familiar with and she said she felt safe and out of harms way.

Instead, I woke to find the accused man raping me. I first thought I was a dreaming but when I realised what was happening, I was petrified and pretended to be asleep, the woman continued.

She stayed out of work the following week. When I was not asleep. I was crying, the woman said referring to how she spent the week after the rape.

Every man feel likes a potential danger. Even men I have known all my life. I never feel safe.

She had to change her job so she wouldnt be in contact with so many people.

The woman said she is terrified of being alone. I fear the world. I feel this constant vulnerability. I am waiting for the next bad thing to happen. I feel very lonely. She said she is happy OConnor pleaded guilty and people will know that I was telling the truth.

The woman thanked the investigating garda for his assistance in the case.

Not 'a prolonged event'

Elizabeth OConnell SC, defending, said her client wished to express his deep remorse.

She asked the judge to take into account that this is the first incident of any type of sexual violence committed by her client and as such was entirely out of character.

She submitted that there was no gratuitous violence or degradation of the victim in addition to raping her and said it was not a prolonged event.

Mr Justice Michael MacGrath had adjourned the case having heard evidence last Monday.

He said today that it had been an opportunistic attack on a vulnerable and isolated young woman. He noted the effect the offence has had on the young woman.

Mr Justice MacGrath outlined that there had been delays in the case due to the pandemic and difficulties in securing a face-to-face meeting between OConnor and his legal team until restrictions lifted.

The judge noted that there had been no threats or gratuitous violence over and above the offence itself. He took into account that OConnor has a turbulent background and was sleeping rough at the time due to family difficulties. He said the guilty plea had come as a relief to the injured party.

Mr Justice MacGrath imposed a six-year sentence and suspended the final six months taking into account the absence of prior sexual offending and to assist in rehabilitation.
The nuns of St Marys Abbey in Glencairn, Co Waterford, home to the only Cistercian monastery for women in Ireland, have recently welcomed the first newly professed member since 2015 into their community.

Emma Brady, 26, from Cavan, who graduated with a law degree from Trinity College Dublin in May 2018, entered the monastery as a postulant in September and became a novice in July 2019, made her first profession of monastic vows on Sunday, July 11, taking the religious name Beatrice.

Sr Beatrice promised stability, conversion of life, and obedience for one year and after reading out and signing her formula of profession, and making her promise of obedience to the Abbess, Mother Marie, she received the black scapular and belt.

Sr Beatrice said she chose that religious name after Blessed Beatrice, the Cistercian nun of Nazareth (1200-1268), whose most famous text, 'Seven Modes of Love', a very influential text in Cisterian spirituality which, in broad terms, deals with how one can dwell in Gods love, is still relevant today.

We are a community of modern women trying to live a monastic life in an order which dates from 1098, Sr Beatrice says.

It is quite beautiful and humbling to think that we are standing on the shoulders of those very prophetic and holy people.

It is not to deny the spirituality of our time but to look back and say how we can bring that forward now, to live this heritage now and bring it into today.

Sr Beatrice describes her path to her first profession as an unfolding journey which featured an ever-deepening involvement in aspects of religious life since her childhood.

I had been asking the questions about religious life for a long time before entering the monastery, she says.

Even as a child, I had wondered if there was something there, I wanted to serve God in a more radical way.

But as a teenager, the answer to those questions was absolutely not.

As a journey, there was a rejection of that desire I knew was in me.

I became more involved in religious life and I suppose my family wondered how it might work out. Maybe they didnt expect a radical commitment to monastic life.

I was quite extroverted and had a real gung-ho attitude towards social justice.

And then I would have thought about an active religious life, maybe like something out there in the community."

I studied law primarily because of strong sense of social justice.

It was very on my mind in secondary school, and looking back now, I would have aligned that with a call to missionary religious life.

While studying law in Trinity, I wouldnt have admitted that to anyone else or to myself.

But in second year college, I would have looked at this call more closely.

Then I heard a talk for students, given by an alumni, who said youve found what youre meant to do when everyone else is running away from it and youre running towards it.

Calling to monastic life

I wanted to run towards it. I began visiting orders, seeing if I could find my fit, and I felt a propeller inside me saying yes, this is what God is asking of me.

To give ourselves in love and commitment  that is when we are able to be bestowed on others in the best way, to become the person who we are made to be.

Sr Beatrice says she had been asking the questions about religious life for a long time before entering the monastery.

She says it probably came as a surprise to her family that she had chosen a monastic life but that they journeyed with her and were generous and open-minded.

They want me to be myself as well  to find what Im called to be, she says.

The monastic life at Glencairn revolves around prayer, study, and work. Rising at 3.50am for the first of seven gatherings for prayer, the nuns also run a farm, specialising in dry stock with some leased land for tillage, and they tend to a flock of sheep.

In 2010, they planted 27 acres of the bio-energy crop, Miscanthus, which has been the main source of heat for their monastery since 2016.

St Benedict encouraged his followers to live by the labour of our hands and the nuns at Glencairn also run a visitors centre, a hugely popular greeting card operation, with personalised cards, pressed cards, memorial cards, bookmarks, and prayer cards for any special occasion, as well as candle marking, and book restoration service.

They also bake Eucharistic hosts for distribution to cathedrals, parishes, nursing homes, religious houses, hospitals, and educational institutions throughout Ireland, the UK, and further afield.

Sr Beatrice doesnt view monastic life as giving up a way of life.

Far from it, she says.

I think more of how much Ive gained  of learning how to be bestowed on others, our true selves, as revealed in the silence of the monastery.

In the radicality of the life, of what you give, you gain 100-fold. Thats the gospel promise of life."

If the monastery is your call and your vocation, you realise that with new wonder again and again.

It might not be in the way you imagine but thats where youre called to accept, and to see what youre gaining is really from God, a call to joyful service.

Of course there is renunciation, but we learn to live with it.

"We live a simple life, there is a call to simplicity in every aspect of the monastery  communal ownership of goods and that might look quite sparse  but its really a liberation.

A call to joy and hope

Monastic life isnt opting out. Its not about renouncing the values of society at all.

Its a call to joy and hope, were deepening awareness of what it is to be human, and cherishing that.

Its not about running away because in a monastery, you have to face yourself.

The profound radicality of monastic life is ever more attractive in contemporary society.

People want to live lives of integrity and this is a really tangible way of doing it.

Sr Beatrice believes that their monastic life, centred on prayer, is and will remain a beautiful gift to society.

We are in communion with Christ, with people who are struggling, and with those who are being destructive, and those who maybe cant face the coming of the day.

We are here in love and we hope that it radiates out, she says.

The best thing for us to do is to do what God is asking of us  to stay here, to stay in faith.

There is room in the church for both the active and the monastic way of life, and many things in between.

The value of monastic prayer is esteemed and encouraged.

Monasteries are a place where we can allow God into the world, through a crack in the world. It is a free place for God to be, and to act in us.

London-born Sr Michelle, 53, who joined a Benedictine monastery in Bedfordshire in 1993 before moving to Glencairn in 1997 to follow the Cistercian tradition, points out that there is a distinct difference between the isolation that was felt by many during the lockdown and the chosen isolation or solitude of monastic life.

Monasticism apart from society

Comparing the experiences of lockdown to a monastery is dodgy, she says.

First of all, we make a choice to leave society. Monasticism is apart from society  its one of the reasons theres enclosure in the first place  to make a geographical difference.

Isolation, like that experienced by many during lockdown, is painful for some.

But we live in community. We dont have the same experience of isolation, because we come for solitude. And thats very different.

The solitude in a monastery implies space to allow oneself to be in touch with oneself, and with the love of Christ.

We take a vow of stability. There is a saying, by the Carthusians, that the cross remains still while the world turns. There is always change and flux in society and for the contemplative, there is a sense of stillness.

To remain in your cell, your cell will teach you everything, you will gain self knowledge.

The Cistercian Monastery at St Mary's Abbey in Glencairn, Co Waterford. Picture: Denis Scannell

She believes fully that the role of the contemplative order in society today is of value  it is one of witness, of giving our lives to Christ in a total way, she says.

In our formation, we learn that the human tendency is to go to the extreme, she says.

Benedict himself emphasises the middle path, one of balance. And you get to know that when you find yourself.

We get a lot of prayer requests and feedback. There is very much a sense of the effect and power prayer has had in peoples lives."

Its not magic. It takes faith to understand and recognise the power of prayer.

Sr Sarah, 48, from Dublin, who worked with the former Anna Livia FM radio station in Dublin before joining the monastery in 2001, aged 28, says she felt filled by what she discovered in her relationship with God at the ground of my being when she discovered the contemplative dimension of life.

I was a lapsed Catholic at college age, but I always had this intuition that there was a spiritual dimension that I wasnt expressing, deepening into and connecting with, she says.

Her father had gone to school in Mount St Joseph Abbey, in Roscrea, and had maintained his link of friendship with the monks who lived there, taking Sarah and her brother and sister to visit the monks over the years when they were growing up.

Spiritual nourishment for life

I sensed there was a peace and love in their way of life, in them, that was always very attractive to me, she says.

A renewed interest in Catholicism and that lasting impression of the monks reemerged in her 20s and propelled her towards Glencairn.

At an intuitive level, I knew that this could be the path for me, the path towards God I was looking for, she says.

The strict daily schedule of prayer, reflection and work, rising early for Vigils in the abbey church followed by quiet prayer, lectio divina and spiritual reading isn't easy but it 'nourishes her for the life', Sr Sarah says.

You have to discover that every day, get back in touch with it, surrender to God every day.

The monastic life opens a window. I feel there is a spiritual energy that is shared when anybody prays, when anybody lives from that depth of their being.

We get a lot of comments on our Facebook page thanking us for our prayer and our presence.

A lot of people in times of great crisis and distress would have an instinct to turn to monks and nuns in those times to remember their intentions. We try to be faithful to that.

Sr Sarah, who is also the monasterys director of vocations, says they always encourage and welcome young women to explore their own vocation, with five people booked in for a vocation weekend at Glencairn on August 27 to 29.

Sr Sarah says they always encourage and welcome young women to explore their own vocation, with five people booked in for a vocation weekend at Glencairn on August 27 to 29.Picture: Denis Scannell

It offers a monastic experience for those searching for their path, for those who want to take a closer look at life in Glencairn, she says.

'It is our way of offering hospitality and support to those who are discerning their vocation.

We still have a couple more places available for those who would like to attend the August weekend and we will be offering another weekend for discerners on October 22 to 24 this year too.

Others are welcome to experience an element of the monastic life, the prayer and the wonderful natural surroundings of the monastery, at Glencairns retreat-oriented guesthouse.

It offers an experience of some sense of the simplicity of our life. In all the distractions of life today, these are good spiritual values to have, Sr Sarah says.

Living in lockdown is the norm in the 'powerhouse of prayer'

Poor Clare in Cork city have taken a vow of poverty, chastity, obedience and enclosure, leading a life relatively unchanged since the orders foundation in the 13th century

We live in lockdown most of the time. And we are all on our feet and well, says Sr Francis.

She is one of the seven Poor Clare nuns living in the landmark monastery on Corks College Road, in the bustling heart of the citys university quarter, who have taken a vow of poverty, chastity, obedience, and enclosure, leading a life relatively unchanged since the orders foundation in the 13th century.

She was one of eight nuns in the community when we last spoke. Sr Mary has died since. She is buried in the cemetery within the monastery walls.

Today, Sr Francis, 60, who entered the monastery on her 21st birthday, lives with Sr Colette Marie, Sr Faustina, Sr Clare, Sr Anthony Mary, Sr Bernadette, and the abbess Sr Miriam in a building described locally as a powerhouse of prayer in the city for a century.

Sr Colette Marie (left) and Sr Francis in the Poor Clare Monastery in Cork; they lead a life relatively unchanged since the orders foundation in the 13th century. Picture Denis Minihane

When they each entered the monastery and after a period of formation took their vows, they effectively said goodbye to the outside world, and committed to spending the rest of their lives behind those convent walls, with family members permitted to visit a few times a year.

Most people get the keys to the world when they turn 21, and there I was, being locked away, Sr Francis jokes.

They rely on the outside world for almost everything, putting their faith in God and in people to deliver what they need when they need it.

Sr Francis says the pandemic has given people time to reflect on the true meaning of life, and also an opportunity to experience their way of life.

Life is short. If Covid has taught us anything, its taught us about the fragility of life, she says.

During the pandemic, people have taken on a lot of our values  living a more balanced life, with routine. Routine is so important, its the real scaffolding to the day.

Covid has taken away a lot of the clutter too and on the issue of vocation, when the call happens, you have to be able to listen to hear, to hear what God is saying. He has a plan for us all.

The Order is named after Clare Offreduccio, a remarkable 13th-century figure known to the sisters as St Clare of Assisi  the first female follower of St Francis of Assisi.

'Privilege of poverty'

Despite her wealthy family background, she left her secure future, under cover of darkness, on the night of Palm Sunday 1212, to join Francis and his followers.

She spent a short period in two other monasteries before settling in San Damiano outside Assisi and was later joined by her younger sister, Agnes. Soon, other women, including her mother, joined and the Poor Clares began.

The Poor Clares Convent on College Rd, Cork. Picture: Des Barry

She decided to live a radically poor way of life and appealed to three popes to secure what she called the privilege of poverty.

'Her Form of Life', which laid down the ground rules for the enclosed Poor Clare life, was approved by the pope the day before she died in 1253.

Its remained relatively unchanged since.

The nuns who join commit to spending the rest of their lives behind the monastery walls. Even in death. They will be buried in the cemetery at the rear of the convent.

They follow a strict code of only being allowed to leave in times of emergency or training, seeing their families three times a year and on special family occasions, of getting up at 5.30am and being in bed for 9.15pm, if possible.

They wear sandals, handmade full-length brown habits, a black veil, with brown rosary beads around their waists, and a white belt with four knots to symbolise their vows. They also wear special rings, symbols of their betrothal to Christ.

They receive hundreds of letters from people around the country asking for their prayers; these letters are placed in a basket at the foot of the altar in their private chapel.

Pre-Covid, members of the public were welcome to drop in to their public chapel for prayer, or to meet and chat with a sister behind a grille at set opening times.

But the chapel and parlour have been closed since last Lent and there are no immediate plans to reopen either at the moment.

Sr Colette Marie, 53, said the last 18-months or so werent terribly abnormal for their community but they got a real sense of peoples fears and concerns through the letters they received.

The graveyard at the Poor Clares Convent in Cork; the nuns who join commit to spending the rest of their lives behind the monastery walls. Even in death. They will be buried in the cemetery at the rear of the convent. Picture: Des Barry

We close the parlour for Lent anyway, and Covid hit around last Lent, so its been like an extended Lent for us really, she says.

What we found most strange was the chapel being closed, and missing that spiritual support network when people came to Sunday benediction.

But people have been writing to us all the time. We are still here for people in that way.

Initially in the pandemic, the letters were about Covid, there was a big fear around it, but in recent weeks, its back to hip operations, someones husband isnt well, my grandchild is going for an operation  that kind of thing.

Our role has, in a sense, always been hidden. Its more hidden now, but that doesnt make it less real.

The power is there, for the whole world. What matters is love and love is God.

God has made us free, and he asks us to choose him, to live for him.

Hes at everyones door: we let him in, but we must reach out too and our way of going out is through prayer.

Despite a near-collapse in vocations, both sisters still have great faith in the future.

We are hopeful that someone will come along, especially after Covid, Sr Francis says.

We trust. There are terrific vocations in the Poor Clares in Africa.

There are many distractions out there. And our lives are so specialised, we will never have big numbers coming, but thats OK.

Its all in Gods hands. All I have to worry about is being faithful to God.

Sr Colette Marie says she sees no need to stress about the future either.

It is Gods business  I dont lie awake at night worrying about it, she says.

Merging monasteries as vocations dwindle

What has happened in other monasteries in the federation is that monasteries will merge, sisters will leave a monastery where numbers are very low and join a monastery that is thriving.

It has happened very, very well before and it enriches the monastery they join.

The last two nuns at a Poor Clare convent in Belfast, a community which had played a key role during the Troubles, moved to a Poor Clares convent in Carlow.

They were in Belfast at a critical time when they were needed, and when that time passed, they moved to Carlow, Sr Colette Marie says.

I see no easing of enclosure. We would never change our vocation. We must be faithful to God, to your calling and this is our calling.

Some young women have dipped their toe in the water, so to speak, and spent some time living in the convent to see if its a life they want to pursue.

Its very enriching for us, as they dip their feet into the water, and people are always enriched by that time, and they try to see if this is for me but then maybe they find that the Lord is calling you somewhere else, Sr Francis says.

As one of the sisters says: they comes and they goes but mostly they goes.

But thats our life.

I dont worry about the future; my job is to do my job.

The future is uncertain. But everyones in the same boat that way.

We hope and pray that vocations will come to Cork  its in Gods hands.

What God wants is for us to trust him.
THERE was something about Julys extreme heat that didnt feel quite right. Met Eireann put out a weather warning, not the usual one were used to  the howling winds and torrential rain  but because it was going to reach 30C-plus in Roscommon.

I dont remember ever hearing a weather warning in the summer before. My mum said she doesnt remember a summer where it was as hot.

The front pages of our newspapers were covered in the usual photographs  teens in mid air as they jumped off piers and children licking already melted 99s. It was a good news story. Finally. Some fine weather, thats all it was  just a good news story.

Until it wasnt.

The effect of the pandemic or any other ongoing major news stories is that it pushes every other issue off the agenda; off the front pages and down the radio bulletins.

Until this day last week, when this newspaper ran with Extreme heatwave almost certainly linked to climate change, expert warns as its main front-page story.

The crisis is worse than we'd imagined

One fact was that wed experienced two tropical nights in a row in Ireland last week where temperatures fell no lower than 20C. This has only happened six times in 80 years of Irish records. The North reached its highest ever temperature three times in less than a week.

Climate expert Alastair McKinstry, environmental programme manager with NUI Galways Irish Centre for High-End Computing, went on the record to state that the extreme weather is almost certainly due to climate change.

This followed an open letter from Irish Doctors for the Environment (IDE) which said the scale of current extreme weather has led to the conclusion that the climate crisis is actually worse than has previously been understood.

But its grand. Just do stuff like put your plates in the dishwasher without rinsing them. These types of actions are what global leaders now call micro steps.

But you can only channel your eco anxiety through micro steps for so long.

That particular piece of advice came from Boris Johnsons climate spokesperson, Allegra Stratton, last week, writing in The Telegraph. Other micro-steps she suggested included replacing shampoo bottles with shampoo bars and freezing your leftover bread.

While she did make a feeble attempt to add the disclaimer that these micro-steps alone would not solve the pressing issue of reducing our planets carbon emissions, the paltry clause was not enough to avoid the wrath of environmentalists.

Individual choice versus collective action

The narrative that individual choices are to blame for any one problem  poverty (not inequality, not racial injustice, not gender disparity) or climate change (not huge fossil fuel companies emissions, not mass deforestation)  no longer holds water.

When we continue to make a problem about ones individual choices, we do two things: We shift the focus away from systems and structures of power and we light fires of anxiety in ordinary citizens, who have absolutely no wherewithal to stem the tide of climate change by switching to a metal straw.

To make climate change about switching straws and freezing food is to let people and organisations in power off the hook.

Focus on those really responsible

In 2017, a study found that just 100 companies were responsible for 71% of global emissions. And, of that 100, more than 50% of global industrial emissions since 1988 could be traced to just 25 companies, said the Carbon Majors report.

So maybe every time our guilt spikes about the pile of unrecyclable soft plastics we accrued at the supermarket or each time our stomach flips as we read about another fire in the Amazon or a flood in Germany, we could channel that anxiety-induced powerlessness not into switching to metal straws but into asking those in actual power for concrete action.

Maybe thats how we take climate action from now on. Instead of feeling paralysed by eco-anxiety and powerless to do anything about the very thing we worry about, we could channel it towards those who can make change.

Last Monday, RTE managing director Jon Williams sent a tweet about climate change. We were wrong not to make clear connection between recent extreme weather events & climate change. Sin of omission & reported in good faith. But truth matters. So when we get it wrong, we should say so. Lesson learned. Work to do. https://t.co/EEcMi1VEy1  Jon Williams (@WilliamsJon) July 26, 2021 We were wrong not to make clear [the] connection between extreme weather events & climate change. Sin of omission & reported in good faith. But truth matters. So when we get it wrong, we should say so. Lesson learned. Work to do, he wrote. He posted a link to how RTE was covering climate change and how the national broadcaster would rectify its reporting. Extinction Rebellion Ireland, the Irish arm of the international environmental group, reacted to his tweet saying the social media statement followed weeks of mounting pressure from environmental NGOs, climate scientists, and climate activists. Prior to this tweet, the Irish group had been planning two separate actions of civil disobedience targeting the State broadcaster for its lack of urgent discussion on the climate crisis. What's your view on this issue? You can tell us here Extinction Rebellion Ireland said it was taking Mr Williams statement with a healthy dose of scepticism and called upon RTE and all other news organisations to enact recommendations made by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) when it comes to reporting on climate change. The idea being that increased coverage of climate change and focus on environmental issues would inspire green behaviour change among audiences.

There are few people I know who dont recycle, carry a reusable water bottle, compost, and consider their carbon footprint and, if they have young children, the amount of nappies that go out in the black bin every week. The masses want change, but the system has to change to enable us to have different choices to make.

Channelling anxiety into action

Weve lived through a year and a half of being on high alert, if not times of being hyper-alert, and we continue to live with the uncertainty of the pandemic  tackling climate change is not exactly going to provide a reprieve from that anxiety.

But instead of being crippled by climate anxiety at an individual level, lets look to those people and organisations in power who can make changes that have major consequences.

Imagine a media landscape that holds systems and organisations to climate account the way it focuses on holding politicians to account.
Some nonsense has been spouted this week about Katherine Zappone, the former childrens minister.

She is a very nice person, a warm, engaging character, and someone who bore personal tragedy with dignity while at the Cabinet table.

However, she was at best a divisive minister and, at worst, could be accused of being a terrible one.

Some successes amid a litany of lapses

She left her successor, Roderic OGorman, with an enormous mess to fix on leaving office, most notably in relation to the mother and baby homes scandal.

As childrens minister, she was criticised after it emerged she knew of concerns about the standard of care at a Dublin creche a year before they were highlighted in a television programme in 2019.

In 2019, Zappone and her department were severely criticised for handing back almost 60m in State funding when 6,000 children were not allocated a social worker.

Her handling of the Scouting Ireland issue and withholding State funds until reforms happened showed backbone  and she points to her establishment of a national childcare scheme as a crowning achievement.

Strokes of luck

However, the descriptions from senior government ministers of her being an international leader in human rights are laughable.

Zappone arrived on the national political stage in 2011 when new taoiseach Enda Kenny surprised many by appointing a number of non-politicians as his nominees to the Seanad.

Her first stroke of luck.

By then she was a former chief executive of the National Womens Council of Ireland and was the first openly lesbian member of the Oireachtas, and the first in a same-sex marriage, as described by the Nealons Guide published after her appointment.

The native of Spokane, Washington, Zappone had moved to Ireland to live with her wife, Ann Louise Gilligan, and the pair became advocates for the rights of same-sex couples to marry.

Their crowning glory, of course, was the passage of the 2015 marriage equality referendum. Buoyed by that momentum, Zappone stood for the Dail in the 2016 general election and succeeded in taking the last seat in the Dublin South-West constituency.

The Independent minister

After Kennys significant reversal in terms of Fine Gael seats, from 76 in 2011 to 50 in 2016, Zappone got her second stroke of luck.

She found herself among a group of Independent TDs who were courted by Kenny in his bid to cling to power.

Then children's minister Katherine Zappone and then social protection minister Leo Varadkar in April, 2017. Picture: Gareth Chaney

Zappone, catching many on the hop, was the first to sign up to Kennys advances, thus securing a full senior cabinet post in the subsequent government. It was incredible.

Whether lucky or cunning, Zappone had moved from the fringes of society as a campaigner to the heart of Irish politics in just five years.

It was another episode of guile from Zappone which ultimately fired the trigger for Kennys eventual departure from office in 2017.

Her part in Enda's downfall

After he invented a conversation between them that never happened, during a radio interview about the ongoing mistreatment of Garda whistleblower Maurice McCabe, Zappone forced Kenny to correct the record and issue, as he called it, a mea culpa.

An already weakened Kenny was done and many in Fine Gael have not forgotten her role in his downfall, hence their fury this week.

Whatever her relationship with Kenny, she was certainly closer to Kennys successor as taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, and she saw out the remainder of her term amid mounting criticism of her performance.

On Matt Coopers Last Word, Shane Ross, her former colleague at cabinet, described his disappointment at Katherines failure to stand with him and Finian McGrath against Fine Gael on seeking reform in how judges were appointed and other issues. She went native, essentially, was the charge.

When the country went to the polls again in 2020, Zappone was among many government figures to lose her seat, but suffered the indignity of having to remain on in office until a new administration was formed.

Exit to the US

Zappone, having suffered the loss of her wife and then her seat, left Ireland and relocated to New York, but was engaged by the Government to help with its bid to secure a seat on the United Nations Security Council.

It was during this period, if reports are to believed, Zappone mentioned to Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney that she would be interested in helping Irelands cause further if required.

Then housing minister Simon Coveney, then children's minister Katherine Zappone, and then taoiseach Enda Kenny launching the Rebuilding Ireland plan in September 2016. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Coveney has seemed to dismiss this conversation as any form of lobbying  but not realising you have been lobbied is perhaps part of the trick.

From the moment the Irish Examiner revealed the appointment at Cabinet on Tuesday afternoon, a major political controversy erupted amid charges of cronyism.

It emerged quickly that Taoiseach Micheal Martin was not informed in advance of the proposed appointment. It turns out that Fine Gael ministers were in the loop ahead of Cabinet, but their Coalition colleagues were not, an admission which will do little to dispel the idea that this was a political stroke, particularly given, as Coveney admitted, he and his officials were considering this for months.

Coveneys description of it being a communications error would be more tolerable and acceptable if it did not come in the wake of the shameless manner of the Seamus Woulfe appointment a year ago.

That was a stroke of audacious proportions and Zappones appointment to this gig has some similarities.

The whole process was the mistake

Coveney got extraordinarily prickly on radio with RTEs Bryan Dobson yesterday when pressed about the lack of an open competition, suggesting that any questioning of Zappone was not appropriate.

He said the genuine mistake was not telling the Taoiseach  but, in truth, the genuine mistake was the entire process.

Because, unlike many others, I would argue that Zappones record in government is not so stellar and we, as the paymasters, would have benefited from expressions of interest from other quarters.

A rather shameful attempt has repeatedly been made by Fine Gael to dismiss such concerns on the basis that it is a relatively small amount of money involved. The partys TD for Dublin Mid-West, Emer Higgins, said on Virgin Media on Tuesday that people were making a mountain out of a molehill.

The following morning on radio, her party leader, Leo Varadkar, sought to follow suit and say the Cabinet was dealing with far more important matters and that the money is paltry.

Complacency born of 10 years in office

The problem about all of this is one of complacency. It tends to happen when you are 10 years in office.

Fine Gael has always had a problem with losing touch when in government and this is merely the latest example. It also seems to have a disturbing habit of seeking to reward political failure.

Look to James Reilly, who was reappointed deputy leader even after losing his Dail seat in 2016 and had to be appointed to the Seanad.

Look at Jerry Buttimer, who was made leader of the Seanad having lost his Dail seat in 2016.

Look at Regina Doherty, who succeeded him having lost her seat in 2020.

The rewarding of Zappone, another political failure, is yet another self-inflicted own goal by Fine Gael which has handed yet another stick to Sinn Fein and other opposition parties with which to beat it.
Burma Myanmar Architect Who Designed Daw Aung San Suu Kyis Mothers Mausoleum Dies

Undated picture of architect U Bo Gyi

Renowned Myanmar architect U Bo Gyi, who designed the mausoleum for Daw Khin Kyi, the wife of independence hero General Aung San and the mother of detained State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, passed away of old age at 89 in Yangon on July 27.

U Bo Gyi was pressured by the previous military regime to resign as a civil servant for designing the mausoleum. He joined the monkhood some 19 years ago and died as a monk.

As an assistant of Oswald Negla, a lecturer in architecture at Yangon University (then Rangoon University), he was involved in the construction of the universitys Recreation Center while still an architecture student at the university in 1959. He later won first prize in Myanmars first architectural competition, a contest to design the clinic of the Burmah Oil Company (BOC) in Yangons Thanlyin.

He was one of the founders of the Architects Incorporated Firm (AI), which became a leading architecture company in Myanmar. The AI was not just a thriving business, but a place for artists, sculptors, writers, musicians and entertainers to rendezvous and debate modern art, until military dictator General Ne Win seized power in 1962.

All businesses were nationalized at that time, and the AI was not spared. U Bo Gyi found himself an employee of the juntas Housing and Public Works Ministry.

When Myanmars first female ambassador, Daw Khin Kyi, passed away in December 1988, U Bo Gyi was approached by Myo Myint Nyein from Daw Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy (NLD) and his brother Sonny Nyein about designing the mausoleum for Daw Khin Kyi.

The NLD had initially planned to assign the project to seasoned architect and party member U Kyaw Min, who designed the mausoleum of Thakhin Kodaw Hmaing, a poet laureate and the father of nationalist movements in Myanmar. But U Kyaw Min, a US-educated architect who was U Bo Gyis teacher at university, was on a trip at the time.

U Bo Gyi was asked to design the mausoleum for Daw Khin Kyi with the approval of her daughter Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and another member of the NLD leadership, U Kyi Maung.

Daw Khin Kyi used to sit on a chair under the portico of the family residence facing Inya Lake in Yangon, counting prayer beads and babysitting her two grandsons, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi told U Bo Gyi, asking him to model the mausoleum after the portico.

The Housing Department planned to punish U Bo Gyi for his involvement in the project, but he was spared after Daw Aung San Suu Kyi intervened and made a phone call to Major General Myo Nyunt, the head of the Myanmar militarys Yangon Command.

The mausoleum was open roofed with a portico. Two curved walls shield the tomb, signifying a pair of hands covering the light Daw Khin Kyi shed on the country, and the sacrifices she made as a wife and mother.

U Bo Gyi designed and personally built the mausoleum for Daw Khin Kyi, which stands alongside those of Queen Supayalat, the chief consort of Myanmars last monarch King Thibaw; Thakhin Kodaw Hmaing; and United Nations Secretary-General U Thant.

One year after he volunteered his services for the mausoleum project, circumstances forced him to retire from the job he had done for the previous 26 years, just three years before he was eligible for a pension. But he could no longer cope with the pressures of the workplace, as the regime always tried to find fault with him.

In their books, NLD leaders Hanthawaddy U Win Tin, Thura U Tin Oo and U Win Htein failed to credit U Bo Gyi as the architect of Daw Khin Kyis mausoleum. People mistakenly credited U Kyaw Min, because U Bo Gyi worked at U Kyaw Mins office on Sule Pagoda Road at the time of the project and put the name of his former teacher before his own on his design sheets.

After resigning as a government employee, he worked for a number of private architecture companies. He joined the monkhood in 2003, taking the monastic name U Pandita.

I am most satisfied with Daw Khin Kyis mausoleum, of all the architectural projects done in my life. The mausoleum was built by the Garrison Engineers of Myanmar [the engineers of the Tatmadaw, Myanmars military], the monk said.

U Bo Gyi also designed Independence Monument in Yangon, the City Hall and Square in Pyin Oo Lwin, the Peoples Department Store in Yangons Pansodan (now Ruby Mart), and many government-run factories, public hospitals and private buildings.

You may also like these stories:

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Leader of Junta-Allied Karen Armed Group Dies of COVID
The percentage of Texas Covid-19 tests coming back positive is now at levels considered red flags by Gov. Greg Abbott and the Trump administration during the height of the pandemic. State officials and virologists say the highly contagious delta variant is fueling the rise in new cases and hospitalizations, especially among the unvaccinated. The delta variant also is capable of infecting the vaccinated, considered breakthrough infections, although the vaccinated experience only mild cases. Should the public return to pandemic safety measures such as mask wearing in public places?

You voted:
TPG Telecom and Infinera (NASDAQ: INFN) announced a technology upgrade of TPG Telecoms submarine cable connecting Australia and Guam to boost cable capacity and improve reliability using Infineras ICE6 800G solution.

PPC-1 is TPG Telecoms ultra-long-haul cable system connecting Australia and Guam, including connectivity to Papua New Guinea. It has two fibre pairs spanning approximately 7,000kms, with 78 repeaters spaced approximately 92kms apart. The submarine cable is a major gateway for North America and other Asia Pacific destinations.

Using technology from Infinera, the project will boost data capacity on this internet backbone link by 50%, from 8 terabits per second currently to 12 terabits per second. Enabling direct connectivity to key Sydney points of presence (POPs) is part of this upgrade, delivering seamless connections for TPG Telecom customers beyond the landing station.

TPG Telecom executive general manager mobile and fixed networks Barry Kezik said, We are increasing the capacity of this vital international link by 50 percent to meet the growing data requirements of our customers, which is being driven by booming demand for cloud computing and video streaming.

With this investment, TPG Telecom confirms its long-term commitment to provide international services to Australia."

Infinera is excited to collaborate with TPG Telecom to deploy our industry-leading ICE6 800G solution on its critical subsea network, offering higher-speed bandwidth and more capacity and arming TPG Telecom with the ability to deliver new high-speed connectivity services, said Infinera senior vice president worldwide sales Nick Walden.

TPG Telecom has received the necessary regulatory approvals to modify relevant PPC-1 assets. The upgrade works are expected to be completed this year.
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Since moving to Jackson Hole in 1992, Richard has covered everything from local government and criminal justice to sports and features. He currently concentrates on arts and entertainment, heading up the Scene section.
Mike has reported on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem's wildlife, wildlands and the agencies that manage them since 2012. A native Minnesotan, he arrived in the West to study environmental journalism at the University of Colorado.
Tom Hallberg covers a little bit of everything, from skiing to long-form feature stories. A Teton Valley, Idaho, transplant by way of Portland and Bend, Oregon, he spends his time outside work writing fiction, splitboarding and climbing.
CARTHAGE, MO - Donald Lee Miller, 71, passed away Thursday, July 29, 2021. Services will be at 9 a.m. Thursday at Carthage Church of the Nazarene. Burial will be in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield.
During session, Eric can be found at the Capitol in Hartford, reporting the information that readers want and need to know. For insights and updates on legislation, politicians, committees, and commissions that affect the entire state of Connecticut, follow Eric on Twitter: @BednerEric.
Conservative Party leader Erin OToole accused the Liberal government of hastily and half-heartedly trying to relocate Afghan interpreters working with the Canadian military.

For our Afghan veterans, this is a critical loose ending of the war we need to resolve, OToole said today.

This is an insult to our military and another sign that the Liberal government is completely out of touch with the needs of our country.

The Conservative Party leader used his opening remarks in an infrastructure announcement in Fredericton, New Hampshire, to resolve Ottawas new resettlement mission, which was caught in controversy last week.

Earlier this week, potential applicants for the program were told that they only had three days to complete a series of online forms and digitize a series of sensitive documents.

The government later stated that there was no clear deadline for applications-but many people worried that the difficult start of the program might put Afghans working with Canada at risk of violent retaliation by the Taliban.

As the United States begins to withdraw troops from the country, the Taliban-Canadian soldiers who have fought for more than a decade-are gaining momentum and putting pressure on major cities across the country.

They are at risk of persecution and even death because they work for our country and support our men and women in uniforms, ??OToole said.

The leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, Erin OToole, stated that the government took action to relocate Afghan interpreters and their families due to pressure from veterans. (Ed Hunt/Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)

Former embassy staff says they need more help

Nipa Banerjee, who worked at the Canadian Embassy in Afghanistan from 2003 to 2006, praised the government for canceling the three-day deadline, but said that future applicants are still struggling and need better help.

She said that many eligible applicants are not interpreters, nor do they speak English well enough to browse complex immigration documents.

These forms are also difficult to understand because there are technical terms in some places, said Banerjee, who was in charge of overseeing Canadas development plan while in Afghanistan.

Banerjee said that the Afghans she has worked with have been contacting her to ask them about their application. Some people reported that they were rejected by the Canadian Embassy in Kabul when they asked for help.

If the embassy can provide some help to the locals, that would be great, she said.

A spokesperson for Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said that follow-up messages have been sent to those who may be confused by the initial instructions, including a three-day deadline.

Emilie Simard wrote in an email: The officials have contacted the applicant to clarify this point and will continue to actively work with customers to assist them in completing the application.

We also hired local support staff to help clients with language barriers submit applications and documents.

Freeland reiterated Canadas moral responsibility

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland (Chrystia Freeland) today reiterated the governments intention to resettle Afghans who helped Canadian soldiers for the second day in a row-although she did not provide new details on when it would begin.

We, as a country, have a moral responsibility to them, and we absolutely recognize this, Freeland said today.

We are working very, very hard, so that those who work for Canada and work for their families can come to Canada very, very quickly.

At the same time, the United States is carrying out its mission to resettle Afghans who assisted the U.S. military during the war. The first flight carrying more than 200 workers and their families landed in the United States today.
Wellington, New Zealand  It has been 50 years since the dawn raid in New Zealand, and the 82-year-old father of the Minister of the People of the Pacific, Opito William Theo, still cannot talk about it.

An authority who should take care of you and an authority who serves you makes you feel helpless in your own home. How do you talk about this kind of thing? Theo said.

The dawn raid occurred in the 1970s and involved people from the Pacific Islands who immigrated to New Zealand for work in the years after World War II.

One morning in the winter of 1974, the police brought the dog to the front door of Sios fathers house in Otara, Auckland. They require everyone in the house to retrieve their passports to show that they are legally entitled to stay in New Zealand. Dogs were barking, people were screaming, and the police chased Sios cousin from the garage. They were taken to prison, took their belongings, and then deported to Samoa.

Many Pacific Islanders moved to New Zealand after the war to promote the countrys depleted labor force. By 1976, according to the national census, they accounted for more than 2% of the national population, reaching 65,700. But when the Labor government decided to crack down on immigration in the 1970s, economic conflicts swept across the country and they were under pressure. Between 1974 and 1976, the homes of Pacific families were attacked many times, usually in the early morning or late at night. Thousands of people were arrested and deported.

After years of community-led lobbying-including a petition signed by 7,366 people and submitted to Parliament in June-New Zealands Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that the government will officially recognize her An apology for the policy that caused deep harm in New Zealands Pacific community.

The date of the apology is set for August 1, 2021.

Sio stated that it is important that New Zealand recognizes specific racial profiling as part of its history.

The father of Aupito William Sio, the Minister of the People of the Pacific, was one of the Pacific descent who was singled out during immigration raids in the 1970s [Courtesy of William Sios office]

This is the first step in removing the shackles of shame, he said. If we dont learn and understand what happened and think of excuses, the same pattern of behavior will reappear. We need to accept that what happened was wrong and is still wrong.

A 1986 investigation by race relations mediators on allegations of discrimination in the application of immigration law found that between 1985 and 1986, although Pacific Islanders accounted for one-third of those who stayed after their visas expired, they accounted for all immigrants 86% of it. Prosecute. In contrast, people from the United States and the United Kingdom also accounted for one-third of all overstayers and only 5% of all prosecutions. According to the Pacific Peoples Department, between 1974 and 1976, an estimated 5,000-12,000 people did this.

Why now?

Timu told Al Jazeera that after Benji Timu and Josiah Tualamalii were frustrated that no officials realized the intergenerational trauma caused by the raid, they began to submit a petition to the parliament in June, and this topic was not mentioned in the school.

Timu, 27, has been learning about his identity for the past five years.

As a descendant of Samoans, Cook Islanders, and Niueans, he said he has only now begun to understand his cultural struggle.

A lot of people are talking about the shame and guilt that I have to endure in order to stay in New Zealand. I consider myself part of the privileged diaspora in the Pacific. I speak my language and English, and I feel responsible for defending my culture, he Say.

Its crazy to think we didnt understand this in school. I havent received anti-racism education. The injury may have been done, and you can see that the injury has been passed on for two generations. This is manifested in the distrust of the police and the government. There are many things that keep our people at the bottomwhether it is from a socioeconomic, educational, or justice perspective. An apology is the first beginning of the process of getting things right.

Pacific Islanders account for 8.1% of New Zealands 5 million population. National statistics dating back to 2013 show that their median annual income is 8,800 New Zealand dollars ($6,145) lower than the median national income, and in the three years from 2012 to 2014, approximately 28% of the Pacific Children live in poor families, and this proportion is 16% of children of European descent.

The petition also called for the establishment of a heritage fund to recognize, recognize and financially support families affected by the attack.

Cindy Kiro (left) and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (right) walk past the Parliament Building together in Wellington, New Zealand, Monday, May 24, 2021. Kiro was appointed as the next Governor of New Zealand and was the first Aboriginal Maori woman to be appointed to this position. [File: Nick Perry/AP Photo]

Although the state apologizes for the mistakes caused by the raids and the state-sanctioned racist remarks designed to discredit and dehumanize Pacific Islanders, its very important-but an apology is not enough, Dylan A, a law lecturer at the University of Auckland Sappho told Al Jazeera.

Asafo was referring to a campaign advertisement broadcast by the National Party on television, which included Pacific Islanders described as barbaric, violent, and cutting corners, who brought crime and civil unrest to New Zealand.

The open racist movement helped the party leader and former prime minister Robert Malden win the 1975 election.

It is painful to see blatant racism being so widely accepted, Asafo said. But seeing Malden win by an overwhelming advantage is effective. Nationally recognized racism has taught a generation that it is okay to look at Pacific Islanders from this perspective, and since then we have not seen any policies to resist These behaviors.

Need to change

He said that now, racism is secretly supporting New Zealands immigration laws.

The people of the Pacific and people of color do not have clear permanent residency rights. The system is designed for white immigrants from wealthy developed countries, and the government believes they can provide more services to the economy. People of color are seen as consumers of the economy. , Were downgraded to expired temporary visas, and then they were deprived of their rights and rights.

The Recognized Seasonal Employer Program came into effect in 2007 and aims to allow the agricultural sector to recruit personnel from overseas for seasonal work. Asafo said, in practice, this means that Pacific Islanders are invited to apply for the program because their wages are low, and despite providing valuable roles for New Zealand, they are denied the right to live permanently in the country and forced to return to themselves Motherland.

Pacific Islanders are forced to work in unstable conditions; they are seen as tools of labor and are easy to dispose of. The system is undermining the dignity of these people, he said.

I think there is a kind of racist contradiction. We are seen as part of the Pacific Ocean and as a neighboring country of New Zealand in the international environment. But in the context of immigration, Pacificers are second-class citizens and their labor is exploited to aggravate Labor shortage.

More than 7,000 people signed the petition submitted to Parliament in June [Sasha Borissenko/Al Jazeera]

The government has expressed concern, but whether it is regret or regret depends on whether appropriate actions are taken to address the systemic dehumanization of a group of people and the impact that still exists today.

The Minister of Immigration, Kris Faafoi, stated that Ardern has stated that an amnesty should not be expected, and pointed out that in 2000 and 2001 there were opportunities for pardons.

Ardern also pointed out that there are many ethnic groups and communities who want a way to live. Faafoi said that the government does not want to apologize for discriminatory behavior while formulating a policy that discriminates itself by restricting the qualifications of certain groups.

The government is still committed to recognizing seasonal employer programs, but we have identified areas for improvement.

The Ministry of Commerce, Innovation and Employment is currently reviewing the plan, which includes setting fair, transparent and promoting better performance caps and worker allocation mechanisms; ensuring workers participation and effective management of potential consequences (such as the displacement of workers in New Zealand) To get a fair share of the benefits.

The review includes consideration of ways to enhance compliance and minimize the risk of exploitation. Faafoi said it will also review employers obligations in caring for workers, including providing suitable accommodation.

Minister Sio said: We continue to review the plan and are collecting intelligence from the local community. I am aware of the criticism. There are two aspects [that being the exploitation of foreign workers] But talking to any employer, you will hear different stories. We also need to pay attention and provide opportunities for our local workforce. 

Sio said that for the time being, it is important to acknowledge the damage and trauma caused by the dawn attack on a very important part of the New Zealand community. People come here to be good citizens, but are treated unfairly by those who should protect them.

I want people to have the confidence to tell their stories because it becomes a healing process for those who have been traumatized. For the rest of New Zealand, let people know whats going on-especially what politicians, police and immigration officials are talking about behind closed doors. It is also very important so that it will not happen again.
The Ministry of Justice aims to block an order that uses public health measures as a framework to combat COVID against undocumented immigrants.

The U.S. Department of Justice sued the state of Texas and its governor Greg Abbott on Friday in an attempt to block an order against undocumented immigrants, which the state claimed was Public health measures Curb the surging Coronavirus disease Infect.

In a complaint filed with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, El Paso, the Department of Justice stated that the order interfered with the enforcement of federal immigration laws.

On Wednesday, Abbott signed an order stating that no one except federal, state or local law enforcement officials may provide land transportation services to a group of immigrants who were detained by federal immigration officials for undocumented border crossing points.

It also instructed the states Department of Public Safety to stop any vehicles if there is a reasonable suspicion of violations and authorize the department to reroute such vehicles back to their place of origin or port of entry.

Abbotts order stated that the new policy is necessary because President Joe Biden refuses to implement the law passed by the US Congress, which is designed to protect Texans from the effects of COVID-19.

Abbott did not explain how the measure will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Texas, where the number of cases among residents of the state has surged by more than 200% in the past two weeks. Approximately 44% of Texans have been fully vaccinated.

Fast deportation

At the same time, due to the sharp increase in the number of immigrants at the southern border, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Friday resumed rapid deportation flights for immigrant families who had recently arrived at the U.S.-Mexico border.

The department said in a statement that these flights will transport immigrant families from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador who cannot be immediately deported under public health policies related to the coronavirus and have no legal basis to stay in the country.

The statement said: We made it clear that those who are not eligible to stay in the United States will be expelled immediately.

Immigration crossing points usually gradually decrease during the hot summer, but the number of arrests at the southern border rose in June to the highest level since April 2000. According to two border patrol officials, the number of people in July is expected to be similar or even higher. Anonymity conditions.

The arrival of immigrants, especially asylum seekers, at the southern border of the United States has been a hot issue for decades. Attempts have been made to reform American laws and open a way to obtain citizenship for millions of immigrants living in the country illegally, but they all ended in failure in Congress.
President Said refuted his allegations of launching a coup, and two lawmakers were arrested on Friday.

The President of Tunisia said he will not become a dictator because he arrested two members of Congress on Friday after he decided to remove immunity when he seized control of the government this week.

Tunisias President Keith Said removed the prime minister on Sunday and suspended the parliament for 30 days, leading the major parties to accuse him of launching a coup, and Tunisia fell into a political crisis.

Said has yet to take measures that critics believe need to reassure Tunisians, including the appointment of an interim prime minister and a road map to end emergency measures.

The presidential palace quoted the former law professor as saying: I know the texts of the constitution very well, respect them and teach them. After all, I will not become a dictator as some people say.

On Sunday, Said lifted the immunity of members of parliament, making any case against them easy to arrest.

Concerns about the rights and freedoms of Tunisia, a democratic country since the revolution of 2011, rose on Friday, after a parliamentarian and influential blogger Yassin Ayari was arrested and declared suspected of people protesting against Operation Said during Mondays demonstrations The violence is investigated.

The military justice agency stated that Ayari was imprisoned for a judicial ruling slandering the military issued three years ago.

Ayari has publicly opposed the military and government, and has faced legal issues in the past.

According to his lawyer, another MP, Mahzid of the conservative Muslim Kalama Party, was detained late Friday.

In 2018, he was sentenced to two years in prison for offending others on social media and insulting the then president.

On Monday, the moderate Islamic Baath Party, the largest party in the parliament, sat outside the parliament after being surrounded by the army.

Hundreds of Ennahdha and Said supporters confronted each other, and some threw stones and bottles.

The judiciary stated that it has begun investigating four people associated with Ennahdha who attempted to commit violent acts during the protest, including one member of the party committee and two members connected to its leader.

Ennahdha has been a key participant in Tunisian legislative elections since the Tunisian Revolution in 2011 triggered the Arab Spring uprising throughout the region.

Saids move to seize administrative control seems to have received widespread popular support in Tunisia. Due to the fatal surge in COVID-19 cases, poor governance, corruption, political paralysis and economic stagnation have increased over the years this year.
For several days, thick smoke from wildfires enveloped the British Columbia cities of Kootenay and Okanagan. Now, Metro Vancouver is preparing for the spread of smoke to the coast this weekend.

On Saturday, the Canadian Ministry of Environment and Climate Change issued a special air quality statement for parts of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, warning that increased ozone levels caused by heat waves may pose a health threat. They also predict that wildfire smoke may move westward.

Federal meteorologist Derek Lee told the CBC News: For many areas in the interior, our air quality health index is 10, which is a very high level. In areas where wildfires are concentrated. We are still monitoring some wildfire smoke that will enter coastal areas in the next few days.

The Canadian Ministry of Environment and Climate Change issued a statement on Saturday predicting that Monday changes are expected to bring overland winds to help clear the smog.

It remains to be seen how bad the situation will become, but in cities close to the front lines of wildfires, fine particulate pollution has reached dangerous levels for human health. The impact on the elderly, young children and people with existing health conditions is even greater.

The number of fires increased by 60

On Saturday, the pollution level in Terrell, British Columbia was 43 times the highest recommended level. Kelowna reached a level 27 times above the safety limit.

Smoking is now on Highway 5 north of the Coquihalla Summit. We cant actually see the towering mountains around us. pic.twitter.com/GWlpFjiQRE @??????

When we see very high value, we want to avoid very strenuous activities outdoors, Lee explained

Canadas Ministry of Environment and Climate Change said that these cities have almost no signs of mitigation. But for the South Coast, meteorologists told CBC that changes in the weather on Monday should see the wind help clear the smog.

The British Columbia Wildfire Bureau stated that there are currently more than 243 wildfires burning across the province, an increase of 60 from last week.The most people burned in the Kamloops area

So far this year, a total of 4,780 square kilometers of land have been burned-an increase of 38% from the annual average of the past ten years.

On July 30, 2021, in thick wildfire smoke, children play on the hot beach near Okanagan Lake in inland British Columbia. (Situ Yongye/CBC)

Most active fires are believed to be caused by lightning, and more fires are expected in the coming days.

We are predicting lightning, Jean Strong of the BC Wildfire Service told CBC News on Saturday, but we also expect precipitation, and we hope this may exceed the start of some lightning.

At the same time, 60 evacuation orders were in place. No new orders were released on Saturday.

Anyone receiving an evacuation order should leave the area immediately.

Evacuation centers have been set up throughout the province to help anyone evacuating from communities threatened by wildfires.To find the center closest to you, please visit Emergency Management in British Columbia. Website.

Encourage evacuees to Emergency Support Service Online, regardless of whether they receive services in an evacuation center.
For decades, after more than 1,000 unmarked graves were found in institutions where indigenous children were forced to attend, the phone rang.

Warning: The following story contains details of boarding schools that may be disturbing. The Indian boarding school survivor and family crisis hotline in Canada is available 24 hours a day at 1-866-925-4419.

On Saturday, hundreds of people attended a rally in the Canadian capital, demanding an independent investigation of the boarding schools that Aboriginal children have been forced to attend for decades. Hundreds of unmarked graves have been buried. Find In recent weeks.

Pace of Truth and Justice assembly On Parliament Hill in Ottawa, it is led by New Democratic Party lawmakers Charlie Angus and Mumirak Kakak representing the northern territories of Nunavut.

We need to come together and tell federal agencies and Justin Trudeau that it is enough: Indigenous people need truth and justice, Kakak wrote on Instagram before the event.

This means a special prosecutor and a well-funded independent investigation, with international observers present, investigating Canadian crimes against indigenous peoples.

. @MumilaaqQaqqaq Today led hundreds of people to march from Capitol Hill to the Prime Ministers Office and then to the Department of Justice, calling for the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate crimes against humanity committed in Canadas residential school system. pic.twitter.com/dZOviBk4in -International Peace Brigade-Canada (@PBIcanada) July 31, 2021

Since late May, more than 1,000 unmarked graves have been found on the grounds of former boarding schools across Canada. Renewal of intergenerational trauma and pain For aboriginal people.

Between the late 1800s and the 1990s, more than 150,000 Aboriginal, Metis and Inuit children were separated from their families and forced to attend boarding schools in order to integrate them into Canadian society.

The government-funded and church-run organization is Abuse of power It is believed that more than 4,000 children died during the attendance.

Aboriginal community leaders stated that there are undoubtedly more unmarked graves, and they call on the Canadian government and the Catholic Church, which runs most of the institutions, to help them fund the search for more unmarked graves.

They also asked Canada and the church Publish any file This can help identify any remains found in these locations.

A Federal Investigation Commission found that Canada had committed cultural genocide through its boarding school system and issued 94 calls to action in 2015 to address the enduring harm of this policy.

But so far, the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions recommendations have hardly been completed-Canadian aboriginals and international observers have called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to do more.

The Royal Canadian Department of Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs told Al Jazeera in an email last month that the 2019 budget provides 28 million U.S. dollars (33.8 million U.S. dollars) over three years to support recommendations on school deaths .

Trudeau and his ministers also reiterated that they will continue to be committed to supporting the efforts of the indigenous communities.

Despite this, a group of UN experts last month urged Canada and the Catholic Church to conduct a swift and thorough investigation into the death, including forensic examination of the remains, and efforts to identify and register missing children.

They said at the time: The justice department should conduct criminal investigations into all suspicious deaths and allegations of torture and sexual violence against children in boarding schools, and prosecute and sanction perpetrators and concealers who may still be alive.

Aboriginal community leaders also called on the police to bring criminal charges against the Canadian government, churches, and individuals who committed crimes within the organization. Others encourage the International Criminal Court (ICC) Investigate.
Cheney University in Pennsylvania announced that it will use its pandemic federal aid to reduce the balance of student loan debt from spring 2020 to spring 2021.

This university is the first black college in the countrys history, Said in a statement This decision was made in view of the financial and emotional difficulties that students and their families have experienced in the past year.

It also refunded part of the student fees for the past year and provided emergency grants for students.

In the past 18 months, our students have experienced a lot, and we want to do everything we can to reduce the burden, Principal Aaron A. Walton said in a press release. Our agreement has ensured the safety of our campus during the entire test period. Now as the financial burden of our students is reduced, we look forward to seeing them on campus in the coming fall semester, their attention is focused on learning, and Not in debt.

The university stated that this move is important because more than 70% of Cheyney students are recipients of Pell grants-these grants are granted to students with significant financial needs.

In the spring semester of 2020, unlike many other schools that close dormitories and require students to leave, residential students have the opportunity to stay on campus or go home after taking classes online.

The university refunded part of the student fees for the 2020 spring semester and provided Cheyney students with federally funded emergency student financial aid grants.

Earlier this week, LaSalle University Announcing a plan to release the student debt of more than 100 students, totaling more than US$522,000.

It is estimated that the United States currently has $1.58 trillion in federal student loan debt. As of December 2018, it is estimated that more than 300,000 Philadelphia students owed a total of $11.6 billion. Reported by 6ABC.
Germany requires proof of COVID immunity or negative test on arrival

Government sources said that starting this weekend, all travelers arriving in Germany will be required to prove immunity to COVID-19, whether it is vaccinated or previous infection, or provide negative test results.

The plan reflects the growing concern of German regional and national leaders that the increasing number of cases in tourist destinations may help trigger a fourth wave when Germans return home from vacation.

Germany now only requires people from so-called risk areas, high-risk areas and viral mutation areas to have a negative test or proof of immunity. These areas now include the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands in Europe.

Now, the rules for airports and road intersections are also different, and regional leaders are eager to make the rules more consistent.

According to data from the Robert Koch Institute for Infectious Diseases, its main disease control agency, Germany saw 3,142 new infections on Thursday. The average daily number of new cases in the UK is close to 30,000.
In addition to all the challenges that Israels new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has faced in trying to bring together an unlikely, ideologically diverse ruling coalition, analysts say he It must also deal with the coordinated attempt of its predecessor, Benjamin Netanyahu, to undermine the governments work and take it down.

On June 13, the Knesset was sworn in. New Eight Party Alliance The government  led by the right-wing nationalist Bennett  is made up of left-wing, centrist and right-wing parties, as well as parties representing Israeli and Palestinian citizens.

It ended Netanyahus 12-year term as prime minister. Netanyahu was the most dominant Israeli politician of his generation. He failed to form a government after Israels general election on March 23. For the fourth time in this year.

Netanyahus continuation Corruption TrialThe allegations he denies will only deepen his despair of regaining power. As the new opposition leader of the Knesset and the leader of the Likud group, the largest party in the parliament, he and his allies have been using a series of political strategies to defeat the parliamentary government.

Netanyahu and Likud are determined to weaken the ability of this government to function properly, Donna Robinson Devine, the Morningstar Emeritus Professor of Jewish Studies at Smith College, told Al Jazeera.

They are deploying every Knesset rule and procedure to oppose any proposal made by the government.

They exacerbated the confusion in discourses that are usually not entirely citizens. Therefore, Netanyahus approach is to set up various obstacles to the reforms and legislation that the coalition wants, she said.

Three Strategies

Netanyahu used three tactics in his desperate attempt to bring him back to power, and by doing so, he might be able to avoid facing various criminal charges against him again, Netanyahu University political science professor Yi Said Ian Lustick. Pennsylvania told Al Jazeera.

He said that the first strategy is to use various procedural methods, insults and personal slander to shape the image of the new government as illegal or fraudulent.

Lustik said: This includes disrupting the Knessets meetings, and until recently refused to vacate the prime ministers house and insisted that his followers continue to call Netanyahu the prime minister.

Netanyahu also undermined Bennetts authority by acting as if he was still in power, including his recent notification to the public that he had called the CEOs of Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and Hyundai Pharmaceuticals to purchase new COVID for Israel. Vaccine dose.

Secondly, Lustic said that Netanyahu and his allies tried to use obstruction to obstruct and delay government legislation, and passed a series of bills aimed at taking advantage of ideological differences on controversial topics, thus in power. Tensions were created within the alliance; especially between Bennett and other parties, the former settler leader and far-right religious nationalist called for the annexation of most of the occupied West Bank.

Through the proposal and settlements, civil rights and [Palestinian citizens of Israel]Or how to strongly oppose U.S. contacts with Iran, which may make the alliance tense by forcing the alliance to unite in a position that is unacceptable to its left or right or both, Lustick said.

Third, the opposition is also trying to coax or induce coalition members, including Defense Minister Benny Gantz, to abandon it and instead support an agreement to reach a new government represented by Netanyahu.

United by strong disgust

The alliances room for error is very small. It has suffered several major failures in the Knesset, including Failed to extend the law This deprives Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip of their citizenship and residency rights to marry Israeli Palestinian citizens.

Netanyahu had previously supported the law, but opposed the extension of the law during the voting in early July.

In addition, since this is a government composed of relatively inexperienced politicians, it made several mistakes in the first month of taking office-for example, the Speaker of the Israeli Parliament, Mickey Levy, accidentally voted against it. A government-supported bill.

The league will have to be better at using programs to prove that it can govern, Divine said.

If they want a political future in Israel, all of them have sufficient motivation to quickly climb the steep learning curve.

Prime Minister Bennett, a former settler leader and far-right religious nationalist, called for the annexation of most of the occupied West Bank [File: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters]

However, Lustick said the new government has also proved to be quite skillful in resisting Netanyahus sabotage attempts and shelved controversial topics that might widen the alliances internal divisions.

Although the coalition contains elements that occupy very different positions in the Israeli political spectrum, the problem that traditionally defines this spectrum-how to deal with the political spectrum? [occupied Palestinian] Territory and whether a two-state solution can be reached through negotiation-has been completely removed from the agenda, Lustick said.

Crucially, the alliance is united by mutual dissatisfaction with Netanyahu.

Because of the strong dislike of Netanyahu, the fear of the consequences of the Likud and its ultra-orthodox allies returning to power, and their desire to spend so long in the political wilderness, enjoying privileges and the right to hold ministerial positions, Lustic said.

Uriel Abulof, a visiting associate professor at Cornell University, told Al Jazeera that the alliance not only succeeded in overcoming the pitfalls and challenges set by the opposition, but also had some success in outlining its own political agenda.

The coalition launched a bill aimed at advancing plans to tackle corruption and nepotism, relax severe restrictions on the agricultural sector, and reform the trade bureaucracy.

Not only did it survive, but it also began to change the agenda and set some ambitious goals, outlining many much-needed reforms, Ablov said.

However, some serious mistakes-such as increasing the defense budget-may damage its prospects and appeal.

The coalition will face a key touchstone in November, when the new budget needs to pass the Knesset-it needs a simple majority.

Ablov said that although Israels political system was shaken after four elections in two years, it has long faced aggressive tactics-including Netanyahu himself as part of the opposition in the 1990s, when he His actions are more radical and worseand the post-Netanyahu era provides an opportunity to shift to a less hateful, divisive political approach.

Tribalism reached its peak under Netanyahu. If anything, tribalism may begin to decline now, but it depends largely on the survivability of the alliance and provide Israel with a new and exciting A vision that embraces all tribes and advances together, Ablov said.

But if possible, Netanyahu is likely to continue to seek to return to the post of prime minister, especially when the threat of prison is over him.

He will do everything he can to restore power, Abulov said.
The demonstrators demanded the troubled Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to resign as he dealt with the coronavirus pandemic.

On Saturday, hundreds of Malaysians staged an anti-government protest ignoring the ban on public gatherings under the containment of the coronavirus, which put pressure on the troubled prime minister to resign.

The protesters wore masks, kept their distance from each other, and waved banners with failed government and black flags.

This is Malaysias first large-scale demonstration in a while, as many people are reluctant to take to the streets due to COVID-related restrictions and fear of being infected.

However, there is growing anger over the governments handling of the coronavirus outbreak (although the lockdown is still escalating) and Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassins attempts to keep his crisis-ridden government in power.

Karmun Loh, who participated in the protests in Kuala Lumpurs city centre, told AFP: We fight because this government is busy playing politics when people are suffering. This government isweakening the economy and destroying our countrys democracy.

Demonstrator Shaq Koyok added that Muhyiddin is a terrible prime minister. He needs to step down.

Malaysians participate in Kuala Lumpur rally [Arif Kartono/AFP]

Before the rally dispersed peacefully, a large number of police were present, and the police prevented the protesters attempts to enter the central square.

Organizers stated that about 1,000 demonstrators participated, but the police estimated the number to be about 400.

The police told local media that the protesters violated the ban on gatherings and will be summoned for questioning.

Muhyiddin did not hold elections after the collapse of the reformist government last year, and came to power under the leadership of a scandal-ridden coalition. But after allies withdrew their support, his government is on the verge of collapse.

As part of the virus emergency, he faced pressure to step down again this week after parliament held a meeting after a few months of suspension.

His government was accused of evading a vote that would test its faltering majority-a rare condemnation from the countrys respected king.

Sunday is the last day of the six-month state of emergency, but the nationwide blockade will continue.

Malaysia has reported nearly 1.1 million cases of the virus and more than 8,800 deaths.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, my new role as the Minister of Education of Sierra Leone was only a few months away. At the height of the crisis, as many as 1.6 billion children worldwide found themselves unable to attend school in person. Many countries are caught off guard, trying to find a way to keep children at home with their education. However, in Sierra Leone, we are prepared for school closures caused by such epidemics. The interactive radio teaching program that we established during the 2014-16 Ebola crisis means that we are ready to provide distance education to millions of students.

During the Ebola outbreak, the students did not go to school for most of the nine months. That was a few years before the Zoom phone and the schools online learning platform. In addition, very few families in Sierra Leone have access to Internet technology. It was decided that radio programming would be the most effective way of teaching because it is cost-effective, fascinating and easy to adapt to the local language.

Using funds from the Global Education Partnership, 80,000 portable radios were distributed to learners in 2014. The best teachers were selected to present fascinating courses to 1.8 million learners. It works well. After the Ebola crisis ended, the radio teaching program ended, but the Ministry of Education kept the education radio station alive.

When COVID-19 becomes a new threat to face-to-face teaching, we know that we can rely on radio programs to teach and prevent students from falling behind in their education. We retrained teachers and adjusted the curriculum, so in March 2020, when Sierra Leone recorded its first COVID-19 case and schools closed, we were ready to start distance learning. The children in Sierra Leone listened to classes on the radio from March 2020 to September 2020, and then they began to return to school for face-to-face learning (students who took the exam returned in early July).

Since I became the Minister, we have formulated and started implementing a new radical and inclusive policy to ensure that every child in the country has access to a quality education-especially those who are traditionally excluded from mainstream schools. Last year, the Institute for Governance Reform and Oxfam Sierra Leone conducted a nationwide survey to identify defects in the education system. The data they collected showed that certain rural areas (such as Pujehun and Falaba) were unable to obtain radio teaching programs due to the lack of continuous FM radio transmitter coverage and limited receiver availability. Disappointingly, not all students were helped.

We approached GRID3, a project focused on geo-referencing infrastructure and demographic data to use geospatial modeling to map the location of radio transmitters and the objects they reach. Analysis published this month indicates that about one-third of school-age children may not be able to receive broadcasts under current programs.

In order to expand coverage and cover most (if not all) children, additional radio transmitters need to be added to the plan. In areas where there are no transmitters, they must be installed. The optimized algorithm designed by Flowminders GRID3 team was deployed to provide data-led guidance on where these transmitters should be built-providing us with the data we need to ensure that no children are left behind.

There is no doubt that the pandemic has made our education system more difficult. But it also provides us with an opportunity to think about how to do things in a different way and more fairly. Why cant we use radio programs to continue teaching the most disadvantaged studentsthose who cannot attend classes in person and those who are lagging behind?

Despite Sierra Leones progress, the poorest children still struggle to attend school due to cross-cutting disadvantages such as poverty, social norms and stigma. Poor rural girls are particularly disadvantaged, most of whom cannot complete a year of secondary education.

The exciting news is that we can reach more children. GRID3s analysis shows that adding 14 alternative transmitters to the program will expand the coverage of 90% of children in the country. Building three more launchers will allow us to cover 96% of children, an estimated 2.8 million children in total. In addition to the other two transmitters purchased by NGO partners, the Ministry has pledged to purchase the first set of three radio transmitters through a GPE COVID-19 grant to Sierra Leone. This means that we are very close to achieving universal primary and secondary education in Sierra Leone.

There is no doubt that COVID-19 has disrupted the education system. The learning gap between the richest and poorest students is facing serious risks of widening. But the pandemic has also prompted the government to innovate to reduce learning losses. We have unprecedented opportunities to use the power of technology and data analysis to build a more inclusive and fair education system. The ability to reach the most disadvantaged students through geospatial data innovation can be transformative. Technology is not an end in itself, but it can help us find the solution urgently needed to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: to ensure that all people are provided with inclusive and fair quality education.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
US officials said that Secretary of State Anthony Brinken will attend the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Annual Meeting and so on.

A senior U.S. State Department official said on Saturday that the top U.S. diplomat will have a virtual meeting with Southeast Asian officials next week as President Joe Bidens administration is trying to show that the region is a priority and is also addressing the Myanmar crisis.

U.S. Secretary of State Blincoln will attend virtual meetings for five consecutive days, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other 10 foreign long-term annual meetings and separate meetings in Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand in the lower Mekong subregion.

I think this clearly shows our commitment to the region, the State Department official, who asked not to be named, told Reuters.

In recent years, senior US officials have not always participated in ASEAN meetings, and sometimes more junior officials have been sent to summits in the region.

The virtual meeting was held after the Biden administration was seen as indifferent to this area of ??more than 600 million people in the early days. Major foreign policy challenges.

But in recent months, senior US officials have conducted a series of visits to the region.

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman visited Indonesia, Cambodia and Thailand in May and June, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visited Vietnam and the Philippines this week, and Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Singapore and Vietnam.

On Sunday, the United States shipped 3 million doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to Vietnam and also shipped vaccines to other Southeast Asian countries.

However, due to Indias export ban, its March agreement with Japan, Australia and India to provide the region with 1 billion doses of vaccine stalled.

By the middle of next week, the United States will donate 23 million doses of vaccines to countries in the region, which are experiencing a surge in coronavirus-related coronaviruses. Highly infectious Delta variant.

Representatives of the Myanmar military government will also attend the meeting next week.

The countrys military rulers have been A series of U.S. sanctions As the army launched a coup and arrested Aung San Suu Kyi and other elected leaders on February 1, widespread protests arose.

During a meeting with ASEAN foreign ministers earlier this month, Brinken Call Countries have taken action to end violence in Myanmar and restore democracy.

At the same time, the United Kingdom warn This week, half of Myanmars 54 million population may be infected with COVID-19 in the next two weeks.

Barbara Woodward, the British ambassador to the United Nations, said in an informal discussion on Myanmar at the Security Council: The virus is spreading among people, indeed very fast. It is estimated that in the next two weeks, Half of Myanmars population may be infected with COVID, she said.
LAFAYETTE, LA(KADN)- Louisiana has been declared a state of concern by the United States White House because of the rapid growth of COVID-19 cases and insufficient vaccination rates.

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the state is now in the fourth surge of the coronavirus due to the rapid spread of the delta variant.

Gov. John Bel Edwards recommends that all Louisianians, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, go back to wearing masks indoors. Some members of Acadiana dont think its the best solution to get cases back down.

The mask didn't seem to accomplish the goal that they were trying to accomplish, Lindon Godeau said.

Another local said that she previously had the coronavirus and she doesnt fear possibly contracting the virus again.

I definitely had it pretty easy, it was just like a really bad cold. It's not that I'm not worried about getting it, I just kind of, if it's going to happen it's going to happen, Madison Tauzin said.

Some locals believe that not only does the mask mandate need to be reinstated, but officials should make the call to return to shut down.

I do feel like he should mandate us to go back, not to so much quarantining but at least shutting things down to where it's not so much of a capacity so we can try to avoid the virus at all times, Taylah Leday said.

One local said that she still chooses to wear a mask although its not required in Lafayette Parish.

My husband is a type one diabetic is also a heart patient. And he has other health issues and I know that he's really highly susceptible, Melissa Benoit.

Another local said that the only way the economy will stay afloat during the pandemic is if everyone wears masks.

If we truly want to keep businesses open because we know what happened the first time around when all those small businesses had to close. If having a mask on, which could potentially keep some businesses open, well that's what we're going to need to do, David Monk said.

According to the DOH, this guidance from the Governor will remain in place until Louisiana is out of its fourth surge.
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.
On July 30, NCT's main vocalist Doyoung sent a coffee truck to the set of his brother Gong Myung's new drama "Lovers Of The Red Sky" as a way to support and cheer on him.

Gong Myung Reveals Photos of Doyoung's Coffee Truck On Instagram

"The Bride of Habaek" actor Gong Myung was delighted and touched by the gesture his younger brother (NCT's Doyoung) made.

Gong Myung expressed his thanks through Instagram stories. He shared photos of the truck as well as the cute stickers of Gong Myung and Doyoung's baby photos.

The sticker says "Gong Myung is the best" was designed with arrows that specifically say which brother is which, "Older Brother Gong Myung" that was pointed to the actor, and an arrow pointing to Doyoung that says "Younger brother Doyoung."

Gong Myung shared the photo with the caption "Cute" and a laughing sticker.

The banner atop the coffee truck jokingly says "Blood is thicker than water", which the actor shared with the caption "I love you, Doyoung".

Truly, the bond of the two is impeccable. This is one of the main reasons why Gong Myung and Doyoung are the industry's fan-favorite siblings.

Gong Myung On His New Drama 'Lovers Of The Red Sky'

The 28-year-old actor made his debut on the small screen six years ago. In those years, Gong Myung established his name as one of South Korea's most promising actors of his generation.

Gong Myung appeared in popular dramas "Revolutionary Love" and "Be Melodramatic."

His most notable work was the 2017 tvN's drama series "The Bride of Habaek" with "Run On" actress Shin Se Kyung, "Start-Up" actor Nam Joo Hyuk, "Uncontrollably Fond" actor Lim Ju Hwan, and "Prison Playbook" actress and f(x) member Krystal Jung.

Gong Myung stars as Prince Anpyeong in his new historical fantasy romance drama "Lovers Of The Red Sky" who wanders in search of beauty. He has a way with words and a delightful personality.

Prince Anpyeong is free-spirited and loves writing poems and letters. Though he seems romantic and gleeful outside, his heart is filled with loneliness.

'Lovers Of The Red Sky' Plot and Cast

The new drama series "Lovers Of The Red Sky'' is a historical fantasy romance drama based on the work of Jung Eun Gwol, "Lovers Of The Red Sky." It tells the beautifully mystic story of a painter named Hong Chun Gi who entered the painting academy for the first time but holds unique and distinctive aesthetic skills and knowledge.

"Love in the Moonlight" actress Kim Yoo Jung takes on the role of Hong Chun Gi, opposite "Dr. Romantic 2" actor Ahn Hyo Seop who plays the role of Ha Ram.

"Oh My Ghost" actor Kwak Si Yang, veteran actors Kyo Kyu Pil and Kim Kwang Kyu are also a part of the drama.

The new and fresh combination of cast raises fans' excitement, seeing Kim Yoo Jung, Ahn Hyo Seop, Gong Myung, and Kwak Siyang on the small screen together for the first time .

"Lovers Of The Red Sky" is expected to meet the great expectations set by the viewers.

'Lovers Of The Red Sky' Further Details and Release Date

The new SBS drama "Lovers Of The Red Sky" is written by screenwriter Ha Eun and directed by filmmaker Jang Tae Yoo, who also directed South Korea's popular drama "My Love From the Star".

"Lovers of the Red Sky" is scheduled to premiere on SBS in August.

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KDramastars owns this article.



Written by Elijah Mully.
ASHLAND, Ore.  The Oregon Shakespeare Festival announced Friday that it has reinstated face covering requirements for live shows that were lifted less than three weeks ago.

"Because the safety of our audience and community is our top priority, beginning August 4 we will be following the CDCs guidance and requiring masks for all patrons and staff within the Allen Elizabethan Theatre," OSF said in a statement.

Audience members 12 and older will also still need to provide either proof of vaccination or a recent COVID-19 test. Anyone 18 or over must present a photo ID.

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival announced on July 13 that it would lift mask and social distancing requirements initially put in place for its summer performances, the result of lifted state and union restrictions. However, the spread of the Delta variant has changed the landscape for federal, state, and local guidance just within the past week.

OSF made the unexpected announcement at the end of May that it would restart live performances in July, but the as-yet uncertain climate of COVID-19 at that time meant that considerable restrictions were still in place  mask requirements, distanced seating, and proof of either vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test.

Tickets are still available for Fannie: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer and OSF's Summer Concert Series.
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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The judge one prosecutor called the conscience of Kenosha County has stepped down from the bench.

Circuit Court Judge Mary K. Wagner served her last day in court Friday. She is retiring after 30 years, having served five consecutive terms. Remarkably in a position in which her decisions were almost always going to make someone unhappy, Wagner is nearly universally beloved.

I think that Judge Wagner during her time on the bench has been the conscience of Kenosha County, District Attorney Michael Graveley said. Shes got the biggest heart of anyone I have ever seen on the bench. She is a person who cares about the attorneys in the room, she cares about the audience. She certainly cares about the defendants and she really cares about the victims.

During her time in the judiciary, she served as deputy chief judge, as chief judge, and as the chief of the chief judges from 2013-14.

Wagner announced in November that she planned to step down at the end of her term. She said she loved being a judge, but felt it was time to move on. I wanted to retire at the end of a term so we could have a good election, she said, saying she wanted to make sure she left the bench when her replacement would be elected rather than appointed mid-term.
Officers shouldnt have any qualms about the money side of the contract: a 20% raise over an eight-year span, 10.5% of which is retroactive to 2017 when the last contract expired, and 9.5% coming over the next four years. That mirrors the pay raises firefighters and police supervisors received in their latest contracts. Rank-and-file officers will have to vote on the proposed agreement, as will the City Council. Cops and aldermen should say yes to this contract.

The consent decree contains a broad gamut of other reforms that arent part of the proposed agreement, but this contract puts the department on the right path. As long as officers and their union leadership resist reform, the culture within the department that has allowed misconduct  and the covering up of that misconduct  will continue to corrode the relationship between police and community. Officers need to see the consent decree not as an impediment to their jobs, as the FOP has claimed in the past, but as a blueprint for safer, more effective policing.

It took too long to get to this point  four years from the end of the last contract until now. Lightfoot, who has been negotiating with the union since taking office two years ago, blamed FOP leadership for refusing, literally refusing, to get to the table  I told them over and over again, were not going to talk about money unless we talk about accountability.
Ketchikan, AK (99901)

Today

Cloudy with periods of rain. High 61F. Winds ESE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch..

Tonight

Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 59F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near an inch.
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The world is ill-prepared to respond to threatening public health emergencies. What is most disturbing is how our global leaders continue to lack the moral and scientific premises of health equity. At the beginning of 2020, the novel coronavirus rampaged across the globe, with many officials referring to it as the great equalizer. However, referring to the virus as the great equalizer, ignored the history that diseases have always made a preferential option for populations that are marginalized. COVID-19 unveiled social, political, and economic inequities within and between nations. With disparities in testing and vaccine rollout, the COVID-19 pandemic also exposed the monopoly of technology and science.

At the time of this writing, about 187.6 million people are fully vaccinated in the U.S. However, reaching herd immunity will most likely require more time. When observing the trends of vaccinations among racial and ethnic groups, Black and Latinx people received smaller shares of vaccinations compared to their white counterparts despite a greater supply of vaccines in the country. In Washington, D.C., Black people received 42% of vaccinations despite making up 71% of coronavirus-related deaths and 46% of the total population. There are multiple factors contributing to the disparities in vaccine distribution. In California, non-white Hispanics account for 40% of the total population, 48% of coronavirus-related deaths, yet only 28% are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Although there have been efforts to close the racial gap in COVID-19 vaccinations, these trends are concerning, especially with the emergence of the virus variants.

A study found that cases caused by the Alpha variant fell from 70% to 42%, with the rise of the Delta variant driving much of the change. The Delta variant has been reported to be on the rise in the U.S. During a Senate health committee hearing, CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, cautioned that the Delta variant now makes up 83% of sequenced samples in the nation. What is more concerning is that more than 97% of the people who are hospitalized from COVID-19 are unvaccinated. As Dr. Anthony Fauci warns about Deltas hyper-transmissibility, its important to note that vulnerable populations continue to be at greater risk of infection. Predominantly South U.S. states are reported to be under-vaccinated. Past studies on health trends in the Mississippi Delta have shown that those communities tend to have high rates of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Moreover, as we discuss the under-vaccination in certain states and communities, we must also remember the role of vaccine hesitance and the lack of access to vaccines and other life-saving technology.

The health care system has not been very compassionate towards the wellbeing of marginalized communities, especially communities of color and those living in poverty. A longstanding history of abuse has contributed to a mistrust of the medical community. Although vaccine hesitancy does play a role, as public health researchers of sociomedical sciences, we encourage a deeper examination of how oppressive laws and policiesredlining, war on drugs, gerrymanderingreproduce inequities that ultimately impact the health of the population. These issues are not reserved locally, just as theyre also not reserved to the wealthy nations.

If there are unvaccinated people in the world, SARS-CoV-2 will continue to spread and mutate. According to a New York Times article, India is reported to have more than 300,000 new coronavirus infections a day, setting a world record. Despite having one of the largest vaccine manufacturers, India struggled to produce and distribute vaccines. Moreover, their main challenge has been ensuring that their health care settings were furnished with PPE, oxygen tanks, hospital beds, and ventilators. The demand for these supplies is exponentially high given the daily infections the country is facing. When examining the challenges that India is facing, we begin to recognize the similarities between countries that are deemed to be wealthy and those that otherwise are not. Frailties within the health care system, air pollution, overcrowded cities, and a large population of people living in poverty are realities that existed before the pandemic in India. These public health concerns that were largely ignored by government officials have made the country a lot more vulnerable to coronavirus infections.

Then, there are countries where coronavirus is the least of their problems. Yemen is currently facing the worlds worst humanitarian crisis with epidemics of cholera, diphtheria, famine, and COVID-19. About 80% of the population requires humanitarian assistance. Since 2015, when the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels took over the capital Sanaa against the Saudi-backed government of Yemeni President Hadi, 80% of the population has been internally displaced. The U.N. reports that the country has a severe case of underreporting of coronavirus cases and deaths due to the civil war. Moreover, hospitals in Yemen are refusing to take in COVID-19 patients due to a lack of resources. Understanding public health emergencies requires a critical examination of social systems locally and globally.

Whether in the U.S. or other parts of the world, clinical deserts and poor public health infrastructures exist. Exploitative structure and settler colonialism, which are reproduced and upheld by capitalist ideologies and practices, are the driving forces of negligent health care and public health systems. Although public health officials have made the claim that health is a human right, we continue to be faced with leaders that are immobile to transform the social conditions that lay at the root of the problem.

To create a healthier, more just, and more equitable world, we must confront the truth; and that requires an act of collective courage. Perhaps there needs to be a whole new consciousness that abandons ideas of reforms, and instead labors a social transformation toward liberation. There cannot be effective solutions that expand globally in the public health sphere if there isnt an effort to shift the way we think about the kind of power that is needed to create a world worth living in.

Ira Memaj is a public health educator. Robert Fullilove is a professor of sociomedical sciences.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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Maybe we can take a deep breath  and breathe out slowly. Perhaps we can check our pulse. Go on that vacation far away or visit a beach and watch the crashing waves. Listen to the seagulls, the breeze, the blue skies. And turn our cell phones off.

But as an ICU nurse who loved this speciality, having COVID patients in the ICU was a war zone.

One ICU room would now carry two patients. Short-staffed, our workload doubled, as we were also faced with a lack of personal protective equipment.

The violins and trumpets and guitars blasting out at the employee entrance with giant banners told us we were heroes when we knew it was just a smokescreen.

The truth was the lack of PPEs. Put your N95 mask in a paper bag and wear it every day with every patient for one full week. Gown and glove and face shields.

Hurry and use the bathroom because you may not be able to visit the toilet for the next 12 hours.

As I interviewed several frontline ICU nurses in the aftermath of COVID, I watched them talk to me with their heads hanging low and with monotone voices And I heard the same replies.

Anxiety. Depression. Defeat. Death.

It didnt matter how many balloons or banners were at our front gate. We knew that we were working with the minimum. And we knew the outcome usually was death.

Camaraderie weakened, and the need for critical care nurses grew exponentially throughout the U.S. Some hospitals offered $5,000 to $6,000 per week. And the ICU nurses  knowing the chaos, the shortage of nurses  ran to other jobs for the money. And why not?

Leaving a huge gap with the ones left behind.

We isolated ourselves from our own family, fearful.

Fearful that we may be carrying the virus. Afraid of spreading it to our loved ones. There were no hugs and kisse when we were home from work. It was Dont hug me! and Dont touch me! as we took our decontamination shower and isolated ourselves.

We knew the drill.

Bipap, then ventilator, central line, arterial line, IV pressors, steroids, plasma, dialysis. Prone position. Experimental drugs. Scrambling to see which one would work. Medically paralyzing the patient to get maximum oxygenation  physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists working side by side.

A team of dwindling hope.

The patients were not getting better. Nurses and physicians were communicating via FaceTime with family members. There was crying and defeat.

The final goodbye as the nurse stood in for the family, holding a patients hand as they let out their last gasp. They were watching a heart rate go from 140 to 40 in a split second.

And then the laypeople  the ones with no medical knowledge. The disrespect. The refusal to wear masks in public. The politics. The hoax sentiment.

If they only knew. If they only were in our shoes in any ICU. If they only saw the battle of fighting for someones life and failing over and over again.

Depression, anxiety, helplessness, lack of sleep, fear, worry, empathy. And then came the physical signs of fatigue and defeat like headaches, nausea, exhaustion, breathlessness. Loss of appetite. And failure.

We didnt need the music and the balloons and the banners clocking into the hospital. We didnt need the Hero status. We didnt need the pat on the back.

What we needed were appropriate and plentiful PPE, a safe nurse-patient ratio, and equipment that worked.

And day after day, we knew after one patient we mechanically kept alive for 20 to 30 days and then pronounced their death and wrapped them up in a body bag, environmental services would hurry and clean and sanitize that bed for the next one. One after another. Only to know the outcome was death.

And now we can be thankful for those that stood in line and took the vaccine.

We finally see the numbers go down.

A sigh of relief.

A deep respect for this virus. A deep respect for science. For nurses and physicians and respiratory therapists. For the environmental services. For the educators that kept pounding away the message that this is real.

We bow our heads. And take that deep breath.

And I watch the waves crash into the sands.

And I empty my thoughts and can only hope and pray.

Never again.

Debbie Moore-Black is a nurse who blogs at Do Not Resuscitate.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
LANE COUNTY, Ore. -- It's been months of back and forth, and now with masks coming back, it has many nervous about the future.

Students heading back to the classroom are especially worried. Mishari Algohian, a local student, says he had to go home to Saudi Arabia when the pandemic began.

"I came here to study English. I need to communicate with more people, to speak to more people in English, and it's stressful to find the chance," said Algohian.

Now he's back, hoping a lockdown doesn't happen again. It's causing a rise in stress as many feel like they're waiting for the ball to drop.

Experts like Susan Wendelborg, Director of Oregon EMDR and Somatic Therapies, said stress can be coupled with trauma.

"That's been a pretty pervasive experience for most of us during the COVID pandemic, there's this very real threat to our well-being, our safety, and there's a lot of powerlessness," she said.

Eugene residents said there are different ways they like to feel more in control during these ever-changing times.

Jojo Mier, a resident of Eugene, said she likes to think outside of the box.

"Find something that you can do so that you're at least doing something every day," said Mier.

And others like Lisa Christensen-Gee said they are big believers in treating yourself and keeping up with self-care.

"Getting a little bit of space to take care of myself and find out what's next," said Christensen-Gee.

Wendelborg said these are all simple ways to stay grounded in this time of uncertainty.

"So to be able to find opportunities to pay attention to when we are in fact safe, and that might be when, you know, in our home, or where we are doing what we can to protect ourselves from the virus, to recognize, 'OK, I'm safe right now,' and to give our nervous systems a chance to settle," said Wendelborg.
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. -- As of Sunday morning, Springfield Police worked alongside CAHOOTS to create a plan to reunite a rape victim with her family outside of the Lane County area.

Police had responded Friday to a report of a rape in the Springfield area.

As officers worked with the female victim, they learned she is currently unhoused and had virtually no resources or family support available to her.

Police say they authorized CHETT (Community Help Easing Troubled Times) Funds to be used, which is a funding stream consisting of monies donated by the community intended to provide resources to meet the short-term emergency needs of the most vulnerable in Springfield.

While the victim was treated at a local hospital, officers made arrangements for her to stay in a local hotel with food and other necessities. Police assigned to the patrol shift will remain in contact with her to go shopping for new clothing to replace some taken as evidence.

The suspect was located at 4 a.m, and detectives were summoned.

Police say due to the nature of the ongoing investigation and out of respect to the victim, additional details of the case will remain confidential.

The Springfield Police Department would like to thank citizens within the community who have donated money to the program over the years, allowing officers to provide critical assistance in desperate situations!
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. &&
Weather Alert

...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. &&
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JOHNSTON, Iowa  The Iowa National Guard is cancelling two major events because it hasnt been paid for deploying to Washington DC.

About 260 Iowa Guard soldiers and airmen were dispatched to DC in January after the Capitol riot and the deployment was paid for out of regular funding. However, the Iowa National Guard says it has not been reimbursed and is now facing a nearly $521 million budget deficit.

Because of that, the Iowa National Guard Alumni Day on August 7 and the National Guard Trench Run on August 16 have been cancelled.

The Alumni Day event provides benefit briefings, retirement services updates, and promotes social activities and camaraderie. The Trench Run is a challenging 10-kilometer adventure run that takes participants through Camp Dodges wooded training areas, rolling hills, streams, and prairies.

The Iowa National Guard says it looks forward to hosting both events in 2022.
MUSCATINE, Iowa (AP)  A 24-year-old Muscatine man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the shooting death of his girlfriend.

During sentencing on Friday, David J.S. Hatfield also was ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution to the estate of 18-year-old Kaitlyn Palmer. Hatfield was convicted of first-degree murder in June. KWQC reports an arrest affidavit says Hatfield called police on Oct. 16, 2019, and said Palmer had tried to commit suicide by shooting herself at the Saulsbury Recreation Center.

The affidavit says Hatfield later admitted to shooting Palmer.
July 30 is the official 'Mayo Clinic Day' for the Rochester community thanks to a proclamation signed by Mayor Kim Norton.

Mayo Clinic was recognized as the best hospital by U.S News and World Report for the sixth consecutive year, which prompted the city to create the holiday.

Anesthesiologist and Pain Physician Doctor Halena Gazelka said working at Mayo has been a life's mission.

"This is truly a calling and I think that is what is so amazing about the people who work at Mayo Clinic. This is not a job. Taking care of our patients is truly life's work. It is joy and it is absolutely fulfilling every day," Gazelka said.

The Mayo Civic Center and Rochester City Hall Dome will have blue lighting covering the buildings to celebrate the new holiday.
MASON CITY, Iowa - Lemi-Ola Aregbesola has been through the wringer over the last 18 months.

When the pandemic ramped up, she had to quit her job due to concerns with contracting COVID-19, combined with her issues with Crohn's disease and sickle cell anemia have. Through most of the last year, she stayed in her bedroom, limited her trips outside, restricted guests coming over, and stayed somewhat distant from her family.

"My children aren't small. They're teenagers, but they still cling. They still need a hug every day, they need a kiss every morning, a kiss goodnight, peek in to see what you're doing, sit in on the side of you. It was hard for my girls not to be able to do that often."

Now back to work for the past near two months, she still limits her trips outside of home and work, and has been working on catching up with rent, contributing whenever she can. She also applied for Iowa's rental and utility assistance program back in April, but the money has yet to arrive.

"That's a lot of months where rent didn't get paid, but you still had to pay other bills. You might have wanted to pay your rent, and you didn't have it, that was even worse. To know that your lights are going to be cut off, or your water is going to be cut off, you have to make tough decisions."

While she has been fortunate that her family has not faced eviction, the same can't be said for many others.

"Every time you go to sleep at night, you think about when you wake up in the morning, are you going to have that eviction notice on your door? Are you going to get a phone call that says we mailed you something in the mail and you should get it in a couple of days that tells you have 72 hours to vacate your place. They don't have a place to go. There's a lot of people out here that it happened to, and they lost everything."

By the end of the weekend, an estimated 3.6 million people may be without a home after the federal eviction moratorium expires, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey that was released earlier this month. Despite President Biden urging Congress to extend the date, the moratorium will be allowed to expire on Saturday.

For property manager Russ Hardy, he understands his tenants' plight, and has been working with tenants like Lemi-Ola to keep a roof over their heads, including directing them to available assistance. But he says the moratorium has to end.

"We have to pay utilities on the ones that people are living in that aren't paying rent. We still have our insurance to pay on our properties every month, and we have real estate taxes that are due twice a year, and mortgage payments we continue to make."

While he's been fortunate to not have serious financial troubles, having sold two houses to cover expenses, he says not everyone has that luxury.

He notes of some tenants' desire to not work and pay rent, which causes a strain.

"People that want to work...there are job opportunities out there for them. With a job, most people are able to pay their bills. Starting wages around here have increased. There's no reason that somebody that can work shouldn't be able to find a job."

Lemi-Ola urges those that know they can work but choose not to to find a job.

"Today's the day, you've got to get up. There are a lot of jobs out here that are hiring. Get up and apply. You can make some money. Some money is better than no money."

With the delay in assistance, she's also pleading with landlords to be patient.

"It's been stressful on both ends, but don't give up. Just bear with us a little while longer."

To date, only $7.6 million out of the allotted $195 million in federal rent assistance has been distributed. In the Des Moines area, a program specific to that area has distributed more than $15.2 million to nearly 3,400 households.

A spokesperson with the Iowa Finance Authority says the state has not decided whether to apply for a second round of federal rental assistance money that is available.
AUSTIN, Minn.  Law enforcement is investigating a woman found dead Saturday morning.

The Austin Police Department says officers were called to the 100 block of 10th Street NW by a 911 call just before 2 am. The caller said a woman had been shot.

Police and EMS personnel went to the scene and provided aid to the woman, who was taken to Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin, where she later died.

The body has been taken to the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiners Office in Rochester and the womans name will be released after a preliminary autopsy and family notification.

Austin police say they do not people this was a random incident and do not think there is an ongoing danger to the public.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is aiding in this investigation.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. High near 80F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low near 55F. Winds light and variable.
St. Louis County's acting health director admitted to giving someone the middle finger after Tuesday's council meeting about the county's reinstated mask mandate, saying he 'cannot say I am sorry,' adding he was physically and verbally assaulted during and after his presentation.
Some girls like playing with dolls, but some like something with a bit more bang.

The Pocatello Fish and Game office has been teaching a group of young ladies about hunter's safety while teaching them lessons that can last a lifetime. Read more
A man, who lost his job to the coronavirus pandemic recession and been having trouble finding another one, seeks assistance from motorists in New Orleans. (Photo by Max Becherer, The New Orleans Advocate)
BOZEMAN, Mont. - Gallatin County health officials are suggesting residents wear face masks in public indoor areas with substantial or high transmission.

On Tuesday, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated their COVID-19 guidance that fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people should wear in public indoor areas with substantial or high transmission.

The CDC's new guidance measures the substantial or high transmission by cases per 100,000 in the last week.

According to a release from Gallatin County, the county is ranked to have a substantial transmission rate at this time.

It is important to note that based on local epidemiology and sequential level of transmission described on the CDCs website, Gallatin County could quickly move between moderate, substantial, or high, Gallatin City-County Health Officer Lori Christenson said in a release. Based on the size of our population, just one or two cases per day could move us up or down on the current scale.

The Gallatin City-County Health Department added 24 new COVID-19 cases on July 26, the greatest amount of new cases in two months.

The county reported 84 active cases with six active hospitalizations as of July 28.

At this time, Gallatin County said 55% of county residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and 97% of the population hospitalized between April 1 to July 9 were unvaccinated.

"Every layer of protection counts right now, and that means pulling out those masks and wearing them in public indoor places regardless of your vaccination status," Christenson said in the release. "I anticipate the recommendation to wear a mask to remain until we see case numbers drop again.

Children under 12-years-old are not able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at this time, and Gallatin County said they should continue to wear face masks and practice appropriate hand washing.

New recommendations are coming out in light of the Delta variant of COVID-19. The new variant is 100 times more contagious than the original strain, and just as serious, Dr. Mark D. Winton, MD FACP Infectious Diseases and Deputy Medical Director of GCCHD, said in the release.

Gallatin County is offering free COVID-19 vaccines to the public with or without insurance.

Montana State University Vice President of Communications Tracy Ellig said the university emailed all students about a new vaccine incentive program during the fall which would give prizes each week to fully vaccinated students.

The following locations are offering the vaccine at the following dates and times in the release:

"Bozeman Health Deaconess, Entrance 4 Pfizer vaccine to anyone 12 years and older. Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Montana State University - Staff and Students Only The vaccine site is located off Kagy near the northeast corner of Bobcat Stadium. MSU is offering the Moderna vaccine to students and staff who are 18 years and older. For hours of operation and to sign up to be vaccinated please visit their website.

Pharmacies Many local pharmacies are offering walk-in and appointments for COVID-19 vaccines. Search the vaccines.gov website for the type of vaccine and locations.

Mobile Clinics - No Appointment Needed! Bozeman Healths HealthCare Connections mobile clinic provides the Janssen vaccine to anyone 18 years or older at many local hotspots throughout the county. Best Practice Medicine provides both Pfizer and Janssen vaccines to anyone 12 years or older at their mobile locations."



Additionally, Gallatin County offers COVID-19 testing at the following locations:

You can find COVID-19 Travel Testing at the following locations by Bozeman Health below.

b2 Urgent Care Main Street in Bozeman, open every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.



Belgrade Clinic Urgent Care in Belgrade, open every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.



b2 MicroCare on Oak Street in Bozeman, open every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.



North 19th Lab



Deaconess Hospital Lab, building 5, first floor



Deaconess Hospital Outpatient Services Lab, building 3



Big Sky Medical Center drive-thru

Montana State University - testing students enrolled for Summer or Fall 2021 The testing site: off Kagy near the northeast corner of Bobcat Stadium For hours of operation, please visit their website.



COVID-19 testing is recommended three to five days after exposure to the virus. also those knowingly exposed to COVID-19 should observe symptoms and wear a mask for 14 days.

We urge the community to remain diligent, stay kind to one another, and remember we can do great things when we work together," Christenson said in the release. "I know the news to pull those masks out is frustrating for some; I had hoped we would not be at this point."
An elegant evening of music, food and dancing can be enjoyed, while helping out local first responders.

A String of Pearls Gala is set to be held from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Aug. 28 in the Riviera ballroom, 812 Wrigley Drive in Lake Geneva.

The event will feature cocktails, dinner, dancing and a performance from the Glenn Miller Orchestra. The proceeds from the event will go towards the Lake Geneva Fire & Police First Responders Fund.

Mayor Charlene Klein said members of the citys police and fire commission will determine how the proceeds will be used, but she said the money could be used to help pay for a firefighters emergency management service training, which could cost about $4,500.

The emphasis is on raising money for our first responders and try to help them out with some of their personal expenses that they will incur when they go to training, she said.

Klein said the funding also could be used to help purchase body cameras for the Lake Geneva Police Department.

Weve been talking about getting body cameras for the police department for I dont know how many years, Klein said. If we could help out with that, that would be good.
As a woman in tech, how have you seen your field change?

Holmes: People like myself have reinvested, and so I have not just worked in the industry, but Ive reinvested. Ive volunteered, Ive served, Ive talked. Ive reinvested what Ive contributed into my own industry into other people who potentially could come not just behind me, but also to open up an avenue of visibility  that technology is not just a male only or male-dominated field, but its also open and available to people of color.

What ways are you reinvesting to attract a more diverse range of people into the tech field?

Holmes: Locally, what I do is through service. Rotary is a big aspect of that. Annually there are 25 seniors from Madison-area high schools who are awarded four-year scholarships from our organization.

Im doing that in Rotary, and then service aspects in the city. Im the chair of the Madison digital technology committee, so reinvesting  through infrastructure for our city. For us it was to ensure that households had digital access. Right now its morphing into the broadband effort.

You attended school in Louisiana but decided to come back to Wisconsin to start your business. Why?

Holmes: I didnt know that I was going to come back to Wisconsin. I grew up in Wisconsin, I leave and go 1,000 miles away, and then after I graduated, I could have actually gone anywhere. But what I did is I came back and I wanted to reinvest that experience in a place, or in a region, that didnt have a lot of visibility on historically Black universities, what aspects they bring, that theyre just as important as universities like the Big Ten.
Thirteen-year-old Gracie Johnson cant wait to get back in the show ring with her sheep after having to miss out on last years Troy Fair in Bradford County, which was canceled due to COVID-19.
Nitrogen management is one of the most challenging parts of agronomy because there are so many different loss pathways for the nutrient, and these loss pathways are all affected by the weather.
New Delhi, Jul 30 (PTI) After showing a resurgence from mid-February and peaking in May, the trajectory of COVID-19 cases in the country is now registering a sustained and considerable decline, the government said Friday.

However, Kerala and Maharashtra are still recording high number of cases while certain northeastern states are also showing an upward trend, Minister of State for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar informed the Lok Sabha Friday.

States like Punjab and Rajasthan are showing a decreasing trend of COVID-19 cases, she added in her written response to a question.

"As on 28th July 2021, the trajectory of cases in the country after showing a resurgence from mid-February 2021, peaked in May 2021, is now registering a sustained and considerable decline," she said.

Pawar said although health is a state subject, the Centre has provided required technical support and also aided states through logistics and finances to tackle the pandemic.

A three-tier arrangement of dedicated COVID-19 health facilities -- COVID Care Center (CCC); Dedicated COVID Health Centre (DCHC) and Dedicated COVID Hospital (DCH) -- has been implemented in the country to reduce the risk of cross-infection as well as to maintain continuity of non-COVID essential health services, she said.

The Centre has roped in tertiary care hospitals under other ministries to supplement the hospital facilities, she said, adding many large temporary treatment facilities were established by the DRDO to manage the surge in COVID-19 cases.

The isolation bed capacity and ICU bed capacity were also enhanced continuously, she said.

The daily liquid medical oxygen (LMO) supply was increased by the enhancement of LMO production in steel plants as well as in other LMO plants. Further, restrictions were also imposed on industrial use of oxygen, she said.

In order to avoid the wastage of medical oxygen, guidelines on rational use of oxygen were issued on 25th September 2020, and further revised and disseminated to States on 25th April 2021, the reply stated.

Also, to generate oxygen at the health facility level, PSA plants are being established in each district hospitals to reduce the burden on the medical oxygen supply grid across the country, she added.

Further, to fast-track the availability of medical oxygen in rural and peri-urban areas, more than 39,000 oxygen concentrators have been allocated to various states, she said.

State drugs controllers have been requested to verify the stock of the drugs and check other malpractices and take effective steps to curb hoarding and black-marketing of Remdesivir, the reply said.

Under the National COVID Vaccination Program, the Centre is procuring vaccines and providing them free of cost to states and UTs, she said, adding as on July 25, a total of about 44.91 crore doses have been supplied to states and UTs from all sources.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Five times a day, the loudspeakers affixed to the spires of some 90,000 state-run mosques crackle to life, and the Islamic call to prayer bathes the streets of Istanbul and other Turkish cities.

For the faithful, the undulating Arabic hymn, called the adhan, is a reminder of Turkeys historic place in the Muslim world. For others, its an unavoidable reminder of Turkeys turn from the secular under its current leadership.

On Tuesday, a lawmaker was expelled from his party for suggesting the adhan be uttered in Turkish again. Chant the adhan in Turkish. I would understand it, Ozturk Yilmaz, with the Republican Peoples Party, or CHP, said on a talk show earlier in the month. Read the Koran in Turkish. My language, if you speak it anywhere in the world, I will understand it. Why do we have this, this insult to Turkish?

His suggestion not only sparked an immediate shouting match with other guests on the show, but also reignited a touchy topic in Turkey: What exactly did Turkeys founders want the country to look like?

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For more than 14 centuries, across the Muslim world, the adhan has been recited in Arabic, a standardized ritual akin to the Latin Mass. But it was not always so in Turkey.

Between 1932 and 1950, the state prohibited the Arabic adhan, and instead, a Turkish translation was recited. The ban was part of a series of restrictions on religion imposed under the rule of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey.

When Ataturk died in 1938, the CHP, which he founded, was the sole entity allowed to hold power and ruled unopposed until 1950, when the countrys first free multi-party elections were held. Lifting the ban on the Arabic adhan was among the very first laws passed by the new parliament.

Each year Ataturks death is officially marked on Nov. 10 at 9:05 a.m. by a moment of silence. Traffic stops and passengers emerge to stand next to their cars, silent and still.

But deep resentment for Ataturks policies simmers just below the surface of Turkeys society.

At a commemoration ceremony this Nov. 10 in the western city of Edirne, a 21-year-old woman in a face veil was arrested after she allegedly shouted, Ataturk is not God! Allah has laws. Ataturk brought the Wests laws, during the moment of silence.

The woman was tackled by police officers and faces up to three years in prison for insulting Ataturks memory. Yet just hours later, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking at a memorial ceremony in Ankara, attacked the CHP, and indirectly the partys founder, for its role in prohibiting the Arabic adhan.

The fact that today the Turkish adhan, one of the defining atrocities of the [1938-1950] single-party period, can be defended publicly, be longed for, is a sign of the endless struggle for the values of this nation, Erdogan said.

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The criticism is part of a largely successful long-term initiative by Erdogan to reshape the narrative of Turkeys founder, said Soner Cagaptay, a historian and author. You are seeing an overall trend where Turkey is embracing conservative Islam in general, driven by government policy and use of state resources.

Every mosque in Turkey has been under the control of the Directorate of Religious Affairs, or Diyanet, since 1924, its imams reading an identical Friday sermon every week. The Diyanet was initially used by Ataturk to shape Turkeys spiritual life  with policies like the Turkish adhan. But under Erdogan it has become the primary means of reversing the trend. Its annual budget has ballooned to $1.6 billion, and it employs more than 110,000 people.

The Diyanet was instrumental in thwarting a 2016 military coup that sought to unseat Erdogan. Officials sent out a memo ordering mosques to turn on their loudspeakers and invite the public not to prayers but to the streets, to confront tanks and fighter jets.

Along with the adhan, the mosques broadcast a hymn that has a long history in the Islamic world of being used to rally the public in times of war. In World War I, for instance, locals climbed the minarets of mosques in Istanbul to sound the alarm as European forces advanced on the city. In 1922, the same calls were made as Ottoman soldiers, under the command of Ataturk, took control of Izmir from Greek troops.

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It wasnt so much the social media, or Internet-based communication, but mosque loudspeaker network density that explains how much each Istanbul district mobilized against the coup attempt, said Akin Unver, an associate professor of international relations at Kadir Has University in Istanbul.

Unver and other researchers mapped the sonic range of mosque loudspeakers in Istanbul and overlaid that information with reports on social media of anti-coup marchers and clashes. The adhan and other hymns broadcast from mosques, they found, were instrumental and offer a direct causal mechanism to explain what really drove mobilization that night.

Despite occasional complaints from residents, many of those loudspeakers were apparently left at high volume. The complaints drove the Diyanet to issue another memo last year ordering the adhan to be no louder than 80 decibels.

As a result of the coup attempt, the idea of changing the adhan again, said Cagaptay, is incredibly unpopular among the vast majority of Turkish voters. So how do Turks reconcile the fact that Ataturk wanted the adhan to be in Turkish?

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Ataturk draws a huge amount of respect regardless of where someone falls on the political spectrum. If you dont like him as a reformer you at least like him as a liberator, Cagaptay said. Erdogan and his supporters, they think [Ataturk] made a wrong turn, but they embrace his image and legacy as Turkeys liberator.

Erdogan won 52.6% of the presidential vote in June. Muharrem Ince, the CHPs candidate, garnered just 30.7%, despite outreach to disenchanted conservatives that included having his headscarf-wearing mother and sister sit on the stage at stump speeches.

With elections for local governments scheduled for March, the CHP had little choice but to distance itself from Yilmaz and his unpopular stance on the adhan, said Cagaptay.

In fact, many in Turkey believe its time to end the taboo on discussing Ataturk altogether. To them, his policies, and his party, the CHP, represent a danger to the Islamic way of life.

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The idea to ban the Arabic adhan is always in the CHPs subconscious, and sometimes it comes out, like in the case of Yilmaz, said historian Mustafa Armagan.

Armagan, editor of an often provocative magazine called Deep History, is facing a 15-month prison sentence for insulting Ataturks memory.

Mustafa Kemal, an Ottoman commander, became a national celebrity for winning a multi-front war against European powers in the aftermath of World War I, earning the title Ataturk, or Father of the Turk.

In 1924, the Ottoman caliphate, the successor to an institution stretching back to Islams founding in the 7th century, was abolished. Schools were put under state control. In 1925, the turban and fez were banned. In 1928, the Turkish alphabet, a modified version of the Arabic alphabet, was prohibited and replaced with a system based on the Latin alphabet. In 1934, the Surname Law required all citizens to choose a fixed, hereditary surname that could not include foreign words.

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All these reforms were basically meant to cut people off from the Islamic world, from their Islamic heritage, said Armagan. The imposition of the Turkish adhan was a systematic thing, not some kind of coincidence.

That Ataturk instituted these policies is not disputed in Turkey today, but whether the public welcomed them is a different matter.

We know well how in the years just after [Ataturks] death, until 1950, in the single-party era, our nations values, our faith, our culture, our heritage were tossed aside, Erdogan said in his Nov. 10 speech. Todays youth read about the single-party era from books, if they exist, or from newspaper archives. Because we were taught a false history. We are witness to the atrocities of that era.

Many people simply boycotted mosques between 1932 and 1950, said Armagan. Police were posted at the door of mosques in villages across the country, and anyone found reciting the adhan in Arabic faced up to three months behind bars. Yet, in dozens of cases Armagan has documented from that period, locals continued to challenge the law.

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Feigning mental illness, men climbed the minarets of mosques and chanted the Arabic adhan. They popped up in crowded movie theaters and began chanting the adhan. The day the ban was lifted, June 16, 1950, was a day of celebrations, Armagan said. It was like the country had been liberated from a foreign occupation.

Farooq is a special correspondent.
Before his journey to Mexico, Pope Francis had a favor to ask.

Before his first trip as pontiff to a place with more Catholics than any other Spanish-speaking country, where he will surely be mobbed by the thousands night and day, the pope requested something likely to be in short supply  a few minutes alone.

His only company will be perhaps the most revered religious artifact in the Western Hemisphere, a piece of fabric bearing the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

The request for a few minutes by himself with the image was a stunningly personal one from the pope. But he knows the Virgin well, he said, because she has seen him through difficult times.

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How many times I have been fearful of a problem or that something bad has happened and I dont know how to react, and I pray to her, said the pope in September, according to quotes distributed by Catholic News Service. Francis celebrates Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Saturday, the second day of a six-day tour of the country.

As a man born in Argentina and the first pope from the New World, it should not be surprising that Francis turns for comfort to the Empress of the Americas.

In Mexico and Latin America, as well as the southwestern U.S., this image of the Virgin Mary is dynamic, ubiquitous and powerful. She is everywhere, on everything  stenciled on buildings, sprayed onto the sides of trucks, inked into peoples arms and legs and even the sides of their necks.

She appears among Americas Christian right and Catholic gang members too. Once tattooed [with the Virgin of Guadalupe], the gangster is both sinner and saint, holding in visual tension the spectrum of human behaviors and hopes, religion scholar Judith Dupre wrote.

The Virgin offers adherents her protection, listens to their sorrows and alleviates their pain. She cannot herself perform the miraculous, according to Catholic teaching, but she may intercede on behalf of those who ask her blessing.

Though it has not been declared a miracle within the Roman Catholic Church, the reports of her first appearance forever changed the Western world.

In the early 16th century, Spanish missionaries were having trouble converting the local Aztecs, who worshiped a pantheon of gods, both male and female.

The story of the Virgin of Guadalupe, told countless times in churches and from parents to children, unfolded in the winter of 1531: A peasant crossing a hillside called Tepeyac, near Mexico City, was visited by the Virgin, who appeared to him as dark skinned and spoke his language, Nahuatl. She asked him to build a church on the hill.

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The peasant, named Juan Diego by the Spanish, rushed to tell the archbishop of Mexico City the good news. But the archbishop sent him away. Juan Diego returned to the hill, where the Virgin appeared to him once more.

The archbishop wouldnt listen, Juan Diego told her.

Try again, she responded.

And once again Juan Diego went to the archbishop to report the apparition, and once again he was turned away.

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Bring me a miracle, the archbishop told him.

He needs a miracle, Juan Diego told the Virgin.

NEWSLETTER: Get the days top headlines from Times Editor Davan Maharaj >>

So, according to tradition, she provided it to him: a handful of Castilian roses  flowers from Spain, not native to Mexico, fully bloomed in the dead of winter. Juan Diego gathered up the flowers in his cloak, or tilma, and rushed to the archbishop. He let the flowers tumble out. There, on the fabric, was the image of the Virgin so familiar today: the slight incline of the head, the expression of compassion, the blue cloak studded with stars, the crescent moon at her feet held up by an angel, also dark skinned.

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The date was Dec. 12, and for nearly 500 years, there it has remained, the most visited Marian shrine in the world.

The effect was swift. Although some Catholics did not immediately believe the image was miraculous, the Aztecs quickly took to a female figure worthy of worship and capable of interceding on their behalf, and began to convert to Christianity at a rate unseen before.

Francis acknowledges that in Mexico, belief in the Virgin sometimes reaches deeper than even ones belief in religion.

You all know the joke of that Mexican man who would say, I am an atheist, but I am Guadalupan, Francis said in comments from Catholic News Service. It makes sense.

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Juan Diego was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002 before a crowd of 12 million in Mexico City. Now, Dec. 12 is the feast for Our Lady of Guadalupe and is regarded as an auspicious birthday for Mexicans. It certainly was to Cristofer Pereyra, born Dec. 12 and now spokesman for the Archdiocese of Phoenix (where the patron saint is  yes  the Virgin of Guadalupe).

I feel shes always been with me, Pereyra said. I know its not exclusive to me, but I feel it.

Mexicans often refer to her as la virgencita, literally the little virgin but a warm term of endearment. In recent years her appeal has gone beyond the Mexican community. At an annual march on her feast day in Los Angeles, marchers include members of ethnic Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Tongan and Vietnamese congregations.

The Virgin indeed provides some direct, if unintended, protection. In Los Angeles, store owners who want to protect their buildings from graffiti have learned to decorate them with images of the virgin  taggers wont deface her.

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You know, Catholics, were big on images, Pereyra said, mentally counting the representations of the Virgin he has in his house and office. He settled on four.

Oh wait, I have another one here, he said.

The images of the Virgin have a purpose beyond proclaiming faith, Pereyra said.

We feel that through life, its difficult to have something close at hand without being able to see it. It brings us closer when its there in front of us, he said. We like to be reminded.

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Join the conversation on Facebook >>

MORE ON THE POPE IN MEXICO

Pope to visit Mexican state hit by narco-violence: You are living your little piece of war

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On the eve of Pope Francis arrival in Mexico, not everybody is so welcoming

Where the pope will visit in Mexico
For days, the northern Iraqi city of Mosul was flush with rumors of an imminent onslaught by Al Qaeda-inspired militants, prompting the mayor to appeal to men who love death with honor to mount a defense even as others fled.

When gunmen broke through the citys perimeter on June 9 amid a hasty retreat by Iraqi police and army units, with the mayor joining the exodus, many who remained braced for the worst.

It came as somewhat of a surprise when residents awoke the next day to a city not under a harsh form of sharia, or Islamic law, imposed by foreign extremists, but one whose government offices were staffed in part by Iraqis allied with the insurgents against a Shiite Muslim-led central government that has little support among Mosuls Sunni Muslim majority.

The question, based on the militants actions in neighboring Syria, is how long it will be before they begin to impose their hard-line interpretation of Islam on Mosul. If and when that happens, residents could turn against them, just as many Iraqis from Sunni Muslim areas soured on militants during the 2003-11 U.S. occupation.

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Foreign reporters have not been able to enter Mosul because of security concerns, but reports from the city indicate it has returned to a semblance of normality despite shortages of water, electrical power and gasoline.

There has been relatively little looting, residents say, and those who took charge also swept away the governments security checkpoints that had created a traffic nightmare on streets and bridges of the city, which is bisected by the Tigris River.

Almost two weeks after Mosul was overrun, interviews with more than a dozen residents and postings on their social media accounts indicated that the feared crackdown by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, on the citys more than 1 million residents has not occurred. Many residents say they feel reassured so far by the behavior of the citys new rulers, and some regard them as liberators.

But there is broad concern about what happens next.

The initial lack of overt interference in everyday life follows a pattern established in Syria, where ISIS thrived and expanded amid civil war. Its forces generally acted in a low-key fashion after taking towns such as Raqqah in north-central Syria, and Azaz, near the Turkish border.

In all cases ISIS hard-line approach soon became manifest, with public executions, crucifixions and a strict ban on smoking, alcohol and what the militants viewed as provocative female dress. Women were proscribed from appearing in public without a full body cloak and an accompanying male relative.

The militant groups propaganda videos and supporters insist that its only target is the Iraqi government.

People are no longer worried  there is no fear, no killing, the markets are full, said Younes, a Mosul resident reached by phone who, like others interviewed, declined to give his family name for security reasons.

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The black-clad Islamist fighters directing traffic and maintaining order are good people who prevent price-gouging by merchants eager to take advantage of the unstable situation, Younes said.

Many in Mosul seem to accept so far ISIS self-description as liberators determined to restore dignity to a mostly Sunni population largely hostile to the government of Prime Minister Nouri Maliki. Many Iraqi Sunnis view Malikis administration as a sectarian-driven entity that takes its orders from Iran and empowers Iraqs Shiite majority while marginalizing Sunnis.

Iraqi state media have accused ISIS of burning churches and raping women, a charge denied by antigovernment activists, who insist on calling the fighters revolutionaries.

There is no transgression against women in Mosul, and this is all lies by the media, Ahmad Malaah, a cafe owner in Mosul, said on his Facebook page.

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ISIS did act quickly and ruthlessly in certain circumstances. Its accused of looting the citys central bank of $420 million, of abducting the 49-member staff of the Turkish Consulate and of executing hundreds of mostly Shiite government security forces, reportedly by firing machine guns at them in a ditch or slitting their throats.

Residents said the militants also destroyed monuments to several local cultural icons.

Part of the relatively benign impression among residents to date may stem from relief over the departure of a government security apparatus that many viewed as an occupying force.

Another factor appears to be the emerging realization that ISIS forces, while leading last weeks sweep through northern and central Iraq, worked closely with a host of area collaborators: former supporters of Saddam Husseins Baath Party, disaffected Sunni tribesmen, former army officers and others, many apparently known in Mosul. The city was a Hussein stronghold and a hub of the bloody uprising against occupying U.S. troops.

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In 2003, Husseins sons, Uday and Qusai, were killed in an hours-long shootout with U.S. forces in Mosul.

Over the course of the U.S. occupation, some Sunni tribal groups in western Iraq turned on their extremist allies. A number of sheiks and their followers, including former insurgents who had fought the Americans, agreed to go on the U.S. payroll to battle the militants.

Some credit this awakening movement with helping to defeat the militants and bring a tenuous peace to Iraq. Others argue that it ultimately exacerbated tensions. Malikis government viewed these Sunni groups with suspicion, and many are thought to have now joined the ISIS-led insurgency.

In 2008, Mosul saw a large-scale exodus of its ancient Assyrian Christian population after a dozen people were slain, including the Chaldean Catholic archbishop, and others were warned to convert to Islam or be killed.

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Today, however, accounts from Mosul indicate that even minorities such as Christians and members of the ancient Yazidi sect, which has ties to Zoroastrianism, have yet to face wholesale repression.

Christian clerics, while acknowledging their congregation remains unharmed, are worried, especially after the desecration of churches by Islamist fighters in Syria. In Raqqah, those Christians who remain have been forced to pay a special tax.

They [Christians] are fine, although they fear what lies ahead, said Bishop John Matti, speaking by phone from the Nineveh plains outside Mosul to which many Christians from the city have fled.

With its resources stretched thin as it continues to seize territory, ISIS may not have enough people to bring its vision of an Islamic caliphate to Mosul. Reliance on local allies helps explain how a much larger government security force was routed so thoroughly during ISIS advance this month.

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Among the disaffected Sunni groups said to be allied with ISIS in Mosul is a faction composed of ex-Baathist apparatchiks known as the Naqshbandi Army, or JRTN, its Arabic acronym. It was the JRTN, ostensibly led by Husseins vice president, Izzat Ibrahim, whose whereabouts remain unknown, that deployed its men early to protect the citys banks, according to residents.

Members of the group reportedly plastered posters referring to Saddam Hussein as a martyr and hailing Mosuls liberation. The Baathist offshoot has also reportedly appointed two Iraqi officers from the Hussein era to act as the citys governors.

There are some indications lately that ISIS may be gearing up to impose a harder ideological line in Mosul.

It has reportedly made good on its vow to do away with idolatry, bulldozing monuments to several cultural figures including Abu Tammam, an acclaimed 9th century poet.

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The destruction of the citys cultural heritage prompted one resident, Jamal Faisa Rawy, to predict on Facebook that Mosul residents would eventually rue the day when they cheered the militants who overran the ancient city.

Said Rawy: Well lament and wish for the days of Maliki and his fragile army that we let down.

Bulos is a special correspondent. Times staff writers Patrick J. McDonnell in Beirut and Raja Abdulrahim in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
Cuba Gooding Jr. has ignored a lawsuit filed against him by a woman who accused him of raping her. Now, a federal judge said the actor could owe millions of dollars to the accuser.

U.S. District Judge Paul Crotty's ruling on Thursday said that Cuba Gooding Jr. had no attorney listed on the docket and had lost the case by default, Law and Crime reported. Crotty has left the door open in granting the woman's request for a total of $6 million in damages.

In violation of New York City's Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law (VGM), the anonymous woman claimed that Cuba Gooding Jr. raped her. She asked for $2 million in compensatory damages and $4 million in punitive damages.

Crotty has delivered his ruling on the grounds that the 53-year-old actor failed to appear even after being properly served, indicating willful refusal to participate in the lawsuit.

The judge further noted that he could not evaluate whether Gooding would have a meritorious defense in his absence, and since the case has been on the docket for nearly a year, waiting for him any longer would be unfair to his accuser.

While the default judgment is essentially a judicial acknowledgment of the actor's liability, the judge halted on ruling on damages, saying the court would have to look into the matter further.

Crotty noted that the woman's declaration, discussing her mental and emotional problems after the alleged rape, provides "some basis for this request." However, he said it was not enough for the court to decide at this moment that "these amounts are warranted."

READ NEXT: Spanish Court Sides With a Man Sued by Ex-Wife for 'Hiding Homosexuality' During Their Marriage

Rape Case of Cuba Gooding Jr.

Crotty had ordered Cuba Gooding Jr. to appear and participate in the case by September 7, after which he would decide on damages. The judge has ruled for the plaintiff's request to proceed in the case under the Jane Doe pseudonym.

He also granted the plaintiff's request to seal two declarations that revealed the woman's real name and the name of another woman who claimed that the actor sexually assaulted her.

This was not the first time that Gooding had received a default judgment issued against him. Attorney Mark Heller, representing the actor in the criminal case, said the events alleged in the lawsuit never happened and suggested the plaintiff enjoys the attention she's getting in the publicity and notoriety of Gooding's case.

According to Crotty, the damages would be decided after hearing the arguments of the two sides. The woman initially sued Cuba Gooding Jr. in August 2020. It was dismissed and then quickly reopened in March over a technical issue, USA Today reported.

Crotty said in his order that the actor was served court papers on April 22 and had failed to respond to an initial May 13 court deadline.

The actor allegedly violated three women in three different incidents in 2018 and 2019. This was included in his criminal case being tried in a state court in New York.

One of the women said Cuba Gooding Jr. pinched her buttocks, while another woman said the actor squeezed her breast. Gooding has pleaded not guilty.

Sexual Assault Allegations Against the Actor

Jane Doe alleged that Cuba Gooding Jr. raped her without protection after she met him in a Greenwich Village VIP lounge in 2013. The Oscar winner allegedly lured her to his hotel room under false pretenses, Fox News reported.

The woman reportedly insisted on leaving the room to meet her friend downstairs, and the actor starting undressing in front of her.

Cuba Gooding Jr. had also allegedly blocked the door. He then pushed her onto the bed and did the act without any consent. The suit further noted that the actor had allegedly raped the woman vaginally and anally despite pleading for him to stop.

READ MORE: Ghislaine Maxwell Seen With 'Black Eye' in First Pic From Prison

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Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Cuba Gooding Jr. Faces New Criminal Charges in Sexual Misconduct Trial - From Bloomberg Quicktake: Now






A local woman has called for the people of Laois to take a stand against what she terms are 'barbaric' Covid-19 restrictions on couples set to have a child at Portlaoise hospital.

In a letter to the Leinster Express the woman, who did not wish to be named, outlined our anger and frustration at the restrictions which have been in place for months.

"I cant quite believe that I am writing to demand a change in maternity restrictions, despite indoor dining resuming and wedding guests increasing to 100 people. Currently Portlaoise hospital, like all hospitals in the country, allows partners access to the labour ward once labour is deemed active (4cm dilation) and can then visit for just one hour a day after birth.

"An article published in the Irish Independent by Holly Cairns TD captures better than I ever could the arbitrary nature of these rules which baffle logic.

"In April, the focus was very much on vaccination as a reason for partners not to attend the hospital until labour was deemed active (4cm dilation). Currently 5.5 million vaccines have been administered in Ireland. Despite the majority of pregnant women and their partners being fully vaccinated, the vaccine bonus that allows people to dine indoors still excludes fathers from attending the entirety of labour for the birth of their child.

"What angers me most as a woman eight months pregnant is the poignant truth of a mock article which appeared in Waterford Whispers last week.

"The title is ludicrous but its the truth - if I gave birth in a few weeks in my local pub, my husband could be there for the whole labour and stay for as long as he liked after!

"While it is wonderful to see society reopening, the startling truth is that priority is given to reopening services which affect the economy rather than womens physical and mental health. The focus is on allowing partners to wet the babys head rather than be by the mothers side.

"At this late stage in my pregnancy I have resigned myself to the fact that these rules are unlikely to change and my husband will witness my contractions via FaceTime from the hospital car park in Portlaoise. Its not a story I will look forward to telling my unborn child but it is the reality that women all over the country face.

"I plead with the people of Laois to take a stand against these barbaric rules and treat pregnant women with the respect that they deserve," she concluded. MORE BELOW LINK

The issue was also taken up by Fianna Fail TD for Laois-Offaly, Barry Cowen. He called on his own Government and the HSE to issue clear direction to hospitals who continue to enforce maternity restrictions.

Given that 70% of adults are now fully vaccinated there does seem to be a clear case for extended maternity ward access to the partners of pregnant women  especially if they are fully vaccinated.

I believe that hospitals have been given too much local discretion and it should be a centralised decision, so we have uniformity of care across the country.

If maternity units believe there are safety issues in easing restrictions, then the onus should be on them to make that case back to the HSE," he said. MORE BELOW LINK

The Dublin Midlands Hospital Group issuesd a response on behalf of Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise.

"The Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise have continued to facilitate partners attending for birth throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. The hospital is managing access and visiting to the maternity services in accordance with the national guidance.

"The HSE reviewed the policies which the 19 maternity units have in place for designated partners visiting during the pandemic and confirmed that the hospital is compliant with HSE guidance".

The statment said the following has been updated in recent months taking into account the reducing covid status within hospital and the community.

 Partners can attend for the anatomy scan and the booking scan.

 Partners are facilitated to attend the birth once the woman is admitted to the delivery suite in labour and partners are encouraged and facilitated to remain for the duration of labour, the birth of the baby and up to 1 hour on the postnatal ward. This includes the induction of birth in the delivery suite.

 Partners are also facilitated to be present in theatre at Caesarean Section for the birth of the baby.

 The hospital have reintroduced scheduled visiting to the maternity ward since Monday 3rd May for ante natal, postnatal women and also in exceptional circumstances, which is arranged by appointment, generally this visit is scheduled for up to an hour.

 Scheduled visiting is facilitated in the special care baby unit

The statement added gave some background and further explanation for the application of continued restrictions.

"The implementation of restrictions was in a time of intense pressure and uncertainty as Hospitals responded to the Covid-19 pandemic .These decisions were taken in the best interest of expectant mothers, their families and our staff. The hospitals fully accept and understand the impact of the restrictions, particularly at the height of the pandemic, and how difficult this is for expectant mothers and their families.

"The easing of these restrictions is not straightforward and must take account of the limitations of our existing infrastructure so we can comply with social distancing and ensure the ongoing safety of expectant mothers, their newborn babies and staff," it said.

The statement concluded that arrangements will be kept under constant review and in the full consideration of the safety of the women and families attending our services.
Ulster Bank has released details of changes for personal and business customers as part of its phased withdrawal from Ireland.

Back in February, the company announced a phased withdrawal from the market in February.

This latest announcement includes details of a number of changes to new business products over the coming months.

A spokesperson said: Our customers existing products and services are not impacted by todays announcement.

Personal Customers

"For personal customers, Ulster Bank is commencing the process of phasing out the new products and services we offer customers, said the spokesperson.

We will continue to accept new applications from new and existing personal banking customers until close of business October 29, with the main exception of mortgages, which will remain available for existing customers only after that date.

Some other exceptions* apply, most notably relating to overdrafts for existing customers, and applications which are in progress prior to October 30.

Ulster Bank is writing to our existing customers to give them 60 days notice of this change. Details on this change will also be available on our website and through our normal support channels. For customers who have an application underway, we will continue to support them throughout the process of their application.

Business Customers

The spokesperson said: For business customers, availability of all of our products and services for existing customers, including new-to-Bank customers who are in the process of being onboarded, is unchanged.

Ulster Bank will no longer offer our products to non-Ulster Bank customers from July 30. The exception to this is Lombard Asset Finance, which remains open for new and existing customers.

If business customers have already applied for a product, or started the onboarding process as a new customer, we will continue to process that for customers.

Mortgage Customers

In addition and separately, as part of its regular management of compliance with the Central Bank of Irelands macro prudential lending rules, Ulster Bank will close to mortgage customers seeking exceptions to these rules, from August 4.

Ulster Bank Chief Executive Jane Howard said: Today is another significant milestone and an expected step in the progress of our phased withdrawal.

Our colleagues will continue to serve our customers throughout this phase and beyond, including those customers who need more support due to the nature of the product eg self-build mortgage customers who draw down in stages according to their build.

A comprehensive customer Q&A is available at www.ulsterbank.ie

Additional support

Anyone who needs additional support, is in financial difficulty, or is in a vulnerable situation is invited to call the Ulster Bank team on 1850 211 461. Lines are open 24 hours a day including Bank Holidays. Call costs may vary and calls from mobiles may not be free.

Exceptions to the changes:

Mortgages: Ulster Bank will continue to accept applications from all existing customers for new mortgage lending after close of business on October 29.

Should a mortgage be fully approved and offer letter issued, it will transfer to a new provider in the future. The mortgage team can be contacted at 1890 252 270 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (except bank holidays).

Overdrafts: The bank will accept existing current account customers applications for new overdrafts or increased overdraft limits, in limited circumstances to provide customers access to short term emergency funds.

Credit Card limit: Ulster Bank will continue to accept applications for limit increases on Credit Cards in limited circumstances, to provide customers access to short term emergency funds.

Home and Car Insurance: Existing customers policies will remain in force up until renewal date. On renewal, the bank will write to customers as normal with a renewal quotation.

Financial Planning Advice: Ulster Bank will continue to provide ongoing financial planning advice to our existing customers through Irish Life. This includes supporting existing customers as their financial circumstances change and supporting existing Ulster Bank Ireland DAC customers with new financial planning advice covering the full range of needs (Mortgage Protection, Life protection, Investment and Pension).
Arising from a number of separate operations carried out over the course of this week, Revenue officers at Dublin Airport seized almost 187,000 cigarettes and 38.5kgs of tobacco.

All seizures were made as a result of routine profiling and are detailed below:

Almost 97,000 cigarettes, branded Winston and Minsk, were discovered concealed in steel cases described as air filters. The air cargo consignments had arrived into the State from Italy and were destined for consignees in Navan, Laois, and Carlow.

31kgs of raw tobacco concealed inside emptied and resealed tins of cat food and dog food. The smuggled tobacco arrived into the State from Poland and Spain and were destined for consignees in counties Dublin and Monaghan.

7.5kgs of Amber Leaf roll your own tobacco, discovered in the luggage of a passenger arriving from Alicante, Spain.

90,000 cigarettes, branded Benson & Hedges and L&M, discovered in the luggage of passengers arriving from Poland and Nigeria.

"The illegal cigarettes and tobacco had a combined retail value of over 151,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of almost 122,000," said a statement.

Revenue added that investigations are ongoing.

Revenue says the seizures were part of ongoing operations targeting the importation of illegal cigarettes and tobacco products.

"If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding smuggling they can contact Revenue in confidence on the confidential free phone number 1800 295 295."
In the summer of 1982, my sister Sheila and I worked as waitresses at Rosie OGradys in midtown Manhattan. Rosies was a haven for all those Irish and all those who wished to be.



Co-owners Mike Carty and Austin Delaney, both Irish-born, could always be counted on to find work for a new arrival, fresh off the plane from their homeland sometimes holding nothing more than a few dollars in their pocket and hope in their heart. Everyone sooner or later found their way to Rosies. It was that sort of place.



My father Bill Dickinson was General Manager and suggested that a stint learning the restaurant business would be a summer well spent for my sister and me. So on a hot afternoon, clad in white blouse, black skirt, and comfortable shoes, we left our Long Island home headed to W 52nd Street, NYC.



That summer almost forty years ago, remains one of my fondest and most cherished. I remember those days. When the lights of Broadway still shone brightly and the theme of each and every night at Rosies was laughter and merriment. And the band played on



Glancing at the clock above the waitress station whose hands that night seemed to be moving counter clock-wise, I pondered which song the band would play to wrap up the evening. It was without fail one of two ballads - Good Night Irene or Show Me the Way to Go Home. I made a silent bet with myself on the latter and smiled as the bandleader struck up the tune to prove me right.

Show me the way to go home. Im tired and I want to go to bed. I had a little drink about an hour ago and its gone right to my head

Katherine and her husband Robert who had their wedding reception upstairs in Rosies in a private room called the Manhattan Club (now known as Manhattan Manor)



I knew every word by heart to those Irish songs and on certain days, when life seems to be going at a speed I cannot control, return to sweet Rosie OGradys and a time where my father is alive once again. Young and handsome, he stands tall at the front door welcoming patrons. We cant go back again, but we can remember.



Dabbing my finger to my lips to reapply my gloss, I tapped my foot merrily to one of my favorite tunes, Lovely Leitrim, the county of my mothers birth and a song especially dear to my heart.

Smoothing my apron as I hummed along, I glanced at the kitchen door which at that very moment swung open with a bang. I spotted my sister Sheila with whom I partnered as a waitress. As her eyes met mine I could have sworn for a moment they narrowed. It had always been a source of friction between us, our roles in the waitress hierarchy. Waiters and waitresses were comprised of a team of two -one working outside on the floor and the other inside the kitchen.



Sheila felt her job, (the inside) which consisted of standing in the kitchen under the hot lamps of the steam table and then bringing the food to the awaiting customer was the more laborious and unglamorous.

I, (the outside partner,) took cocktail and dinner orders. How these roles were initially decided upon remains a mystery though I believe it was reasoned that she was the more physically stronger and better suited to toting the often back-breaking trays.



I watched her approach a corner table as she balanced two plates of prime rib like a seasoned juggler, a glint of perspiration on her brow. Maneuvering the steaming platters her arm shaking under the weight, she appeared to lose her grip allowing a stream of gravy to spill evenly onto the stunned diners lap. Casting the unpleasant scene from my mind, I made my way to the bar. I would no doubt hear all about it on our car ride back to LI that night. After all, she had the harder job.

It was the people I met while working at Rosies who remain with me. The charming, charismatic bartender John Carroll whose twinkling blue eyes could transfer a teetotaler into a seasoned drinker and whose life ended in a tragic auto accident far too soon.



In contrast was his fellow bartender Miles, who had a smile and wink for every customer but with his quick wit and razor tongue an insult for the rest of us, all in good fun but scathing nonetheless.



There was Mary O, the vivacious, carefree, fun-loving blonde waitress who was rumored to later become an NYC sergeant and her dark-haired and sweet smiling Irish partner Kathleen.

Who could forget the middle-aged team of Anne and Paula who bickered constantly yet worked together like a finely oiled machine and on more than one occasion held their own during late nights at the Blarney Stone, throwing back shots with the younger crew no worse for the wear the next morning.



I remember the beautiful, ethereal Laura who waited tables to earn money for acting school like so many other young dreamers and the gregarious and big-hearted chef Mohammad whose brilliant smile radiated over the heat of the steam table and whose quick temper terrified those who had not yet discovered his kindly nature.



I recall the retired detective Brendan who, as host during the day, charmed the ladies with his lilting Irish brogue, and at dusk, magically transformed into intimidating bouncer ready to escort the occasional unruly patron to the door.

The night would officially end around 2 am. With tables cleared and tips counted, we headed to our home away from home, the Blarney Stone, for an after-work drink or two. And in those late-night hours, we spoke of life and the occasional difficult customer while Bob Seeger sang soulfully on the jukebox.



But summer days are short. In what seemed the blink of an eye, we bid farewell to Rosies, retired our aprons, and headed back to Long Island to return to school. With us we took fistfuls of cash, a new trade learned, friends we vowed to meet again, and memories to last a lifetime.



I am older now with a family of my own. My parents have dearly departed. Sheila and I remain as close as ever. Each Christmas we gather at her house in gratitude.

During our last celebration, while sipping a glass of wine in her family room, I glanced into the kitchen. Sheila, clad in a tidy white apron, was removing with some difficulty the steaming turkey from the oven. Her arm was shaking under the weight of the tray as she balanced the bird. Looking up suddenly as if sensing my stare, her eyes met mine and in that moment, I could have sworn, narrowed.



The history they say, has a way of repeating itself. I promised myself I would clear the table for her that very night as both a penance and memento to our days at Rosie O Gradys.



Katherine Simmons, who lives in Fairfield, Connecticut and formerly NY is the daughter of Cloone woman, Mary Foley.
On what was one of the hottest days ever in West Limerick, dozens of householders in the small community of Old Mill, a few miles from Newcastle West, had no water.

But for these residents, it wasnt the heatwave that was the cause of the problem, although communities right across the county were experiencing shortages as a result of low water levels and high temperatures.

For Old Mill residents, water is a problem 365 days of the year, sun or snow.

And according to Nora OConnell: We have been putting up with it for 30 years.

Their problem is that the water supply has been and is intermittent, coming and going every day and nobody knows when they will have water or when the taps will run dry.

And it can happen anytime. On New Years Day, for example, there was no water, all day, one householder explained. Sometimes, its 11 at night when the water starts running again.

The problem, when they have been told anything, is lack of pressure, something which a new pump might or might not remedy.

But the heatwave has compounded the problem, local resident Tom Higgins explained.

And people are at breaking point.

I am a nurse in the Regional Hospital. I work 12-hour shifts, I come home and I cant have a shower, declared Jennifer Callaghan. At the height of the heatwave, she said: We havent had water in 48 hours.

The on-off supply leaves households rushing to catch up with washing clothes and dish-washing, Patrick Downes, a father of two explained.

I have had to repair taps because the pressure comes back too strong, he said. There is also a recurring problem with equipment such as dishwashers and washing machines, stopping in mid-cycle or breaking down. If they scheduled the water, say between 10 and 6pm, we could work with it.

It is frustrating, Patricks wife, Stephanie added, explaining that they had recently spent the day at the bog, coming home dirty and sweaty but unable take showers. I nearly cried when there was no water she said. It is the same when kids go training and come home and cant even have a shower.

Very often, Stephanie added, the water is brown and undrinkable. You are talking about human rights here, she declared.

Most householders told the Limerick Leader they have to buy bottled water.

And all this has been happening during a pandemic in which people are being asked to wash their hands regularly.

I am all day drawing water for my animals, said Joe Heffernan who is a farmer. Fortunately for him, he can get water from his cousins well. But it all adds to the days work. Another farmer was not so lucky.

It is very frustrating. You cant make Irish Water come out and sort it, and people expect us to be able to do that, local Fine Gael councillor Tom Ruddle said. He also expressed disappointment that householders cannot get a grant to sink their own well in a bid to resolve the matter.

Fianna Fails Michael Collins was told by Irish Water that the matter is under review. However, he said. This is going on for years. Repeated requests go in but we just get the standard answer. As councillors, he explained, they are dealing with a faceless organisation. Nobody will come to a district meeting, he continued. I was told by a council engineer that investment was needed in infrastructure. Old Mill is in a queue but how long is the queue?

Minister of State, Patrick ODonovan said the long-running problem could be solved by installing a bigger pump. He has now gotten a commitment from the chief executive of Irish Water, Eamon Gallen to look into the matter himself. No surveys, no analyses are needed, Minister ODonovan declared, just give them a bigger pump.

The people of Old Mill had paid the council for a water service through development levies he said, and he argued the pump could be paid out of the councils development fund tomorrow.
AIB has been accused of abandoning the northside of Limerick, after it emerged it will close its Ennis Road branch.

In a letter to customers, the lender said it will close its branch opposite the Gaelic Grounds with all accounts placed into its main city centre branch at 106 OConnell Street.

We are doing this because of the way banking has changed over the years. We have seen a big movement of customers to banking online, using our mobile app and making contactless payments rather than using cash services at a branch, the firm said.

Its also understood the bank will also remove its cash machine from the site.

Local Fine Gael councillor Olivia OSullivan said: AIB is essentially abandoning the northside of the city. This is the same bank that accepted a government bailout in the billions after the crash from our government, funded by the taxpayer.

She pointed out that there are 259 new homes underway in four developments north of the Shannon, alongside a new LIT campus at Coonagh, and a new private hospital near Moyross.

Yet the whole area this side of the Shannon River will be without a bank, she said.

Bank of Ireland will also be closing its branch at the Jetland Shopping Centre.

Cllr OSullivan asked: Would they leave the people of Castletroy or Raheen without their branches? If not, how is it ok to do this to their customers here in the northside?

She called on AIB chief executive Colin Hunt to explain to the people of Limerick how they can justify the closure to people north of the Shannon.
FROM today, people can get a vaccination in Limerick without a prior appointment.

Anyone over the age of 16 who has yet to receive the Covid-19 inoculation can attend the Limerick Racecourse from 1.30pm until 6pm and again for the same hours tomorrow.

On offer will be the first Pfizer vaccine, and people can attend without registering or pre-booking.

The clinic will also open for the same hours tomorrow, while on Bank Holiday Monday, walk-in vaccinations will be available between the hours of 8 am and 12.30 pm.

Anyone attending is advised to bring a photo ID, their PPS number and contact details.

Speaking in Limerick on Thursday, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly encouraged people to take advantage of the facility.

Come forward, its really important, its going incredibly well. This is how we defeat this virus. Its how we get back to normal, said Mr Donnelly.

This is without a doubt the most important and successful public health programme Ireland has ever run. Theres a growing awareness its one of the most successful vaccine programmes in the world. A large part of the reason for that is the men and women working here and our other vaccine centres, he said.

This is a national effort, it was described to me as a war effort fighting this disease, and Im immensely proud of everyone involved in this, the minister added.
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When Lina Mokhtar and her two sisters saw the news last month that Saudi Arabia would for the first time officially allow women to perform the hajj without a male guardian, the three of them immediately put in their applications.

On Saturday, Ms Mokhtar and one of her sisters will be part of a limited group of some 60,000 worshipers to begin the pilgrimagethe second time the Covid pandemic has led Saudi authorities to cut the numbers of those permitted to perform the rite, a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for all Muslims able to physically and financially able to make the journey. In normal years more than two million pilgrims gather for the hajj.

Ms Mokhtar was surprised by the move to do away with the requirement that women pilgrims need a mahram, a close male relative, to accompany them, but hailed the decision.

It is kind of difficult depending on someone else or asking a mahram of yours, Please let us go to hajj," said the Jeddah-based market researcher in her late 40s. You can make that decision yourself."

Several of her female friends also registered for the hajj this year when they heard the news, wanting to seize the opportunity. While most of their applications werent approved by the hajj ministry, the chance to decide on their own whether to apply or not was a welcome change, she said.

Previously it would have had to have been a collective decision," she said. Now the decision is all yours, its not tied to somebody else."

The decision to drop the requirement for mahrams is the latest move in recent years by Saudi Arabia to loosen some restrictions on women, particularly Saudi citizens, that critics and human-rights groups have said turns them into second-class citizens.

In 2019, Saudi Arabia began allowing women over 21 years of age to travel abroad without a male guardians permission. The government also previously lifted the ban on women driving, even while jailing some of the female activists who called for that move and criticized the governments position on womens rights.

For Ms Mokhtar, it will be her second time performing hajj. But the first time she did it, with her brother as her mahram, she was in her mid-20s and described herself as more foolish and just looking to tick a box to say she had made the pilgrimage at least once in her lifetime.

But in recent years she had decided she wanted to perform it again, now that she is older and more focused on it as a spiritual experience.

I feel like Im more mature and it will be a more meaningful journey for me now," she said. It will be a completely different experience."

Ms Mokhtars father is too old to meet the age requirements for hajj this year and her brother is travelling. They would have been her only available mahrams since she is not married. Her sister, Rana, who is also performing hajj with her, is married, but her husband wouldnt have been able to take time off from work to accompany her.

The sisters will travel to Mecca from Jeddah on Saturday as part of an organized group. For days, Ms Mokhtar has been preparing herself, spiritually and materially. In addition to clothes suitable for a physically intense pilgrimage and a prayer mat, she has been packing N95 masks, Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer.

The normally five-day ritual, with pilgrims packed shoulder-to-shoulder, will be a day longer this year to allow for spacing out of worshipers.

With 60,000 people it will, God willing, be more relaxed," Ms Mokhtar said, especially during rami jamarat, the symbolic stoning of the devil. That was very difficult. People always get hurt."

Despite the official change allowing women to attend without a male relative, not everyone is on board.

All pilgrims must go to hajj with tour companies, which helps to better organize the large gathering of people performing various rituals over several days and locations. But the company Ms Mokhtar and her sister initially tried to sign up with still had a mahram only clause.

I didnt know that some would accept you and some wouldnt," she said. Its not a big dealbut it is about the principle. We should have the choice."

Dunia Mohammad had the same problem. When her hajj application was accepted this year and she tried to sign up with a tour company, her first choice informed her that they werent accepting women without a mahram.

That was a bit confusing," said the 33-year-old customer service worker.

Progress for women in Saudi Arabia hasnt followed a smooth trajectory. Though the government has relaxed certain laws, they have faced opposition from some parts of the countrys conservative society which has eschewed any change when it comes to womens rights.

If the government hadnt relaxed the mahram requirement, Ms Mohammed said she might not have been able to go: Her father, who is her only close male relative, is sick and cannot perform hajj.

But she added that doing the at-times difficult five-day pilgrimage with a man has its benefits as well.

If I had the choice I would definitely want to go with a mahram because going with a man makes things a lot easier, for example in terms of carrying things," Ms Mohammed said, with a laugh. Like when its time to collect the jamarat (stones), the men usually do that."

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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The pandemic has shifted the way Americans are travelingand even the hurdles to get into international destinations. Countries around the globe now have travel insurance requirements for Covid-19-related expenses before you can gain entry.

Related: Compare & Buy Travel Insurance For 2021

Heres what you need to know as you start using your passport again.

Understanding Other Countries Travel Insurance Requirements

Some countries are mandating that visitors buy travel medical insurance that covers Covid-19.

With Covid-19 still a factor in the safety of international travel, many countries understand there is a financial risk that is associated with a person contracting the virus and needing treatment, especially if they are not a resident, says Ronni Kenoian, a spokesperson for InsureMyTrip, a travel insurance comparison provider. Travel insurance provides a way for the countries to allow travelers in their borders while still protecting their country from a financial burden.

According to Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, the required travel insurance for Covid-19 typically includes coverage for medical expenses in case you contract the virus during your trip. Insurance requirements may also include specific coverage for the extra costs of quarantining in case you test positive for Covid-19 while traveling.

Note too that many countries require a recent negative Covid test for entry and sometimes additional forms like health questionnaires.

Breaking It Down: Travel Insurance Requirements by Destination

Anguilla: All incoming visitors must provide proof that they have health insurance that can cover Covid-19 medical expenses.

Aruba: All incoming visitors are required to purchase Covid-19 travel insurance from the Aruba government.

Bahamas: There is a mandatory Bahamas Health Travel Visa fee that varies in cost based on length of stay. It provides the health insurance mandated by the Bahamian government.

Bermuda: All visitors must have an insurance policy that can cover Covid-19 medical emergencies.

Cambodia: All visitors must have insurance that will cover at least $50,000 for Covid-19 treatment.

Cayman Islands: Incoming visitors must have a travel insurance policy for Covid-19 medical expenses.

Chile: Visitors must show proof of a health insurance policy that provides coverage for Covid-19.

Costa Rica: As of Aug. 1, unvaccinated travelers must provide proof of travel medical insurance with $50,000 in coverage for Covid-related medical treatment and $2,000 for quarantine lodging expenses while in Costa Rica, in case youre quarantined and unable to return home as scheduled.

French Polynesia: Visitors must purchase travel insurance with coverage for Covid-19, or must sign a declaration to pay all costs if they contract Covid-19.

Israel: Visitors must have medical travel insurance with coverage for Covid-19.

Jamaica: Visitors are required to pay a mandatory insurance fee earmarked to cover medical treatment for Covid-19.

Jordan: All travelers must purchase a travel insurance policy that covers Covid-19 medical expenses.

Lebanon: Travelers must show a travel insurance plan that covers any Covid-19 medical treatment.

Nepal: All tourists must have a travel medical insurance policy that includes coverage for Covid-19 medical benefits and repatriation.

St. Maarten: The government of St. Maarten has a system for selling mandatory Covid-19 insurance that tourists must buy in order to gain entry into the country.

Thailand: All travelers must have at least $100,000 in travel medical insurance to cover Covid-19 costs.

Turks and Caicos: Travelers must show proof of a travel insurance policy that covers Covid-19-related medical costs.

Ukraine: All visitors must buy an insurance policy through an insurance company registered in Ukraine that covers the cost of Covid-19 treatment.

Source: Squaremouth

Why Are Countries Mandating Covid-19 Travel Insurance?

Many countries are enforcing mandatory travel medical insurance policies so they are not hit by the financial burden of treating uninsured tourists. Many require coverage for the entire duration of your stay.

If buying your own travel insurance policy meets a countrys requirement, make sure your policy covers Covid-related expenses.

This can include hospitalization or a diagnosisand in the event of Covid-19, would include any related treatments, says Megan Moncrief, a spokesperson for Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison provider. The important note here is that this benefit, like all travel insurance benefits, is for unexpected occurrences. It will not cover a routine visit or checkup, or standard prescription refill.

Travel medical benefits will also cover injuries and other illnesses that happen on your trip, so its good coverage to have even without a requirement. U.S. health plans often have little or no coverage abroad, and Medicare doesnt cover health care outside the U.S.

Related: Compare & Buy Travel Insurance For 2021

When Do You Buy Insurance from the Destination Country?

In most cases you can purchase travel insurance from a company of your choice, says Moncrief. Some countries require the policy to be purchased directly through them.

Specifically, the Bahamas provides their own mandatory travel insurance policy for a fee prior to entry, she says. Aruba also requires $75,000 in medical coverage for contracting Covid-19, and this must be purchased directly through their government.

What Happens if You Arrive Without the Required Insurance?

If you visit a country requiring travel insurance and dont have a policy, you are not granted entry into the country, says Moncrief.

We recommend you check with your destination to understand the requirements and purchase a policy ahead of time to avoid the risk of not being allowed entry, she says.

More Travel Insurance to Consider

When youre buying a comprehensive travel insurance plan you can get important coverage types in addition to medical insurance. Heres what to look for:

Trip cancellation coverage can reimburse you 100% for non-refundable deposits you lose if you have to cancel the trip for a reason covered by the policy, such as an illness or injury of a traveler, or a death in the family.

can reimburse you 100% for non-refundable deposits you lose if you have to cancel the trip for a reason covered by the policy, such as an illness or injury of a traveler, or a death in the family. Trip delay and interruption coverage can reimburse you for extra costs if you miss part of your trip because of a delay, such as a late flight, or if you have to cut your trip short and return home.

can reimburse you for extra costs if you miss part of your trip because of a delay, such as a late flight, or if you have to cut your trip short and return home. Baggage loss covers more than just luggage that never shows up at your destination. It can also cover damaged baggage and the theft of your belongings during the trip.

Related: Compare & Buy Travel Insurance For 2021

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Courtesy /Laredo Police Department

City of Laredo leaders and the Laredo Police Officers Association will gather at City Hall Council Chambers to sign a Collective Bargaining Agreement on Friday at 11 a.m.

After undergoing the proper agreement process by both parties, the negotiation of a new collective bargain that was in the works between LPOA and the city was approved by the Laredo City Council unanimously during Mondays council meeting.
On Thursday morning, a plan to create a logistical point of sale project was announced as the products from the City of San Mateo Atenco, Estado de Mexico would be sold in Laredo as the two extend their bilateral efforts to exchange ideas and resources.

The delegation from San Mateo Atenco visited the Gateway City from July 28-30 to follow up on the sister cities agreement signed between both communities. The cities share an agreement since the two became sister cities in 2017 during the Laredo International Sister Cities Festival.

We developed this relationship thanks to the sister city program that we have, as the sister city (program) can be very beneficial as there is mutual exchange of whatever basically, City of Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz said. We are bringing in the talent and will be bringing soon the products of San Mateo Atenco that can be further developed and utilized with our systems, whether it is the fire department or whatever system or useful equipment that we may have.

The partnership between both cities is not new the City of Laredo Fire Department sent a fire engines to the city in September of last year. Now the people of the Mexican city have revived and revamped the vehicle for public use.

According to the mayor, the exchange of products and resources such as fire department equipment and others with these sister city communities is what helps other communities succeed and offer resources that they might not have had.

Sanez states that the agreement between both cities will help establish a selling center for the San Mateo Atenco to sell their local products such as footwear  they are recognized for their leather footwear that they sell.

We are planning on selecting a site where they can come in and showcase their products and also sell to the people as well items that normally that they dont see, Saenz said. So we are experimenting with that, and we really wish that it could be a great success.

The mayor stated that the site where merchants from San Mateo Atenco could set up shop would be more permanent in the area than the current Sister Cities Festival which unites the products of the communities Laredo has a sister cities program with.

San Mateo Atenco is recognized as one of Mexico's most vibrant exporters of artisan footwear in the country, which would be one of the staple products to be brought from Mexico through this partnership. Both the mayor and city manager expressed that they were wearing shoes from San Mateo Anteco during the morning press conference.

It is exciting because we see again these projects come into fruition and the work coming before us, Laredo City Manager Robert Eads said.

The mayor of San Mateo Antenco also expressed his gratitude for the city and the work that has been done to make these things possible. They hope the point of sale center becomes a place for people all over North America to come to know and buy the products of the central Mexican city.

I want to state our gratification from all the residents of San Mateo Atenco  we are a people that appreciates everything  and thanks to the City of Laredo for their attention. Since this process to become sister cities began, we have always felt good about this and know that this will be beneficial to both, San Mateo Atenco Mayor Julio Cesar Serrano Gonzalez said. We saw a good opportunity to distribute and also import our own culture, our own main staple products such as footwear leather from San Mateo Atenco and other things to exchange.

According to Gonzalez, Saenz has always been very attentive and in charge of all the dealings done with the city and has always allowed for their partnership to grow.

We are very glad to be able to bring our main products to this beautiful city, Gonzalez said. We are going to bring some artisan products and create a logistical point where people from Laredo can enjoy these products, but we also hope that people from all over the United States can enjoy these products by coming here to the border, as these products are very accessible in terms of price and great quality.

According to the Mexican city mayor, he also thanked the city for the fire truck donated to the city which has allowed them to create the citys first-ever fire station.

The rest of the delegation from San Mateo Atenco along with the mayor included councilmembers Gregorio Gonzalez Ortiz, Jair de Jesus Pichardo Zepeda and Diana Karen Gonzalez Espinoza.

Several Laredo councilmembers both present and not during the press conference also spoke to the value of the partnership with the city and how the sister cities program is beneficial for all involved.

This sister city agreement with San Mateo Atenco and all other sister cities has an immense benefit not only for Laredo but also for all the communities in Mexico and parts of the world. This is the part where we say that we finish our humanitarian effort and come back and see the economic development, District II councilmember Vidal Rodriguez said. This is the second part of the Sister Cities agreement between both cities. We will still continue the humanitarian help that is needed and innovating and helping the quality of life and innovation of things that may be needed in these communities.

Another of the councilmembers from Laredo also expressed how the investment from San Mateo Atenco goes to show how not just one community benefits but rather both.

This helps showcase what we have become as two countries coming together, two sister cities that are very important when it comes to the City of Laredo and of course San Mateo Atenco, District V councilmember Ruben Gutierrez Jr. said. They will invest with open arms, as we have a fantastic relationship with them, and I hope they feel the same way with us. Its a great partnership that we have seen.

Gutierrez stated that the fire truck donated last year to the city of San Mateo Atenco has not only benefited the city but also the surrounding areas of the city where it has been utilized to provide services for the people. The councilmember also stated that training between both of the cities fire departments is something expected to happen soon.

Although District IV councilmember Alberto Torres Jr. did not attend the morning press conference, he did tell LMT that he is glad for the delegation coming to the city and also excited for what is to come between the partnership.

We welcome the delegation of San Mateo Atenco to the City of Laredo as we strengthen our sister cities agreement with the capitol of handmade shoes from the Mexican Republic, Torres Jr. said. These partnerships strengthen our local economy as well as tourism which will incorporate this city's goods to a project the Conventions and Visitors Bureau is launching. Furthermore, we appreciate the attention of San Mateo Atenco's new municipal government and for their continued interest in building relations with our border city.

The mayor of San Mateo Atenco states that he hopes that the partnership continues to be great so the city can continue relying on Laredo and vice versa for both communities to grow and prosper.

We want to see Laredo as our big brother in who we want to confide what is good and bad in our city, and help us along the way to have more prosperity to have peace and ultimately to enhance and develop ourselves to be the best human beings possible, Gonzalez said. I really thank the City of Laredo for the faith that the city has provided upon us. This is the beginning of something very big.

San Mateo Atenco is located in the State of Mexico. It lies west of Mexico City and is part of the Toluca urban area bordering the city to the east.

The event was held at the City of Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau located at 101 Salinas Ave.

jorge.vela@lmtonline.com
DALLAS  An administrative court judge has ordered that anyone entering a Dallas County courthouse must be wearing a mask to be admitted.

The order Friday by Administrative District Judge Maricela Moore requires masks to be worn in the common areas of the George Allen Courthouse, which houses the countys civil courts; the Frank Crowley Courthouse, which houses its criminal courts; and the Henry Wade Building, which houses its juvenile courts. Those refusing could be barred from entering the buildings.

The order comes after Gov. Greg Abbott repeated his order banning any mask mandates by any state, county or local government entity. However, it cites as its authority a Texas Supreme Court order that confirms the judiciarys authority to take reasonable actions to avoid exposing court proceedings and participants to the threat of COVID-19.

Also cited is an opinion from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons office upholding broad judicial authority to control orderly court proceedings.

The order is effective starting Monday. A message to Abbotts office seeking comment was not immediately returned.

The order came as COVID-19 was on a renewed rampage across the state, fueled by the highly contagious delta variant. The Texas Department of State Health Services reported 15,893 new cases Friday, the most since Feb. 3. Of those, 726 new cases came from Dallas County. Over the past two weeks, the rolling average of daily new cases has risen by 183% to 5,100.

As of Thursday, the most recent day reported by state health officials, 5,846 people were in Texas hospitals with COVID-19, the most since Feb. 26. Fifty-seven new COVID-19 deaths were reported Friday, five of them in Dallas County.

Texas had almost 44% of its population fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Friday, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thats well below the national average of 57.2%.

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MORE ON THE PANDEMIC:

 CDC team: War has changed as delta variant dangers emerge

 US passport delays lead to long lines of would-be travelers

 Walmart mandates vaccines for home office workers

 Like Phantom: Broadway requires masks at theaters

 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:

HONOLULU  Hawaii officials announced 622 new COVID-19 cases, the highest number of confirmed infections since the start of the pandemic.

The total included cases from lab reporting delays from the past three days, officials said, but the number is still a significant spike for the state of about 1.4 million people. The seven-day positivity rate is now 5.1%, and officials said the average daily case count over the past three days is now over 300.

Previously, the record high total for confirmed cases in a single day was 355 set in August 2020.

Officials said the surge is associated with the highly contagious delta variant. Just over 60% of Hawaii residents are fully vaccinated.

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ATLANTA  Local officials in Georgia are scrambling to increase vaccination rates even as more schools continue telling students and employees to wear masks in the face of rising COVID-19 infection rates.

At least 23 districts statewide, covering nearly a third of the public school population, now say they will require everyone to wear a mask. Dooly County had already started class on Wednesday, and someone at the 1,200-student districts high school tested positive for the respiratory illness, prompting a mask mandate.

The Montgomery County school district on Friday delayed its start date by a week until Aug. 10, saying it had a staff shortage because too many teachers had been quarantined after exposure to COVID-19.

Districts have been shifting policy after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week advised universal mask use in schools.

Some parents are protesting mask mandates. Dozens of opponents gathered outside the administration building on Friday in Gwinnett County, Georgias largest school district.

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DENVER  Gov. Jared Polis has announced that state employees who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 will have to be tested twice a week for the coronavirus and continue to wear masks indoors in public spaces.

The Colorado Sun reports Polis made the announcement Friday, citing the rise of the extremely contagious Delta variant of the virus and similar direction for federal workers announced by President Joe Biden on Thursday.

State workers who are or get fully vaccinated wont be required to get the twice-weekly tests, Polis said in a statement. Employees who are tested must submit the results to human resources officials.

I have heard from state employees who are terrified that their unvaccinated co-workers will give them COVID-19 and want vaccination mandated, and from other state workers who have hesitation towards the vaccine, the Democratic governor said in emphasizing he was seeking a middle ground.

The new policy is effective Sept. 20. It covers about 30,000 state government employees who fall under the authority of the executive branch. It does not apply to judicial branch workers.

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NEW ORLEANS  New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is implementing a mandatory indoor mask mandate regardless of vaccination status and requiring that all city employees and city contractors be vaccinated against the coronavirus.

The mayor and top officials sounded the alarm during a quickly called Friday afternoon news conference, noting the alarming spike in coronavirus infections in a city that was an early hot spot for the pandemic.

All of our people need to mask up when they are indoors, Cantrell said.

The city has a little over 4,000 employees, and all will be required to get vaccinated, effective immediately, she said. Contractors wanting to work for the city must also get vaccinated.

Officials said the average daily case count in the city has nearly tripled, and six people have died in the last week. Especially concerning were the number of children falling ill, officials said.

This touches everyone in our community, said Cantrell. Our children are dying.

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CHICAGO  There is now an indoor mask advisory in Chicago for everyone over 2 years old.

The action taken Friday comes as the Centers for Disease Control recommended people, even if vaccinated, wear masks indoor in areas where there is a high transmission of COVID-19.

Chicagos health department has announced the city surpassed 200 new coronavirus cases per day on Friday.

Public health commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady says the step advising indoor mask use was made to prevent further spread of the highly contagious Delta variant.

The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 2,348 new confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19, the second time in three days the tally has topped 2,000.

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NEW ORLEANS -- Vaccinations and masks are both needed to slow a skyrocketing rate of new COVID-19 infections that is stressing health care facilities in Louisiana, Gov. John Bel Edwards said Friday, but Edwards stopped short of ordering a statewide mask mandate.

Having recommended statewide masking last week, Edward said he and state health officials would pore over the latest federal data before making a decision on a mandate, adding that an announcement would likely come Monday.

But, to a very large extent, whether it s a mandate or a recommendation, the people of Louisiana ought to be doing this, Edwards said at a news conference with state health officer Dr. Joseph Kanter.

Looming over his decision will be new findings from a big COVID-19 outbreak in Massachusetts. Scientists who studied the outbreak concluded that vaccinated people who got so-called breakthrough infections carried about the same amount of the coronavirus as those who did not get the shots.

Officials still stress that vaccines help protect against infections and, when infections occur, against serious illness requiring hospitalization.

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TORONTO  The Public Health Agency of Canada says two travelers who arrived in Toronto from the U.S. have been fined close to CDN$20,000 (US$16,029.37) for providing fake COVID-19 proof of vaccination documents and lying about pre-departure tests.

The pair also didnt comply with requirements to stay at a government-authorized hotel or to get tested upon arrival, the agency said in a new release Friday.

The travelers arrived last week and were handed four fines totaling CND $19,720 ( US$15,804.96) each.

For all travelers coming to Canada, it is important to be informed and to plan in advance, the release said. It is the travelers responsibility to ensure they are eligible to enter Canada and that they meet all of the mandatory requirements.

Canada eased quarantine requirements on July 5 for fully vaccinated Canadians and foreign nationals with an exemption to enter the country, but they must upload their proof of vaccination documents to the ArriveCAN app before entry.

Those who are not fully vaccinated are still required to stay for three days at a government-approved hotel, quarantine for 14 days and undergo tests pre-departure, post-arrival and eight days later.

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis barred school districts Friday from forcing students to wear masks when classes resume next month even as the states coronavirus cases and hospitalizations continue to skyrocket toward levels not seen since before vaccines became widely available.

The Republican governor said parents should decide whether their child should be masked, saying he has seen no studies that show mask-wearing lowers the chance of outbreaks in schools.

DeSantis is seeking re-election next year and has been positioning himself nationally for a possible 2024 presidential bid.

His decision comes after the Broward County school board this week voted to require masks and other districts and colleges around the state were considering it. The states confirmed coronavirus cases have grown nearly tenfold over the last month as the more contagious delta variant spreads.

Florida is responsible for about 20% of the new cases reported nationwide over the last three weeks, even though it makes up 6.5% of the population.

On a per capita basis, Florida is second nationally in both new cases, behind Louisiana, and hospitalizations, behind Nevada. While rare, pediatric hospitalizations for COVID-19 are also increasing statewide, studies show.

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MADRID  Spain announces a drop in the 14-day accumulated caseload of COVID-19 cases as part of prevailing downward trend in new infections, while the percentage of the Spanish population fully vaccinated hits 56.8%.

The health ministry reported Friday it had registered 326,127 new cases in the last 14 days, reflecting an incidence rate of 687 cases per 100,000 people.

Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the nation has also ordered 3.4 million extra Pfizer vaccines, with the aim of vaccinating 70% of the population by the end of August.

The new data comes as some Spanish regions push for vaccine certificates or negative COVID-19 tests to enter bars and restaurants, though they are facing legal challenges.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D.  South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem says she has no plans to ratchet up her messaging to urge people to get a COVID-19 vaccine, even as Republican leaders across the country try to persuade vaccine skeptics to roll up their sleeves and take the shots in response to a new, more contagious variant that has sent caseloads soaring in some parts of the country.

The Republican governor told The Associated Press this week she believes her messaging has reached a saturation level where people start to tune you out.

South Dakotas Department of Health is trying a targeted approach to reach groups where vaccine uptake has been low. But it has been months since the governor used her position to encourage the vaccine, even with infections rising again in the state after a steep decline in the spring and early summer.

Noems rise as a potential contender for the 2024 GOP presidential ticket has been mostly fueled by her hands-off approach to the pandemic.

The governor acknowledged the delta variant poses a new risk.

We might need to really step up our communication so that people understand how the variant is different, she said. You might see more communication from us if we start seeing cases dramatically increase.

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PHOENIX  Arizona has reported 1,965 new COVID-19 cases, the most in a single day since early March.

It comes as virus-related hospitalizations continued to climb. The additional cases and 24 deaths reported Friday come as health officials in Arizona and across the country cite low vaccination rates and the fast-spreading delta variant for increasing numbers.

Meanwhile, the Arizona Department of Health Services director spoke more about her departure next month during an interview on KTAR-FM.

She denied there was any rift between her and Gov. Doug Ducey and plans to take a senior position with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.

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BATON ROUGE, La.  Two staffers in Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards office have tested positive for the coronavirus.

The announcement Friday from Edwards office says both are at home, in isolation, in accordance with state and federal health guidelines.

The release gave no details on their condition of the staffers. It says both had been vaccinated and noted breakthrough cases of vaccinated people typically do not result in serious illness.

The governor, a Democrat, has previously been vaccinated and isnt in quarantine.

Coronavirus infections and hospitalizations in Louisiana are soaring amid urgent requests by government officials and health care providers for residents to get vaccinated.

Earlier, Edwards administration announced it is requiring Louisianas executive branch employees and visitors to state office buildings to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status.

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LOS ANGELES  Frustrated would-be travelers are overwhelming U.S. offices as easing COVID-19 travel restrictions have unleashed a pent-up demand for passports.

At the West Los Angeles Federal Building, hundreds of passport applicants camped out overnight this week for same-day appointments  only to be told that walk-ins were no longer being taken.

Wait times for new passports and renewals are now up to 18 weeks, causing many to seek expedited appointments at understaffed agencies for travel in the next few weeks. But even expedited appointments can take up to 12 weeks. Officials encouraged those without immediate travel plans to renew their passports by mail.

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DES MOINES, Iowa  Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has no plans to offer $100 incentives to Iowans to get the coronavirus vaccine.

Reynolds spokesman Pat Garrett says the governor doesnt plan to follow up on President Joe Bidens offer to states to spend $100 in federal funds for each newly vaccinated person to help slow the spread of the coronavirus delta variant.

While many states and some Iowa counties have offered incentives for citizens to get a COVID-19 vaccination, Iowas governor continues to call for citizens to get vaccinated, repeating its their choice.

Iowa had 49.5% of the population fully immunized Thursday, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. That ranks Iowa 21st in the nation.

Vaccination rates have fallen rapidly in Iowa since the spring, from a seven-day average of 17,000 people becoming fully vaccinated in May to 1,402 in recent days.

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ORLANDO, Fla.  A large hospital network in Florida announced it will postpone elective procedures due to the sharp rise in admissions.

Dr. Neil Finkler, chief clinical officer at AdventHealth in central Florida, says the network currently has 1,060 patients with COVID-19 of the 9,300 currently hospitalized in the state.

We have peaked above any previous wave, and it is straining our system, our physicians and all of our clinicians and team members, he said. Throughout the week, we hoped we would see a sign of slowing down. Unfortunately, we have not.

Dr. Finkler says hes imploring to the community to get vaccinated this weekend.

It really is remarkable, over 90% of our COVID inpatients are unvaccinated, he said. None of these patients thought they would get the virus. But the delta variant has proven to be so highly contagious that even the young and the healthy, including pregnant patients, are now starting to fill up our hospitals.

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NEW YORK  Vaccinations for COVID-19 and masks will be required for all Broadway audience members when theaters reopen in the coming weeks.

The Broadway League announced audience members must wear face coverings and show proof theyre fully vaccinated when they enter the theaters. Therell be exceptions to the vaccine rule for children under 12 and for people with a medical condition or religious belief that prevents vaccination. Those individuals will need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

Vaccinations will be required for performers, crew members and theater employees. The move comes a day after Actors Equity Association, the union which represents nearly 52,000 actors and stage managers, said it would require cast and crew members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Company members who are not vaccinated must wear masks, practice physical distancing and undergo testing at least twice a week. The protocols apply to both Broadway productions and Equity-backed shows across the nation.

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says hell issue an executive order barring local school districts from forcing students to wear masks when classes resume next month.

Thats despite skyrocketing coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in the state. The Republican governor says it should be up to parents to decide whether their child should be masked. He says he has seen no studies that show mask-wearing lowers the chance of outbreaks in schools. He didnt say when he would issue the order.

This week, the Broward County school district in Fort Lauderdale voted to require masks. Other districts and colleges around the state were considering masks as the confirmed cases have grown nearly tenfold in the last month.

Florida is responsible for about 20% of the new cases reported nationwide in the last three weeks, although just 6.5% of the total population.

On a per capita basis, Florida is second nationally in new cases (behind Louisiana), and hospitalizations (behind Nevada). While rare, pediatric hospitalizations for COVID-19 are also increasing statewide, studies show.
A trio of men are facing federal charges for their roles on behalf of the Cartel del Noreste, according to U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery on Thursday.

Luis Ramos, 43, made his initial appearance in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Christoper A. Dos Santos Thursday.

Ramos was taken into custody Tuesday. The Rio Bravo native was charged along with Mexican national Manuel Perez-Ortiz, 39, and Rio Bravos Arturo Mata Jr., 55.

The men are making their appearances in a Laredo court. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day is the prosecutor.

The men were charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to export firearms to Mexico. They face up to 20 years in prison for the money laundering conspiracy as well as a maximum $500,000 fine or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction.

The men also face three money laundering counts including international money laundering, which carry the same penalty. And conspiracy to export firearms charge carries a possible five-year sentence and a maximum $250,000 fine.

The U.S. Attorneys Office stated they will be in federal court again Aug. 12. A five-count indictment was returned on May 18.

The men are charged with allegedly buying half a million worth of high-powered weapons in May of 2020. These include machine guns, grenades, military-style rifles and rocket-propelled launchers. The indictment states the weapons were to be bought in the U.S. and smuggled into Mexico, and those associated with the CDN were to use them to battle rival cartels and assist in drug smuggling activities, the charges state.

Perez-Ortiz was allegedly sent to Laredo for the purchase.

In June of 2020, Ramos and Mata allegedly drover Perez-Ortiz to meetings to discuss the exchange, and Mata provided counter-surveillance, according to the indictment.

Ramos and Perez-Ortiz were arrested on June 19, 2020 and $500,000 was seized.

The U.S. Attorneys Office stated that the investigation was done by the Blue Indigo task force and part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force as part of an investigation called Operation Noreste.

OCDETF is the largest anti-crime task force in the country and states it is tasked to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States through prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency task forces that leverage the authorities and expertise of federal, state and local law enforcement.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Laredo Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Marshals Service and  along with the Bllue Indigo task force  Border Patrol.
3 1 of 3 Courtesy /DPS Aircraft Operations Division Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Courtesy /Texas Highway Patrol Show More Show Less 3 of 3





The Texas Highway Patrol - South Texas Region announced on Friday a vehicle pursuit which ended after troopers took out the vehicles tire.

The THP reported that at around 8:05 a.m. on Friday, a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper tried to stop a Ford F-150 on Interstate Highway 35, mile marker 23.
Three men accused of assaulting another man in Longford town last year have failed in their attempts to secure a relaxation of their bail conditions.

Michael Stokes (52), Patrick Stokes (24) and Ronan Stokes, all of Corboy, Edgeworthstown lodged applications to secure a loosening of their curfew conditions at last week's sitting of Longford District Court.

The trio appeared charged with assault causing harm to another man at Ballymahon Street, Longford on September 18 last year.

They are also facing charges of criminal damage three days later at 27 Lanna Aoibhinn, Longford which resulted in damage being caused to the front door and windows of a property.

Brid Mimnagh, defending, said her clients were very upset at how no book of evidence had been served despite the matter having appeared back in April and May on the proviso a book was being prepared.

She said a curfew time from 9pm was unjust on her clients especially as Mr Stokes' Snr's brother had passed away recently at a time of night which meant he was in danger of breaking his curfew conditions.

Mr Stokes himself addressed the matter to insist the constraints put on him were too harsh.

My brother died at 8:20pm and I had to be home for 9pm and then the Gardai came at 10pm to see if I was there (home), he said.

I am not guilty of these charges and the gardai know that.

Sgt Mark Mahon, said the State would be strongly objecting to any modifications to the trio's bail terms and said gardai would be acceptive in certain instances to using their discretion on compassionate grounds.

Mr Stokes, however, said he was becoming increasingly frustrated at how long the case was taking to be heard.

This is going on a year now and you must be sick of looking at my face, he told Judge Seamus Hughes.

In turning down the requests made by Mr Stokes and Ms Mimnagh, he invited the latter to make an application in writing to the court to have the accused men's bail conditions altered.

And, in adjourning the case until September 7, Judge Hughes said he would consider marking the case for peremptory against the State, meaning if that if there are no directions from the DPP on that occasion, he would consider striking out the matter.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is expected to decide in October whether two men who allegedly carried out an aggravated burglary in Longford earlier this year which left a man in hospital should be sent forward for trial.

Michael O'Brien (26) 40 Casey Court, Kenagh, Co Longford and Paul Owens (42) 27 Oakvale, Longford, were both remanded on contining bail at last week's sitting of Longford District Court.

Mr Owens, a father of four and a former Dublin County Council employee for 19 years and Mr O'Brien were also charged with allegedly carrying out a Section 3 assault on a man after they allegedly entered a business premises on Great Water Street, Longford town on May 26 2021.

Previously, the court had been told of how gardai had been alerted to an incident in the Great Water Street area of Longford town shortly before 9pm.

It was alleged all three had been in an apartment at 6 Weavers Hall, Longford when a row broke out resulting in a man being assaulted by Mr O'Brien.

A second male victim, who attempted to intervene and break up the altercation was also allegedly assaulted by Mr O'Brien.

The male victim, who works as a local barber, fled the scene and returned to his local business at Sannis Place, Great Water Street where the three accused allegedly returned a short time later.

Both men were remanded on continuing bail until October 5 2021.
The effects of the coronavirus pandemic have been devastating, so any help that the government can provide, such as stimulus checks, is most welcome. Across the USA, low-income and medium-income families have already received three stimulus checks and now a fourth stimulus check has just been approved.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law a state budget proposal that includes a fourth stimulus check for residents of the Sunshine State. Here, we explain what exactly this means and who is eligible.

Who is eligible for California's fourth stimulus checks?

It is expected that two-thirds of Californians will qualify for these latest payments. That's because individuals earning up to 75,000 dollars and families earning up to 150,000 dollars per year will qualify to receive the stimulus. Those people must, though, must have lived in California for more than half of the 2020 tax year and still reside in California when the check is sent out.

The main stimulus check will be for 600 dollars, but people with ITINs (Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers) can also receive an extra 600 dollars, while taxpayers with dependents can receive an extra 500 dollars.

To work out exactly how much your stimulus check will be, you can check this official estimator tool.

The fourth stimulus checks are approved, so when will they be sent out?

According to the State of California Franchise Tax Board, the payments will start in September of 2021. It's not happening straight away, then, but this is something for residents of California to look forward to.

Knowing that these extra stimulus checks are coming can help Californians to plan ahead for the rest of 2021, with so many families having had their income cut because of the pandemic.

"Direct stimulus checks going into people's pockets and direct relief is meaningful," Newsom said of these payments. "We recognize the acuity of stress associated with back rent and we recognize the acuity of stress as it relates to gas, electric and water bills. We can keep people housed. We can keep people warm and safe, and make sure that they are getting the kind of resources that they deserve during this very challenging period of time."
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History helps us understand where we came from and how we can shape the future. There are so many forgotten chapters of the glorious battles that have changed the way we live today and will continue to do so for generations.

One such story is that of Bundelkhands saviour, Chhatrasal - a leader who challenged the tyranny of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the mid 16th Century.

Wondering if youve heard his name before? Were sure you have. MX Player is bringing to life the story of this courageous ruler with a new show Chhatrasal - a one-of-a-kind historical drama based show on the life of King Chhatrasal. A king who dared to defy the formidable Aurangzeb!

Watch the trailer now:

Starring Jitin Gulati and Ashutosh Rana, this show should be on your weekend binge-list.

But how much do you know about this unsung warrior King Chhatrasal? Here are 5 facts about him that we found super interesting!

1. He was ahead of his times as a ruler

A ruler ahead of his time, he brought many revolutionary reforms into his kingdom. His acceptance of women priests back in the mid 16th century and the introduction of the canal system and Panchayat Raj are just testimony to his forward-thinking. His belief about religion stemmed from egalitarianism. He was one of the bravest and most spiritual leaders the kingdom had seen.

2. He was Mastanis father and considered Peshwa Baji Rao 1 as his son

Chhatrasal gave the hand of his daughter Mastani to Peshwa Baji Rao 1, whom he considered being like his son after the Peshwa helped him defeat Muhammad Khan Bangash.

3. Chhatrasal is a part of Bundelkhands identity

There are roads, colleges and even a university named after Chhatrasal today. The area of Chhatarpur is also named after this valiant Maharaja. A famous stadium, known for wrestling is called the Chhatrasal Stadium in North Delhi that was recently in the news when Sushil Kumar was arrested in connection with his alleged involvement in the death of a 23-year-old wrestler at the sam stadium.

MX Player

4. He was blessed with a kingdom of diamonds

Chhatrasal was a staunch disciple of Swami Prannath Ji. According to local folklore, he granted Chhatrasal with a boon that diamonds would always be found in his kingdom. He made Panna his capital and this eventually led to the discovery of the famed Panna diamond mines. It is said that because of him, Chhatrasal became prosperous.



5. He never lost any battle against the Mughals

Veer Chhatrasal fought 52 battles and has never lost any battle even once. He was highly admired for his strong spirit, honour, and love for his homeland.

Chhatrasal is a significant part of Bundelkhands culture and continues to inspire the youth even today.

The show is directed by Anadii Chaturvedi, narrated by the timeless Neena Gupta, and will additionally see Vaibhavi Shandilya, Manish Wadhwa, Anushka Luhar, Rudra Soni in pivotal roles.

Watch all episodes of the riveting saga of Chhatrasals fortitude on MX Player for FREE.
Shilpa Shetty certainly is going through a rather rough phase, because of the allegations that have been levelled against her husband Raj Kundra, and his involvement in the porn scandal.



 Instagram/theshilpashetty

Unsurprisingly, most Bollywood celebrities have decided to keep quiet over the subject. Now though, Shilpa seems to have a supporter in Hansal Mehta.



 Twitter/mehtahansal

The celebrated director recently took to Twitter, calling out celebrities in Bollywood for their silence, and media outlets for the very public and crass media trials that they conduct.



Hansal put out several tweets saying that up until the law decides on the matter, Shilpa Shetty should be allowed her dignity. He also claimed that the price of being a celebrity and being in the public eye, is that very often, they are left in the lurch and have to defend for themselves.

If you cannot stand up for her at least leave Shilpa Shetty alone and let the law decide? Allow her some dignity and privacy. It is unfortunate that people in public life ultimately are left to fend for themselves and are proclaimed guilty even before justice is meted out.  Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) July 30, 2021

Shilpa has been trolled online since her husband, Raj Kundra was arrested on the 19th of July, and has even filed a lawsuit against multiple publications and social media platforms for publishing defamatory content against her.



 Viral Bhayani

Mehta was particularly critical of the culture of silence that is prevalent among celebrities whenever something unfortunate befalls upon their fellow colleagues. He said, This silence is a pattern. In good times everybody parties together. In bad times there is deafening silence. There is isolation. No matter what the ultimate truth the damage is already done.



This vilification is a pattern. If the allegations are against a film person there is a rush to invade privacy, to pass sweeping judgement, to character-assassinate, to fill 'news' with trashy gossip - all at the cost of individuals and their dignity. This is the cost of silence.  Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) July 30, 2021

He added, "This vilification is a pattern. If the allegations are against a film person there is a rush to invade privacy, to pass sweeping judgement, to character-assassinate, to fill 'news' with trashy gossip - all at the cost of individuals and their dignity. This is the cost of silence.

Hansal Mehta had also defended Rhea Chakraborty last year when she was put through a vehement and unrelenting media trial for her alleged involvement in Sushant Singh Rajputs death by suicide.

 Viral Bhayani

Shilpa Shetty has claimed that because of the kind of stories that have been published by certain outlets, she has lost several of her endorsement deals, and is constantly receiving some nasty messages.



 Viral Bhayani

Claiming that her reputation is in tatters and that the falsities being published about her has caused her financial damages, she is seeking compensation to the tune of Rs 25 Crores from several media outlets.


Earlier this week, Shilpa Shetty had filed a plea with the Bombay High Court, asking the honourable court to order certain media outlets to take down articles, videos and social media posts about her and her alleged involvement in Raj Kundras porn scandal.



 BCCL

The plea alleged that the articles and posts published by the media outlets on their website and social media platforms were defamatory, because of which she was seeking damages to the tunes of Rs 25 Crores.



 Instagram/theshilpashetty

The Bombay High Court upon hearing the plea has decided to not restrain media outlets from writing about her. The court also said, that since most of the reports cite police sources and have been attributed to statements released by the police, they cannot be considered to be defamatory.



 Instagram/theshilpashetty

The main contention that Shetty had, were against the reports that claimed that she broke down and started shouting at her husband Raj Kundra, when the police searched their properties and house, and when her statement was being recorded. Shilpas lawyer argued that these incidents were something that happened between a husband and wife, and should not have been reported.



Justice Gautam Patel said that agreeing with what Shilpa Shetty is seeking in her plea will have a chilling effect on the freedom of the press.

 BCCL

Justice Patel also added that since Shilpa Shetty had chosen public life, her life would be under a microscope. He added, Articles saying she cried and fought with her husband when her statement was recorded, is not defamatory. It shows that she is a human. The court also observed that just because she is a public figure, it did not mean that she has sacrificed her right to privacy.



 Viral Bhayani

The court further stated that no media outlets would speculate upon Shilpas parenting and her children, as it was a concern raised by her lawyer.



The court, however, did order the removal of a few video posts that made a few derogatory comments about the actress. A few other media outlets had removed some of their videos, when the news broke that Shetty had approached the court.

The court also said in its order, No part of this order should be construed as a gag on the media. I am making no order, but this is not refusal of interim or ad-interim relief.
GULFPORT [ndash] Marsha Kay Nester was born in Meridian, Mississippi, June 26, 1950, and passed away Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at Memorial Hospital of Gulfport. Marsha was preceded in death by her parents, Willard Faye Nester and Claudean Nester of Decatur. She is survived by her daughter, K
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In summer 2020, The New York Times coordinated a nationwide project to document the lives of Americans out of work because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study involved collaborating with 11 other local newsrooms around the U.S. The Messenger-Inquirer was the only newspaper from Kentucky in the collaboration. The resulting collection of stories was published Oct. 23, 2020, in the New York Times print edition and at nytimes.com/outofwork. The following list is the Messenger-Inquirer's local unemployment coverage from that time period; read more by clicking the "New York Times Project" header. Click on "Out Of Work In America" to go to the full
Huron County businesses have expressed mixed feelings about recently receiving letters from the Governor.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer sent out letters of gratitude to more than 200 small businesses across Michigan who have stepped up in exceptional ways during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The three businesses in Huron County that received letters are Booms Accounting and Bad Axe Escape in Bad Axe, as well as National Filters in Harbor Beach.

During the pandemic, National Filters manufactured surgical masks, N95 masks, and respirators to help stop the spread, with which it had the financial support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Huron County Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan Strategic Fund and Tri-County Bank. The company was reportedly able to manufacture as many as 7,200 masks in an hour and 2,000 respirators in an hour.

Christina Isaac, the operations finance manager for National Filters, said the company was able to stay open during that time because it was considered an essential business. It manufactured masks first in its Harbor Beach location before production moved to Florida.

We shipped them everywhere, Isaac said. A lot of our customers when we started were in Michigan. We shipped them to local places like Cass City Dental. DTE bought a large quantity from us. When the operation switched to Florida, we had a wider customer base.

Ultimately, National Filters was able to produce masks from June 2020 to April 2021.

Its nice that a small business like ourselves in Harbor Beach is appreciated for what we did during that time, Isaac said about getting the letter.

Meanwhile, Booms Accounting and Bad Axe Escape received their letters for hosting a singular food drive early in the pandemic from the middle of March to early April, which Booms Accounting owner Brad Booms said was not very successful.

It was small to say the least, not anything large, Booms said, with the food drive taking place at both their locations along East Huron Avenue and the Bad Axe Escape volunteers handling deliveries. People could drop stuff off at either one.

Aside from this food drive, Booms Accounting did not do anything else of note that helped people out during the pandemic, other than helping people file taxes which is part of their normal operations.

I wasnt expecting it, Booms said about receiving the letter from Whitmer. Im not sure if we did enough to qualify. It feels like they did Google searches without knowing what these people did.

During the pandemic, Bad Axe Escape was forced to close its on-site location, which opened in October 2019, and become a mobile operation where they appear for different events and businesses. Booms said its owners did not receive such a letter.

The owners were not able to provide comment in time for this storys publication.

In the statement announcing these letters, Whitmers office said that these businesses converted their machines and labor to make and distribute personal protective equipment, fresh meals, and other necessary resources to frontline workers and other people in need. They also provided inspiration and offered services to combat loneliness in quarantine.

I am completely in awe of the resilience and determination of Michigans small businesses to stand strong and push forward during such unprecedented times, Whitmer said in a release. Small businesses are crucial to the success of our economy, and we are more than ready to get back on track and uplift out local entrepreneurs to continue to make this state a great place to live and work.

Among the many businesses in the county that did not receive such letters, Kevin Wiley, who owns the Pasta House in Kinde with his wife Helen, said they still take the pandemic seriously. Over a year after the pandemic reached Michigan, the restaurant still offers curbside service, has 60% of its staff from before the pandemic, and is closed on Mondays due to the short staff. It also closes two hours earlier so that staff are not burned out.

We still do curbside because people are accustomed to having their food delivered in a car, Wiley said, adding that at this point curbside makes up about 30% of the restaurants business. We have it down to a T with timeframes, vehicles, and descriptions.

Other business they get includes make-up banquets that had to be canceled last year, which range from family reunions to celebrations of life after a loved on died last year.

The Pasta House is planning to host the Kinde Polka Festival in September and while Wiley hopes a lot of people attend, he also hopes that people who are not vaccinated do so and that Huron County stays on the downside of COVID cases, even as cases of the delta variant is appearing in Michigan.

The fact that the Pasta House did not receive such a letter does not bother Wiley since he is continuing to do his part in trying to limit the spread of COVID-19 by being cautious. He also said that throughout all this, the business still had the support of people in Kinde and all over.

Im happy we stuck together and have the communitys support, Wiley said. Im a happy person at this point. We weathered the worst thing that could happen to a business, which is to close.
The Michigan Senate has approved another way of utilizing federal recovery funds, this time on infrastructure projects.

The MI Safe Drive plan, which was approved in the Senate recently, would use $1.3 billion in federal American Recovery Act funds to fix bridges in severe condition across the state. Of the nearly 12,000 bridges in Michigan, 7,038 are managed by local municipalities and over 400 of them are in critical need of repairs.

The MI Safe Drive plan is a great way to fix a significant number of failing bridges throughout Michigan, and in the Thumb region, without sticking residents with the bill, said State Senator Dan Lauwers, who voted for this legislation. With the 25th District  Huron, Sanilac, St. Clair and part of Macomb counties  having the greatest number of bridges within the state, there is no doubt that bridges are the costliest transportation asset for local governments.

At least 19 bridges in Lauwers district are listed in critical condition and scheduled for replacement. St. Clair County has the second-most bridges in the state, after Wayne County.

Were surrounded by water, so it's natural we have a lot of bridges, Lauwers said.

Lauwers does not know if that amount of funding will cover every bridge in the state that needs this, given that the average cost of replacing a bridge is around $1.2 million. It will still go a long way for bridges in Michigan that do get fixed.

Were using this money for one-time funding, for something that will last for decades, Lauwers said. This will get us caught up in our infrastructure needs.

The plan also includes over $195 million to cover local road agency revenue losses and $126 million in federal money to improve safety at several intersections between railways and roadways.

Lauwers said that due to reduced driving across the state last year, road agencies lost revenue because they depend on gas taxes to help make road repairs. The money given to them will bring their budgets up to 2019 levels.

The bill still has to make its way through the state House of Representatives, which is expected to take it up the next time they are in session later this month.
(Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net)

Register your team now or join the Midland County Senior Services team in this year's Walk to End Alzheimer's, which is set for Oct. 9.

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimers Association Walk to End Alzheimers is the worlds largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimers care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.
Sundae Funday

Shelton

Every day is Sundae at Shelton's new stop for unique ice cream. The Sundae Funday bus, an ice cream mobile, opened in June, serving up custom soft-serve blends with a variety of decadent toppings and sauces. The menu features chocolate and vanilla ice cream from Big Dipper in Prospect, which is blended to order with customers' choice of mix-ins and toppings. Customers can choose their own adventure, or pick predesigned blends like "Fred Flintstone" with vanilla ice cream, Fruity Pebbles cereal and marshmallow and the "Puff Daddy," with chocolate ice cream, Reese's Puffs cereal and peanut butter sauce.



The truck is parked at 484 Bridgeport Avenue Tuesday through Friday from 5 to 9 p.m, and Saturdays from 4 to 10 p.m., weather permitting. On Sunday afternoons, theyre at Bad Sons Beer Co. in Derby. sundaefundayicecream.wordpress.com and @SundaeFundayBus on Facebook and Instagram.
Venice, FL (34285)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. High 86F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low 79F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
DAKAR, Senegal (AP)  A resurgence of coronavirus cases in West Africa is hitting the region hard, inundating cemeteries where funeral numbers are rising and hospitals where beds are becoming scarce.

Those visible shifts are also pushing a reluctant population to seek out the vaccines in larger numbers at a time when shipments of doses are arriving from multiple sources after nearly grinding to a halt in recent months.

Thousands of new COVID-19 cases have been reported in the region in the past few weeks amid low vaccination rates and the spread of the delta variant, with some countries seeing their highest numbers since the pandemic began.

Residents who were previously wary of getting shots as conspiracy theories spread online are now lining up by the thousands from Liberia to Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal.

At the beginning, there were people who gave false information, but when people noticed an increase of contaminations and deaths, people understood that only vaccination can save them, said Bamba Fall, mayor of the Medina municipality in Senegals capital, Dakar.

Shortages and delays have caused Africa's 54 countries to fall far behind wealthier nations in their COVID-19 vaccine rollouts. Some 82 million doses have arrived on the continent to date, though that is just 10% of the number needed to vaccinate 30% of its population by the end of 2021, said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization regional director for Africa.

But more shipments are finally rolling in, steering the continent of 1.3 billion people into an encouraging phase after a bleak June, Moeti said. Theres light at the end of the tunnel on vaccine deliveries to Africa, but it must not be snuffed out again."

Nigeria, Africas most populous country with more than 210 million people, next month will receive more than 29 million Johnson & Johnson vaccines purchased by the government through the African Union. Its also expecting 4 million doses of Moderna and almost 700,000 AstraZeneca vaccines through the COVAX program and from donations by the United States and the United Kingdom, according to Health Minister Osagie Ehanire.

Nigeria's virus cumulative case count recently topped 172,200, an increase of more than 4,500 cases since July 10. Its seven-day rolling average of daily new cases more than doubled over the past two weeks, from 0.06 new cases per 100,000 people on July 15 to 0.17 new cases per 100,000 people on July 29, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Isolation centers that were closed after a previous surge are being reopened in anticipation of a large number of patients, said Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, director-general of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control.

Meanwhile, confirmed cases in Senegal, which had been ahead in the fight against the virus, leapt from only 380 on July 10 to 1,700 on July 18, the highest number since the pandemic began, according to the Ministry of Health.

Dakar's main cemetery also is seeing large numbers of funerals, many that were likely due to COVID-19 but werent recorded as such.

I came for an uncles funeral. He died at home. Out of modesty, he did not take the tests, but everything suggests that he died of COVID-19, because he had symptoms of the disease, said Saliou Ndoye. This situation is worrying. There are a lot of deaths.

Senegal is employing more community-focused campaigns as residents see people close to them  including those young and healthy  succumbing to the disease.

Senegalese dont know where to turn, resident Khalifa Abbacar Diop said. We are afraid.

The country received nearly 300,000 Johnson & Johnson doses and more than 330,000 of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine in the past week. Tens of thousands of residents are waiting for a second dose of AstraZeneca, but it is out of stock and new deliveries are not expected until August.

An increase in hospitalizations and deaths is leading many residents across West Africa to get inoculated.

Initially, I was hesitant to take the vaccine because I saw many conspiracy theories and also the anti-vaccine media campaign appeared stronger, Harris Fomba Tarnue, principal of the Booker Washington Institute, Liberias oldest technical high school, told The Associated Press.

But when I reflected a lot on taking vaccines in the 60s and 70s, and the (beneficial) impact vaccines now have on global health, I concluded its a must for me and my family to take, Tarnue said.

Liberia received 96,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine through the COVAX initiative, but the first consignment of about 27,000 had only a month lifespan and expired as people were reluctant to get the shots, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Francis Kateh said.

The country received more than 300,000 Johnson & Johnson doses on Sunday, about two weeks after it ran out of AstraZeneca with at least 86,000 people awaiting a second dose.

Since its vaccine drive started in March, only 9,579 people in the nation of nearly 5 million have been fully vaccinated, according to the health minister.

In Ghana, President Nana Akufo-Addo raised the alarm Sunday as new confirmed infections tripled, stretching hospitals and ICU wards to their limit.

Ghana cannot afford to allow the recklessness of a few to endanger the lives of the majority of persons in the country, he said, announcing masks are now mandatory in public places.

Ghana is committed to vaccinating 20 million people, representing its entire adult population, by the end of this year, he said.

He pledged $25 million to start an institute that would allow Ghana to produce vaccines, and not be dependent upon foreign manufacturers. South Africa is currently the only country in sub-Saharan Africa that has the capacity to manufacture the doses.

___

AP reporters Babacar Dione in Dakar; Jonathan Paye-Layleh in Monrovia, Liberia; Francis Kokutse in Accra, Ghana; and Sam Olukoya in Lagos, Nigeria, contributed.
A junior sailor charged with arson in connection with the fire aboard the Bonhomme Richard last summer insists that he's innocent and is currently out of jail ahead of a trial, his attorney told Military.com.

On Thursday, the Navy announced that it had charged a sailor in connection with the conflagration that began July 12, 2020, in the ship's "Deep V" lower cargo hold. The blaze lasted for four days and burned at more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. The incident is considered the Navy's worst U.S. warship fire outside of combat in recent history.

Navy leaders announced in November, four months after the blaze, that the Bonhomme Richard would be scrapped after determining it would take at least $2.5 billion and five years to fix. The 22-year-old, 40,000-ton Wasp-class amphibious assault ship was designed to embark, deploy and land Marines, as well as launch some attack aircraft.

Read Next: As Vaccine Push Increases, DoD Will Start Asking Troops if They Got the Shot

Dismantling of the ship began April 15.

Although the Navy has not publicly named the sailor, Cmdr. Sean Robertson, spokesman for the Navy's Third Fleet based in San Diego, told Military.com on Friday that the male sailor, an E-2, is facing charges under Article 110, wrongful hazarding of a vessel, and Article 126, aggravated arson, of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Gary Barthel, the defense attorney for the accused sailor, said that his "client is adamant that he's not guilty of anything that he's been charged with."

"He maintains his innocence," he added.

The sailor is not currently locked in the brig, the attorney said.

"He's currently performing his duties on a daily basis," Barthel said, explaining that the accused arsonist is on shore duty, stationed with an amphibious squadron command in San Diego.

"To my knowledge, there's no reason and there's no intent on putting him back in the brig," Barthel said.

Robertson said that, while a timeline for any trial is not yet available, a preliminary hearing is the next step.

"Right now, we are in a position where the charges have been preferred. It means ... he's been charged," Robertson explained.

The accused sailor spoke with investigators shortly after the fire and was confined to the Marine Corps Station Miramar brig for several months late last year before being released, Barthel said.

Neither the Navy nor Barthel would release the name of the sailor. Roberston said the government will identify the man if the charges are referred to court-martial. Barthel said that he didn't "want to bring any more anxiety to him than what he's already going through."

The defense attorney explained that he has not yet seen the Navy's evidence but added, "That's not unusual."

News of the charges does not signal any change in the release of the now-completed command investigation into the blaze. Lt. Katie Diener, a Navy spokeswoman, told Military.com that the report is still undergoing command review and will be released "later this summer."

-- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @ktoropin.

Related: One Year After the Bonhomme Richard Fire, Questions Remain Unanswered
PRAGUE (AP)  The Czech government on Friday approved a program of help for Afghans who worked with Czech troops during their deployment in NATO missions.

Defense Minister Lubomir Metnar said the help meant for Afghan interpreters and their families includes their relocation, an offer of asylum and financial aid.

Metnar said the goal of the program is to ensure safe and decent live conditions for them after NATO troops pull out of Afghanistan.

The governments move came days after the Czech veterans, current service members, human rights organizations and others urged the government to help resettle the Afghans because of the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan.

NATO troops are ending a deployment launched against al-Qaida and Taliban forces in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks.

President Milos Zeman asked the government on Thursday to approve the program without any delay because of fears that Afghans who worked with the Czech military could be killed by the Taliban.

The Defense Ministry declined to provide further details about the program, which is classified in order to protect its recipients. Their number wasn't given.

The last Czech service members pulled out from Afghanistan in June.

Since 2002, a total of 11,500 Czech soldiers were deployed in Afghanistan. Fourteen Czechs were killed.
Whether we call it reskilling or upskilling, the outcome is the same. The process simply takes an existing employee from a declining industry or career field and teaches them the skills required to work in an up-and-coming one. This means the worker is able to improve their career trajectory without the need for lengthy and often expensive education courses at college or universities.

Intellectual Point is a Northern Virginia-based information technology training and workforce development company that provides reskilling training and certifications to those looking to switch careers. To do this, it uses in-person and virtual training courses to certify those individuals looking for the most in-demand careers in IT today, including programs in Python, Blockchain and ethical hacking, just to name a few.

The company offers this training to anyone who can meet the requirements of the programs and can attend classes, either online or in person. Now, Intellectual Point is looking to assist its veteran graduates gain meaningful employment after completing its programs.

Intellectual Point is a great reskilling resource for separating veterans. The company is approved for the VAs Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses for Training Providers (VET TEC) program as well as the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) program, both of which pay for the veterans training at Intellectual Point.

Read Next: How Veterans Can Get Free Training if They Lost a Job to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Veterans studying at Intellectual Point also can attend training through the Defense Departments SkillBridge program, which allows the service member to work through its training courses during the last 180 days of their service, all while receiving full pay and benefits. Intellectual Point also is approved for COOL funding with the Army and Air Force.

After completing a training and certification course, Intellectual Points Office of Veteran Services will help vets with their new resume, complete their LinkedIn profile and (if possible) place them in a job through their corporate partners.

Because there's so many resources available to veterans, sometimes it's a little bit overwhelming to know where to go, says Lindsay King, Intellectual Points director of veteran services. What we try to do is to create partnerships so that we can connect particular veteran graduates with the proper resources and the best opportunities for them.

King has a lot of experience working in higher education in general, and with veterans specifically. Shes worked as the veterans admissions officer at a handful of educational institutions as well as a military specialist at the American Council on Education.

Our program aims to get the graduate to meaningful employment after they complete our program, she says. The majority of our student population is transitioning, whether that is a transitioning service member or someone who's coming to us from a declining industry. So we've really tried to provide a holistic support model. We're not trying to produce graduates; we're trying to get people to their overall goal of higher employment.

Everyone interested in becoming an Intellectual Point student first must submit a resume, whether theyre currently employed or not, for the program to assess their best career opportunities. Then after submitting their interest form, the veteran will meet with one of the companys career counselors to get a feel for their individual interests and goals and determine the best way forward.

Its about giving that extra white glove walkthrough, if you will, King says. Once we find the program or career pathway to put them into, then they would go through that training, pass their certifications and meet a career services specialist to connect them with opportunities.

To browse the skills and certifications available to Intellectual Point students, visit its skills assessment page. To get started with Intellectual Point, fill out an interest form on its website.

-- 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.
SkillBridge is one of the most groundbreaking programs the U.S. military ever introduced to help transition service members into civilian life. It allows veterans looking to separate from the military to work in training opportunities, internships and apprenticeships during the last 180 days of their enlistment while still receiving full pay and benefits.

The only problem is that navigating SkillBridge to browse those opportunities is a notoriously difficult task. 50Strong was founded to help bridge the gap between the way the military works and the way the civilian world works, and it starts with an internship tool. Simply click here and scroll down to the middle of the page to start browsing.

50Strong was founded by Kandi Tillman, a former corporate executive whose resume boasts some pretty impressive names, like Oracle, Proctor & Gamble and Standard & Poor. Its safe to say she knows something about getting a job in the civilian world. When she met her now-husband, Kevin Tillman, he was a veteran struggling to get what he calls "a regular job."

Kandi helped her husband with every aspect of his job search, from resume writing to employer referrals. Eventually, he landed a job at Lockheed Martin. The pair eventually founded 50Strong with the mission of smoothing out the process for any and all veterans.

Their idea is that military norms to which veterans are accustomed often do not make the jump into the ways civilian companies look for and hire talent. 50Strong has developed a twofold approach to facilitating the process of helping veterans understand the way their new world works.

For those looking to separate from the military sooner rather than later, 50Strong brings its industry partners to events on military installations across the United States looking for talent in certain career fields. These include big-name organizations such as the Mayo Clinic, Amazon and General Dynamics. They hold networking sessions and discussions about working in various sectors and how the civilian onboarding process actually works.

For those who are interested in finding a SkillBridge program for their last six months in the military, theyve developed the SkillBridge Connect tool. It lists internship opportunities in alphabetical order, in a forever-scrolling widget on their website.

While theres nothing really wrong with the way service members can browse SkillBridge opportunities on the SkillBridge website, the DoD site lists the internships by location and limits the showings to 10 listings per page. When youre browsing through more than a thousand programs, it can get pretty cumbersome.

Scrolling through all the opportunities on the same page makes it easier than ever to find a potential program. Once you find it on the SkillBridge Connect tool, you easily can search for it in the DoD SkillBridge Locations page.

For example, scrolling through 50Strongs widget, one can find the Operation Socrates K-12 teaching internship in Syracuse, New York. Theres no direct link through the widget but jumping over to the DoD page, you can just search for Syracuse and the Operation Socrates link pops right up.

Easy.

50Strong isnt just out to help service members transition into civilian life (though thats the companys main focus). It also offers support to military-connected students, military spouses, civilian employers, and colleges and universities looking to attract veterans into their programs and organizations.

For a list of 50Strong events and programs, visit the companys website and scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the latest updates. Using the 50Strong SkillBridge Connect tool is just as easy. Just browse through the opportunities on the 50Strong tool, then navigate over to SkillBridge Locations and search for it to learn more.

-- 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.
On June 11, the Federal Emergency Management Agency authorized a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help pay for fighting the Pack Creek Fire
Weather Alert

...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT... The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Gallatin, Glacier, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Mineral, Missoula, Pondera, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow, and Teton counties in effect until further notice. due to increasing particulate concentrations from local and regional fires This alert will be updated again at 9 AM MDT 8/4/21. An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedence of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. As of 9 AM MDT, Particulate levels in Libby and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy As of 9 AM MDT, Particulate levels in Bozeman, Cut Bank, Great Falls, Hamilton, Missoula, and Seeley Lake are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups As of 9 AM MDT, Particulate levels in Billings, Birney, Broadus, Butte, Dillon, Frenchtown, Helena, Lewistown, Malta are Moderate When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mt.gov
COLUMN: Critical Race Theory  What is it and is it taught in Montrose County School District?
July 31, 2021 Leaving Out Context To Vilify Iran's New President The New York Times is using a dubious criminal case in Sweden to vilify president-elect of Iran Ebrahim Raisi over his alleged involvement in the execution of prisoner. The smear works, but only because the New York Times decided to leave out the historical context. Murder Trial in Sweden Could Shine Unsavory Light on Irans New President First some details on the trial in Sweden: He was a 28-year-old student and member of a communist group in Iran serving a 10-year prison sentence in 1988 when, according to his family, he was called before a committee and executed without a trial or defense.

...

The student, Bijan Bazargan, was among an estimated 5,000 prisoners belonging to armed opposition and leftist groups in Iran, who Amnesty International and other rights groups say were executed in the summer of 1988.

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Now, a Swedish court will prosecute a former Iranian judiciary official for war crimes and murder in connection with Mr. Bazargans death. The case carries some notably public and damaging implications for Irans president-elect, Ebrahim Raisi, who helped decide which prisoners lived or died during those mass executions. The defendant, Hamid Noury, 59, was indicted on Tuesday in Sweden, ..

...

Mr. Noury served as an assistant to the deputy prosecutor at the Gohardasht prison where Mr. Bazargan and hundreds of prisoners were sent to the gallows. The mass executions represent one of the most brutal and opaque crackdowns by the Islamic Republic against its opponents. International rights groups say they amount to crimes against humanity. Some assistant to a deputy prosecutor of some prison, who was at that time 26 years old, is accused of alleged involvement in the trial by committee and execution of a prisoner who had previously been sentenced to 10-years. To accuse some minor assistant over this sounds a bit fishy to me but is for the Swedish courts to decide. The highlighted paragraph are tying to tie that case with Ebrahim Raisi who is at center of the second half of the NYT piece: Mr. Raisi, 60, was a member of the four-person committee that interrogated prisoners and issued execution orders. Mr. Raisi has said he was acting under the direction of the founding father of the revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who had ordered a committee be formed to facilitate the executions. Allegations of Mr. Raisis work on that committee have shadowed him through his ascent in Irans hierarchy, where he had been the head of the judiciary before the June election that vaulted him to the presidency. Amnesty International has called for a formal investigation of Mr. Raisis past. Raisi was indeed part of such a committee but the prisoners standing in front of it were of a very special type. This was in summer of 1988. The Iran Iraq war was coming to an end. Iraq had attacked Iran in 1980, shortly after Iran's revolution. The war took eight years and ended in a draw. It was an extremely brutal war as Iraq fired hundreds of missiles against Iranian cities and used chemical weapons against Iranian soldiers and civilians. Up to a half million soldiers died on each side. Iraq had at the time the full support of the 'west'. On July 20 1988 Iran accepted a ceasefire under UN Security Council resolution 598. The war was over. But one group, an Iranian cult that had fought on the Iraqi side and was backed by the CIA, decided to fight on: Operation Mersad ( "ambush") was the last big military operation of the war. Both Iran and Iraq had accepted Resolution 598, but despite the ceasefire, after seeing Iraqi victories in the previous months, Mujahadeen-e-Khalq (MEK) decided to launch an attack of its own and wished to advance all the way to Tehran. Saddam and the Iraqi high command decided on a two-pronged offensive across the border into central Iran and Iranian Kurdistan. Shortly after Iran accepted the ceasefire the MEK army began its offensive, attacking into Ilam province under cover of Iraqi air power. In the north, Iraq also launched an attack into Iraqi Kurdistan, which was blunted by the Iranians. On 26 July 1988, the MEK started their campaign in central Iran, Operation Forough Javidan (Eternal Light), with the support of the Iraqi army. The Iranians had withdrawn their remaining soldiers to Khuzestan in fear of a new Iraqi invasion attempt, allowing the Mujahedeen to advance rapidly towards Kermanshah, seizing Qasr-e Shirin, Sarpol-e Zahab, Kerend-e Gharb, and Islamabad-e-Gharb. The MEK expected the Iranian population to rise up and support their advance; the uprising never materialised but they reached 145 km (90 mi) deep into Iran. In response, the Iranian military launched its counter-attack, Operation Mersad, under Lieutenant General Ali Sayyad Shirazi. Iranian paratroopers landed behind the MEK lines while the Iranian Air Force and helicopters launched an air attack, destroying much of the enemy columns. The Iranians defeated the MEK in the city of Kerend-e Gharb on 29 July 1988. On 31 July, Iran drove the MEK out of Qasr-e-Shirin and Sarpol Zahab, though MEK claimed to have "voluntarily withdrawn" from the towns. Iran estimated that 4,500 MEK were killed, while 400 Iranian soldiers died. It were mostly the prisoners taken during the MEK attack on Iran that the committee Raisi belonged to had to handle. These prisoner were not part of a regular army. They were not Iraqis but Iranians who had fought against their own country. They had invaded Iran after a ceasefire had been declared. These were not regular prisoners of war but quite arguably captured terrorists. As the retired Indian Ambassador M.K. Bhadrakumar wrote in piece on Raisi: Iran smashed the MEK assault and that set the stage for the so-called death commissions of the prisoners, terrorists and others. Inevitably, those executed included agents of the western intelligence. The executions couldnt have been carried out except on Khomeinis orders. Now, Raisi was a young man of 27 when he reportedly served on a revolutionary panel involved in sentencing Irans enemies to death. Wikipedia notes of those who were executed: The majority of those killed were supporters of the People's Mujahedin of Iran, although supporters of other leftist factions, including the Fedaian and the Tudeh Party of Iran (Communist Party), were executed as well. While the commissions who decided these cases were not full courts, were at least stacked with jurists. Raisi had previously been a deputy prosecutor in Tehran. For many years the MEK continued to launch terror attacks within and outside of Iran. The U.S. eventually designated the MEK a terrorist organization. I am personally against the death penalty. But I find it hard to believe that anyone who puts himself into the historic context will find much fault with what Raisi and other members of such commissions have done at that time. The New York Times though will not even let you know that context. Posted by b on July 31, 2021 at 17:04 UTC | Permalink Comments
WARSAW, Poland (AP)  Germanys center-right candidate to replace Angela Merkel as chancellor in the country's September election said he feels deep shame and humility over Nazi Germanys crimes against the Poles during World War II.

Armin Laschet spoke to Polands daily Rzeczpospolita, excerpts of which were published Saturday, ahead of full publication Monday.

Laschet said he had a personal urge to attend the weekend anniversary observances in Warsaw of the citys ill-fated 1944 revolt against Nazi German occupation that began in 1939.

The crimes that the Germans committed against the whole Polish nation fill me with deep shame and humility, Laschet said.

This responsibility will determine our policy toward Poland also in the future, said Laschet, who leads Merkels Christian Democrats party, and who is the front runner in the polls ahead of the election.

Germany must always be aware of its historical responsibility for Poland's freedom and independence, Laschet said.

Germany was a great advocate of Poland's joining the European Union in 2004 and is attentive to the current rule-of-law conflicts between the right-wing Polish government in Warsaw and the EU's leading bodies.

Laschet visited a monument to the children who fought in the Warsaw Rising and attended a Mass and a roll-call ceremony, where Polands President Andrzej Duda gave a speech.

On Sunday, exactly 77 years since the start of Warsaw's two-month devastating struggle against the occupying Nazi German forces, Laschet was to visit the Warsaw Rising Museum. Poland is marking the anniversary with wreath-laying ceremonies, prayers and concerts.

The revolt ended in the surrender of the Polish Home Army resistance fighters. Some 10,000 fighters and up to 200,000 residents were killed in the struggle and the German bombings. The Germans expelled the remaining residents, sending many to death camps like Auschwitz, and destroyed the city, believing it would never rise from the rubble or be Polands capital again.
CNN will air a film this weekend about the rescue of Baby Jessica, the infant who fell into a well in her aunts backyard in Midland and was trapped for 58 hours.

The film titled 58 Hours: The Baby Jessica Story will feature interviews with first responders and reporters who were at the scene in October 1987, according to a press release. The documentary will also explore how the event impacted the community after the media attention died down.

In a trailer for the film, the rescue of 18-month-old Jessica McClure is described as the first example of an event that received 24-hour news coverage. National and local news stations broadcast images of rescue workers drilling a shaft parallel to the well so paramedics could retrieve McClure.

The infant became stuck after falling through an 8-inch opening of an abandoned well while playing with other children in the backyard of her aunts home day care center. She fell 22 feet and crews worked nonstop over the next 2 1/2 days to rescue McClure.

Despite a month-long hospitalization and multiple surgeries following the fall, McClure went on to live a normal life. According to a 2017 People Magazine article, McClure is now married with two children and works as a teachers aide in Midland.

Strangers donated about $1.2 million to a trust that McClure was able to access when she turned 25. She told People most of the money was lost during the 2008 stock market crash and the remainder was used to purchase a house for her family.

Others involved in the Baby Jessica story faced challenges after her rescue, according to an article from the History Channel. McClures parents divorced several years after the accident, and rescue workers later feuded over a potential Hollywood movie deal. In 1995, a paramedic involved in saving McClure died by suicide, reportedly in part because of post-traumatic stress disorder.

The CNN film about the rescue will air at 8 p.m.(CDT) Saturday.
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The MARC board of directors has named Kayla Minchew as the new executive director of MARC. Minchew will succeed Charlotte Bosecker, who served MARC for over 30 years.

We are excited to welcome Kayla as the next executive director of our organization as we transition into a new era. Kaylas passion and care for those MARC serves is apparent to anyone who meets her. One of Midlands best qualities is the selfless dedication of its citizens in service of others, especially those in need, and Kayla is one of the best examples, said Jonny Heins, board president of MARC.
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Tourists returning to Grand Canyon, but not like before the pandemic, business owners say
BERLIN (AP)  An explosion at an industrial park for chemical companies in Germany killed at least two people on Tuesday, with 31 others injured and several still missing hours later. Fire officials who tested the air said there did not appear to be a danger to nearby residents after authorities initially urged people to shelter inside.

The explosion at the waste management facility of the Chempark site in Leverkusen, near Cologne, sent a large black cloud into the air. It took firefighters almost four hours to extinguish the fire that took hold after the explosion.

Germanys Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance initially classified the incident as an extreme threat." Later on Tuesday, however, the Cologne fire department tweeted that pollution measurements do not show any kind of abnormality. They said the smoke had diminished but that they would continue to measure the air for toxins.

The city of Leverkusen said the explosion occurred in storage tanks for solvents.

Later Tuesday, Chempark operator Currenta said that a second fatality had been confirmed. It put the number of injured at 31 and said five employees were missing.

Unfortunately hope of finding them alive is fading rapidly, the head of Chempark, Lars Friedrich, said in a statement.

City officials asked all residents to stay inside until the late afternoon and warned people from outside Leverkusen to avoid the region. City officials later also warned people not to let children play outside, use outside pools or eat fruit and vegetables from their backyards in the coming days. They said experts would only be able to tell in a few days how toxic the soot from the explosion would be.

Currenta said the explosion happened at 9:40 a.m. and then developed into a fire. It said three big tanks were affected by the explosion, but that it was too early to know the cause.

Sirens were operated to warn residents and warning alerts were sent, Currenta said.

Police shut down several nearby major highways for several hours.

Leverkusen is home to Bayer, one of Germanys biggest chemical companies. It has about 163,000 residents and borders Cologne, which is Germany's fourth biggest city and has around 1 million inhabitants. Many residents work at Bayer, which is one of the biggest employers in the region.

The chemical park is located close to the banks of the Rhine river.

Currenta has three facilities in the region. More than 70 different companies are based at the locations in Leverkusen, Dormagen and Krefeld-Uerdingen.

The mayor of Leverkusen, Uwe Richrath, called the blast a tragic moment for Leverkusen."
The signs and banners are dotted along suburban commercial strips and hanging in shop windows and restaurants, evidence of a new desperation among Americas service-industry employers: Now Hiring, $15 an hour.

It is hardly the official federal minimum wage  at $7.25, that level hasnt been raised since 2009  but for many lower-skilled workers, $15 an hour has increasingly become a reality.

Businesses, particularly in the restaurant, retail and travel industries, have been offering a $15 wage to try to fill enough jobs to meet surging demand from consumers, millions of whom are now spending freely after a year in lockdown. And many of the unemployed, buoyed by stimulus checks and expanded jobless aid, feel able to hold out for higher pay.

The change since the pandemic has been swift. For years, and notably in the 2020 presidential race, labor advocates had trumpeted $15 an hour as a wage that would finally allow low-paid workers to afford basic necessities and narrow inequality. It struck many as a long-term goal.

Now, many staffing companies say $15 an hour is the level that many businesses must pay to fill their jobs.

That number is not a coincidence, said Aaron Sojourner, an economist at the University of Minnesota. Its the number that those activists and workers put on the table 10 years ago, and built a movement towards.

Even so, millions of Americans are still earning less than $15 an hour. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office calculates that even by 2025, roughly 17 million workers will remain below that level.

Yet at ZipRecruiter, the number of job postings on the site that are advertising $15 an hour has more than doubled since 2019, said Julia Pollak, labor economist for the company. The proportion of jobs that offer 401(k) retirement accounts, flexible scheduling, signing bonuses and other benefits has risen, too.

The beneficiaries are people like Maggie Himmel, who started working at the Flowers for Dreams flower shop in Milwaukee last fall for $12.50 an hour. In January, the company raised its minimum wage to $15.

The higher pay allowed Himmel, 22, to move into her own apartment after sharing living space with her sister. She is earning more than she did before the pandemic, when she worked part time at a flower shop in Kalamazoo, Michigan, for about $11 an hour.

Moving out on my own was a huge goal for me, she said. I was so happy to get that news.

Steven Dyme, the owner of Flowers for Dreams, said the $15 minimum made it much easier for him to staff up once the economy reopened this spring and demand for flowers, particularly for weddings, soared.

Dyme, whose company has four locations  one in Chicago, one in Milwaukee and two in Detroit  says hes fully staffed, with 80 full- and part-time workers.

At $15 an hour, he said, I saw a markedly different picture in how fast we could recruit and in the experience level of workers.

Mathieu Stevenson, the CEO of Snagajob, a site for hourly workers, says a handful of restaurant chains are going so far as to offer retirement plans  he calls it the white collarization of blue collar jobs  as benefits once reserved for professionals are being offered to some service workers.

The $15 an hour debate, Stevenson said, is essentially being resolved through market forces.

Yet other trends have also helped drive the movement toward a $15 wage. The Fight for $15 labor movement has organized strikes by fast food workers and has lobbied states and cities for higher minimum wages. Thirty states and the District of Columbia have adopted wage floors that exceed the $7.25 federal minimum. Eleven states have passed laws that will lift their minimum wages to $15 over time. Among them is Florida, where voters last year approved a measure raising the minimum to $15 by 2026.

Other states on track to a $15 an hour wage floor include California, Illinois, New York and Virginia. Ben Zipperer, an economist at the liberal Economic Policy Institute, estimates that four in 10 workers live in states where the minimum is set to reach $15 in the coming years.

The National Employment Law Project, an advocacy group for low-income workers, calculates that 26 million people, or about 16% of workers, have received higher pay because of all the state and local minimum wage increases since 2012, though often to less than $15 an hour.

The increases have disproportionately benefited Black and Hispanic workers, the report found. Historically, higher minimum wages have been found to reduce racial wage gaps.

The $7.25-an-hour federal minimum wage has now gone the longest stretch without an increase since it was first introduced in July 2009. Labor Department data showed that last year, only about 250,000 people  fewer than 0.5% of all workers  earned that wage.

Many employers are having to pay more to keep up with larger companies, including Amazon, Costco and Target, that have announced their own pay raises to $15 or more. More recently, Under Armour, Southwest Airlines and Best Buy have adopted $15 wage floors.

Economic research has found that when a large company raises pay, nearby employers feel compelled to follow suit. A study led by Ellora Derenoncourt, a Princeton University economist, found that companies in local markets that compete with Amazon, Target or Walmart generally responded by matching their wage hikes dollar-for-dollar. Derenoncourts research also found that when companies seek to match the pay offered by their large competitors, they often end up employing fewer people, though the impact is relatively small.

Some economists argue that a federal minimum wage increase to $15 an hour  more than double the current minimum  will cost jobs. The CBO, in its most recent assessment, said that it would mean 1.4 million fewer jobs by 2025. Yet the CBO also found that as many as 27 million people would receive pay increases.

One factor thats helping fuel higher wages is a change in outlook among many lower-paid workers, millions of whom were laid off when COVID-19 first erupted in the spring of 2020. Some who worked at grocery stores, restaurants or hotels now dont want to return to those jobs  at least at the same pay.

And three rounds of stimulus checks, plus a $300-a-week federal unemployment benefit, have made it easier for them to turn down jobs that dont pay enough. Pollak, at ZipRecruiter, notes that with the extra unemployment benefit, jobless aid on average pays about $625 a week  equivalent to about $15 an hour.

Thats likely a big reason why a March survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that workers without a college degree have raised the minimum pay they expect from a job by a whopping 26% from a year earlier.

Economists are uncertain whether or how long hefty pay gains will last. But many predict that when the $300 federal benefit for the unemployed expires in September, schools reopen, and more mothers return to work with their children in school full time, the influx of workers will make it easier to hire and reduce the pressure on employers to raise wages.

Nebraska is among the states that have stopped paying the $300 benefit and has reinstated requirements that jobless people document that they are searching for work. Greg Sulentic, who owns an Express Employment staffing agency franchise in Lincoln, Nebraska, said those steps have attracted more job-seekers but have hardly been a panacea. In the offices he oversees, there are still 1,300 jobs to be filled.

Sulentic said pay rates have jumped since the pandemic, with workers that made $10 to $11 an hour last year now getting $15 or $16.

Weve seen wage growth like weve never before seen in this industry, and Ive been doing this for 25 years, he said.

Some employers, he said, have been reluctant to increase pay, but its been very difficult for those companies to hire on and retain employees.
A new law will create financing programs and tax incentives to support the creation of affordable housing across Illinois.

The program will supplement affordable housing developments that qualify for federal tax credits. Funds will be made available through $75 million federal dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act. Officials expect it will fund the development and preservation of up to 3,500 rental homes and apartments by the end of 2024.

Everyone deserves a safe, stable, and affordable place to live, and this bill (HB2621) will help us bring housing investment and opportunity to the communities where are need the most, Illinois Housing Development Authority Deputy Executive Director Karen Davis said.

The bill also extends the Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credit through 2026 to encourage monetary or real estate donations to housing developments. The program provides a one-time state income tax credit equal to 50% of the value of qualified donations to affordable housing developments.

In addition, the legislation will create two separate property tax incentives to support the preservation of affordable housing, including a provision that encourages owners of multifamily buildings with 7 or more units to invest in their properties and keep rents affordable by providing reductions in post-improvement assessed value.

The classification nine pieces of this legislation aims to keep renters in their homes by offering relief to property owners who keep their tenants rent affordable, said state Sen. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago.

Also signed into law was Senate Bill 265 which allows access to the states Low-Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program for families with young children and expands access to undocumented residents.

Because of this, this will save lives, said the bills cosponsor, state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora. This will allow families to be able to keep their homes warm and be able to call a place to call their own.
The village of South Jacksonville did not pass a budget Thursday during the village boards special session meeting as tensions rose.

Trustees did end up passing an appropriations ordinance  after several heated arguments between Mayor Tyson Manker and trustees.

Arguments began erupting after trustee Megan Davidson, chair of the finance committee, made motions to table the fiscal year budget and remove from the budget salary adjustments for some village employees.

Davidson said she asked several times for salary information so she could look at it, double check the budget and get every board members opinion on it before making a decision of her own.

With the budget involving such big items as the code enforcement officers car and the fire chiefs salary, Davidson didnt want the finance committee making decisions alone but with other trustees as a committee of the whole, she said.

Davidson said she asked village Treasurer Tiffanee Peters for a salary schedule earlier in the month but did not receive it.

Manker said Davidson had already received the information and her emails requesting the data again werent clear.

Davidson said she had not received any salary information.

You dont know what peoples salaries are? Manker asked.

No, thats why Im asking the treasurer, Davidson replied.

The argument escalated from there. Manker asked how long she had been a trustee. noting that he is new to the job. Davidson said she also is a new trustee.

Other trustees then chimed in about when salary schedules were discussed.

Lets just talk about what peoples salaries are right now, Manker said.

Trustee Paula Belobradjic-Stewart declined, saying thats not the proper process. Another trustee then agreed that the committee should sit down and go through everything.

Manker said it had been done, but another trustee said it hadnt been done as a group.

To throw shade at me about the committee as a whole  yall can ask for a committee meeting any dang time, so communication is a two-way street, so I dont appreciate you asking for stuff and not getting it, Manker said. You were provided with everything you asked for. If you want a meeting, you can have a meeting.

Trustees said they were asking for transparency, especially on salaries.

Belobradjic-Stewart said she couldnt vote for a budget without knowing village employees salaries or who has been hired.

I dont have the info that I usually have, thats where the confusion is, Belobradjic-Stewart said.

Davidson said she also had asked if she could add a line in the budget for overtime so it can be monitored but she also didnt get a response to that question. Davidson said the board can meet when she gets the information she requested.

Trustee Stacy Pinkerton also brought up a question about funding for the mayors office, saying the office usually has a $2,500 budget but the budget proposes $12,000 for the mayors office.

Why on earth would you need $12,000 on a yearly budget? Pinkerton said.

Manker said he didnt put that number in the budget but also noted that it involves operation costs and his 50-hours-a-week work schedule.

Pinkerton said it dollar amount just didnt make sense and the villages funds wouldnt cover $12,000; she also questioned if some of that money was used for a trip Manker took to Washington, D.C.

Are you out of your mind? I paid for my own way, Manker responded, saying he took offense at the question.

Pinkerton said she just wanted to know if it was true.

Trustee Mike Broaddus tried to ease the situation, noting that Mankers trip to Washington, D.C., for a wedding also involved work on communication issues on behalf of the village. Broaddus noted he once took his own trip to Washington, D.C., as a representative of the village police department.

As budget discussion continued, Manker asked trustees to show up to future committee meetings and set up a meeting of department heads for Friday morning to try to get Davidson the information she requested.

The rest of the meeting involved other heated discussions before Manker abruptly left the meeting.

Belobradjic-Stewart and Pinkerton officially closed the meeting.

No meeting date has been set to resolve the budget issues or pass a budget.
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP)  A U.S. Border Patrol agent and another driver were killed Saturday in a head-on crash near southern Arizona, the Border Patrol said.

Both drivers were pronounced dead shortly after the collision occurred about 12:20 a.m. on State Route 86 near Sells, a Border Patrol statement said.
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz.  The Navajo Nation on Saturday reported 25 additional COVID-19 cases as officials said some tribal members are foregoing needed precautions to ward off spread of the coronavirus.

A lot of the new cases we are seeing on the Navajo Nation are due to family and social gatherings where people let their guard down and dont wear masks, tribal President Jonathan Nez said in a statement.

Nez noted that the virus highly contagious delta variant is spreading quickly in many states and said people visiting other households should wear masks and encourage others to do so.

The three additional deaths reported Saturday increased the pandemics toll to 1,377.

The Navajo Nations sprawling reservation includes parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.

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MORE ON THE PANDEMIC:

 French police clash with anti-virus pass protesters in Paris

 U.S. tenants prepare for unknown as coronavirus eviction moratorium ends

 Tokyo witnesses coronavirus record at Olympics midpoint

 In West Africa, rising cases finally brings demand for vaccinations

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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:

PHOENIX  Phoenix: A Republican legislator who supported legislation enacted in late June to prohibit school districts from requiring the wearing of masks said she has asked government lawyers to determine when the prohibition takes effect.

Sen. Kelly Townsends requests Friday to the Legislatures legal office and the state Attorney Generals Office was a response to Phoenix Union High School Districts announcement that it will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

The prohibition in budget legislation is retroactive to July 1, but the budget legislation itself doesnt take effect until Sept. 29, 90 days after the end of the Legislatures 2021 regular session.

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla.  Florida has reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, the states highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic, according to federal health data released Saturday.

The state has become the new national epicenter for the virus, accounting for around a fifth of all new cases in the U.S.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has resisted mandatory mask mandates and vaccine requirements, and along with the Florida Legislature, has limited local officials ability to impose measures meant to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The figures from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Saturday showed how quickly the number of cases is rising in the Sunshine State. Only a day earlier, Florida reported 17,093 new daily cases.

The previous peak in Florida had been 19,334 cases reported on Jan. 7.

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CARSON CITY, Nev.  Nevada state employees who arent fully vaccinated for COVID-19 must take weekly virus tests starting Aug. 15.

Gov. Steve Sisolak announced the testing policy in a statement on Friday. As with other governors who have implemented similar vaccination or testing policies for their states, Sisolaks statement made it clear his intent to nudge workers to get vaccinated.

Vaccination is the best tool we have to combat this virus and we are committed to making state government a safe and healthy environment for all employees and the public we are charged with serving, he said.

Under Nevadas mask mandate, state employees who live in substantial or high transmission counties  nearly all of the state  generally must wear a mask while working, the statement noted.

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COLOMBO, Sri Lanka  Sri Lanka received 728,460 doses of AstraZeneca from the COVAX program on Saturday.

The consignment was flown as part of the total contribution of more than 1.4 million doses provided by Japan through the COVAXs dose sharing, said UNICEF in a statement.

The Health Ministry says part of the doses will be used to give the second doses.

This is the third consignment of COVID vaccines received by Sri Lanka under the COVAX Facility. The first delivery was 264,000 doses of AstraZeneca in March, followed by 1.5 million Moderna vaccines in July.

The country has been facing a shortage more than 500,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine after the producer in the neighboring India failed to deliver the promised shots because of the surge of the virus in India.

Sri Lanka has registered 306,662 cases and 4,380 deaths.

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PARIS  Thousands protested Frances coronavirus pass by marching through Paris and other French cities. Most demonstrations were peaceful but some in Paris clashed with riot police, who fired tear gas.

Some 3,000 security forces deployed around the French capital for a third weekend of protests against the pass that will be needed soon to enter restaurants and other places. Police took up posts along Paris Champs-Elysees.

With coronavirus infections spiking and hospitalizations rising, French lawmakers have passed a bill requiring the pass in most places as of Aug. 9. Polls show a majority of French support the pass, but some are adamantly opposed.

The pass requires a vaccination or a quick negative test or proof of a recent recovery from COVID-19 and mandates vaccine shots for all health care workers by mid-September.

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PHOENIX  Arizona reported more than 2,000 new daily cases for the first time in nearly five months.

It comes amid increases in the states rolling average of new cases and more virus-related hospitalizations.

Arizonas seven-day rolling average of daily cases rose over the past two weeks from 898 to 1,577. The daily death average declined from 13 to 11.

The number of virus patients occupying hospital beds topped 1,000 for the third straight day, with 1,106 Friday. Thats double the number on June 30 and the most since March 2.

Public health officials in Arizona and elsewhere attribute the worsening spread to the contagious delta variant and low vaccination rates.

Unlike last summer when we were headed into school w/ declining rates, the match has been lit and the kindling is aflame this time, Dr. Joe K. Gerald, a University of Arizona researcher who tracks COVID-19 data, said on Twitter.

The additional 2,066 cases and 22 deaths increased Arizonas confirmed pandemic totals to 927,235 cases and 18,246 deaths.

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SACRAMENTO, Calif.  California spent nearly $200 million to set up, operate and staff alternate care sites that ultimately werent needed as much as feared when during the coronavirus surge last winter.

It was a costly way to learn that Californias hospital system is far more elastic than was thought at the start of the pandemic. The system expanded enough to accommodate most patients during the dire surge when hospitalizations topped 20,000 and nearly 700 people died weekly.

The traditional hospital system squeaked through the worst of the pandemic with little overflow into the alternate care sites because the state temporarily eased nurse-to-patient staffing ratios  designed to protect the sick and their caretakers  and because of a scramble to bring in temporary outside workers, said Stephanie Roberson, government relations director of the California Nurses Association.

Brian Ferguson, a spokesman for the state Office of Emergency Services, said officials learned that it is better to align the states efforts with existing health care facilities than to set up makeshift, stand-alone hospitals.

The state budgeted $74.5 million for the fiscal year that started this month to cover late-arriving bills or if there is another surge that requires the state to ramp up again.

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BOSTON  Tenants who are months behind on rent face the end to a federal eviction moratorium Saturday.

Housing advocates fear the end of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention moratorium could result in millions of people being evicted in the coming weeks, forcing some to become homeless just as the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus is rapidly spreading. The Biden administration announced Thursday it will allow a nationwide ban to expire. It argued that its hands are tied after the Supreme Court signaled the moratorium could only be extended until the end of the month without congressional action.

The moratorium, put in place by the CDC in September to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, is credited with keeping 2 million people in their homes over the past year as the pandemic battered the economy, according to the Princeton Universitys Eviction Lab. Eviction moratoriums will remain in place in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Illinois, California and Washington, D.C., until they expire later this year.

Elsewhere, the end of the federal moratorium amid surging cases from the delta variant means evictions could begin Monday, ushering in the worst housing crisis since the Great Recession.

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CHILLICOTHE, Ohio  A memorial grove to COVID-19 victims has been planted in Ohio, and governors and lawmakers elsewhere are pursuing similar permanent remembrances.

One widow says such memorials to victims of the coronavirus could help heal wounds for survivors robbed of funerals and other comforting death rituals. Such memorials would outlast the equally heartfelt yet ephemeral tributes of flags, candles and artwork springing up across the country.

The organization Marked by COVID plans to push Congress later this year to back a national memorial. The groups co-founder says the idea is unifying at a time of deep division.

The process of creating more lasting remembrances that honor the over 600,000 Americans who have died from the coronavirus is fraught compared to past memorial drives because of the politics. Last year, a bill kickstarting a national COVID-19 memorial process died in Congress as the Trump administration sought to deemphasize the ravages of the pandemic.

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HARTFORD, Conn  Parents and policy makers across the nation have been plunged anew into a debate over whether face coverings should be optional or a mandate when schools reopen.

U.S. health officials recommended this week that children mask up in school this fall because of the delta variant of the coronavirus.

Some states may heed the federal governments guidance and require masks. Others are leaving the decision up to parents. Many fear their children will be put at risk by those who dont take the virus seriously enough to wear a mask.

In Connecticut, anti-mask rallies have happened outside Gov. Ned Lamonts official residence in Hartford, and lawn signs and bumper stickers call on him to unmask our kids. The Democrat has said hell likely follow the latest advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC on Tuesday recommended indoor masks for all teachers, staff, students and visitors at schools nationwide, regardless of vaccination status. The agency cited the risk of spread of the highly contagious delta variant, even among vaccinated people.

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BERLIN  Germanys government plans to stop covering the cost of rapid coronavirus tests, according to the nations health ministry.

Health Minister Jens Spahn already said weeks ago that he thinks its conceivable for the government to stop offering free tests to unvaccinated people at a later date, the ministry told the German news agency dpa. No exact date has been set.

The confirmation comes after a report in the Bild newspaper, which said the government would stop paying for tests as soon as everyone has had the opportunity to receive two doses of vaccine, meaning late September or early October.

Since March, German citizens and residents have been eligible to receive free rapid coronavirus tests in pharmacies and designated testing centers across the country. The tests have been a crucial part of Germanys reopening strategy: Those who cannot show proof that they are fully vaccinated or have recovered from the virus must present a negative test result for certain activities, including dining indoors at restaurants or staying in a hotel.

Some government officials have recently begun advocating for this shift to incentivize vaccination, saying unvaccinated individuals should bear the costs once everyone has had an opportunity to get the vaccine.

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MONTGOMERY, Ala.  The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Alabama jumped from 204 to 1,345 in July.

Fueled by the delta variant, health officials say they are concerned the state will soon see numbers that match, or exceed, the previous peak of the pandemic.

Dr. Don Williamson, the former state health officer who heads the Alabama Hospital Association, says state hospitals are seeing an increase of about 70 to 90 patients per day with COVID-19.

Alabamas status as the least vaccinated state in the country at 34% has caused health officials to emphasize the need for mask-wearing and vaccinations. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Alabama has risen over the past two weeks from 666 cases per day on July 14 to 1,707 cases per day on July 28.

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DAKAR, Senegal  Thousands of new coronavirus cases have been reported in West Africa in recent weeks amid low vaccination rates and the spread of the delta variant.

Officials say cases have risen sharply in Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria and elsewhere. The surge is pushing a reluctant population to seek out the COVID-19 vaccine in larger numbers at a time when doses are arriving from multiple sources after nearly stopping across Africa in recent months.

Misinformation and conspiracy theories previously prevented many from getting the shots. But officials say more residents in West Africa are lining up as people close to them fall ill and funeral numbers rise.

Confirmed cases in Senegal, which had been ahead in the fight against the virus, leapt from 380 on July 10 to 1,700 on July 18, the highest number since the start of the pandemic, according to the Ministry of Health.

Senegal received nearly 300,000 Johnson & Johnson doses and more than 330,000 of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine in the past week. Tens of thousands of residents are waiting for a second dose of AstraZeneca, but it is out of stock and new deliveries are not expected until August.

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A collection of random thoughts and comments from the Journal-Couriers daily afternoon newsletter to subscribers.

.

I work with words. They have always intrigued me.

My passion for etymology  the origin of words and how the meaning of words has changed  started in my youth. It remains at a novice level, but I still fixate on the misuse of decimate rather than devastate (I stand by the meaning of decimate being to reduce by 1 in every 10) or of the spine-punching chomping at the bit (its champing). Irregardless is like fingernails down a blackboard.

Dont even ask how I reacted in June 2015, when The Associated Press Stylebook  an almost-sacred tome to journalists  said using the word drive-thru was acceptable.

Lately, I have become intrigued with efforts to change commonly used words and phrases that are considered offensive. Some are  and should have faded from our vernacular long ago. Those who demean or stereotype a persons race, gender, beliefs or sexuality are not up for debate.

But what about phrases like killing it or take a stab at (violent language)? Should the phrase everything going on right now (vague) be discouraged? Brandeis University recently included those among its list of words and phrases to avoid, also adding things like trigger warning, picnic and rule of thumb.

The comments on news stories about the list are, in themselves, a guide to unacceptable language. Theres also some good discussion about word origins and the initial intention behind them.

For others, its a matter of how far we take it, and who draws the line.

I welcome your thoughts. Drop me an email at dbauer@myjournalcourier.com and share your view.

.

The truth is out there. That truth appears to be, Who knows?.

Depending on the political bent of the publication reporting on the release of a watershed federal report on UFOs, it either says nothing is there or something is there.

To me, the Congress-commissioned Pentagon report looking into 144 reports of unidentified aerial phenomenon is little more than a taxpayer-funded shoulder shrug. The report said one of the cases from 2004 to 2021 that were explored could be confirmed  as a deflating weather balloon. Which would have been a good name for this report.

Personally, it seems egotistical to think Earth is the only place that could support life among the 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 planets we know about. That said, I cant recall seeing anything that would support my belief, other than a few things more attributable to Kentucky bourbon than to phenomenon.

It used to be that saying you saw a UFO meant self-identifying as a crackpot. That must be changing, given that at least 50 Illinoisans have reported something unexplainable in the skies since February. Last year, there were at least two sightings in Morgan County  one in Jacksonville and one in South Jacksonville.

Maybe one day well find the truth that is out there.

.

Belated happy birthday, iPhone.

While it wasnt the first cellphone, the June 29, 2007, launch of the first-generation Apple iPhone was a game-changer in communications. It was a sleek and stylish smartphone that took an estimated $150 million to develop. There were 6.1 million sold at a price between $499 and $599 in the 13 months it took for the next model to emerge. For years to come, Apple ruled the market  even converting die-hard business professionals away from their ubiquitous BlackBerry.

My first mobile phone was a Motorola DynaTAC 8000X  its still somewhere in the clutter of boxes I dare not open  and was revolutionary for the time (1980-something). It also cost about $10,000 in todays dollars, had limited connectivity, and could muster about a half-hour use.

It could make phone calls. Period. End of sentence.

Now, smartphones are nearly universal. Phone calls, text messages, emails  thats just a start. We stream movies, conduct video conferences, and have a dizzying array of apps available to do almost anything. The majority of readers of myjournalcourier.com now read it on their phones.

What does the future hold? There are those who think smartphones will disappear and others who predict continued explosive growth, with phones becoming bendable and foldable, projecting 3-D and holographic displays, and becoming a device that controls everything from our cars to our homes.

I think the safer bet is on the latter.

David C.L. Bauer is editor and publisher of the Journal-Courier.
Hong Kong police arrest man for booing national anthem View Photo

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP)  Hong Kong police have arrested a man accused of booing the Chinese national anthem while watching an Olympic event at a mall.

The 40-year-old man was allegedly waving colonial-era Hong Kong flags and booing, while urging others to join him in insulting the national anthem, according to a police statement posted on Facebook.

Hong Kong passed a law in June last year that criminalized any actions that insult the national anthem. Violating the law can mean a fine of up to $6,400 (50,000 Hong Kong dollars), and up to nine years in prison.

Chinas central government criminalized actions that insult the national flag and emblem in amendments to the law last October, which is also applicable to Hong Kong, a former British colony.

The suspect was standing in a crowd with others on Friday to watch Hong Kong fencer Edgar Cheung in a match that would win him gold, local media reported.

The booing started at the medal ceremony, when the national anthem began playing.

Police said there may be additional arrests and that an active investigation is underway.

Hong Kong was rocked by months of sometimes violent anti-government protests in 2019, which led Beijing to crack down on dissent, including arresting leading pro-democracy activists in the city.

By HUIZHONG WU

Associated Press
French police clash with anti-virus pass protesters in Paris View Photo

PARIS (AP)  Thousands of people protested Frances special virus pass with marches through Paris and other French cities on Saturday. Most demonstrations were peaceful, but sporadic clashes with riot police marked protests in the French capital.

Some 3,000 security forces deployed around Paris for a third weekend of protests against the pass that will be needed soon to enter restaurants and other places. Police took up posts along the Champs-Elysees to guard against an invasion of the famed avenue.

With virus infections spiking and hospitalizations rising, French lawmakers have passed a bill requiring the pass in most places as of Aug. 9. Polls show a majority of French support the pass, but some are adamantly opposed. The pass requires a vaccination or a quick negative test or proof of a recent recovery from COVID-19 and mandates vaccine shots for all health care workers by mid-September.

Across the Alps, thousands of anti-vaccine pass demonstrators marched in Italian cities including Rome, Milan and Naples for the second consecutive week. Milan demonstrators stopped outside the citys courthouse chanting Truth! Shame! and Liberty! while in Rome they marched behind a banner reading Resistance. Those demonstrations were noisy but peaceful.

For anti-vaccine pass demonstrators in France, Iiberty was the slogan of the day. The marches drew some 204,000 people around the country. Some 14,250 people hostile to the pass protested in Paris, several thousand more than a week ago.

Hager Ameur, a 37-year-old nurse, said she resigned from her job, accusing the government of using a form of blackmail.

I think that we mustnt be told what to do, she told The Associated Press, adding that French medical workers during the first wave of COVID-19 were quite mistreated. And now, suddenly we are told that if we dont get vaccinated it is our fault that people are contaminated. I think it is sickening.

Tensions flared in front of the famed Moulin Rouge nightclub in northern Paris during what appeared to be the largest demonstration. Lines of police faced down protesters in up-close confrontations during the march. Police used their fists on several occasions.

As marchers headed eastward and some pelted police with objects, police fired tear gas into the crowds, plumes of smoke filling the sky. A male protester was seen with a bleeding head and a police officer was carried away by colleagues. Three officers were injured, the French press quoted police as saying. Police, again responding to rowdy crowds, also turned a water cannon on protesters as the march ended at the Bastille.

A calmer march was led by the former top lieutenant of far-right leader Marine Le Pen who left to form his own small anti-EU party. But Florian Philippots new cause, against the virus pass, seems far more popular. His contingent of hundreds marched Saturday to the Health Ministry.

Among those not present this week was Francois Asselineau, leader of another tiny anti-EU party, the Popular Republican Union, and an ardent campaigner against the health pass, who came down with COVID-19. In a video on his partys website, Asselineau, who was not hospitalized, called on people to denounce the absurd, unjust and totally liberty-killing health pass.

French authorities are implementing the health pass because the highly contagious delta variant is making strong inroads. More than 24,000 new daily cases were confirmed Friday night  compared to just a few thousand cases a day at the start of the month.

The government announcement that the health pass would take effect on Aug. 9 has driven many unvaccinated French to sign up for inoculations so their social lives wont get shut down during the summer holiday season. Vaccinations are now available at a wide variety of places, including some beaches. More than 52% of the French population has been vaccinated.

About 112,000 people have died of the virus in France since the start of the pandemic.

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Patrick Hermansen and Michel Euler in Paris contributed.

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Follow all AP stories on the global pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic.

By BOUBKAR BENZABAT and ELAINE GANLEY

Associated Press
Tuolumne County Administration Building View Photo

Sonora, CA  Tuolumne County has reinstated the mask mandate for those entering its county government buildings.

The switch back to wearing masks is in response to the surge in COVID-19 cases, according to Dr. Eric Sergienko the countys public health officer. He is recommending the facial coverings be worn regardless of vaccination status. In support of this decision, Sergienko noted he is following the lead of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Governor of California.

The mandate takes effect immediately. Signage stating, Face Coverings Required Regardless of Vaccination Status has been posted in county buildings. Board of Supervisor meetings will continue to be open to the public, but attendees must wear a mask. Those not in attendance can still comment during meetings by calling 209.533.6581. County officials detail, Public comment will be opened and closed individually for each agenda item when the Board Clerk reads the item and will be limited to three minutes.

Those in the board chamber will comment first followed by those queued on the phone. The public can virtually attend the meeting but will not be able to comment. Those platforms are listed below:

1) the Tuolumne County Website: https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/745/Board-Meetings and/or

2) Zoom Webinar via computer at https://zoom.us/j/98737385155 and/or Call in at: (1) (669) 900-9128 with Webinar ID: 987 3738 5155 

Comments can also be written and sent in via email to boardclerk@co.tuolumne.ca.us. They will not be read during the meeting and must be received by the Board Clerk no later than 8:00 a.m. on the morning of the meeting.
FAIRFIELD, Conn. (AP)  Annika Sorenstam shot an even-par 72 on Saturday to take a two-stroke lead into the final round of the U.S. Senior Womens Open.

The 50-year-old Sorenstam, a three-time U.S. Womens Open champion making her first appearance in the senior event, had an 8-under 208 total at Brooklawn Country Club. Husband Mike McGee is working as her caddie.

It was a roller-coaster, Sorenstam said. It was not as solid as the first two days. A few putts falling would have made it really sweet.

Playing partner and fellow Swede Liselotte Neumann was second, closing with a bogey for a 71. She won the 1988 U.S. Womens Open to become the first Swedish major champion.

A little bit up and down today, Neumann said. Good putting, good short game, and I think starting the back nine, I started to get a little bit more comfortable. Overall, it sort of got better and better as the day went.

Sorenstam has pointed to the championship since turning 50 in October.

I would love to do well, of course, Sorenstam said. That is why I came here. I feel like Im as prepared as I can be. I just want to trust myself and enjoy the walk. Hopefully I can keep it in the short grass.

European Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew was 4 under after a 71. Laura Davies (68) and Yuko Saito (74) were 2 under, and Kris Tschetter was even par after a 75.
Suburban NY county considers letting police sue protesters View Photo

MINEOLA, N.Y. (AP)  Lawmakers in a suburban New York county are set to vote Monday on a proposal that would allow police officers to sue protesters and collect financial damages  a move civil rights activists say is payback for demonstrations after the police killing of George Floyd last year in Minneapolis.

Newsday reports that the bill being considered by the Nassau County Legislature would make police officers and other first responders a protected class under the countys Human Rights Law, which currently bars discrimination based on race, religion, gender and sexual orientation. No other professions are protected under the Human Rights Law.

The bill would allow a lawyer for the Long Island county to sue protesters on behalf of officers and calls for fines of up to $25,000 for anyone who harasses, menaces or injures an officer. The fine amount would be doubled if the offending behavior happened in the course of participating in a riot, the bill says.

Civil rights lawyer Frederick Brewington told reporters Friday that the bill violates free speech rights and, if passed, will have a chilling effect on protesters. The NAACP said it will bring members to Mondays vote.

If you want to shut someone down, take away their livelihood, Brewington said. If you want to shut someone down take away their spirit. This is intended to evoke fear in the community  This is payback. Its not right. Its not acceptable and it is against the law.

The bills backers, a Democratic legislator and an independent who caucuses with Democrats, declined to comment to Newsday. The head of the countys police union told the newspaper he supports the bill.

County Executive Laura Curran, a Democrat, hasnt said whether shed sign or veto the bill if its approved in the Republican-controlled legislature. A spokesperson told Newsday that Curran looks forward to hearing the public comment and discussion and will review any potential amendments that may be proposed by the legislature.
NEW HAVEN  The Elicker Administration is exploring a vaccination mandate for city employees, and is strongly encouragingthough not requiringthat New Haveners wear masks while indoors in public places, regardless of whether or not they are vaccinated.

Mayor Justin Elicker and city Health Director Maritza Bond gave those updates Friday morning during a press conference held on the sidewalk in front of City Hall.

The focus of Fridays presser was the end of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) nationwide eviction moratorium. City and state officials and local housing nonprofit leaders reminded renters across the city and the state that hundreds of millions of dollars in rent and utility relief remain available through the UniteCT program for qualified applicants. Hundreds of thousands of dollars remain in the citys CASTLE renter and homeowner relief program, as well.

Given the recent uptick in COVID infections and hospitalizations in the region, state, and country, however, the latter half of the press conference focused instead on what the city is doing and can require to stem the spread of the highly infectious Delta variant.

Asked if the city plans to impose a vaccination mandate for city employees, Elicker replied, Were exploring that at this point.

There are some questions around labor, he continued. Some questions around the logistics of how we provide testing, if that were a requirement of people [who are not vaccinated.] Some questions around how we make sure that we appropriately track data and keep this information private. We want to make sure that we do this right.

Local, state and federal agencies have increasingly turned to vaccination mandates for public employees over the past week as the Delta variant spreads like wildfire. New York City and the state government of California are both requiring that public employees get vaccinated. So too has the federal Department of Veteran Affairs.

Private local employers like Quinnipiac University, Yale University, and Yale New Haven Health have also adopted vaccination mandates for staff. YNHHs top doctor said on Thursday that the regional hospital systems mandate sparked over 577 additional individuals to get vaccinated in the 28,000-employee system, bringing YNHHs total employee vaccination rate to over 80 percent.

Asked what percentage of city employees are vaccinated, Elicker said the city is not allowed to track that information.

Bond stressed that the city and Griffin Health have free vaccination clinics available every day on the Green, on Long Wharf, and at Lighthouse Point Park. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect oneself, ones family, and ones community from the novel coronavirusespecially from serious sickness, hospitalization, and death.

Right now, there are no excuses, she said. Get out. Get vaccinated.

Masks recommended, not required

Elicker, Bond and state Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said that, as of Thursday, New Haven County has substantial levels of transmission of COVID, per the CDCs benchmark of 50 new cases per day for every 100,000 residents. New Haven County currently has a rolling seven-day average of 52.18 new cases per 100,000 residents.

That means that all New Haveners, vaccinated and unvaccinated alike, should wear masks when indoors in public places with other people.

We have continued this policy all along at City Hall, Elicker said about mask-wearing. Outside of City Hall, he added, we very, very strongly encourage people to wear masks indoors, though we cant require it.

Why cant the city require mask wearing at, say, restaurants and grocery stores and retail outlets, when the city did impose that very same requirement earlier on in the pandemic?

Elicker said that city attorneys reading of the a May executive order from Gov. Ned Lamont is that the city cannot impose a mask requirement outside of publicly-owned buildings.

The executive order allows private sector operations to choose whether or not to have a mask mandate, he said. It also allows municipalities to choose whether in their buildings to have masks or not.

If it were up to me, Id issue a mandate again, Elicker said. But, deferring to city attorneys interpretation of the executive order, the state has taken away our ability to do that.

Bysiewicz said that the state Department of Public Health has also strongly recommended that Connecticut residents in counties with substantial levels of transmissionlike New Havenwear masks while indoors, regardless of whether or not theyre vaccinated.
Four vaccinated adults and two unvaccinated minors tested positive for the coronavirus during routine end-of-trip screening Thursday on Royal Caribbean International's Adventure of the Seas.

All six passengers were quarantined right away, and their travel companions and close contacts tested negative. The passengers left the ship Friday with their travel groups in Freeport, Bahamas, and they were sent home on private flights, with transportation provided directly to their homes, according to the cruise line. USA Today's Morgan Hines, who was on the ship, was the first to report the news.

COVID SURGE: Abbott prohibits cities from requiring masks, vaccines

The two minors, both asymptomatic, were in the same travel party, but not with any of the adults who tested positive. The four vaccinated adults were not traveling together. Three were asymptomatic and one had mild symptoms, Royal Caribbean spokeswoman Lyan Sierra-Caro said.

Sierra-Caro said the cruise line was not able to determine on board whether the passengers were infected with the fast-spreading delta variant.

"We are going to be doing additional tests so we can look into this," she said in an email.

Health officials have been sounding alarms about the highly contagious variant, saying that vaccinated people who are infected might be able to transmit the virus as easily as the unvaccinated. The CDC recommended this week that even vaccinated people wear masks indoors in areas of high or substantial community transmission.

Adventure of the Seas, which left from Nassau on Saturday for a weeklong voyage, requires crew and passengers 16 and older to be fully vaccinated against the virus. That vaccine age requirement will change to 12 for cruises leaving Nassau starting Sunday.

According to Royal Caribbean's health protocols, all passengers 2 years of age and older must present a negative PCR test no more than five days before arriving in the Bahamas, though that requirement will change Sunday to either a PCR or antigen test three days before sailing. Passengers get tested again before the cruise ends to meet government health requirements.

About 1,100 guests are on board Adventure of the Seas - roughly 35% of capacity - along with around 900 crew members. Before arriving in Freeport on Friday, the ship stopped at the cruise line's private Bahamian island and in Cozumel, Mexico. The cruise will end Saturday in Nassau.

Adventure of the Seas started sailing from Nassau in early June, at a time when cruise ships were still banned from departing from U.S. ports. Royal Caribbean said later that month that two young unvaccinated passengers on the ship had tested positive for the virus.

RELATED: Biden to launch vaccine push for millions of federal workers

Other isolated cases on cruises have emerged, including in vaccinated passengers. Cruise line executives have acknowledged that infections are impossible to rule out but say the important thing is to keep them from becoming outbreaks. The industry shut down globally in March of 2020, and while cruises restarted earlier in some parts of the world, ships only started sailing again regularly from North America in recent months. A small number now are sailing from states including Florida, Texas and Washington, with more set to join in August.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is tracking 64 ships that are sailing under its jurisdiction, either with passengers or with crew only. Of those, 21 have recently reported covid cases, according to the CDC, based on surveillance data from the past seven days.

The CDC recommended that people who are not fully vaccinated avoid cruise travel.

"Since the virus spreads more easily between people in close quarters aboard ships, the chance of getting COVID-19 on cruise ships is high," the agency advised. "It is especially important that people who are not fully vaccinated and at an increased risk of severe illness avoid travel on cruise ships, including river cruises."

In response to skyrocketing covid cases, Royal Caribbean announced Thursday that all passengers older than 2 sailing out of the United States on trips of five nights or longer - regardless of vaccine status - will need to provide a negative test taken within three days of boarding. That rule applies to all cruises between Saturday and Aug. 31. Previously, only unvaccinated passengers needed proof of a negative test before boarding at U.S. ports.

Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley said on his Facebook page Friday that the change in policy is due to the fast spread of the delta variant.

"Yes, even with the vast majority of our onboard population highly vaccinated we are seeing more covid positive cases with vaccinated guests," Bayley wrote.

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The Miami-based cruise line described the new requirement as "an additional layer of precaution to ensure the safety of everyone onboard" and said the operator would continue to adjust its protocols as the public health situation evolves.

"We realize this will not make many guests happy just as it will comfort many guests," Bayley wrote. "We are trying our very best to provide a safe and healthy and fun vacation for all our guests our crew and the communities we visit during these challenging times."
Should we stay or should we go?

While airports are crowded with fully vaccinated travelers eager to escape their covid-era house arrest, there are plenty of reasons to play it safe and stay home. There are the new variants to worry about. Passportagita. Airline cancellations. The Great Rental Car Apocalypse of 2021.

Not to mention other people.

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Whether you're feeling intrepid or introverted, there are movies that understand your most gotta-get-outta-here impulses - films that celebrate movement, physical daring, restlessness, wanderlust. (It's perhaps no coincidence that "Nomadland," Chloe Zhao's magnificent ode to itinerant workers in the American West, won the Lockdown Year Oscar.) One of cinema's foundational values is world building, whereby an artist constructs a universe on screen in which we can briefly dwell and believe in. Then there are those filmmakers who bring the real, wider world to us, in all its wonderment and sense of revelation. Here's a list of movies guaranteed to ignite the travel itch, or at least satisfy it until your next adventure.

- "Faces Places" (2017): Belgian-born French director Agnes Varda, who died in 2019, had a wanderer's heart, as evinced in two of her classic films, 1985's "Vagabond," about a young woman's solitary travels and travails, and the 2000 documentary "The Gleaners and I," in which she compared the lives of scroungers and pickers to her own resourcefulness as an artist. In "Faces Places," Varda's triumphant final feature, she and photo-muralist JR collaborated on the crowning achievement of Varda's peripatetic career, taking viewers on a bracing tour through the small towns of rural France and photographing their inhabitants with stunning candor and compassion.

- "Into the Wild" (2007): Sean Penn's adaptation of Jon Krakauer's 1996 book bursts with the impulsive energy of its subject, Chris McCandless (Emile Hirsch), who set out on a journey of self-discovery that ended in tragedy. Penn doesn't flinch from the sadness of McCandless's end, but he imbues his story with lyricism and beauty, by way of the magnificent settings the young man traveled through, and the people he met. Penn captures the beating heart of an inveterate explorer, at its most self-deceiving but also at its bravest and boldest.

- "Local Hero" (1983): Bill Forsyth's comedy-drama stars Peter Riegert as Mac, a young oil company executive whose boss (Burt Lancaster) orders him to travel to Scotland to scout potential locations for a refinery. Mac winds up falling in love with the tiny seaside village, whose inhabitants embrace him with a hilarious combination of warmth and chilly skepticism. Propelled by a lovely musical score by Mark Knopfler, "Local Hero" is one of the all-time best movies about a fish discovering what water he really belongs in; the final scene perfectly captures the difference between tourism and genuine connection.

- "Maiden" (2018): In 1989, Tracy Edwards headed the first all-female boat crew to compete in the Whitbread Round the World Race, a grueling test of physical strength, mental stamina and sailing prowess. With "Maiden," filmmaker Alex Holmes plunges viewers firsthand into an experience that's simultaneously exhilarating and utterly terrifying; this will either cure you of ever wanting to go to sea or send you straight to the nearest boat dealer (remember the adage about standing in the shower and tearing up $100 bills). This movie is so immediate and immersive - and the spirit of its protagonists so winning - that the only thing missing is the sunburn on your nose and the salt on your lips.

- "Meru" (2015): "Medicine for Melancholy" (2008): Barry Jenkins's debut feature stars Wyatt Cenac and Tracey Heggins as two San Francisco 20-somethings who wake up after a one-night stand, then proceed to spend a semi-lazy, sometimes awkward Sunday together walking and biking through the city. Filmed by Jenkins and cinematographer James Laxton in desaturated pastel tones, this small-canvas love story isn't constantly on the move - the characters take breaks to argue about interracial dating and gentrification in each other's apartments - but the film still captures the mood of being visitors in your own town, with the same combination of forward motion and tender, tentative discovery.

- "Meru" (2015): Before Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi made the Oscar-winning 2018 documentary "Free Solo," they made this even more extraordinary film, about elite mountain climbers facing down one of the most challenging peaks in the Himalayas. With breathtaking cinematography and first-person access (Chin is one of the climbers), "Meru" puts the viewer right on the mountain, with all the danger, loneliness, awe-inspiring contemplation and spiritual transcendence that implies.

RELATED: New on Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Amazon August 2021

- "Old Joy" (2006): Will Oldham and Daniel London play old friends who reconnect during a hike through Oregon's Cascade Mountains. Writer-director Kelly Reichardt takes what could be a corny bromance or bonding parable into far more nuanced territory, as the young men confront uneasy truths about intimacy, masculinity and maturity. Reichardt inscribes "Old Joy" with what would become her signature style: She's wonderfully sensitive to the verdant lushness of the natural environment and completely comfortable with long companionable silences (oh, and she loves dogs). The result is a movie in which filmgoers feel as though they're ambling down the trail alongside protagonists whose buddy comedy quietly morphs into a visual poem, and finally a prayer.

- "Sullivan's Travels" (1941): Preston Sturges's Golden Age classic stars Joel McCrea as a hotshot Hollywood director who dresses up like a tramp and strikes out for the Depression-era hinterland to learn about the "real" America. He wants to make a searing indictment of poverty called "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and he approaches his trip with the earnest self-importance that title implies. Sturges's deft satiric touch has proved matchless through the decades (even when the Coen brothers try their best). This parodic picaresque finds Sturges at the zenith of his formidable powers to abrade and delight. With the help of a sultry and witty Veronica Lake, "Sullivan's Travels" winds up being madcap and meaningful in equal measure.

- "The Trip" (2010): Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon play reality-adjacent showbiz frenemies on a larky gastropub tour through the English countryside; in between mouthwatering shots of the cuisine being prepared and consumed, filmmaker Michael Winterbottom treats viewers to equally delectable improvs as the duo tries to one-up each other in impressions and one-liners. It could be tiresomely self-indulgent, but Winterbottom and his sure-footed leading men keep the pace to a jaunty trot. Even more winningly, it builds to a scene of pathos all the more genuine for being so utterly unexpected. Good news for the uninitiated: If you enjoy the ride, there are three sequels waiting for you.

- "The Way" (2010): Emilio Estevez wrote and directed this funny and absorbing account of a grieving father who embarks on a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago to honor his late son. The twist is that Estevez's real-life dad, Martin Sheen, plays the role, with the kind of avuncular familiarity, emotional transparency and self-aware humor that audiences adore him for (Estevez plays his late son in flashbacks). Based on Jack Hitt's brilliant book "Off the Road: A Modern-Day Walk Down the Pilgrim's Route into Spain" and filmed on the actual Camino in France and Spain, "The Way" is gorgeous to look at. It's also a deeply spiritual film, without being pietistic or sanctimonious. Estevez knows that connection with the divine isn't reserved for gauzy moments of mystical ecstasy - it can also come with really bad blisters.

- "Tracks" (2013): Based on Robyn Davidson's 1980 memoir about her 2,700-kilometer (1,677 mile) trek through Western Australia, with only her dog and four camels, "Tracks" stars Mia Wasikowska in the ultimate leave-your-life-behind movie about adventure and self-determination. If that sounds like too much uplift, director John Curran keeps it real, as does Wasikowska, who plays her character with terse toughness. In fact, "Tracks" might unfold completely silently were it not for the chatty National Geographic photographer - appealingly played by Adam Driver - who tags along for the trip. It's no surprise that the scenery in "Tracks" is magnificent; but Davidson's interior journey winds up being the real story.

- "Two for the Road" (1967): Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney play an unhappy couple revisiting their relationship through various trips they've taken through France in Stanley Donen's sprightly, cynical portrait of a marriage. In a series of seamlessly edited flashbacks, accompanied by Henry Mancini's tenderly mournful music, "Two for the Road" is a box full of eye candy, the most toothsome bonbons of which are shots of Hepburn wearing period-correct mid-century fashion with impeccable ease (Finney's cars are pretty cool, too). Eleanor Bron and William Daniels show up at just the perfect time for some antic comic relief.

UNUSUAL ENTERTAINMENT: I road-tripped to the official In-N-Out hamburger museum

- "Y Tu Mama Tambien" (2001): Alfonso Cuaron's breakout movie stars Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna as best friends who take the summer road trip of a lifetime when an attractive older woman (Maribel Verdu) agrees to travel with them through Mexico. That premise might sound icky, but Cuaron brings sensitivity and taste to "Y Tu Mama Tambien," which evokes sensuality, pleasure and desire, while paying affectionate homage to Cuaron's native country and anticipating the themes that would animate his multiple-Oscar-winning 2018 drama "Roma." Vamanos.
Yves here. As much as it would be a very positive development for Congress to stop deferring to the Executive Branch, Ill believe it when I see it.

By Sarah Burns, Associate Professor of Political Science, Rochester Institute of Technology. Originally published at The Conversation

In mid-July 2021, a bipartisan and ideologically diverse group of senators proposed a new bill that, if passed, would dramatically shift the relative amount of power the president and Congress have over U.S. military operations.

Whether this bill passes as is, or with significant changes, or not at all, its proposal signals an effort by lawmakers to reclaim power over military action and spending that Congress has gradually surrendered over decades. It also puts pressure on presidents to evaluate their foreign policy objectives more clearly, to determine whether military action is, in fact, appropriate and justified.

As Ive demonstrated in my research, even though the 1973 War Powers Resolution attempted to constrain presidential power after the disasters of the Vietnam War, it contains many loopholes that presidents have exploited to act unilaterally. For example, it allows presidents to engage in military operations without congressional approval for up to 90 days.

As a result of this shift from legislative oversight to presidential control, U.S. foreign policy has become less deliberative and administrations from both parties enjoy a significant amount of control over whether the U.S. calls in the armed forces to address developments overseas.

This bill would end that loophole, requiring presidents to explain their actions more clearly to Congress and the public. Since Franklin D. Roosevelt, presidents have attempted to circumvent oversight and restraints from Congress by citing vague concerns like national security, regional security or the need to prevent a humanitarian disaster, when launching military operations. But they havent typically given Congress more concrete information about the nature of the operation or its expected duration.

The new bill sets out a clear definition of which military activities need to be reported to Congress, and how quickly. This is especially important given the ambiguities that prior administrations have exploited. In 2011, a State Department lawyer argued that air strikes in Libya could continue beyond the War Powers Resolutions 90-day time limit because there were no ground troops involved. By that logic, any future president could carry out an indefinite bombing campaign with no congressional oversight.

The bill would also require the president to provide an estimated cost of the operation and describe the missions objectives  both of which could help Congress determine whether a military operation had stayed within its intended bounds or gone beyond them.

Executive Power Grows

Before the Pearl Harbor attack forced the U.S. into World War II, Congress had exercised its war powers, preventing President Franklin D. Roosevelt from joining Britain, Australia and other nations in battle.

But in the wake of the attack, Congress began giving the president more control over the military, engaging in less oversight for fear of being painted as undermining the war effort.

After World War II ended, unlike in previous eras, Congress continued to relinquish those powers, largely by declining to rein in presidential actions that overstepped into congressional power.

Congress never authorized the war in Korea; Harry Truman used a U.N. Security Council resolution as legal justification. Congress vote explicitly opposing the invasion of Cambodia didnt stop Richard Nixon from doing it anyway. Even after the Cold War, Bill Clinton regularly acted unilaterally to address humanitarian crises or continuing threats coming from leaders like Saddam Hussein.

After 9/11, Congress gave up more of its power much faster. A week after those attacks, Congress passed a sweeping Authorization for Use of Military Force, giving the president permission to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.

In a followup 2002 authorization, Congress went even farther, allowing the president to use the Armed Forces  as he determines to be necessary and appropriate in order to defend national security and enforce all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq.

In the two decades since their passage, four presidents have used those authorizations to justify all manner of military action, from targeted killings of terrorists to the years-long fight against the Islamic State group, which continues to this day. This approach provides few, if any, congressional checks on the control of military affairs exercised by the president.

Threats of War

The Biden administration has called for more congressional oversight of military actions, saying the powers granted in 2001 and 2002 were too broad and invite abuse by power-hungry presidents.

And yet Biden has said he did not need anything beyond the Constitution to launch attacks in Syria in February and June 2021, saying he was doing so to defend U.S. forces. In mid-July 2021, Biden used the authorizations power to launch a drone strike in Somalia against fundamentalist al-Shabab fighters.

But perhaps the most frightening use of these broad authorities was in January 2020, when President Donald Trump used the 2002 authorization to justify a lethal drone strike against a respected member of the Iranian government, Major General Qassim Soleimani, without consulting Congress or publicly explaining why the attack was necessary, even to this day.

The killing of Soleimani, who held a position in Iran equivalent to the director of the U.S. CIA, was described by the Trump administration only as decisive action to stop a ruthless terrorist from threatening American lives. Trumps subsequent promises that Iran would never have a nuclear weapon were also backed up by the idea that Congress had effectively authorized him to take military action against Irans nuclear program.

Tensions  and fears of war  spiked but then slowly faded, when Iran responded with missile attacks on two U.S. bases in Iraq, and Trump downplayed the severity of resulting injuries to American service members. But Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei has continued to vow to get revenge for Soleimanis killing, leaving open the possibility of an Iranian attack at any time. Under the current legal structure, a U.S. response to that could come without congressional notification or approval.

The current congressional effort is noteworthy because it seeks to make presidents answerable to Congress for a wider range of military action, and to end the broad and sweeping power of the 2001 and 2002 authorizations that have effectively let presidents do anything with the U.S. military anywhere in the world without being held accountable at home.
(Natural News) At least one female California prisoner has become pregnant, and multiple others may have been assaulted, as California continues moving biological men claiming to be women into actual womens prisons, a feminist legal group has said.

(Article by Raymond Wolfe republished from LifeSiteNews.com)

We have now heard from seven different people inside CCWF [Central California Womens Facility] that at least one woman, possibly more, is now pregnant after being housed with a male felon who was transferred to the womens prison under SB132, Womens Liberation Front (WoLF), a pro-abortion, radical feminist group that opposes transgenderism, tweeted Monday.

The non-profit had reported last week that CCWF, the largest womens prison in the state, had begun offering contraception amid alleged assaults by gender-confused men, in what inmates were calling a nightmares worst nightmare.

The new resources are a tacit admission by officials that women should expect to be raped when housed in prison with men, where all sex is considered non-consensual by default within the system, WoLF said. The group added that posters recently appeared in medical rooms outlining the options available to pregnant people in prison, including abortion.

The poster also declares that women have the right to contraceptive counseling and your choice of birth control methods by a licensed health care provider within 60-180 days prior to scheduled release date. The methods featured Plan B, an abortifacient that kills newly-conceived babies.

Sources reportedly informed WoLF of recent sexual assaults at CCFW and said that the facility has not been able to prevent sexual activity between incarcerated women and the transgender arrivals. 20.5 percent of transgender inmates are registered sex offenders, according to a 2009 analysis by UC Irvine, and around 40 percent of gender-confused males in major U.S. cities are infected with HIV.

In April, the Los Angeles Times reported that California has nevertheless begun processing the transfers of more than 260 men who say they are transgender women to womens prisons, following the enactment of a recent law, Senate Bill 132. No requests have been denied, the newspaper said.

Signed by Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom last year, SB 132 authorizes prison housing assignments for transgender, non-binary and intersex people based on gender identity, regardless of anatomy.

As of May, 11 men, some convicted for sex crimes or murder, were moved to CCWF after SB 132 took effect in January. The number of processed transfers currently stands at around 20, WoLF said last week. And at the same time, California prisoners who claimed to be transgender or non-binary have increased by more than 10 percent this year, up to 1,237.

The nearly 300 pending transfers are only the beginning of the invasion of womens prisons by violent male inmates, including convicted murderers and rapists, WoLF said.

Along with the new contraception regime in CCFW, WoLF has noted a 16-hour class for male prisoners moving to womens facilities on fears about living with women. There are apparently no consequences for failure, according to sources at a prison near Los Angeles.

California facilities have enhanced security protocol, as well, though the security level of biological men is otherwise completely disregarded after transferring, according to WoLF.

Nightmare transgender prison problems dont end with the Golden State. Earlier this year, a whistleblower in Washington said that a gender-confused man raped a woman upon arriving at a prison in Pierce County, echoing similar reports in the U.K. and Illinois.

Read more at: LifeSiteNews.com and GenderConfused.com.
(Natural News) The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked for more children to participate in Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine trials. It explained the trials will determine if cases of cardiac inflammation are common among younger groups. The FDA reached out to Pfizer and Moderna, whose mRNA vaccines were linked to the side effect, for this purpose.

According to the New York Times (NYT), the FDA asked Pfizer and Moderna to expand their COVID-19 vaccine trials. It specifically requested that the vaccine trials include at least 3,000 children aged five to 11 years old. The expanded trials would help regulators better understand the potential side effects from the two companies mRNA vaccines in younger populations, the report added.

The NYT report also said Pfizer is also in talks to include younger children in its vaccine trials. A spokesperson for the company said it has no updates to its previous trial timelines or details. The New York-based drug firm earlier announced its plan to enroll around 4,500 children between six months and 11 years old at more than 90 clinical trial sites. However, the size of the group aged five to 11 years old remained unclear.

Meanwhile, a Moderna spokesperson told The Washington Post that the company is actively discussing a proposal with the FDA to expand its vaccine trial. The proposal strived to enroll a larger safety database which increases the likelihood of detecting rarer events. The spokesperson for the Massachusetts-based firm added that a final number for the trials size has yet to be determined.

The FDA added a warning to both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in June 2021 about the risk of cardiac inflammations  myocarditis and pericarditis in particular. Myocarditis involved the inflammation of the heart muscle, while pericarditis involved the inflammation of the hearts lining. The June 25 updates to both the vaccines fact sheets cited increased risks of myocarditis and pericarditis, particularly following the second dose.

Making children guinea pigs for the experimental vaccines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that as of July 19, health officials confirmed 674 reports of myocarditis and pericarditis among vaccinated people aged 30 and younger. The public health agency added that most who reported cardiac inflammation received mRNA vaccines. Because of this, the CDC said it is investigating the reports to assess whether [they have] a relationship to COVID-19 vaccination alongside its partners.

In spite of the concerning number of cardiac inflammation cases following vaccination, the CDC insisted that these side effects were rare. It defended vaccines as safe and effective and recommended Americans aged 12 and older to get vaccinated as soon as possible. (Related: Heart inflammation reported in teens following Moderna and Pfizer vaccine.)

However, the expanded COVID-19 vaccine trials appeared to be a demand to experiment on more children. Many studies have shown that children have an extremely low risk of dying from or catching severe COVID-19. If anything, forcing dangerous vaccines on children that have a very high chance of recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infection constituted a crime against humanity.

Because of this, nonprofit group Americas Frontline Doctors (AFLDS) filed a motion on July 19 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. The motion asked the court to stop the use of COVID-19 vaccines granted emergency use authorization (EUA) by the FDA. Both the two-dose mRNA vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna, alongside the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, received emergency approval in the United States.

AFLDSs suit called to immediately stop vaccinations for three particular groups of Americans. People aged 18 years old and below were among the three groups named by AFLDS. Human children are not experiments, the nonprofit organization said in a press release. (Related: Americas Frontline Doctors sue HHS to revoke emergency use authorization for covid vaccines.)

According to AFLDS, children were at statistically zero percent risk of death from COVID-19. On the other hand, expert studies revealed that COVID-19 vaccine deaths numbered into the tens of thousands and vaccine injuries amounted to well into the hundreds of thousands. AFLDS Communications Director Dr. Teryn Clarke said: Children are one third of our population and all of our future. Children are never the experiment.

Mother-of-two Deborah Sobczak, who was among the motions plaintiffs, said: My [children] will not be [subjects] of an experiment. Perfectly healthy children have developed heart inflammation, brain bleeding and even died. I am not sacrificing my [children] so a pharmaceutical company can experiment on [them.]

VaccineDamage.news has more about the dangers of COVID-19 vaccines on children.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

Pfizer.com

FDA.gov 1

FDA.gov 2

AmericasFrontlineDoctors.org
(Natural News) If they want to continue being allowed to work, employees at Google and Facebook are now being told that they must get injected for the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) or else be fired.

Earlier in the week, both tech giants announced the Fauci Flu shots are mandatory for all United States employees, representing a reversal from a Dec. 2020 policy that said forced jabs would not be a requirement in order to stay employed.

As our offices reopen, we will be requiring anyone coming to work at any of our U.S. campuses to be vaccinated, proclaimed Lori Goler, Facebooks vice president of people.

How we implement this policy will depend on local conditions and regulations. We will have a process for those who cannot be vaccinated for medical or other reasons and will be evaluating our approach in other regions as the situation evolves. We continue to work with experts to ensure our return to office plans prioritize everyones health and safety.

On the same day, Google announced that anyone coming to work on Google campuses will also need to get jabbed with a Trump Vaccine. Previously, Twitter was the only Big Tech company that was requiring injections for its on-campus employees.

JUST SAY NO to experimental death chemicals from the government

The joint decisions come on the heels of a ruling by California Gov. Gavin Newsom demanding that all public and medical employees get jabbed in order to keep their jobs. New York has also implemented a similar policy for its state and medical employees.

At the federal level, frontline workers at the Veterans Affairs agency are being told to roll up their sleeves or get fired. Pedo Joe is also expected to announce that all federal employees will need to either get injected or comply with weekly testing for the rest of their lives.

Beijing Biden reportedly conspired with the Department of Justice to declare Chinese Virus injection mandates legal, which opens the floodgates for even more mandates, both in the public and private sectors.

According to Hunters dad, it is probably, he hopes, legal to force Americans to get jabbed with mRNA that will forever erase their God imprint, rendering them as non-playable characters (NPCs) for the deep state to manipulate for its own benefit.

Since Chinese Virus shots have not been officially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), instead holding emergency use authorization (EUA), the mandates might not be immediate. Once the FDA grants its blessing upon the experimental drugs, however, all bets are off.

The Office of Legal Counsel at the DOJ claims that because Trump Vaccines are now widely available across the U.S., with most willing people having already gotten them, there is no reason why both the public and private sectors cannot now mandate that the hesitant get them in order to buy and sell, as well as eat.

Public sector entities need to move as quickly as possible, added corrupt New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who recently decided that all city employees must get vaccinated for Chinese Germs immediately or else be fired.

I think that will be helpful, he added. We have got to put pressure on this situation.

A commenter of ours said it right by describing the past year and a half as such:

To summarize:

1) You dont need it

2) It might kill you

3) You MUST take it

4) NOBODY is liable for damages

5) Many will profit

6) Your employer can MAKE you (even if only because they hate Trump supporters)

7) Its a violation of informed consent laws in the Nuremberg Code of 1947

8) Its a crime against humanity

As more vaccinated people get injured and die from the Trump Vaccines, you will find coverage about it ChemicalViolence.com.

Sources for this article include:

Newspunch.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) The La Joya Police Department issued a public health announcement after learning that undocumented migrants with coronavirus (COVID-19) were being released into communities by the Border Patrol.

On Monday, July 26, the police department of the small town along the Rio Grande and Mexican border shared details of an incident in which a concerned citizen at Whataburger told an officer about a family coughing and sneezing without covering their mouths and not wearing face masks.

The restaurant management also told the officer that the group should leave because of its disregard for other peoples health. The officer approached the individuals and found that they were a family of undocumented migrants and that Border Patrol released them because they had COVID-19. The family said a charity group had paid for their room at the nearby Texas Inn Hotel.

The officer followed up on that information, finding out that Catholic Charities of The Rio Grande Valley had booked all the rooms in the hotel to house undocumented immigrants detained by Border Patrol. He saw a group of 20 to 30 people staying at the hotel who were out and about. Most of them werent wearing masks, according to the officer.

Police said they learned that Border Patrol was quarantining other undocumented individuals who were COVID-positive, or showed symptoms of illness, before handing them over to the non-profit. Catholic Charities would in turn place the undocumented individuals in hotels in the McAllen area as well as La Joya.

The police department said it contacted Hidalgo County Health and Human Services (HHS) for help and was told that the agency would look into the matter. Their announcement further touched on the current border situation, saying that the La Joya Police Department has assisted Border Patrol in catching hundreds of people crossing through their jurisdiction.

According to the announcement, Border Patrol informed the police department that they had surpassed 1 million apprehensions in the month of June. La Joya also said that Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley didnt tell them that they were placing COVID stricken people at the Texas Inn Hotel. (Related: Dozens of unaccompanied migrant minors sheltered in San Diego have tested positive for coronavirus.)

Hidalgo County judge: Stop releasing infected migrants into our communities

In response, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez called on federal immigration officials to stop releasing infected migrants into their communities.

We have been doing well as a community in slowing the spread of this deadly virus. But ill-conceived policies by both the federal and state governments are beginning to have serious consequences for Hidalgo County, said Judge Cortez.

I call on federal immigration officials to stop releasing infected migrants into our communities and am further calling on [Texas] Governor Greg Abbott to return to Hidalgo County the safety tools he took away that would help us slow the spread of this disease. This is unacceptable.

Hidalgo County on Monday reported 671 new COVID-19 cases and two deaths. Cortez blamed Abbott for relaxing coronavirus regulations statewide despite high and rising numbers on the border.

Its concerning to me that were about to begin the school year again and putting all the students back and the governor has taken all of our protocols that were asked to follow to keep from spreading so I dont know what were going to do, Cortez told Border Report on Monday afternoon after a morning full of meetings with the countys head of HHS.

Cortez is most concerned about local schools reopening next month, some as early as Aug. 10, and with no mask mandate in place.

The governor in March lifted the mask mandate in Texas. In May, Abbott issued an executive order prohibiting government entities, including counties, cities, school districts and public health authorities from requiring masks.

Mandating masks, physical separation, allowing schools to decide whether theyre going to have distance learning and still get paid for it. All the precautions that we practiced in the past to bring the numbers down are no longer available to us, Cortez said.

COVID-19 migration from Mexico to Texas

The county of about 1 million people on the Texas-Mexico border is grappling with an influx of migrants coming from Mexico, many of whom are testing positive for coronavirus. (Related: BIDEN IMPORTING COVID: Up to 50% of illegal immigrants are Covid-infected and are crossing the US southern border in droves right now.)

Now, Cortez said he feels like his border community is running out of options. On Monday, county officials reported 153 coronavirus patients were hospitalized in area hospitals, including 47 in intensive care units. Cortez told Border Report that some of the hospitalized are migrants.

The two deaths bring the total fatalities in Hidalgo County to 2,933 since the pandemic began. There have been a total of 96,796 cases.

As of Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 66.3 percent of Hidalgo County residents over age 12 have been fully vaccinated and 78 percent over age 12 have had at least one dose. The county reported that 82 percent of those over age 65 have been fully vaccinated.

Currently, non-governmental organizations are testing all migrants who are being released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in McAllen. Those who tested positive are being quarantined in local hotels.

But the numbers are rising so quickly that the City of Laredo has filed a lawsuit against DHS top officials to try to stop the transfer of migrants who are apprehended in the Rio Grande Valley from being sent to Laredo because they are bringing with them COVID-19, the citys mayor said.

The reason we filed it is because we were basically at the threshold of entering into a crisis, Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz told Border Report.

Follow Pandemic.news for more news related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Sources include:

DFW.CBSLocal.com

BorderReport.com
(Natural News) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has very quietly admitted that the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests used to test for COVID-19 CANNOT differentiate between coronaviruses. That means that this disease is nothing more than a common cold. The two are synonymous.

(Article by Mac Slavo republished from SHTFPlan.com)

With so little evidence that a new virus actually exists, the very real possibility that this is anything more than what has always been a common cold is getting very real. There is more and more evidence all the time pointing to a simple renaming of the common cold (coronaviruses and rhinoviruses) and the flu to what we know of as COVID-19.

They Admit It: The Flu Has Disappeared Now That COVID Is Here

Dont take my word for it! Use your own critical thinking and discernment and come to your own conclusion. Dan Dicks from Press For Truth, who has been banned on YouTube for exposing the official narrative, has a new video on Bitchute that can be seen below.

The video is accurately titled:

CDC SAYS PCR TESTS CANT DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN CORONAVIRUSES! .?. THE COLD & COVID ARE SYNONYMOUS!!!

*All sources are linked at the bottom of the description box of Dicks video. Simply click the above video, and from there, in the Bitchute description box, you can click on the relevant information.

That means, for the past year, colds and the flu have been diagnosed as COVID. Let that sink in! Dicks says.

The CDC admits that PCR tests cant differentiate between Coronaviruses. let that sink in that means that for the past year and a half colds and the flu have been diagnosed as Covid. Let  that  sink  in   Dan Dicks (@DanDicksPFT) July 27, 2021

There has been little if any evidence (other than the words of the lying politicians and mainstream media talking heads) that anything out of the ordinary has happened. It looked like it was pretty easy to panic the sheep into believing this hoax. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration is still admitting that SARS-CoV-2 has NOT been isolated. So does it even exist?

Page 43 of 80 2nd paragraph 2nd sentence.  Since no quantified virus isolates of the 2019-nCOV were available for CDC (they used characterized Stock) https://www.fda.gov/media/134922/download

All colds have been diagnosed as COVID. This scam keeps getting more sinister. We had better wake up quickly or they will pull off another lockdown over the delta variant, which doesnt exist if the original virus hasnt been isolated. Oh, but wait. Theres more!

Forbes recently admitted that Bill Gates and George Soros have purchased a United Kingdom maker of COVID lateral flow tests. This pandemic hoax is starting to look like one of the most sinister crimes ever committed against humanity.

Read, learn, and keep using critical thinking. The more people who wake up to their enslavement and the lie that this has been from the get-go, the better chance we have of abolishing slavery in all forms for good.

Read more at: SHTFPlan.com and Deception.news.
(Natural News) French researchers have discovered a network of land drawings in Indias Thar Desert that they claim is the largest artifact of its kind worldwide. The network contains drawings that include four spiral patterns etched into a 20-hectare area of land near the village of Boha.

Carlo and Yohann Oetheimer, a father-and-son independent research duo from France, discovered the artifacts after examining Google Earth images of the desert. The researchers found eight possible archaeological sites with geoglyphs, or giant handmade patterns built upon or carved into the land.

The pair then flew a drone over the region in 2016 and found that the etchings in seven of the sites were actually just furrows dug for tree plantations. But a site near Boha featured a network of distinct symbols made of 20-inch-wide lines of varying length and complexity. The Oetheimers surmised that the symbols were created by scraping sand and silt.

At the center of the network was a figure that measured 2,374 feet long and 650 feet wide. It was made of a single, coiled line that was around seven and a half miles long.

Southwest of this mega-spiral was another line drawing that repeatedly bent back on itself to form a grid of parallel lines. A pair of small geoglyphs also abutted the mega-spiral but both of these were heavily eroded.

Peru also has line drawings etched into its soil. Called the Nazca lines, these drawings number up to 300 and, together, cover an area bigger than that occupied by the Indian artifacts. But they are much smaller individually, with the longest Nazca line measuring 2.7 miles long. (Related: Ancient art: Scientists discover 143 new Nazca line drawings previously hidden in Peru.)

After extensive research, we consider the Boha geoglyphs to be the largest abstract and organically arranged man-made geometric figures discovered so far, the Otheimers said.

The pair also found three Hindu memorial stones at key points, suggesting that the geoglyphs creators had knowledge of mathematics and planimetry (the measurement of plane areas). The researchers posited that the lines might be at least 150 years old and were possibly linked to the memorial stones around them.

Daniela Valenzuela, an assistant professor of archaeology at the University of Tarapaca in Chile, who was not affiliated with the Oetheimers, said that the study on the newfound geoglyphs was convincing even though it was carried out by independent researchers.

Geoglyphs in India might have served an unknown type of cultural practice

The Oetheimers said that it was unlikely the drawings were intended as a form of artistic expression that was contemplated from the ground. They explained that the drawings makers could not take in their creations since the region was flat. Instead, the pair posited that the making of the geoglyphs might have served as an unknown type of cultural practice.

[This] invites us to consider religious, astronomical, and/or cosmological meanings, the researchers wrote. Because of their uniqueness, we can speculate that they could represent a commemoration of an exceptional celestial event observed locally.

Valenzuela also surmised that the geoglyphs were not intended for viewing since the geoglyphs were not visible from the ground. Instead, she opined that they were made for the sake of the act of creation.

Carlo Oetheimer told Daily Mail that they need to visit India in the near future to complete their research and conduct radiocarbon dating. He said that this future endeavor could provide crucial insights into why the drawings were made.

The Oetheimers detailed their findings in a paper, which was due to be published in the September issue of the journal Archaeological Research in Asia.

Visit Artifacts.news for more about fascinating archaeological discoveries.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

ScienceDirect.com

ScienceAlert.com
(Natural News) Mainstream media outlet the Washington Post has announced that it will require its employees to get vaccinated before they return to office in September.

The newspapers move was announced by publisher Fred Ryan in a memo to employees released on Tuesday, July 27. The decision was made just as the paper plans to reopen its offices and ask employees, including more than 1,000 journalists, to come to work three days per week starting September.

In the many conversations I had had with Post employees across all departments, I have heard the genuine concerns they have for themselves and their families with new COVID variants emerging, wrote Ryan. Accordingly, our plan is to require all Washington Post employees to demonstrate proof of full COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment beginning with our September 13 office return.

Company contractors and guests who want to enter the Washington Posts main office building in downtown Washington, D.C. will also need to prove they are fully vaccinated before they will be allowed to enter.

The company said it will grant exemptions for people with well-documented medical conditions and religious concerns, as is the requirement under federal law. These exemptions will have to be documented with the human resources team and approved by the company.

Ryan said in the memo announcing the mandate that an overwhelming majority of Washington Post employees are already fully vaccinated and have shown the company proof of their vaccinations.

I do not take this decision lightly, said Ryan. However, in considering the serious health issues and genuine safety concerns of so many Post employees, I believe this plan is the right one.

I urge you to move quickly to arrange for vaccination, said Ryan in the conclusion of his statement. Or, if you cannot be vaccinated for medical or religious reasons, please reach out to our HR team.

Washington Post the first major mainstream news company to require vaccines

The Washington Post, owned by the billionaire founder of Amazon Jeff Bezos, joins a growing number of corporations in the United States that are making the vaccination a condition for continued employment. This is despite the fact that the experimental vaccines have caused thousands upon thousands of deaths and serious side effects that have left people mentally and physically disabled. There is no doubt that many Washington Post staffers will also experience serious side effects after getting the vaccines.

It should also be noted that the vaccines have not received the full approval of the Food and Drug Administration. Instead. the vaccines are being administered under emergency use authorization agreements. Full approval is not expected until the end of the year or in early 2022. (Related: Moderna representative ADMITS vaccine is experimental and everyone taking it is part of a clinical trial with unknown consequences.)

The Washington Post is one of the first media companies to mandate vaccinations, along with fellow mainstream news outlet CNN. Other big media corporations have so far only encouraged employees to get vaccinated without outright requiring it.

Many other companies are resisting mandating vaccines, but not because they respect the ability of their employees to make their own choices regarding their health. They are refusing to mandate the vaccines because they are wary of litigation, backlash and, in some instances, the risk of losing important employees.

Some legal experts even believe that vaccine mandates are illegal, especially since they are still experimental.

We dont believe that any state or government can force these COVID shots, especially because they are still under emergency use authorization, said Matthew Staver, chairman of the conservative and pro-religious liberty legal organization Liberty Counsel.

Learn more about the growing number of corporations that are coercing their employees into getting vaccinated with the threat of unemployment by reading the latest articles at Vaccines.news.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

NYTimes.com

Reuters.com

TheHill.com

CommercialObserver.com

Bloomberg.com
(Natural News) A little more than a year after the death of George Floyd, some people are still making him out to be a hero and keeping the Black Lives Matter message alive. Its not hard to find people retweeting and liking posts across social media bearing his image or talking about incidents where police officers have acted unprofessionally, but few are still talking about the ugly side of the protests and rioting.

Footage that can be seen on Brighteon shows the terrifying moment that a crowd of looters raided an Amazon delivery van parked on the side of a Santa Monica street in broad daylight on a weekend of violence and vandalism during the height of the protests last summer. A group of thugs can be seen breaking the windows of the van by throwing rocks at it before opening the back doors and pulling out a slew of boxes.

The brazen looting took place on 5th Street between Santa Monica Boulevard and Broadway. Numerous people can be seen grabbing boxes and running away from the scene. One clip of the incident circulating online was taken by journalist Kyli Singh, who lived nearby and saw the drama unfold from her balcony.

Sharing the footage, she tweeted: My heart is breaking. This @amazon prime truck was broken into on 5th and Broadway in #SantaMonica.

This is theft, NOT protesting, she added.

According to Singh, what began as five looters turned into a much bigger group rather quickly as people loaded up their cars with boxes. The driver was not inside the van at the time, and there were no passengers.

An Amazon spokesperson later confirmed that the driver was safe. They added that they were monitoring the situation and adjusting their routes to ensure driver safety.

Nevertheless, several Amazon delivery drivers told the media that they were scared to make deliveries during the protests. One Chicago delivery driver said he felt like he had a target on his back, and the $25 an hour he was making was not worth the risk. A Washington Amazon driver cancelled all of his shifts for the week after seeing the looting video.

The looting took place on the same day that looters targeted stores near the Third Street Promenade. In that incident, thieves were seen swarming stores and running off with arms full of clothing, some stopping to change into their new acquisitions while a peaceful protest took place nearby at the Santa Monica pier.

According to Santa Monica Police Chief Cynthia Renaud, more than 400 people were arrested that day. She added: So what we can glean from intelligence online is that there are opportunists who are tracking where peaceful protests are occurring, and they are then going to that city, knowing that resources will be tied up in ensuring First Amendment rights to free speech.

They take advantage of that. And they loot and they perform criminal activity, she said.

So many lives and livelihoods have been lost as a result of the protests

While theres a lot we can say about Amazons business practices and the way they treat their workers, this incident had nothing to do with Amazon or raising awareness of inequality and everything to do with pure, unapologetic greed.

When we see sentiments like George Floyd  Never Forget, lets also remember that dozens of Americans were killed during the protests, and the $1 to $2 billion in riot damage seen was the most expensive in insurance history. Lets not forget the shop owners who lost everything due to looting who can no longer support their families. And what about the countless police officers who lost their jobs and livelihoods thanks to the calls to defund the police?

Well never know how many people have been killed or assaulted as a result of having fewer officers on the streets, but the numbers of deadly shootings in many major cities who have cut their forces are on the rise. Lets not forget those deaths, either. The Floyd incident was extremely unfortunate, but if people really want us to remember what happened to him, we should also be talking about all the other lives that were lost because of the protests.

Sources for this article include:

Brighteon.com

DailyMail.co.uk

BusinessInsider.com

Axios.com
(Natural News) The current White House occupants are on a lying spree concerning the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) plandemic, which they falsely claim is being driven in this age of the delta variant by people who are unvaccinated.

Despite prolific evidence showing that the vast majority of people testing positive these days took the jab, Resident Joe Biden and his entourage continue to insist that unvaccinated people are fueling the spread of Chinese Germs.

At a White House press briefing on July 22, as one example, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy proclaimed that 99.5 percent of covid deaths and 97 percent of hospitalizations are among the unvaccinated.

Murthy pulled this fake statistic out of his you-know-where, as did fake television doctor Tony Fauci back in June when here declared in response to a question on Meet the Press that, if you look at the number of deaths, 99.2 percent of them are unvaccinated. About 0.8 percent are vaccinated.

Both of these liars, along with the dementia-ridden Liar-in-Chief, think Americans are stupid enough to just believe whatever they say without actually doing their own research. And perhaps they are right, at least with regard to some segments of the country.

To be clear on the math here, Faucis answer would imply that only about 80 vaccinated people  0.8 percent of 10,000  died in June, writes independent journalist Alex Berenson on his blog.

These are  how do I put this delicately?  big fat stinking lies. They are off by a factor of at least five, and probably 10 or more.

Dont let the jabbers steal your soul with their injection poison

Truth be told, the real superspreaders delivering the Fauci Flu to everyone around are vaccinated people. They are the true drivers of delta variant spread, according to the data.

The unvaccinated, whose immune systems are still intact just as God designed them, either already have natural immunity to coronavirus because of earlier wild exposure, or they take care of their bodies and are thus not susceptible to needing hospitalization or an early coffin.

Sadly, too many Americans are still believing every lying word that comes out of Faucis mouth. Heck, some of these people even made little shrines to their god of science before lining up at the local pharmacy and rolling up their sleeve for a Trump Injection.

In other countries where the political establishment is slightly less globalist, there have been admissions that jabbed people are, in fact, spreading new variants of the Chinese Virus  but not here in the United States where the official narrative is that Fauci Flu shots are the only miracle cure for Wuhan Germs.

It is no longer even clear whether vaccine is right term to describe these therapies, warns Berenson about how the government is lying even in how it refers to these shots.

No matter how they try to spin it, the globalist establishment will never have the truth on its side by insisting that these injections are anything other than a bodily menace.

In a worst-case scenario, these vaccinated people have permanently removed their God imprint through genetic reprogramming  meaning they are no longer humans made in the image of God, but are not genetically modified (GMO) chimeras made in the image of Fauci, Trump, and their god.

Whatever the case may be, these things are not intended for good. How many more people will be fooled until a critical mass comes to that realization?

We have to stop living as though were riding in the back seat of our moms SUV, noted one of Berensons commenters about how awake Americans are not doing nearly enough to try to stop this nightmare.

More news stories about the never-ending stream of Chinese Virus deception coming from American government globalists can be found at Deception.news.

Sources for this article include:

AlexBerenson.Substack.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) People who refuse to get injected with a vaccine for the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) as demanded by Pedo Joe should not be allowed to enter grocery stores to buy food for their families, says Don Lemon of CNN.

During a recent broadcast, Lemon went on a tirade about how he believes that the only people who should be able to buy and sell are those who take the Mark of Science in their bodies, permanently altering the genetic blueprints that were placed there by God.

Um, I dont know, Im sure a lot of people are not going to agree with this but, um, dont get the vaccine, you cant go to the supermarket, Lemon blathered in a lengthy monologue  watch below.

Dont have the vaccine, you cant go to the ballgame. Dont have the vaccine, cant go to work. You dont have the vaccine, you cant come here. No shirt, no shoes, no service.

Lemon further stated that he thinks this is where we should be right now because otherwise mainstream media talking-heads like himself will have to continue to waste our breath on people who are just not going to change.

Theyre, you know, circular logic, they just keep going back and saying, well, its my freedom, its whatever, Im free, Lemon went on to blab.

Well, your kids not free to give other kids meningitis in schools, youve got to take a vaccine to do that. Youve got to take vaccines in order to get, to be, employed. So, ah, what is the big deal? And all these people are saying, I dont want to put this stuff in my body, theyre out drinking on the weekend and putting other substances in their bodies thats way worse for them then a vaccine, so, come on, lets be real.

Don Lemon wants China Virus vaccines to become the Mark of the Beast

There are so many problems with Lemons line of thinking that it is difficult to know where to start. First of all, nobody is required to get injected with anything in order to get a job. Secondly, most of the people who have decided to just say no to experimental drugs from the government are not out partying it up on the weekends.

To make such a claim shows how pitifully foolish and unprofessional Lemon is, which definitely shows that he belongs at CNN. Where Lemon does not belong, however, is in any authoritative position where he might try to medically rape others against their will by penetrating them with needles.

Neither he nor any other mainstream media hack has any right to violate other peoples bodies upon the threat of removing their access to food and employment. To even suggest that the government possesses this right makes Lemon a fascist, a domestic enemy, and someone who is a very real threat to our constitutional rights as American citizens.

Makes perfect sense to me, wrote one commenter at Citizen Free Press about how these injections really are shaping up to become the Mark of the Beast. If we cant kill you with the vaccine, then well starve you to death.

The minute we stop caring what these CNN / MSNBC, et al. talking heads opine on ANYTHING is the moment we start going back to rational decision making, wrote another, making an excellent point about how if we all just turned off the television and deactivated our social media accounts, things might just return back to normal.

The medical fascists are being emboldened to show their true ugly colors. To keep up with the latest, visit Fascism.news.

Sources for this article include:

CitizenFreePress.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) As you may have seen, Dr. Joseph Mercola is all over the news these days for allegedly spreading disinformation about how people can keep themselves healthy with things like vitamin D and zinc. Well, now he is fighting back.

In a legal notice to The New York Times, Dr. Mercola warned the fake news giant to stop publishing lies about him or else he is planning to sue the propaganda outlet for defamation.

One of the lies the Times is spreading about Dr. Mercola falsely accuses him of lying about a peer-reviewed study on the benefits of vitamin D in treating the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19).

You indicated that you could not validate that Dr. Mercola published a peer reviewed study on Vitamin D in the severity of COVID-19, wrote Robert J. Borrello, Esq. in the letter to the Times.

Dr. Mercola provided the direct link in response to you (attached), and any journalist or fact checker would simply find the study by searching Mercola in PubMed.

Another lie that the Times is spreading about Dr. Mercola alleges that he was fined millions by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This is completely fabricated, Borrello points out. Dr. Mercola has never been fined by the FDA.

Addressed to Sheera Frenkel, the Times technology reporter, the letter calls on the Times to immediately issue a retraction for the false article, as well as preserve all communications and documents that related to Dr. Mercola.

Keep up the fight, Dr. Mercola!

As we reported back in May, Dr. Mercola had to adopt various defensive tactics against all of the attacks he has been facing as of late, prompting him to pull a bunch of articles from his website for protection.

Many of these articles contained valuable information that people were using to boost their immune systems naturally, which is exactly what the medical fascists wanted him to do in order to keep as many people in the dark as possible.

You see, there is no room for competing information when Big Pharma profits are on the line. And just about everything Dr. Mercola says and does threatens that cash cow, which is why he is being threatened into silence.

When this information was pulled, it was a disappointment to many who hoped that Dr. Mercola would keep up the fight. And now it appears that he is with this new legal threat against the Times.

Even though his own life has been threatened by cronies associated with billionaire eugenicist Bill Gates, Dr. Mercola is fighting hard to defend his reputation from being tarnished by fake news criminals who are lying about him and trying to prevent the public from hearing what he has to say.

Dr. Mercolas work has saved countless lives, equipping ordinary people with the tools they need to grab hold of their health and avoid falling prey to the death spiral of pharmaceutical drugs.

If the Times cared about its readers, it would be promoting Dr. Mercolas work, not defaming it.

This is reprehensible to deny legitimate and good information to the public on every way possible to stay healthy, one of our own commenters wrote about the mainstream medias assault on Dr. Mercola.

So very wrong and I have followed Dr. Mercola for years. His information is always well researched. He is also not saying anything that actual mainstream doctors have not been saying right along. Also, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and zinc are advised from almost every medical professional Ive talked to personally about covid and prevention.

More related news about the medical mafia driving the Chapel Hill, N.C. Virus plandemic can be found at ChemicalViolence.com.

Sources for this article include:

NaturalNews.com

Gab.com

VisionTimes.com
(Natural News) As President Joe Biden continues his push for federal employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, the influential American Postal Workers Union (APWU) has expressed its opposition to vaccine mandates.

The APWU released a statement this week saying that although it intends to encourage postal workers to get the vaccine, it is not the role of the federal government to mandate vaccinations for the employees we represent.

The statement goes on to say that any issues related to COVID-19 testing and vaccines in the workplace need to be negotiated with the union, which represents more than 220,000 postal workers.

They added: At this time, the APWU opposes the mandating of COVID-19 vaccinations in relation to U.S. postal workers.

The statement comes just a day after Biden announced that the White House was mulling a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all federal workers. On a trip to McLean, Virginia, he admitted that it was under consideration and blamed unvaccinated people for the pandemic.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is the first major federal agency to institute a vaccine mandate for healthcare employees, while New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has said that all of his states employees will need to get the vaccine or undergo regular testing. City workers in New York are subject to similar rules, and California Governor Gavin Newsom has also announced a similar measure.

Right now, such mandates are questionable given the current vaccines status of only having Emergency Use Authorization rather than full FDA approval. Biden has said that he expects full FDA approval to be given by the fall, which will give mandates by governmental agencies and companies more solid legal ground.

One step closer to a full mandate

Yesterday, the White House announced a series of new steps that include requiring federal employees to either attest to being vaccinated or be subject to very strict protocols that include wearing a mask on the job at all times, keeping a physical distance from other employees and visitors, submitting to weekly or twice-weekly testing for the virus, and being subjected to official travel restrictions. Although they have said this is not technically a mandate, it does feel like one to many, although officials have claimed that federal employees who do not get the vaccine will not lose their jobs.

The administration also announced other new steps yesterday to incentivize vaccines, including expanding the paid leave offered to employees for taking time off work to get themselves or family members vaccinated  something that the employers will be reimbursed for. Biden also asked states to use American Rescue Plan funding to offer Americans $100 to get the vaccine.

He is ordering the Department of Defense to find out how they can add COVID-19 vaccines to the list of required immunizations for being a member of the Armed Forces. The DoD has said that all personnel will be required to attest their vaccination status or be subjected to the aforementioned measures of distancing, testing, masking and official travel restrictions.

Perhaps most outrageously, he has called on school districts across the nation to hold pop-up vaccination clinics in the next few weeks in a bid to get more kids aged 12 and older vaccinated. In the UK, children under 18 will not be given the vaccine unless they have issues like immunosuppression or severe neuro-disabilities as authorities there believe that the risks of the jab in this age group outweigh the benefits, making them one of the few nations taking a sensible approach to the matter. Its a far different story in the U.S.

Its unfortunate that in their mad rush to get the countrys vaccination numbers up, the Biden administration is not taking the time to look closely at the risks and find better ways to reduce the spread of the disease without infringing upon peoples health freedom.

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

CNN.com

APNews.com
Greenland's massive ice sheet is melting at an alarming rate, with enough ice melting in a single day this week to cover the whole state of Florida in two inches of water, according to experts.

According to Danish government statistics, the melting has gone deep into Greenland's vast icy core, with the ice sheet losing 8.5 billion tons of surface material alone on Tuesday. According to the Polar Portal monitoring website, another 8.4 billion tons of ice was lost on Thursday.

The Extent of the Melting

The extent of the melting ice is so great that the meltwater generated on Tuesday alone was enough to flood the whole US state of Florida in two inches (5cm) of water. In addition, Greenland's melting ice pours into the ocean as water, contributing to the continuous rise in global sea level caused by human-driven climate change.

"It's a really high amount of melting, and it will undoubtedly transform the landscape of Greenland," said Marco Tedesco, a glacier researcher at Columbia University and a Nasa adjunct scientist.

Pressure Formation

According to Tedesco, a ridge of high pressure is sucking and trapping warmer air from the south "like a vacuum cleaner" and holding it over eastern Greenland, resulting in an all-time high temperature of 19.8C on Wednesday. As a result, seasonal snow melts away, exposing darker core ice, which melts and contributes to sea-level rise.

"These kinds of atmospheric phenomena have occurred in the past, but they are now becoming longer and more frequent," Tedesco added.

"Snow acts as a protective blanket, and once it's gone, you're stuck into a cycle of quicker and faster melting, so who knows what will happen now with the melting?" It's incredible to see how vulnerable these massive ice sheets are. I'm astounded at the strength of the forces working on them."

Related Article: Greenland Ice Sheet Faces Major Tipping Point, Accelerated Melting Might be Inevitable



Duration

The melting season in Greenland generally lasts from June through August. According to Danish government data, the island has lost more than 100 billion tons of ice since the beginning of June this year. While the extent of the melting is less severe than in 2019 - when 11 billion tons of ice was lost in a single day - the area impacted in 2021 is considerably bigger.

"It's impossible to say if this will be a record year for melting," said Brad Lipovsky, a glaciologist at the University of Washington. "There's a ton of warm and moist air above the ice sheet that's generating an unbelievable amount of melt," he said.

"What concerns me is the political response or lack thereof. Sea-level rise is like a slow-going locomotive that you can't stop once it starts moving. So it isn't good news."

Tipping Point and Sea Level Rising

Although melting all of Greenland's ice would raise global sea levels by approximately 6 meters (20 feet), experts have warned that the world's biggest island is approaching a tipping point owing to the stresses imposed by global warming.

According to experts, Greenland's ice is melting faster than it has in the last 12,000 years, with ice loss averaging one million tons per minute in 2019. Since 1994, Greenland and Antarctica, the earth's other polar area, have lost 6.3 trillion tons of ice.

Melting Pace

This pace of ice loss, which is increasing as global temperatures rise, is modifying ocean currents, affecting marine ecosystems, and posing a direct threat to the world's low-lying coastal towns, which are at risk of flooding. According to a 2019 study, the Greenland ice sheet may raise global sea levels by 5 to 33 centimeters by the end of the century. According to Lipovsky, the globe is on pace for "the mid to high end of that."

Tedesco described the situation as "extremely concerning." "The action is clear: we must achieve net zero emissions while simultaneously protecting vulnerable communities along the shore. This will be a major issue for our coastal cities."

Also Read: Earth's Vital Signs are Worsening and Many are Not Paying Attention

For more environmental news, don't forget to follow Nature World News!
ST. LOUIS (AP)  Kristen Bigogno knows that with the end of the federal eviction moratorium, she and her two teenage sons could be forced out of their St. Louis apartment any day now, with no place to go.

My kids don't want to be homeless, Bigogno, 39, said. If we don't have a place, we'll be in a tent. We don't have anybody. We have each other.

Across Missouri, thousands of families face potential eviction with the expiration of the federal moratorium imposed in September by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The freeze, which expires as of Sunday, was meant to provide relief to tenants unable to keep up with their rent during the coronavirus pandemic and to prevent further spread of COVID-19 by people put out on the streets and into shelters.

In St. Louis, the sheriffs office handles court-ordered evictions. Sheriff Vernon Betts said 126 evictions have been ordered and are just waiting for the moratorium to end. His office plans to enforce about 30 evictions per day starting Aug. 9.

Betts knows there will be hundreds of additional orders soon. Hes already been contacted by countless landlords who havent yet filed for eviction, but plan to.

Once the moratorium is over, Im thinking its going to be, Katy bar the door, Betts said.

The CDC moratorium was initially scheduled to expire at the end of June. The Biden administration extended it by a month.

The administration said Thursday it would allow the moratorium to expire this time, arguing that its hands were tied by a Supreme Court ruling that made clear further extensions wouldn't be allowed without congressional authorization. House members tried unsuccessfully on Friday to pass a bill to extend the moratorium.

More than 13,000 eviction cases have been filed against tenants in Missouris two metropolitan areas since March 15, 2020, according to the Eviction Lab at Princeton University, which tracks evictions nationwide. That includes nearly 8,300 filings in St. Louis city and county combined, and more than 5,100 in Jackson County.

Robert Swearingen, an attorney for Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, worries that many people removed from their homes will struggle to find new housing.

My clientele is really low-income so Im dealing with people living on Social Security between $600 and $1,000 a month, and they have a hard time finding a apartment that is livable, Swearingen said.

Kennard Williams, a housing activist with the group Action St. Louis, said that with housing insecurity already alarmingly high in St. Louis, the eviction wave is going to overwhelm the resources and infrastructure that we have.

A lot of people dont have a plan, and with the way evictions work, once you have an eviction on your record, a lot of landlords will bar you from living on their property, Williams said. Were looking at a lot of people facing homelessness.

Lee Camp, an attorney at ArchCity Defenders, agreed. A homelessness crisis, he said, is exactly where were headed.

The pandemic has hurt landlords, too. Nick Kasoff rents out more than a dozen homes in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson. Hes doing OK, but he knows many other small-time landlords who are in financial trouble. He expects a surge in foreclosures of rental properties.

If youre a landlord and youve got tenants who wont pay and youve got no way of removing them from the property, what are you going to do? Kasoff asked.

Bigogno and her sons, ages 16 and 17, have lived in their south St. Louis apartment for five years. She said she's always paid her rent on time. She had a good job working for a company that delivers meals to homebound senior citizens.

Her trouble began earlier this year, and is not related to the pandemic. The company that owns her six-unit building and two neighboring four-unit complexes began evicting tenants with plans to rehab the buildings and rent them at higher prices, Bigogno said. She said the company sought to evict her and refused to accept her rent payments.

Activists with the group Homes for All St. Louis convinced a judge that her case was covered by CDC guidelines, and her eviction was delayed until the moratorium's end.

The months-long court fight meant time away from work. Bigogno lost her job because of it, she said.

Bigogno dreads the day when deputies knock on her door.

Im scared," she said. Im terrified that every day will be the day. I pray to God, please let today not be the day.'
Beverly "Beebe" Guinaugh, 85, of St. Louis, Missouri, formerly a longtime resident of New Castle, passed away on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at the Bethesda Meadow Nursing Home, Ellisville, Missouri. Mrs. Guinaugh was born on Jan. 18, 1936, in New Castle, a daughter of the late Ferdinand and Do
Radhika Fox received Senate confirmation last month to assume the position of Environmental Protection Agency Water Director . On Monday, the EPA announced that it will establish stricter requirements for power generators to heavily treat wastewater with modern filtration equipment before discharging into any waterway that provides any drinking water downstream.
By AFP

HEINAVESI, FINLAND: The Orthodox monastery of Valamo in Finland usually receives around 160,000 visitors a year, many from Europe and Russia who come to experience the peaceful surroundings and expansive orthodox library, as well as the country's largest whisky distillery.

But with the coronavirus pandemic, "we've had far fewer guests," leading to a loss of donations and tourist income, says Father Mikael, sporting a beard, black hat and robe.

However, the forests that the monks bought when they fled to the area after World War II have proven to be an economic lifeline during the global health crisis.

Faced with the loss of around a third of the monastery's annual revenues of three million euros ($3.5 million), the monks opted to cut down and sell four years' worth of their trees at once.

"The income from our forests has saved us... and helped patch up the economic loss from corona," the priest, who is in his 40s, told AFP.

After at least six centuries on an island in Europe's largest lake, Ladoga, Valamo's 200 or so monks were among the hundreds of thousands of Finns evacuated in 1940 when the eastern Carelia province was ceded to the then USSR.

The brotherhood relocated 200 kilometres (125 miles) away to Heinavesi, believing the new site's vast forests could provide an economic buffer against future crises.

"Thinking about how the monastery has overcome the difficult times in its history was one thing that gave support and relief during the pandemic crisis," Father Mikael said.

Sustainable forestry

When AFP visited Valamo on a hot day in June, a team of workers, covered from head to toe against mosquitoes, criss-crossed a six-hectare (15-acre) forest clearing, planting saplings.

"This area's being turned into a new growth site, half a year after it was felled," noted Raimo Asikainen, a forestry expert who seven years ago began working with the monks to help them manage 400 hectares (1,000 acres) of forest.

Nowadays, the brotherhood comprises just seven monks and seven trainee "novices".

So, Asikainen drafted in professional planters.

"If the monks were doing this, it would have taken all week," he smiled - not least because they must spend as much time praying as working each day.

Last year, Asikainen also helped the monks obtain Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for Valamo's timber, a mark of sustainability which allows them to sell at higher price.

Forest-cutting is opposed by many environmentalists in Finland for climate reasons, but industry representatives including Asikainen insist that felling and regenerating old forests actually improves their ability to absorb carbon from the atmosphere.

Life 'on pause'

Valamo is the only orthodox Christian monastery in predominantly protestant Finland, where the orthodox church has around 60,000 members, equivalent to about one percent of the population.

While the pandemic has slashed visitor numbers, "more younger people have started coming to visit," Father Mikael told AFP.

"More people are now also talking to us, saying they're interested in becoming monks," Father Mikael said.

"People may have had more time to think about things while their earlier life has been on pause."

To join the brotherhood, applicants must spend at least a year at the monastery as a novice, tending sheep, working at the distillery or, nowadays, fixing the IT.

If the novice is accepted by a vote of the monks -- whose average age is 45 -- he must renounce all worldly possessions, take a vow of celibacy and obey the word of the head monk.

The candidate is then given a new name and allowed to wear the order's black habit.

After a year of changes, "the future looks good, and some things might stay different," Father Mikael said.

"Hopefully the young people will continue coming."


By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Jalan Kalrock Consortium, the new owners of Jet Airways, in a public notice told the existing staff of Jet Airways that they wont be able to re-employ all of them.

In the coming days, we intend engaging with many of you to ascertain the role you can play in years to come, in our effort to create history, when Jet Airways becomes airborne again. We cannot commit re-employment to each of you, but can surely say that this company belongs to you and right now, it is not in the interest of your airline to onboard everyone, the consortium said in a statement.

Meanwhile, in a letter to the new civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia earlier this week, the All India Jet Airways Officers & Staff Association requested him to take up their issues.

The letter said that a complete injustice has been done to the employees. It said that the dues offered to them is about Rs 52 crore which is a miniscule amount compared to the original claim (Rs 1265 crore) accepted by the resolution professional.

There are over 3,500 employees associated to the airline even after it was grounded in April 2019. However, the consortium plans to have only few hundred workers when Jet restart in services, possibly by December this year. At its peak, Jet had over 20,000 employees.

In June this year, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approved the resolution plan submitted by the Kalrock-Jalan consortium for the airline. According to the revival plan, the consortium proposes a payment of about Rs 23,000 to each employee as against their submitted dues which ranges anywhere between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 85 lakh.

Around 95% of the employees are yet to accept the consortiums proposal. Jalan Kalrock statement said the proposal will be made only if at least 95% of the people vote in favour of it and they should accept the same in the larger interest of the employees and the beloved airline.
By Express News Service

The Indian Oil Corporation recently set up India's first Green Hydrogen Plant with the help of a Norwegian company. The country's envoy Hans Jacob Frydenlund speaks to Pushkar Banakar about future plans between India and Norway in the Green sector and other issues.

How have Norway-India relations been affected by the coronavirus pandemic? Are there any lessons that the pandemic has taught?

Despite the pandemic, our bilateral commitments have continued and continue to strengthen. We have had frequent political contact virtually, and joint projects have continued as far as possible. Particularly in our Ocean Dialogue, we have been able to make substantial progress. As elected members of the UN

Security Council, we have seen new avenues for collaboration open up in the area of peace and security. Although the lesson is not new, the pandemic has indeed reminded us that partnerships are key to tackle global challenges. At the national level, the Norwegian government, business and citizen groups

mobilized to support the Indian emergency efforts to tackle the COVID response during the second wave. Norway and India have had important roles in the global pandemic response, where India has held a key role as vaccine producer. Norway, on the other hand, has contributed as co-chair of the Facilitation Council for the Access to Covid-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator and major donor to the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) initiative. What is new is that we have learnt how to foster these partnerships also in the virtual space. I must say I look forward to more physical interaction, though.

Given that the coronavirus situation is improving in India, are there any plans to resume tourist visas for Indians?

The health authorities in Norway are continuously monitoring and evaluating the situation and considering further opening for travel. At this time, students with permits are allowed to enter Norway through the month of August. In addition, family members who are reuniting with residents in Norway (family immigration permits) and essential workers are allowed to enter. Short-term travel from India is currently only allowed in special situations.

The EFTA trade negotiations have been pending for long now. Are you taking any steps to speed it up?

India and Norway enjoy a strong, longstanding relationship in business. The Norwegian Pension Fund Global is likely one of Indias largest single foreign investors (approx. USD 14 billion in 2020), more than 120 Norwegian companies operate in India and trade between our countries is steadily growing. Still, there is a large untapped potential. For the Norwegian government and our industry players, a free trade agreement with India is an important priority. As Ambassador, I engage in dialogue with relevant actors in India to support efforts aimed at progressing in the free trade negotiations.

Recently, Indian Oil Corporation built India's first green Hydrogen plant with the help of a Norwegian company. Are there plans to build more such plants?

Norway has many years of industrial experience across the entire hydrogen value chain and the Norwegian Government has developed a Hydrogen Strategy with the aim of further developing and scaling new low-emission technologies and solutions. We need to grasp the opportunities available to make a complete green transition and hydrogen has a significant potential for reducing local and global emissions.

Hydrogen will be a key component for India's vision to have 450 GW capacity of renewable energy by 2030, and we are pleased to note that the Indian Government has announced a National Hydrogen Mission to support this green shift. We are therefore happy to see the statement of intent between Norway's Greenstat and Indian Oil for a new Centre for excellence on hydrogen. We will also be taking part in the upcoming International Climate Summit in September which focuses on this area.

Norway has set up a climate investment fund for developing and emerging economies. Any India-specific plan in this regard? If yes, can you provide some details?

First, the Norwegian investment fund for developing countries, Norfund, has recently announced a 100 million USD investment in rooftop solar in India. The new climate investment fund will also be managed by Norfund, and will invest in renewable energy in countries where such investments can replace the use of coal and hence lower greenhouse gas emissions. As such, India will be a natural market to explore. If the world is to succeed in mitigating global warming and fulfilling the Paris Agreement, countries that can, must, contribute to more climate financing. Norway is doing its part and we are very proud of our new climate finance initiative.

Earlier this month, Norway's foreign minister presented the country's new strategy for the promotion of freedom of expression. India, of late, has been criticized over some aspects pertaining to curtailment of this freedom. Have you taken up the issue with the Indian authorities? If not, is there a likelihood that you will take it up in the near future?

Norway is strongly committed towards freedom of expression as a fundamental human right and as a cornerstone of a vibrant democracy. This again we see as essential for fostering inclusive and sustainable development. We hope other countries, including India, will be interested in our approach, as laid out in the strategy.

What are the areas, apart from the ones already existing, that Norway and India can collaborate in? Any new sectors in which collaboration can be seen in the future?

Norway and India are both major ocean states, and we place a huge emphasis on our Ocean Dialogue with India. There is still a lot of potential for advancing further the cooperation with India on sustainable use of the oceans, green shipping and ship recycling, marine pollution, integrated ocean management and ocean research. In the UN Security Council, maritime security is an example of shared concern and potential area of collaboration that we will continue to explore.


By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: With the water level of river Yamuna rising above the average mark, the Delhi administration on Friday sounded a flood alert. The water level in the national capital rose to 205.22 metres, close to the danger mark of 205.33 metres, as rains continued to pound northwest India.

A flood alert is declared when the Yamuna crosses the warning mark of 204.50 metres. The situation is being monitored round-the-clock. According to officials, people in the affected areas are being shifted to shelter homes run by the city government in the Yamuna Pushta area after the Haryana government discharged more water into the river from the Hathnikund Barrage. Delhi Police and the East Delhi district administration have started evacuating people living on the floodplains of the Yamuna in the capital.

The irrigation and flood control department has deployed 13 boats in different areas and put 21 others on standby. The water level was recorded at 205.22 at the Old Railway Bridge at 8:30 am. It was 203.74 metres at 8:30 pm. The water level was 205.10 metres at 6 am and 205.17 at 7 am. According to officials, it is expected to rise further. The river is in spate because of rains in Delhi and the upper catchment areas, an MeT department official said, adding that it may swell further as more rains are predicted in northwest India.

According to the Delhi flood control room, the discharge rate at the Hathnikund Barrage peaked to 1.60 lakh cusecs on Tuesday afternoon, the highest this year so far. Water discharged from the barrage normally takes two-three days to reach the capital.

Haryana had been releasing water from the Yumananagr-located barrage at the rate of 19,056 cusecs at 8 am. The flow rate was 25,839 cusecs at 8 pm on Thursday. Normally, flow rate at the Hathnikund barrage is 352 cusecs, but the discharge is increased after heavy rains in catchment areas. One cusec is equivalent of 28.32 litres per second.

In 2019, the flow rate had peaked to 8.28 lakh cusec on August 18-19, and the water level of Yamuna had hit the 206.60 metre-mark, breaching the danger mark of 205.33 metres. The Delhi government had to launch evacuation and relief operations after the overflowing river submerged many low-lying areas.

Hooda flays haryana for waterlogging

New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the recent spell of rain has once again exposed the BJP-led Haryana governments development claims. Several areas are waterlogged. The roads built have got washed away in the rain like a pile of sand in water, he said. Hooda added that people in all districts are facing sewage problems. Looking at the pictures of many districts, it seems that the streets have turned into rivers and the roads have become ponds, Hooda said.
By Express News Service

Manvitha Kamath, who was missing in action due to the pandemic, is back with a makeover and a new film. The actor has been roped in for director PC Shekhars upcoming romantic thriller. Manvitha is paired opposite Nakul, who is making his debut as a hero with the film.

PC Shekhar

Director Shekhar tells CE that he was looking for an actor with good experience and an ability to deliver a commendable performance, and he found Manvitha apt for the film.

He says, Manvitha will be playing the role of a village tomboy, who gives a tough fight to all her problems. We are working on her look currently, and I am sure she will pull it off effortlessly.

Bankrolled by SR Venkatesh Gowds Naada Kiran Pictures, the upcoming film will be a fusion of two genres - romance drama and thriller.

Music Arjun Janya is once again joining hands with Shekhar for the film, which will mark their eighth collaboration. Shakthi Shekar, an erstwhile assistant of DOP Vaidy, will be handling the cinematography. The dialogues for the film are written by Sachin Jagdeshwar SB, while the art department will be handled by RajShekhar.

Shekhar, who last helmed The Terrorist, is now busy with the films pre-production and is planning to begin shooting in the second week of August. Meanwhile, Manvitha, who was last seen in India vs England, has a couple of releases in the pipeline - Shiva 143 and the Kannada-Marathi bilingual film Rajasthan Diaries.
Mukesh Ranjan By

Express News Service

RANCHI: At this time of crisis when parents are complaining that the learning process of their children is being disrupted due to lockdown, there is a village in Jharkhand which, instead of making complaints, took an initiative so that their children could continue attending their classes.

The Gram Sabha and Self Help Group (SHG) women at Ara and Keram villages, located 45 kilometers from the district headquarters in Ranchi, decided to arrange regular classes for their children so that education of them does not get distrusted and a proposal was passed to continue the classes in two shifts maintaining social distancing and other measures to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Notably, Ara and Keram are the two villages in Ormanjhi block which was praised by Prime Minister Modi in his 'Mann Ki Baat' a few months back for exemplary work done in the field of water conservation.

According to President of Nav Jagriti Samiti, a body formed by the villagers to monitor committees related to education, health, environment, water conservation etc, the decision was taken after it was observed that the children roaming here and there due to the lockdown which may further spoil their future. Therefore, a Gram Sabha meeting was called and it was decided to arrange tuition classes for them for two hours every day in two shifts, he added.

Now, classes are being conducted regularly at the government school building in the village, for which, a total of 11 tutors for all subjects have been arranged and are being paid regularly by the Gram Sabha, said President of Nav Jagriti Samiti, Baburam Gope. Though, the online classes were being conducted

by the State Government, but most of the children do not have the access of smart phones for attending them, he added.

Not only that, out of the 11 teachers who have been engaged in teaching around 250 children belonging to the two villages, two trained teachers have also been called from Hazaribagh providing lodging for them in the village itself, he added.

Since the village does not have any trained teacher, we decided to hire teachers from outside so that they could conduct smart classes for our children, said Gope. Besides, Science and English, they are also teaching maths so that the children do not lag behind in any subject or skill, he added.

Gram Pradhan of Ara village, Gopal Bedia, informed that the they are paying Rs 2000 for the untrained teachers, while the trained teachers, who have been hired from outside, are being paid Rs 16,500 per month as salary by the Gram Sabha. They did not want to disrupt the education of their children as it was a matter of the future of their children, he said.

Teacher Ujjwal Kumar, who has been hired by the villagers, also praised the initiative taken by the villagers.

It is really a good initiative taken by the villagers or Ara and Keram as due to the long gap; the children had stared forgetting what they learnt earlier in their schools. I really feel proud that I am a part of probably the very first such initiative taken by any village to continue the education process for

their children, said Ujjwal Kumar, who teaches Science and English to the children.

Classes for students in 1-8 standards are being conducted regularly in two shifts, firstly from 7:30 to 9:30 am and secondly from 10:00 am to 12 noon, he added.

Block Development of Ormanjhi Block also said that Ara, Keram villages have set an example for others during the pandemic.

After I was told about the initiative, I visited the village and found that COVID-19 protocol is being followed properly. It is really a good initiative which has brought very good results, said BDP Vijay Kumar Soni. Ara Keram is a very progressive village where the people are quite aware and are taking good decisions, he added.
By PTI

JAIPUR: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday said that so far, 64 per cent of the promises made in the 2018 assembly election manifesto have been fulfilled.

In a review meeting with Congress manifesto committee chairman Tamradhwaj Sahu, MP Amar Singh and members of the council of ministers, Gehlot said that out of 501 promises of the 'Jan Ghoshna Patra', 321 have been fulfilled.

The state government will fulfil the remaining promises, he said, adding that a Cabinet sub-committee is continuously monitoring the implementation of the manifesto.

Gehlot said promises related to farmers, women, youth, unemployed, animal husbandry, needy sections and basic amenities are being fulfilled on priority.

He said that the 'Jan Ghosna Patra' (manifesto) is a policy document of the state government as well as a vision document to accelerate the development of Rajasthan.

"The government is committed for time-bound fulfilment of each promise," he said. In the review meeting, All India Congress Committee (AICC) member Sahu expressed satisfaction over the progress of the state government.

He said that the speed with which efforts are being made to fulfil the promises made in the manifesto is commendable.

Later, Sahu told reporters that apart from fulfilling the promises of the manifesto, the state government has done some additional works and launched schemes in public interest which were not there in the manifesto.

He said that due to the Covid pandemic, there was delay in the execution of some of the promises. "However, the overall execution is good," Sahu said.

Sahu said that he will prepare a report of the review meeting and submit it to the party high command in next two to three days.
Rajesh Asnani By

Express News Service

JAIPUR: Major changes are on the cards in Rajasthan as the AICC general secretary Ajay Maken has indicated that several ministers in the Gehlot cabinet may be shifted to the state Congress unit while the CM has struck a conciliatory note with the Pilot camp.

Maken was in Jaipur for the past three days and held one-on-one meetings with 115 party MLAs and other legislators supporting the Gehlot government. Speaking to the media after meeting the office bearers on Friday, he said that a decision has been taken to constitute district Congress committees and finalise other appointments in the state.

I spoke to all MLAs and party leaders in Rajasthan and discussed how we can work for the upcoming state elections and retain our position. We will soon appoint district and block-level chiefs in the state, Maken said.

Maken confirmed that he sought feedback on cabinet expansion and the performance of the government adding that he will submit a report to the partys central leadership.

Significantly, before leaving for Delhi, Maken also said, there are some ministers who have come forward and said that they are ready to work in the organisation to strengthen the party and I am very thankful to them. Though he refused to specify the number of such ministers, Makens statement is seen as a clear hint that some current ministers may be dropped in the reshuffle.

Meanwhile, the CM had advised all Congress MLAs to forget and forgive the old grievances towards the Pilot camp during a dinner hosted at his residence on Thursday for the MLAs.

However, Pilot himself was notably absent in the meeting as he was away in the national capital. Sources in the Congress party said that around six ministers of the current 21 may be dropped, 10 new ministers inducted and a change in portfolios are likely in the rejig expected in early August.
By PTI

KOLKATA: Commercial services on the Haldibari-Chilahati railway link between India and Bangladesh, which had been defunct since 1965, will commence on Sunday with a goods train travelling to the neighbouring country, an official said.

The restored rail link was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina on December 17 last year. "The first run of a commercial service between Haldibari and Chilahati will be on Sunday," a Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) spokesman said.

He said that a goods train carrying stone chips will travel from Haldibari in West Bengal to Chilahati in Bangladesh's Nilphamari District. With the addition of this link, there will be five operational rail routes between the two countries.

The distance between Haldibari Railway Station till the international border is 4.5 km, while that from Chilahati till the 'zero point' is around 7.5 km, another NFR official said.

In May 2015, in pursuance of the joint declaration at the Inter-Governmental Railway Meeting (IGRM) held in Delhi, the Railway Board sanctioned the construction of a new broad gauge line from the Haldibari station to the Bangladesh border.

"The Haldibari-Chilahati rail link was operational till 1965. However, the war of 1965 effectively cut off all railway links between India and the then East Pakistan," the Ministry of Railways had said in a statement in December 2020.
By ANI

NEW DELHI: India and China are discussing disengagement of troops from friction points including Gogra Heights and Hot Springs area during the 12th round of Corps Commander-level talks, said Indian Army sources on Saturday.

The 12th round of Corps Commander-level talks between India and China began at 10:30 am in Moldo on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control.

India and China have already disengaged from the banks of Pangong lake after extensive talks and the Gogra Heights and Hot Springs areas are left to be resolved as these friction points were created post-Chinese aggression last year.

The two countries have been engaged in a military standoff for almost a year but disengaged from the most contentious Pangong lake area last month after extensive talks at both military and political levels.

The credit for the disengagement was given to all stakeholders by Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane who also talked about the country benefitting from the inputs given by the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval during the crisis.

Earlier, India and China held 11 rounds of talks at the Corps Commander level to reach the arrangement to disengage from the Pangong lake area.
Express News Service By

NEW DELHI: With 46 districts in India still reporting a Covid-19 test positivity rate of over 10%, the Centre on Saturday, asked them to impose strict restrictions on the intermingling of people.

The directions came in a review meeting focused on the 10 states registering a surge in cases or positivity rate or both.

As 80% of the active cases in these states -- Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh and Manipur -- are in home isolation, the government also nudged them to strictly monitor and ensure patients at home are not spreading the infection in the community.

ALSO READ| In-host mutations in COVID-19 virus reflecting in variants, finds study

In the meeting, Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan warned against any complacency with around 40,000 Covid-19 cases being reported daily since the preceding weeks and urged the states to ramp up their testing.

There are also 53 districts across states reporting 5-10% of positivity which suggests that the pandemic may not be fully under control.

The Union government said that states should focus on districts with a positivity rate of less than 10% so as to protect these districts and the populations by focusing on saturation of vaccination.

In addition, states have been advised to conduct their own state-level serosurveys for district-wise disease prevalence data with the help of the ICMR, as the national level sero-prevalence survey was heterogeneous in nature.

A recently concluded serosurvey, based on samples collected from 70 districts in 22 states, by the ICMR had shown that nearly 68% of the population may have antibodies against SARS CoV 2-confirming the past exposure to the virus.

ALSO READ| Over 2.27 lakh pregnant women inoculated against COVID-19; Tamil Nadu tops chart

ICMR director general Balram Bhargava on the other hand advised states to ramp up vaccination in the 60+ and 45-60 age categories as evidence shows that nearly 80% of the mortality is from these vulnerable age-groups.

Regarding enforcement measures, he advised the state authorities to avoid all non-essential travel and to discourage all large gatherings of crowds. The government also highlighted the need for the states to push for PSA oxygen plants in private hospitals.

"Provisions under the clinical establishment act enable states to issue such directions to the private hospitals," said the Union health ministry, adding that in the government hospitals, Centre and states have already been trying to install these oxygen generators throughout the country.

ALSO WATCH |
Prasanta Mazumdar By

GUWAHATI: To de-escalate tension, Assam and Nagaland on Saturday decided to withdraw their security personnel from their present locations at two disputed sites of the interstate border.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the move as "historic".

The decision was made at a meeting, held between the chief secretaries of the two states, in Nagalands Dimapur town. There was a standoff going on between the police forces of the two states at the two sites.

Assam's position has been that the two areas fall under its Dessoi Valley Reserve Forest in Jorhat district while Nagaland asserts that they are parts of its Tsurangkong valley in Mokokchung district.

A statement, signed jointly by the two chief secretaries, said both sides agreed that in order to maintain peace and tranquility in the areas, urgent and effective steps were required for defusing the standoff.

"In this regard, it is decided by both sides that the security personnel of both states shall simultaneously move back from their present locations to their respective base camps. The simultaneous withdrawal of the security personnel shall begin immediately and shall be completed in the next 24 hours as far as possible," the statement said.

ALSO READ | Villagers hope boxer Lovlina Borgohain's Tokyo Olympics medal will bring road, water supply

According to the agreement, Nagaland and Assam will monitor the area by surveillance using UAV and satellite imagery in order to maintain status quo. The Superintendents of Police of Mokokchung and Jorhat shall ensure orderly withdrawal of their respective forces and shall be responsible for it in the instant case, the statement further said.

ALSO READ| Northeast India will always be one: Mizoram CM Zoramthanga

The Assam CM said it was a historic step and a major breakthrough towards de-escalating tension. He expressed gratitude to his Nagaland counterpart Neiphiu Rio for working with Assam in restoring peace on the border.

"Assam is committed to ensuring peace along all its borders and strives for social and economic prosperity of the Northeast," Sarma tweeted.

Assam and Nagaland share a 512.1 km border and a case pertaining to their boundary disputes is pending in the Supreme Court. Assam also has border disputes with Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh, apart from Nagaland and Mizoram.


By PTI

GUWAHATI: A woman has drawn applause for her bravery and presence of mind as she caught a man who allegedly molested her on the pretext of asking direction for a place, and handed him over to the police in Guwahati.

The police on Saturday said that the incident took place in Rukmini Nagar locality under Dispur police station in the city and the accused was arrested.

A video of the woman, who is trained in martial arts, accosting the accused and forcing him to reveal his name and face before the camera has been widely circulated on social media since Friday evening.

She alleged that she was stopped by the accused, who was on a scooter, and asked her for directions of a place on Friday.

When the woman who is in her 20s said she was not aware of the location, he allegedly came further closer to the girl, pretending not to hear her, and suddenly touched her inappropriately.

"I was taken aback initially but after a brief moment, I reacted and caught hold of the back of his scooter as he tried to flee," she said.

She pushed the scooter into a drain on the side of the road and as a commotion was created, people gathered at the spot.

"I have received training in martial arts for self-defence. It helped me in this situation," she added.

The woman informed the police who reached the spot and took the accused into custody.

"The case will be brought to its logical conclusion & justice served. We are committed to the safety & security of our citizens," Guwahati police tweeted.
By PTI

AIZWAL: Officials in Mizoram claimed on Saturday that no vehicle has entered the state from Assam since the boundary clash despite the neighbouring state's assertion that the "economic blockade" staged by several groups on National Highway 306 has been lifted.

Seven people, including six Assam Police personnel, have been killed and scores injured in a clash along the Mizoram-Assam inter-state border on July 26.

"No vehicle has entered Mizoram from Assam from Monday to Saturday," Kolasib Deputy Commissioner H Lalthlangliana told PTI. Lalchawimawa, officer-in-charge of Vairengte police station, close to which the border check-gate is located, echoed the DC but said that some trucks from Mizoram, however, have left for Assam.

"No vehicles have entered Mizoram from Assam till 3 pm on Saturday. However, few trucks from Mizoram have left for Assam," he said.

The officer claimed that there is no restriction on traffic movement in Mizoram and vehicles from the state are entering Assam every day even after the clash. He said that the situation along the inter-state border is under control and peaceful now.

The Centre has deployed more troops of central armed forces in the border areas. The Mizoram government had on Friday written another letter to the Union Home Ministry alleging economic blockade in Assam and seeking the Centre's intervention to lift it.

In the letter, Mizoram Home Secretary Lalbiaksangi alleged that several vehicles carrying COVID-related materials like test kits were stranded on NH 306 in the Lailapur-Dholai area in Assam.

Mizoram also sought the restoration of railway tracks damaged by miscreants in three locations in Assam. Assam, however, has claimed that no group is currently staging any blockade on NH 306 in the state.

Meanwhile, the Mizoram government has opened alternate routes to bring essential commodities from Tripura and Manipur.

Lalrozama, Deputy Commissioner of Mamit district, which shares border with Tripura, said that essential commodities including fuel and LPG, are coming in from the neighbouring state.

A sizeable number of traders from Tripura have entered Mizoram on Saturday and the administration is making efforts to ensure smooth traffic movement between the two states, he added.
By PTI

MUMBAI: A driver and a woman conductor of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) have been suspended from service for allegedly roughing up an elderly couple at a bus depot in Palghar district neighbouring Mumbai after they questioned the driver for rash driving on a pothole-ridden road, officials said on Saturday.

In the video of the incident, which occurred on Friday, the conductor of the bus is seen chasing the couple after they alighted from the bus at the Wada bus depot and starts manhandling the man, while the woman is seen trying to save him.

A few moments later the bus driver joins the conductor and pushes the man, who falls to the ground. "The ST corporation is apologising for this incident. The corporation has taken immediate cognisance and suspended the concerned driver and conductor from service. This incident will be investigated by a high-level committee," Shekhar Channe, vice chairman and managing director of MSRTC, said in a statement.

According to MSRTC officials, the driver Gorakhnath Nagargoja and the conductor Shital Pawar assaulted the couple at the Wada bus depot after they questioned the driver why he drove rashly on a pothole-ridden road.

Terming the incident "unfortunate", Channe said the transport undertaking will never support beating up of passengers by ST employees. He said stringent action will be taken against the guilty after the probe is completed.

The MSRTC is the biggest public transport undertaking in the country with a fleet of more than 16,000 buses and around one lakh employees. Before the pandemic broke out, it used to ferry around 65 lakh passengers per day on its buses, but that number has gone down to 17 to 18 lakhs.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Over 2.27 lakh pregnant women have taken shots within a month of Covid-19 vaccination centres opening for them. Tamil Nadu recorded the highest number, the Centre said on Friday.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare approved inoculations against the virus for pregnant women from July 2, based on recommendations from the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization. Pregnant women can opt for vaccine slots at any point during pregnancy.

Over the last four weeks, Tamil Nadu vaccinated 78,838 pregnant women followed by Andhra Pradesh with 34,228, Odisha with 29,821, Madhya Pradesh with 21,842, Kerala with 18,423 and Karnataka with 16,673, as per ministry data.

The government said service providers and frontline health workers were trained to counsel pregnant women and their families. They focused on routine antenatal care and briefed them about the importance of vaccination during pregnancy.

The states further sensitized their teams of government and private facilities on the need for vaccination, the Centre added. Studies showed that Covid-19 infection during pregnancy may result in rapid deterioration of health, escalating the risk of severe disease affecting the fetus too.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid out a mission for 25 years as the nation prepares to celebrate 100 years of Independence in 2047. On Saturday he interacted with the IPS probationers of 2019 batch, who have completed their training at the Sardar Vallabhai Patel National Police Academy (SVP NPA), Hyderabad. During the virtual interaction, the Prime Minister stressed on various aspects of policing.

Remember you are on a 25-year mission. Before 1947, it was a fight for Swarajya and young people like you had played a great role in making it a reality. Now the responsibility on this young generation of officers is to achieve Surajya,. Every decision you make, every initiative you take up in service will have a great impact in achieving this, he told the probationers.

178 probationers including 144 IPSs and 34 candidates from neighbouring countries of Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Mauritius, who underwent the training, participated in the interaction. 33 of the IPS probationers are women.

The 2019 batch of IPS officers trained at SVP NPA has two women officers as toppers of the batch - Ranjitha Sharma and Shreya Gupta. During the virtual interaction with the probationers, Prime Minister began his greetings saying 'Vanakkam' addressing Shreya Gupta, who belongs to Delhi and was allotted to the Tamil Nadu cadre. For the first time in IPS history, Ranjitha Sharma becomes the first woman not only to top the training, but also win the prestigious IPS associations Sword of Honour.

After a brief introduction and welcome note by Atul Karwal, Director, SVP NPA, Shreya Gupta led the interaction, during which the Prime Minister interacted with eight probationers including one from Maldives. During the interaction, the Prime Minister inquired about their interests, hobbies, ideas for police reforms and how they could use them in improving policing in the country and inspire others, especially daughters to join the police force. In tough and demanding jobs, like policing, hobbies will prove to be ones great strengths and also help in delivering best results, when combined with work, he said.

Hailing from Haryana and allotted to Rajasthan cadre, batch topper Ranjitha Sharma told the Prime Minister that during her district training, she faced a very sensitive law and order situation, during which she learnt the importance of being patient. It is our own people we handle in such situations and we need to display the highest level of patience. Policing is an embodiment of patience, courage and valour, she said. Quoting Sardar Vallabhai Patels words to police officers, she said if a police officer loses patience, he is no more a police officer.

The Prime Minister told Ranjitha with her hard work and performance, she had left her mark in every aspect of training and that her achievement would definitely change the thoughts of people about daughters and women. I want to give you advice which is not related to duty. Wherever you are placed, visit a girls school for an hour once a week and interact with them. Just talk to them and listen to them. And also as you continue practising yoga, choose any open garden area, where you can start yoga classes for girls. During your free time, you can monitor and guide them.

When asked what her goal as a police officer is, she said that making police and police stations more accessible to people and changing the mindset will be her goal and the greatest achievement. Ranjitha, who wanted to make a career in journalism, said that though she worked in different areas before joining the service, she realised that being a police officer, she can do great work for people and above all the honour in the police uniform is the driving force.

When Modi asked Gaurav Ram Prakash Rai from Maharashtra, alloted to Chattisgarh, how he would use his hobby chess in policing, Rai said like chess is a game of strategies and tactics, police particularly in Chhattisgarh, which is a hotbed for LWEs, would need strategies in policies and tactics in operations. When he said development is the only solution to curb the LWE menace, Modi suggested that development and social connect along with implementation of law should be used to reach out to the people. This will help you gain the trust of the people, Modi said.

Speaking to KPS Kishore of Andhra Pradesh and allocated to Andhra Pradesh cadre, Modi said they have to come up with new and innovative ideas to control cyber frauds and financial frauds, which is a growing concern of the time. Women and children are the most targeted groups in cybercrimes. What are your ideas to tackle this, asked Modi. In response, Kishore said increasing awareness among people and utilising the experience during the field training in Kurnool and from what they have learnt in the academy would definitely be of great help.

The Prime Minister also gave a call to the officers to change the negative image and perception towards the police department which has been established over the years.During the covid pandemic, the police force across the country had worked shoulder to shoulder with people, agencies from various walks of life. They were seen helping people, cooking and feeding the poor and in many other ways. This has changed the image to a large extent, but it is back to normal now. This process should not stop here and this process of changing the image of police should be a continuous process, he said.

He reminded the officers of the efforts of the NDRF in natural calamities and disasters and peoples confidence in them.  In any emergency, people are confident that NDRF personnel will rescue them, even by risking their lives. They have earned great respect among the people. Many of them are from police forces and your friends also. Your reach to the people also should be on those lines, he reminded.

He also spoke about the 'Azadi ka Amruth Mahotsav', as India celebrates 75 years of Independence a few days from now. This interaction happening at this juncture of great importance is very delightful and inspiring. I do not know how many of you have visited Dandi or Sabarmati Ashram. Let me remind you of Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi March. This step had created a revolution in the freedom struggle and when Gandhiji completed the march after 24 days, the whole nation came on one platform to fight for freedom. Remember the zeal and desire of the people then, which had fulfilled the dream. Our nation wants such zeal and commitment from you all and other young people at this moment, the prime minister said.

Expressing great confidence in the officers, the Prime Minister said that he sees a new generation in them, who would police the country to the next level in the coming 25 years.

He also lauded the women officers, saying that daughters joining the police forces strengthens policing in the country. The government has taken up several initiatives to encourage daughters in different fields and these daughters here would surely inspire generations to come, he said.

I see a vibrant women police force. Our daughters, with their efficiency, accountability, compassion and empathy, will take policing to the next level, reaching out to every citizen, he said, as he encouraged more daughters to join the police forces.

Speaking about the current situation, he said, You are beginning your career, when India is moving towards transformation in every aspect. Your preparations, efforts, and ideas should work towards this goal. When a nation progresses towards development, challenges from within and outside also rise in the same manner. It's your responsibility to handle them, stop crime with innovative ideas. Develop mechanisms to tackle cyber crimes and implement them.

He also exhorted them to have this mantra of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat always in their minds. You are the brand ambassadors to this idea. You will have challenges ahead of you and sometimes they are very local. But you should always keep this mantra in mind and make a decision. Do not always think in the police station from the police head quarter perspective. Get acquainted with every aspect in your area, become friendly with people and keep the respect of the uniform the highest, even as you maintain law and order. he advised.

What are your ideals, goals? What you do to work and achieve them, will be a measure of your work and that will have a great impact on this society and the nation in the coming days. I am sure you will be successful in making this possible, he said.
By ANI

NEW DELHI: The production of Russia's coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V in India is expected to come fully on stream in September, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) informed on Saturday.

"Production in India is expected to come fully onstream in September and RDIF expects India to become a major production hub for the Sputnik V vaccine with such companies as Serum Institute of India, the world's biggest vaccine producer, Gland Pharma, Hetero Biopharma, Panacea Biotec, Stelis Biopharma, Virchow Biotech and Morepen Laboratories working to produce the vaccine," a statement issued by RDIF read.

Regarding delay in manufacturing of second component batches, they said, "Reports about Sputnik V second component production delays in India based on anonymous sources are incorrect. A number of RDIF partners in India have already produced the second component batches, which are undergoing verification at the Gamaleya Center in Russia. Transfer of technology to partners in India is also in process and there is an active exchange between Russian and Indian vaccine production specialists."

Further explaining it said, "RDIF plans to accelerate deliveries of Sputnik V and Sputnik Light to India already in August." Earlier, Dr Reddy's said due to the spike of COVID-19 cases in Russia, the arrival of Sputnik V dose is getting delayed and the situation may ease by August end.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Scientists from IIT Bombay and Delhi, along with about 50 doctors and public health specialists from across the country, have written to three Chief Ministers, urging them to urgently set up a task force that can help scientifically plan the reopening of schools in a phase-wise manner.

The experts said that the closure of schools over the last 16 months has resulted in major learning and development losses for crores of students, despite evidence indicating that reopening may be possible with safeguards in place.

This comes days after top government officials such as ICMR head Balram Bhargava and AIIMS, Delhi director Randeep Guleria, both the members of the national Covid19 task force, argued in favour of opening the schools in districts with low test positivity rates.

Small children are far less susceptible to severe Covid-19 disease, they had said, citing the scientific evidence available so far.

ALSO READ | Kerala model of Covid management gets both brickbats and pats even as cases rise

In India, schools have remained largely closed for the past 16 months due to the pandemic though there have been attempts by some states to open them for at least the secondary and senior secondary level students with certain precautions.

Recently too, states such as Bihar and Odisha apart from a few others have decided to open schools for students in the higher grade though in large parts physical classroom remain completely shut.

"The costs of school closures in terms of learning and development losses are mounting, while scientific evidence indicates that reopening with safeguards is possible," said the letter addressed to CMs of Delhi, Maharashtra and Karnataka.

The experts, doctors and scientists who wrote the letter pointed out that schools are open, either partially or fully, in nearly 170 countries across the world and added that a few countries, such as France and Sweden, did not close schools throughout the pandemic.

In July, UNICEF and UNESCO too had reiterated that schools should be the last to close and the first to open, citing that there is evidence that pre-primary and primary schools are at the lowest risk and should be prioritized before schools for older age groups.

The group underlined that vaccination of adults may take many more months as only about 13% of the eligible population is fully vaccinated in Delhi and around 7% of the eligible population is fully vaccinated in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Vaccines for children are under development in India but countries such as the UK have decided against universal vaccination for young children and nowhere in the world are children under 12 being vaccinated at the moment.

Given the costs of prolonged school closure in India, vaccination of children cannot be a prerequisite for opening schools, it stressed highlighting that a zero case scenario is unlikely.

Covid-19 is here to stay and the approach must now be to address risks with appropriate mitigating measures, said experts adding that schools cannot be opened overnight and this will require careful planning at all levels, particularly with regard to local conditions.

In terms of the way forward, please consider setting up a task force with relevant experts on an urgent basis to plan for opening of schools in your state, partially now, and fully in the near future, urged the letter.
By PTI

GANGTOK: Search was underway on Saturday for the five labourers who went missing after their camp at Mamkhola in West Bengal's Kalimpong district got washed away by a rivulet which had swollen due to heavy rainfall, officials said.

Two persons were rescued and admitted to the nearby district hospital at Singtam in Sikkim, they said.

One body was also retrieved from the area by the rescuers, they added.

The deceased was identified as Dhan Singh Bhandari (35) of Nepal.

Eight labourers, engaged in the construction of the Sevoke-Rangpo rail project, went missing as the rivulet washed away their camp on Friday morning amid heavy rainfall, officials said.

Kalimpong Police is leading the search and rescue operation along with a rafting team.

A disaster management team also arrived at the spot on Saturday morning from Dabgram in West Bengal, while a sniffer dog was sent from Siliguri.

Incessant rainfall in the area was posing hindrances to the rescue operations, officials said.

Traffic has been diverted from this area as it is on the National Highway-10, the lifeline of Sikkim, they said.

Multiple landslides on NH-10 on the West Bengal side between Rangpo and Melli blocked movement of traffic, cutting off the Sikkim border, they said.

A culvert near Mamkhola was also damaged, blocking the all-important highway.

The landslide at 29th Mile, around 60 km from the Sikkim border, was cleared and open for one-way traffic on Friday evening.

Commuters have been advised to avoid this stretch till further notice.

The alternate road from Mamring in East Sikkim to Melli in South Sikkim is being used till landslides are cleared, officials said.

Meanwhile, MLA Anjeeta Rajalim along with District Collector M Bharani Kumar visited Kerabari, Chalisey and Melli Bazaar in the South Sikkim district to take stock of the damage caused amid the heavy rainfall.

Melli Bazaar is completely cut off from other parts of Sikkim and West Bengal as all the approach roads have been washed away, officials said.

The Revenue Surveyor concerned has been directed to make door-to-door visits to the houses damaged, Kumar said.

Melli Bazaar has been hit by multiple landslides and all the affected families evacuated and relocated to a government building at a safer location, officials said.

Around 10 houses were damaged in Melli Bazaar along with a secondary school, a State Bank of Sikkim branch and a road that connects NH-10 with Melli Bazaar on the Sikkim side, they said.
By PTI

PUNE: Dr Cyrus Poonawalla, chairman of the city-based vaccine maker Serum Institute of India (SII), will be honoured with the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak National Award for 2021. Deepak Tilak, president of the Lokmanya Tilak Trust, has made the announcement.

"Poonawalla will be felicitated for his work during the COVID-19 pandemic, wherein he helped in saving many lives by manufacturing Covishield vaccine. Under his leadership, crores of doses of Covishield vaccine were made available to the world in record time. Poonawalla has been at the forefront of making different vaccines at affordable prices," Tilak said on Friday.

The award ceremony will take place on August 13, he said, adding that the award comprises cash prize of Rs one lakh and a memento. The award is annually given on August 1, the death anniversary of Lokmanya Tilak, but due to the coronavirus situation, the date has been changed this year, Tilak added.

The award was started in 1983 and so far, several prominent personalities from different walks of life have been honoured with it.

Some of the recipients include socialist leader S M Joshi, former prime ministers Indira Gandhi, Dr Manmohan Singh, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Congress leader late Pranab Mukherjee and Infosys founder N R Narayana Murthy.
By PTI

JAMMU: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Saturday arrested a terrorist as it carried out raids at 15 locations across Jammu and Kashmir in connection with two terror-related cases, officials said.

The raids were carried out in connection with the busting of a Lashker-e-Mustafa (LEM) module in March and the recovery of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) dropped here by a drone from Pakistan, an NIA spokesperson said.

During the raid, the NIA also recovered digital devices including mobile phones, pen drives, shells of used bullets, plastic face masks used during stone-pelting and hand written jihadi material, the spokesperson said.
Fayaz Wani By

SRINAGAR: Two Pakistani terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammad, who were behind the February 2019 suicide attack on the CRPF convoy in Pulwama which killed 40 paramilitary personnel, were killed in an encounter with security forces on Saturday.

One of the dead Ismail Alvi was an IED expert and a relative of Jaish chief Masood Azad, sources said.

His accomplice, whose identity was being ascertained, was also killed in the gunfight. An AK-47 rifle, 1 M-4 Carbine, a Glock pistol, and a Chinese pistol were recovered from the encounter site.

According to @JmuKmrPolice, two militants have been killed in an ongoing encounter with troops in Namibian- Marsar forest area in south Kashmir Pulwama district. @NewIndianXpress  Fayaz Wani (@iamfayazwani) July 31, 2021

Terming Lamboos killing as a major success for the security forces, IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar said he was the mastermind and the main accused in February 2019 Lethpora Fidayeen attack. Lamboo, according to GoC 15 Corps Lt Gen D P Pandey, had trained the local Jaish militant Adil, who eventually blew himself up in the suicide attack.

The attack was one of the worst in more than three decades of militancy in J&K. According to Kumar, Lamboo was closely associated with Masood Azhar and had infiltrated into Kashmir in 2017 through Sakargadh Sector.

Kumar said 19 terrorists and their accomplices were involved in the Lethpora attack case. Out of 19, seven including Adil Dar, Mudasir Khan, Umar Farooq, Kamran, Qari Yasir, Sajjad Bhat, and today Lamboo have been killed in encounters while 7 militants and OGWs were arrested and five are still absconding, he said.
By PTI

CHANDIGARH: Two Pakistani intruders were shot dead by the Border Security Force along the International Border in Punjab's Tarn Taran district, an official of the BSF said on Saturday.

The BSF troops noticed suspicious movement near the border fence at 8.48 pm on Friday, he said.

The BSP personnel asked the intruders to stop, but they did not pay heed to repeated warnings.

Sensing threat, the BSP troops opened fire, the official said.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: Concerned over an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in the State and a spike Kerala, the Karnataka Government has directed officials to strictly monitor the situation and impose additional containment measures if necessary.

We have taken a serious note of the increase in Covid cases in Kerala and we are taking all measures to contain the spread in the State, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai told reporters in Delhi on Friday. He is in Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Ministers.

On Friday, Karnataka reported 1,890 new cases and 34 deaths. While Bengaluru reported 426 new cases, Dakshina Kannada had 345 cases, Udupi 155 and Hassan 135. The State had 2,052 new cases on Thursday.

Bommai spoke to Chief Secretary P Ravi Kumar and deputy commissioners from bordering districts to get information on the situation, and directed them to monitor those coming in from Kerala by road or train. He will hold a video-conference with DCs, SPs and health department officials on Saturday, while the chief secretary conducted a virtual meet with deputy commissioners on Friday.

Health Commissioner Dr KV Trilok Chandra said they have been consistently conducting around 1.5 lakh tests per day. Testing will be increased in places where a high number of cases are being reported, he added.In districts bordering Kerala, officials are insisting that those entering the State should have RTPCR negative reports regardless of their vaccination status, an official said.

Meanwhile, the government issued an order directing the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) chief commissioner and deputy commissioners to strictly monitor the situation in their respective jurisdictions. It allowed them to impose additional containment measures based on their assessment of the situation. Officials have been told to implement strict surveillance measures at border check-posts.

It has been observed that there is a spike in the number of new Covid cases in the bordering states as well as in a few places in the State, which entails close monitoring and stringent micro-containment measures to contain the spread of Covid19 locally,stated the order issued by Principal Secretary, Revenue Department, and Member Secretary State Executive Committee, N Manjunatha Prasad.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: There were attempts to influence the probe in the diplomatic channel gold smuggling case, but the Customs department did not budge under pressure, said Customs Commissioner Sumit Kumar during his farewell interaction with the media in Kochi on Saturday.

Sumit Kumar minced no words while lambasting the attitude of the Kerala police who failed to act on complaints of attacks on central agencies.

Though he did not name any politician or political party, Sumit Kumar maintained that the attempts to influence the Customs probe did not succeed. Regarding the allegations raised by the Kerala government, he said the Kerala Chief Minister is not his reporting officer. "I need not report to the Chief Minister. My reporting officer is the Union Finance Minister, who has been very supportive. There is no point in putting pressure on me. Earlier, I handled the case regarding a duty-free outlet at Thiruvananthapuram airport in which many politicians were involved. I had promised my team that till I am here the outlet will remain closed. Has it opened? People may try to influence but I am not concerned," he said.

Regarding his Facebook post that a political party tried to interfere in the gold smuggling case investigation, he said the Customs will not buckle under pressure. "We are not bothered about political parties. You may be powerful and influential, but you are not above law. No constitutional position grants you immunity from the law of the land. On our part, the Customs department has taken action irrespective of consequences. For us, national interest and national security are our primary concern. So there is no question whether a political party is involved in a case. The law does not discriminate between an ordinary offender and an influential offender," he said.

Sumit Kumar said that political parties have the responsibility to ensure the smooth functioning of the Customs department as it involves national security. "They have no business in interfering with investigations as we don't interfere in politics. Here the constitutional authorities conducted press conferences and raised some allegations. They formed a commission of inquiry against us. Tomorrow I can also appoint a commission of inquiry against them. This is nonsense. This has never happened," he said.

Denying the allegations raised by CPM leaders that the Union government was using the Customs as a tool against Kerala, he said the state government has been posing hurdles to the investigation. "We have nothing to do with politics. Governments will come and go, but we are not concerned about politics and people. The allegations against us are nonsense. They launched contempt of court proceedings against me. They moved a privilege motion against me in the Assembly. What happened to these cases? They lodged an FIR against the Enforcement Directorate and the Kerala High Court quashed it. All the steps taken against us have failed," he said.

Regarding the alleged phone call from the Kerala CM's office to release the diplomatic baggage, he replied that no power on earth can influence Sumit Kumar. "Was the bag released? There is no power on earth that can influence Sumit Kumar. We will take action if anyone inside or outside the department works against the law. I have suspended and dismissed many officers who were found to be involved in illegal activities. When it comes to national security, there is zero tolerance," he said.

Sumit Kumar said the Kerala police failed to act on incidents of attacks on Customs and DRI officials. "That is not a mere allegation but a fact. We have lodged FIRs regarding attacks on our persons and DRI officers. There was an attempt on me in March this year. I may be going but my team is here. I am sure there are extremely good police officers in Kerala. But institutionally what they have delivered is up to them to explain," he said. Sumit Kumar has been transferred to the Bhiwandi GST and Central Excise unit in Mumbai.
By Express News Service

MADURAI: The Union Ministry of External Affairs, in an appeal filed before the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, has contended that a single judge of the court was wrong in considering plea for citizenship to 65 Sri Lankan refugees without noting that the claim of citizenship by illegal migrants is not only unjustified but also specifically barred under the provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955.

The ministry was challenging an order by the single judge directing the ministry to consider granting citizenship to the 65 persons on humanitarian grounds. The order was passed two years ago, in a joint petition filed by the 65 persons in 2009. Since the order was not complied with, the petitioners have moved a contempt petition, which has prompted the Central government to file the appeal.

The ministry also argued that the single judge failed to note that there are around 60,000 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in 107 camps in Tamil Nadu who are on an equal footing as the petitioners. Hence, issuing citizenship to the petitioners would most likely open floodgates to illegal migrants from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Myanmar (Rohingyas), Africa and Central Asian countries, the ministry added.

Moreover, the single judge should not have held that the sovereign authority has implied power to relax the bar imposed under Section 5(1) of the Citizenship Act, the ministry further pointed out. And the judge should not have mentioned the illegal migrant status of the petitioners as technical status when it is actually a statutory status as defined by the Act, it added.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice TS Sivagnanam, on Thursday, opined that the appeal needs to be heard and adjourned the matter to August 23, adding that the hearing in the contempt petition should be slow to enable the appeal hearing.
By Express News Service

KARIMNAGAR: In a major setback to the ruling party, which has been going all out to bag the Huzurabad segment, as many as 100 private lecturers have decided to contest the forthcoming byelection.

They allege that the State government completely neglected private lecturers during the lockdowns.

The government provided a financial aid of Rs 2,000 and also distributed rice to private schoolteachers who were affected by the Covid outbreak and the lockdowns that followed. However it neglected private lecturers who were also in dire straits, they pointed out.

Telangana Lecturers Forum State president D Murali Manohar also confirmed the news. Most private lecturers had to struggle a lot to make both ends meet due to the announcement of back-to-back lockdowns.

Neither the managements of the respective colleges nor the State government came forward or extended any help to them, he said. Demanding that the State government compensate private lecturers and their families, Murali Manohar asserted that they will go forward with the decision to contest the bypoll if the authorities failed to respond immediately. In that case, we will make sure that the TRS party suffers a defeat in Huzurabad, they added.

It may be mentioned here that the 1,000 field assistants of MGNREGS, who were removed from the service recently, too had recently announced their plan to file nomination papers in the forthcoming Huzurabad bypoll. These moves will not only intensify the political heat in the Assembly constituency, but also up the pressure on the pink party.

In the meantime, lawyers have now come forward urging the TRS to give party ticket to PV Raj Kumar, senior advocate and public prosecutor, in the ensuing byelection. Raj Kumar actively participated in the Telangana movement and has also campaigned for pink party candidates during various polls in Veenavanka, Jammikunta, Kamlapur and Huzurabad mandals, they point out.

Eatala falls ill, takes break from Payayatra

Eatala Rajender undergoes treatment in Hyderabad

BJP leader Eatala Rajender announced a temporary break from his Praja Deevena Yatra, on Friday.

He fell ill while on the 12th day of the yatra at Veenavanka mandal in Kondapaka village.

Doctors who checked his condition found that he was suffering from and had high sugar levels, apart from varied blood pressure.

They advised him to move to Hyderabad for better treatment.

However, he recovered after a while and returned to his residence in Huzurabad.

One of his close aides said that they would shift him to Hyderabad if his condition got worse
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, on Friday, said that the government, depending on its financial situation, would provide monetary assistance to around 2 lakh to 4 lakh SC families every year, under the Dalit Bandhu scheme.

This means that the government would spend Rs 20,000 crore to Rs 40,000 crore for the scheme, annually. In response to the Oppositions claim that the scheme is merely an election sop, the Chief Minister remarked, Why are you (the Opposition) so scared of Dalit Bandhu? Can anyone stop it? No, not at any cost. Rao was addressing TRS workers after inducting former minister E Peddi Reddy (BJP), Swargam Ravi (Congress) and 31 others into the party on Friday.

Peddi Reddy, who was a Minister in the then N Chandrababu Naidu Cabinet, first defected to Praja Rajyam and then to the BJP. After former Minister E Rajender was admitted into the BJP, he jumped ship and joined the TRS. Swargam Ravi, meanwhile, has eyes on the TRS ticket for the Huzurabad bypoll.

SC scheme a Maha Yagnam

The Chief Minister said that Telangana was a rich State and on top of the list, as far as GSDP and per capita incomes were concerned. We are in the process of creating wealth and distributing it to the needy, he said and pointed out that as per the latest surveys, SCs made up 19 per cent of the States population and that the government would require more funds for the scheme. That is why I have already announced that Rs 1 lakh crore would be spent for the scheme, he said.

Rao said that the implementation of Dalit Bandhu was delayed by one year due to Covid-19. Terming the scheme a Maha Yagnam or a big movement, the Chief Minister said that he was not lying when he said that he would implement the scheme across the State. When a State government with a human face implements schemes, it would not take into account the caste, religion or race of the people, he said.

STATE CABINET TO MEET ON AUGUST 1

The State Cabinet will meet at 2 pm on August 1 (Sunday) at Pragathi Bhavan, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. The Cabinet is likely to discuss and give its consent for the Dalit Bandhu programme, which will be implemented in Huzurabad Assembly segment on a pilot basis.

Besides this, the Cabinet is likely to discuss irrigation, agriculture and other subjects. The recent gazette notification of the Jal Shakti Ministry may also be discussed by the Cabinet, in addition to Covid-19 management
By PTI

KABUL: The owner of a private hospital in Afghanistan said the Afghan air force bombed the facility on Saturday, killing one person and injuring three others. He said the hospital was targeted because the military erroneously believed Taliban fighters were being treated there.

Dr Mohammad Din Narewal, the owner of the 20-bed Afghan Ariana Specialty Hospital, told The Associated Press that provincial government officials informed him his hospital in Lashkar Gah was targeted based on the information from the defense ministry.

But there were no Taliban in the hospital, said Narewal. The defense ministry did not immediately respond to multiple attempts by the AP to contact them.

I was told there had been a mistake because they had been given the wrong information that Taliban were inside the hospital, he said, explaining that the Taliban were in fact receiving treatment in another hospital in the city.

Provincial council chief Attaullah Afghan confirmed that the hospital was struck by the Afghan air force, and that one person was killed.

The air strike came as the Taliban made a push for the southwestern city, waging fierce battles with the Afghan National Security and Defense Forces. Residents reported see-saw battles in several neighborhoods.

Narewal said doctors had performed two surgeries a day earlier, but as fighting intensified the hospital had reduced their staff to a minimum. Currently two patients are still in the hospital along with several nurses and attendants for the patients.

Late on Saturday, Afghan security forces reportedly pushed the Taliban out of the city, with reports of heavy air attacks on their positions.

In recent weeks the Taliban have stepped up their pressure on several cities, including Herat in western Afghanistan, where a United Nations office was attacked as battles raged nearby. One guard was killed and the United Nations is investigating who was responsible for his death.

The Taliban onslaught went into high gear following the announcement in mid-April that the last U.S. and NATO forces would withdraw from Afghanistan, ending America's longest war. The Taliban have overrun dozens of districts and now control roughly half of all 421 districts and district centers in Afghanistan.

They also have control of key border crossings with Tajikistan, Iran and Pakistan.

Even as the withdrawal of U. S. and NATO troops is all but done, America. is providing air support to Afghanistan's beleaguered ground troops, who have been struggling to hold on to territory. The U.S. has launched air strikes in support of Afghan forces in Herat, and in southern Kandahar province.

The withdrawal has put increased burden on Afghanistan's air force.

All of the Afghan Air Forces (AAF) aircraft platforms are overtaxed due to increased requests for close air support, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance missions, the U.S. watchdog on American spending in Afghanistan reported this week.

The Afghan air force is flying its aircraft at least 25% over their recommended scheduled-maintenance intervals., Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction John Sopko said in his report.

As a result troops are not getting reinforced and resupplied, as aircraft are being used to aid ground forces overwhelmed in relentless battles with the Taliban.

Meanwhile calls are being issued from Beijing to Washington for both sides in the conflict to sit and negotiate an agreement that would see a reduction in violence and an interim administration that would negotiate an all out cease fire. Until now the prospects for peace seem distant.
By PTI

BEIJING: The highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus is likely to spread to more regions in China as the strain was detected at one of its major airports in Nanjing city which was busy handling hundreds of summer tourists, a Chinese health official warned on Saturday.

The new wave of the Delta variant strain outbreak in Nanjing city in East China's Jiangsu Province may continue to spread to more regions in the short term, He Qinghua, a senior official with the National Health Commission, told reporters.

The recent outbreak is caused by the Delta variant strain, which is highly contagious and spreads fast, He was quoted as saying by the state-run Global Times.

The outbreak which officials say spread by cleaners handling a flight from Russia at Nanjing Lukou International Airport had occurred during summer when tourists gathered at scenic spots.

The airport, which was shutdown, handles a large passenger flow, especially summer tourists.

"Due to the above three characteristics, the Nanjing outbreak has spread to other regions within and outside Jiangsu Province. There is a risk that it will continue to spread to more regions," he said.

In July, 14 provinces reported new locally transmitted confirmed cases or asymptomatic cases.

Reports say mass testing has been ordered in and around the places where the cases have been reported.

For the first time after over 175 days, Beijing has reported COVID-19 cases in the last few days.

Reports say guests at a luxury hotel in the city were put on a 21-day quarantine after positive cases were reported there.

Meanwhile, Zhangjiajie, a popular tourist destination in Hunan Province has ordered over 11,000 tourists to take three nucleic acid tests before leaving the city due to the latest resurgence of COVID-19, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Tourists have to show negative results from all three tests before leaving the city.

Zhangjiajie closed all tourist sites and upgraded 11 neighbourhoods to medium-risk areas for COVID-19 on Friday.

By Thursday night, the city had over 11,900 tourists, the Xinhua report said.

So far, China has administered 1.63 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

As of Friday, China has officially reported 92,930 since last year of which 971 patients are still receiving treatment and 4,636 died due to the virus.
By PTI

ISLAMABAD: Ahead of India's presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for a month from August 1, Pakistan on Saturday expressed its hope that New Delhi would follow international rules and norms.

Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson said this in a statement, responding to queries about India assuming the charge of the UNSC for the month of August.

"We hope that India will abide by the relevant rules and norms governing the conduct of the Security Council Presidency," the FO said.

The August presidency will be India's first Presidency during its 2021-22 tenure as a non-permanent member of the Security Council.

India's two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the Security Council began on January 1, 2021.

India will again preside over the Council in December next year, the last month of its two-year tenure.

During its Presidency, India will be organising high-level signature events in three major areas - maritime security, peacekeeping and counterterrorism India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti in a video message on the eve of the country assuming the rotating Presidency of the powerful 15-nation UN body said that maritime security has a high priority for India "and it is important for the Security Council to take a holistic approach to this issue."

Peacekeeping is a topic "close to our hearts, given our own long and pioneering involvement" with peacekeeping, he said, adding that India will focus on how to ensure the safety of peacekeepers, especially by using better technology and how to bring perpetrators of crimes against peacekeepers to justice.

As a country that has been at the forefront in the fight against terrorism, India will continue to keep the spotlight on counterterrorism, he said.
By PTI

UNITED NATIONS: India will take over the Presidency of the UN Security Council on August 1 and is set to host signature events in three major areas of maritime security, peacekeeping and counterterrorism during the month.

It is a singular honour for us to be presiding over the Security Council the same month when we are celebrating our 75th Independence Day, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti said in a video message on the eve of India assuming the rotating Presidency of the powerful 15-nation UN body.

The first working day of India's Presidency will be Monday, August 2 when Tirumurti will hold a hybrid press briefing in the UN headquarters on the Council's programme of work for the month.

Tirumurti will also provide a briefing for member states of the United Nations which are non-members of the Council on its work for the month, according to a schedule released by the UN.

India's two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the Security Council began on January 1, 2021.

The August presidency will be India's first Presidency during its 2021-22 tenure as a non-permanent member of the Security Council.

India will again preside over the Council in December next year, the last month of its two-year tenure.

During its Presidency, India will be organising high-level signature events in three major areas - maritime security, peacekeeping and counterterrorism.

In the video message, Tirumurti said maritime security has a high priority for India and it is important for the Security Council to take a holistic approach to this issue.

Peacekeeping is a topic close to our hearts, given our own long and pioneering involvement with peacekeeping, he said, adding that India will focus on how to ensure the safety of peacekeepers, especially by using better technology and how to bring perpetrators of crimes against peacekeepers to justice.

As a country that has been at the forefront in the fight against terrorism, India will continue to keep the spotlight on counterterrorism.

Tirumurti said in the last seven months of India's tenure in the Council, we have taken a principled and forward-looking position on various issues. We have been unafraid of shouldering responsibilities. We have been proactive. We have focused on issues of our priority.

We have made efforts to bridge the different voices within the Council to ensure that the Council comes together and speaks in one voice on a variety of important issues of the day. This is what we will bring into our Presidency, he said.
By PTI

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's women lawmakers have unanimously demanded public hanging of all rapists to curb rising cases of harassment and abuse of women and children in the country.

The demand was made in the National Assembly on Friday by women members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the Dawn newspaper reported on Saturday.

We 69 women MNAs demand quick judgement in rape cases and public hanging of rapists, said Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar of the Oppposition PML-N.

The women legislators also called for the formation of a parliamentary committee to review rape cases.

If Pakistan has to be run, then rapists and killers must be hanged in public, said Asma Qadeer, a lawmaker from Prime Minister Imran Khan's party.

Qadeer broke into tears while speaking on the floor of the house about rising cases of rape of women and children and the recent one in Islamabad in which Noor Mukadam, the daughter of former diplomat Shaukat Mukadam, was killed by a friend.

The issue of violence against women caught the attention of lawmakers due to the horrific killing of Mukadam this month in Islamabad's posh area by the son of a business tycoon.

The killer has been arrested.

Initial reports say she was killed after spurning his marriage proposal.

Maulana Akbar Chitrali of right-wing Jamaati-e-Islami endorsed the demand of women MPs and said rapists and killers must be hanged at public places to stop such incidents from happening.

Mehnaz Akbar Aziz of PML-N said the killer of Mukadam must be hanged in public so that such incidents did not take place in future.

Shamim Ara Panhwar of PPP said that in the light of increasing incidents of child abuse and rape of women, there was no other option but to hang rapists and killers in public.

Federal Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari said the government had recently passed a law against rape cases, but only laws would not work because there was a need to change the mindset of society about women.

She said that the government had to protect all women as women would no more accept their humiliation and suffering.

She expressed satisfaction that the investigation into Mukadam's case was being conducted in the right direction.

Data collected from domestic violence hotlines across the country showed a 200 per cent increase in domestic violence between January and March last year, according to a Human Rights Watch report released earlier this year.
By PTI

SINGAPORE: Singapore on Saturday warned that it will cancel the permit or pass of permanent residents and long-term pass holders who do not comply with the new COVID-19 safety requirements.

"Permanent Residents (PRs) and long-term pass holders who fail to comply with the new requirement may have their permit or pass cancelled," Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a release.

This came with the announcement of Singapore tightening border measures for travellers from Australia and China's Jiangsu province after an increase in COVID-19 cases in those places, the Straits Times reported, citing the MOH.

The new measures will kick in on Monday at 11.59 pm.

Incoming travellers - with a travel history to Australia within the last 21 days - will have to serve a 14-day stay-home notice (SHN), up from seven days, the Channel News Asia reported citing MOH statement.

The travellers will have to do so in either a dedicated facility or at their place of residence.

Those who opt for their place of residence must be staying there alone, or with household members with the same SHN duration and travel history.

They must also have travelled to no other region within the last 21 days.

Incoming travellers will have to take a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on arrival and before the end of their isolation.

They will also be required to do antigen rapid tests on the third, seventh and 11th day of isolation.

Before departing for Singapore, they have to present a negative PCR test taken within the last 72 hours.

Meanwhile, incoming Singapore citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders with travel history to China's Jiangsu province within the last 21 days will have to serve a seven-day SHN at their place of residence.

They will also have to take a PCR test on arrival and before the end of their isolation.

Travellers from other parts of China are allowed to go about their activities in Singapore without having to serve an SHN if their PCR test on arrival is negative.

Short-term travellers with an air travel pass with travel history to Jiangsu province within the last 21 days will not be allowed to enter Singapore.

The MOH said it will continue to adjust border measures to manage the risk of imported cases.
By PTI

JOHANNESBURG: An urgent inquiry by South Africa's Parliament into the unrest, triggered earlier this month following the jailing of former president Jacob Zuma, has been deferred due to technical issues over jurisdiction.

The days-long violence in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces had left over 300 people dead and hundreds of businesses looted and burnt.

A joint virtual meeting of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Service, the Select Committee on Security and Justice, and the Joint Standing Committee on Defence on Friday resolved to refer a request to establish an inquiry into the violence to Parliament's Presiding Officers for further consideration and decision.

The move was taken because there was an uncertainty about which committee was authorised to deal with the matter and a view that both Houses of Parliament, the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, need to be involved in the inquiry.

"If there is doubt which portfolio committee must deal with a specific matter, the Speaker in consultation with the Chief Whip must decide the question, subject to any directions of the Rules Committee or a resolution of the Assembly," said a statement issued by Parliament on Friday.

Last week, House Chairperson of Committees Cedric Frolick had instructed to initiate a joint probe and report back to the National Assembly within two weeks.

"The joint meeting was of the view that the establishment of this inquiry remains of utmost importance in light of the violence, the impact of the looting on the economy and the loss of life as a result of the unrest.

"Nonetheless, the establishment of this inquiry must be legally sound and guided by the Rules of Parliament and must take into consideration matters such as appropriate timelines to do its work and the composition of such a committee," the statement said.

Frolick had said the inquiry would take place as a matter of urgency to address a number of unexplained questions.

"One of the questions we will ask is why did it take so long for security services to respond. Secondly, was there any intelligence available," he told the national public broadcaster SABC. Frolick had said an interim report should be made available before Parliament reconvenes on August 18.

Protests started on July 7 as Zuma started a 15-month sentence imposed by South Africa's apex Constitutional Court, which found him guilty of contempt of court.

The protests rapidly devolved into looting and arson as huge mobs that outnumbered embattled police before President Cyril Ramaphosa called in the army to stabilise the situation.
By ANI

LONDON: As Taliban terrorists intensified their offensive across Afghanistan, the United States called on Islamabad to play a positive role in de-escalating violence, saying it is "not in Pakistan's interest to see Afghanistan in a civil war".

Zed Tarar, a spokesperson for the US State Department said the conflict in the country does not have a military solution.

"We want the future of Afghanistan to be in the hands of the people of Afghanistan. We are not abandoning Afghanistan, we will work towards a better future but it is not a military solution. Our diplomatic assistance to Afghanistan will continue," Dawn quoted Tarar as saying,

When asked why US President Joe Biden has not made telephonic contact with Prime Minister Imran Khan, Tarar said: "There is no such thing [snub or oversight]. I would not read such a message into it. If you see our overall relationship, we have several engagements and are constantly in communication. Senior Pakistani officials are talking to their US counterparts and we are announcing that in a transparent manner.

Earlier this month, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke over the phone with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and discussed the importance of continued U.S.-Pakistan cooperation on the Afghanistan peace process.

The Afghan government-led by President Ashraf Ghani has ratcheted up attacks on Pakistan for aiding the Taliban, which Pakistan vehemently denies.

Ghani had lambasted Pakistan for not severing its ties with terrorist organisations groups and said that according to intelligence reports over 10,000 'jihadi' fighters had entered Afghanistan in the last month.

He added that the Imran Khan-led Pakistan government had failed to convince the Taliban to "negotiate seriously" in the ongoing peace talks.

Last week, the Afghan foreign ministry said the Taliban have intensified their violent campaign across Afghanistan and their military offensive was supported by Pakistani notorious spy agency -- ISI.

Pakistan military was reportedly assisting the Taliban in setting up training camps in Eastern provinces of Afghanistan and also in recruitment.

Despite ample evidence that suggests the contrary, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that his country was neither "responsible" for the actions of the Taliban. "What the Taliban are doing or are not doing has nothing to do with us. We are neither responsible nor the spokesperson for the Taliban."

A UN report said that terrorists from a variety of countries and militant groups continue to operate in Afghanistan.

The 28th report of the UN Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team said that Pakistan-based terror group TTP has maintained ties with the Taliban as about 6,000 of its terrorists are on the Afghan side of the border.
By PTI

DAKAR, SENEGAL: A resurgence of coronavirus cases in West Africa is hitting the region hard, inundating cemeteries where funeral numbers are rising and hospitals where beds are becoming scarce.

Those visible shifts are also pushing a reluctant population to seek out the vaccines in larger numbers at a time when shipments of doses are arriving from multiple sources after nearly grinding to a halt in recent months.

Thousands of new COVID-19 cases have been reported in the region in the past few weeks amid low vaccination rates and the spread of the delta variant, with some countries seeing their highest numbers since the pandemic began.

Residents who were previously wary of getting shots as conspiracy theories spread online are now lining up by the thousands from Liberia to Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal.

At the beginning, there were people who gave false information, but when people noticed an increase of contaminations and deaths, people understood that only vaccination can save them, said Bamba Fall, mayor of the Medina municipality in Senegals capital, Dakar.

Shortages and delays have caused Africa's 54 countries to fall far behind wealthier nations in their COVID-19 vaccine rollouts. Some 82 million doses have arrived on the continent to date, though that is just 10% of the number needed to vaccinate 30% of its population by the end of 2021, said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization regional director for Africa.

But more shipments are finally rolling in, steering the continent of 1.3 billion people into an encouraging phase after a bleak June, Moeti said. Theres light at the end of the tunnel on vaccine deliveries to Africa, but it must not be snuffed out again."

Nigeria, Africas most populous country with more than 210 million people, next month will receive more than 29 million Johnson & Johnson vaccines purchased by the government through the African Union. Its also expecting 4 million doses of Moderna and almost 700,000 AstraZeneca vaccines through the COVAX program and from donations by the United States and the United Kingdom, according to Health Minister Osagie Ehanire.

Nigeria's virus cumulative case count recently topped 172,200, an increase of more than 4,500 cases since July 10. Its seven-day rolling average of daily new cases more than doubled over the past two weeks, from 0.06 new cases per 100,000 people on July 15 to 0.17 new cases per 100,000 people on July 29, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Isolation centers that were closed after a previous surge are being reopened in anticipation of a large number of patients, said Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, director-general of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control.

Meanwhile, confirmed cases in Senegal, which had been ahead in the fight against the virus, leapt from only 380 on July 10 to 1,700 on July 18, the highest number since the pandemic began, according to the Ministry of Health.

Dakar's main cemetery also is seeing large numbers of funerals, many that were likely due to COVID-19 but werent recorded as such.

I came for an uncles funeral. He died at home. Out of modesty, he did not take the tests, but everything suggests that he died of COVID-19, because he had symptoms of the disease, said Saliou Ndoye. This situation is worrying. There are a lot of deaths.

Senegal is employing more community-focused campaigns as residents see people close to them  including those young and healthy  succumbing to the disease.

Senegalese dont know where to turn, resident Khalifa Abbacar Diop said. We are afraid.

The country received nearly 300,000 Johnson & Johnson doses and more than 330,000 of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine in the past week. Tens of thousands of residents are waiting for a second dose of AstraZeneca, but it is out of stock and new deliveries are not expected until August.

An increase in hospitalizations and deaths is leading many residents across West Africa to get inoculated.

Initially, I was hesitant to take the vaccine because I saw many conspiracy theories and also the anti-vaccine media campaign appeared stronger, Harris Fomba Tarnue, principal of the Booker Washington Institute, Liberias oldest technical high school, told The Associated Press.

But when I reflected a lot on taking vaccines in the 60s and 70s, and the (beneficial) impact vaccines now have on global health, I concluded its a must for me and my family to take, Tarnue said.

Liberia received 96,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine through the COVAX initiative, but the first consignment of about 27,000 had only a month lifespan and expired as people were reluctant to get the shots, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Francis Kateh said.

The country received more than 300,000 Johnson & Johnson doses on Sunday, about two weeks after it ran out of AstraZeneca with at least 86,000 people awaiting a second dose.

Since its vaccine drive started in March, only 9,579 people in the nation of nearly 5 million have been fully vaccinated, according to the health minister.

In Ghana, President Nana Akufo-Addo raised the alarm Sunday as new confirmed infections tripled, stretching hospitals and ICU wards to their limit.

Ghana cannot afford to allow the recklessness of a few to endanger the lives of the majority of persons in the country, he said, announcing masks are now mandatory in public places.

Ghana is committed to vaccinating 20 million people, representing its entire adult population, by the end of this year, he said.

He pledged $25 million to start an institute that would allow Ghana to produce vaccines, and not be dependent upon foreign manufacturers. South Africa is currently the only country in sub-Saharan Africa that has the capacity to manufacture the doses.
Two leading organizations that represent obstetricians and gynecologists recommended Friday that anyone who is pregnant should be vaccinated against Covid-19.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) said their recommendation is based on evidence from thousands of people who were pregnant that the vaccines are safe to be used during pregnancy. The associations also cite the country's low vaccination rate and the recent increase in cases.

The associations are also strongly recommending their members "enthusiastically recommend vaccination" to their patients.

"It is clear that pregnant people need to feel confident in the decision to choose vaccination, and a strong recommendation from their obstetrician--gynecologist could make a meaningful difference for many pregnant people," said Dr. J. Martin Tucker, the president of ACOG. "Pregnant individuals should feel confident that choosing COVID-19 vaccination not only protects them, but also protects their families and communities."

The groups had previously said Covid-19 vaccines "should not be withheld" from someone because they are pregnant, but did not recommend they get one. Now, there is a growing body of research that shows the vaccines are safe and effective.

ACOG and SMFM have posted information online to help members navigate vaccine conversations.

The ACOG guide reminds providers that the willingness to consider vaccination varies by patient; it counsels providers to be aware of historic injustices and systematic racism in the health care profession, and to actively listen and validate concerns and fears.

ACOG also recommends providers continue to care for patients who decide not to be vaccinated and to share resources and encourage the use of prevention methods such as physical distancing and masks.

Neither association recommends one vaccine over the other; however, people who are pregnant should be made aware of the risk of rare blood clots with the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine.

A Covid-19 infection puts pregnant women at an increased risk of severe complications, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The World Health Organization has said the same. And there's a concern that the risk may be even higher with the Delta strain, which is more contagious.

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Covid-19 also increases the risk of a preterm birth and may cause other adverse pregnancy outcomes, studies have shown. The guidelines say pregnant women who wait to get vaccinated after their delivery may inadvertently be exposing themselves to an increased risk of severe illness or death.

As the Delta variant of Covid-19 is dominating cases worldwide, several of England's top health officials issued a joint statement Friday that also urged pregnant women to get vaccinated. They pointed to new data that showed that 98% of expectant mothers admitted to the hospital with Covid-19 since May were unvaccinated. The latest data from the UK showed the number of pregnant women admitted to the hospital with Covid-19 has been increasing.

The CDC does not directly recommend the vaccine, but it does say that pregnant women can receive the vaccine.

"Getting vaccinated in a personal choice," the CDC website says. The CDC does recommended that women who are trying to decide if they should get a Covid-19 vaccine should consider their risk of exposure, the risk of severe illness, the known benefits of vaccination, and the limited but growing evidence about the safety of vaccinations during pregnancy.

The CDC's systems that monitor for safety issues have not identified any safety concerns for pregnant people who were vaccinated or for their babies.

So far, the vaccines appear to be equally effective in pregnant individuals. The vaccines offer strong protection against hospitalization and death.

And there is a growing body of research that shows that protective antibodies generated by the vaccine are passed on to the fetus. There is no current Covid-19 vaccines for an infant.

The-CNN-Wire

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An eviction moratorium for renters from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is on track to expire Saturday night, after the House of Representatives adjourned for August recess without passing an extension.

Democratic leaders scrambled throughout the day Friday to try and find enough votes to extend the moratorium beyond the July 31 deadline to no avail. Just after 6 p.m. ET on Friday, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer attempted to pass a bill to extend the eviction moratorium by unanimous consent, but it was rejected by Republicans. The House adjourned shortly thereafter.

The Supreme Court last month allowed the CDC order to stay in place until July 31 but said congressional action would be needed to extend it past that date. President Joe Biden called on Congress on Thursday to extend the moratorium to December 31, but both chambers have yet to move through the legislative process to extend the directive and the moratorium appears on track to expire barring some sort of last-minute action.

On Friday evening, the US Departments of Agriculture, Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Affairs and Treasury and the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced that -- at Biden's request -- they are extending "their foreclosure-related eviction moratoria until September 30, 2021."

Biden had called on state and local governments earlier Friday evening to "immediately disburse" rental assistance funds from Covid relief laws ahead of the moratorium's expiration. "State and local governments should also be aware that there is no legal barrier to moratorium at the state and local level," he said in a statement.

House Democratic leadership had shopped around Friday afternoon whether the conference would support extending the eviction moratorium to just October 18 instead of to the end of the year.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at a news conference earlier Friday that it should be the CDC to extend the moratorium and use the money that had previously been allocated to this issue because she says much of it has not been spent.

"We would like the CDC to expand the moratorium, that's where it can be done," Pelosi told reporters.

But the White House's legal team doesn't see that extension as an option. The message sent in Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's opinion allowing the last extension, which explicitly stated the moratorium was only being upheld because it would expire on July 31, led the White House legal team to settle on the position that there was no way to win if they sought another extension.

"There was no chance of winning or it even having a temporary positive impact and some chance that it could provoke a harmful ruling," the White House official said.

A separate White House official noted Kavanaugh's opinion was public for all lawmakers to see, and that the White House clearly stated its intent in June that the one-month extension to July 31 would be the last.

It's unclear why, if the deadline had been known for weeks, Democratic leaders were scrambling to get the extension passed with little more than a day before the deadline.

"We only learned of this yesterday," Pelosi told reporters Friday evening after the failed vote. "There was not enough time to socialize it within our caucus as well as to build a consensus necessary."

"We will not forget this issue; we expect to be back here in the relatively near future," Hoyer added.

Prior to the vote, progressive Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Cori Bush of Missouri stood outside Pelosi's office and demanded that Congress stay in session until lawmakers reached an agreement that would extend it. Ocasio-Cortez rejected the notion that this was a last-minute request from the Biden administration. "Everybody knew this was coming. We were sounding the alarm about this issue," she said.

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At her news conference earlier Friday, Pelosi said she did not want to criticize the Executive Branch for waiting until Thursday to urge Congress to act.

"I don't want to be critical of what they have because they just made the statement yesterday," Pelosi said. "But we are not going away from this issue whether it's now or shortly thereafter."

Even if the extension had passed the House, it's unlikely the Senate would be able to quickly pass the bill any time soon. The upper chamber has tied up the floor for the foreseeable future as it tries to advance a bipartisan infrastructure bill, and any quick passage would require unanimous consent from all present senators. The Senate is also slated to start its recess at the end of next week, though that too could change if leadership changes the schedule.

Put in place by the CDC last fall to help in stopping the spread of Covid-19, the order banned the eviction of renters for nonpayment of rent. The end of the moratorium could affect the estimated 11.4 million adult renters are behind on rent, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Republicans have pushed back that Democrats are trying to get this done too last minute.

"The CDC order was to expire at the end of this month. They knew that in February. Democrats had the opportunity to change that. They didn't," GOP Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina said Friday. "We've heard the priority. We've heard the emergency. But this is not an emergency. On this day it's a tragedy that it's this level of incompetency that we didn't take action in February, March, April, May, June. Even July."

As House Democratic leadership held members in session into Friday evening when many were planning to start the August recess, a senior aide close to the moderate wing of the Democratic Party told CNN that moderates had threatened to leave and not vote proxy because it's clear the party didn't have the votes.

"They don't have the votes and leadership is playing hard ball and trying to force members to stay," the staffer told CNN. "Moderates are now threatening to get on planes and not vote proxy."

But other Democrats had pressed that regardless of how down to the wire it is, this extension cannot be ignored.

"We have got to put a pause on this for the sake of public health," Democratic Rep. Deborah Ross of North Carolina said Friday. "For the sake of people's economic well-being, and to give people time to make this transition. I too wish that we had planned for this more in advance, but I can say that people are making some progress. We need to help people right now."

The White House has been pressing to ramp up the awareness and disbursement of the tens of billions of dollars available in rental assistance and grantees from the Covid relief laws. The pace of that aid going out the door has been a concern for lawmakers and administration officials alike, as they've sought to press local officials to disburse the money more rapidly widely.

"State and local governments can and should use both the Emergency Rental Assistance and their American Rescue Plan state and local funds to support policies with courts, community groups, and legal aid to ensure no one seeks an eviction when they have not sought out Emergency Rental Assistance funds," Biden said in his Friday statement.

This story and headline have been updated with additional developments Friday.

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When Daryl Vandyke didnt answer any of Judge Adam Dills questions about whether he understood his rights or the first-degree murder charge against him, Dill continued his arraignment until Tuesday. Van Dyke is accused of killing 14-year-old Steven W. Butler III (pictured here with his father) with an axe or other edged tool.
Posts circulating on Facebook and Instagram claim the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will stop using its covid-19 test because it cannot differentiate between the covid virus and flu viruses.

"CDC has just announced they will revoke the emergency use authorization of the RT-PCR tests first introduced in 2/20," reads a July 25 post, which goes on to quote from the agency's lab directive: "CDC encourages laboratories to consider adoption of a multiplexed method that can facilitate detection and differentiation of SARS CoV-2 and influenza viruses." It continues: "Translation: Theyve been adding flu cases to Covid cases when using that test."

Mike Huckabee, a former Fox News host who was also a Republican presidential candidate and governor of Arkansas, similarly claimed on Facebook that the CDC test cannot tell the difference between coronaviruses and flu viruses.

A July 24 Instagram post went further: The FDA announced today that the CDC PCR test has failed its full review. Emergency Use Authorization has been REVOKED.

The posts were flagged as part of Facebook's efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its news feed. (Read more about PolitiFact's partnership with Facebook.)

We wanted to know whether there was any truth to the idea that the CDC was removing its test because it is faulty and cannot tell one virus from another. So we consulted several laboratory testing experts.

The real reason for withdrawing the EUA request

The first Facebook post we referenced quoted from and linked to a July 21 CDC laboratory alert that informed labs that as of Dec. 31 the agency would withdraw its emergency use authorization request for the CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase (RT)-PCR Diagnostic Panel or, for short, the CDC 2019-nCoV RT-PCR.

It is standard practice for the Food and Drug Administration to issue temporary emergency use authorizations for tests and other medical products that have not yet undergone the FDA's full approval process but need to be used in an emergency to diagnose, treat or prevent serious diseases.

The FDA issued the EUA for the CDC's 2019-nCoV RT-PCR in February 2020. At that time, no other tests were available in the U.S. to determine whether someone had covid.

But it's important to remember that what the CDC developed and submitted for its EUA request was not a tangible product but rather a protocol for how to test for covid, saidSusan Whittier, a professor of pathology and cell biology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. That means the CDC wrote out directions specifying which reagents were needed to test the laboratory samples for the presence of the covid virus. The CDC does not distribute covid tests.

"It's not like they have a test that laboratories can purchase. We borrow their protocol and use the reagents that they say," said Whittier, who recently retired as director of the clinical microbiology lab at Columbia. So withdrawing the EUA request just "means that protocol will no longer be available."

In the lab alert, the CDC said it was withdrawing the EUA request because, rather than testing only for the covid virus, it wants labs to test people for multiple viruses simultaneously, using what is known as "a multiplexed method." The CDC's 2019-nCoV RT-PCR panel tests only for the covid virus.

"Such assays can facilitate continued testing for both influenza and SARS-CoV-2 and can save both time and resources as we head into influenza season," noted the alert regarding the multiplexed method.

Dr. Christopher Polage, an associate professor of pathology at Duke University, said his take on the CDC's message is that, because flu season is on the horizon, a patient might come in with respiratory symptoms that could be attributed to either covid or the flu. Laboratories need to start testing for both covid and various flu viruses.

But the lab alert does not mean the CDC's test cannot differentiate between covid and the flu.

In fact, the CDC's 2019-nCoV RT-PCR test was developed to look for the presence of a nucleic acid found only in the covid virus, said Kelly Wroblewski, director of infectious disease programs at the Association of Public Health Laboratories.

"It is not remotely accurate that the CDC test doesn't differentiate between flu and SARS-CoV-2. It doesn't detect influenza. It only detects SARS-CoV-2," said Wroblewski. "If flu and covid are both circulating, you would be able to detect only SARS-CoV-2 and not flu."

How the CDC's 2019-nCoV RT-PCR test (or any other PCR test) works, Wroblewski said, is that primers, which are little bits of a genetic material, are used to identify specific viruses. In this case, the primer is built to identify a nucleic acid found only in the covid virus.

If the covid virus is present in the sample, the primer will attach to the virus's nucleic acid and make many copies of it. A chemical in the test will then fluoresce, which the polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, machine will interpret as a positive result. If the covid virus is not present, the primer will have nothing to attach to.

When asked about the CDC withdrawing its EUA request, FDA spokesperson Jim McKinney told us PCR tests are considered the "gold standard" for covid diagnosis. He pointed us to data that illustrated the specificity and exclusivity of the CDC's test. That data shows test results came back negative for samples that contained similar viruses, including different types of flu and other coronaviruses.

All of this means the CDC's 2019-nCoV RT-PCR test would not erroneously detect flu viruses. Thus, the Facebook posts' assertions that the test cannot differentiate between covid and flu is demonstrably false.

Even though the CDC is withdrawing its EUA request for this specific test, Wroblewski pointed out, it still has an EUA for a second PCR test, a multiplex one that simultaneously tests for covid and influenza types A and B.

The FDA has issued EUAs to many laboratories and testing companies for hundreds of covid tests that use the same PCR technology the CDC uses  which experts said essentially made the CDC testing protocol moot, since similar tests will still be available.

So, while it is true the CDC is withdrawing its EUA request for its test that tests solely for covid, it is not for the reasons given by the Facebook posts. The assertion that covid case counts were inflated because the test was faulty and was counting flu cases as covid cases is false.

"They didn't withdraw the EUA because the test wasn't working," said Whittier. "They just wanted people to look for other viruses as well."

Polage agreed.

"The CDC is pulling their test 'off the market' as a gesture to encourage labs to use tests that include reagents (primers and probes) for both SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza so providers, labs, states, and CDC will have better data this fall and winter to estimate how much of clinical influenza-like illness is due to SARS-CoV-2 and how much is due to seasonal influenza," Polage said in an email.

Our ruling

Social media posts claimed the CDC was revoking its emergency use authorization request for its covid test because it couldn't differentiate between the covid virus and flu viruses. While the CDC is withdrawing its EUA request for the 2019-nCoV RT-PCR test, it is not because the test is faulty.

Rather, it's because the agency is concerned that, with flu season approaching, patients with respiratory illness symptoms should be screened for both the flu and covid. The patients shouldn't be tested for covid alone, because flu cases might be missed.

The statements made in these Facebook posts are not accurate. We rate this claim False.
Californians upset with Gov. Gavin Newsom's pandemic rules  which shuttered businesses, kept schoolkids at home and mandated masks  helped fuel the September recall election that could spell the end of his political career.

But among the allies rushing to Newsom's defense are doctors, nurses, dentists and other health care interests who credit those pandemic measures for protecting them as front-line workers and saving the lives of countless Californians.

Their unions and trade associations have written checks totaling more than $4.8 million as of 10 a.m. Friday to keep the first-term Democrat in office, according to a KHN analysis of campaign finance filings with the California secretary of state's office.

Even before covid-19, Newsom had been a steadfast health care advocate and ally, adopting policies that expanded health benefits and coverage to hundreds of thousands of Californians  and lined the pockets of the industry in the process.

"He's done so much so broadly within the health care sector in California to the benefit of patients and providers of all sorts," said Andrew Kelly, an assistant professor in the Department of Health Sciences at California State University-East Bay. "That is good for the health care business, as well as our community  improving access to care and outcomes."

Californians will decide Sept. 14 whether to recall Newsom on a ballot that also asks them to pick his replacement from a list of 46 candidates. If more than 50% of voters choose "yes" to recall Newsom, the candidate who wins the most votes will replace him.

The recall election offers Republicans in blue California  where Democrats hold all statewide offices and control the legislature  their best shot at winning the governor's office. The GOP candidates with the highest name recognition are businessman John Cox, conservative talk show host Larry Elder, former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, reality TV star and former Olympian Caitlyn Jenner, suburban Sacramento state Assembly member Kevin Kiley and former congressman Doug Ose.

A poll released Tuesday by the University of California-Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies found that 47% of likely voters said they favor recalling Newsom, compared with 50% who said they oppose recalling the governor.

Newsom's supporters have given more than $40 million to fight the recall, compared with nearly $12 million by recall backers, which includes $5 million from Cox for his own campaign.

The health care contributions to fight the recall make up a fraction of the total, but they're far-reaching: Health care worker unions, dentists, physicians, pharmacists, insurance companies, at least one hospital and others have made big contributions to independent campaign committees created by Newsom's supporters that can accept unlimited donations.

The health care group that has given the most  $2.25 million  is the union representing California's nursing home workers and in-home caregivers, Service Employees International Union 2015. Other contributions included $150,000 from the Union of American Physicians and Dentists (whose members include doctors and dentists employed by the state and some counties) and $500,000 from the California Dental Association. These groups either declined telephone interviews or did not respond to requests for comment.

In an emailed statement, SEIU 2015 did not address its sizable contributions but said it intended to mobilize "our mostly black, brown and immigrant caregivers who have been on the front lines of this pandemic to make their voices heard as we go door-to-door, over the phone and online encouraging a vote against the recall."

An emailed statement from the California Dental Association said its political action committee "puts a great deal of consideration into supporting candidates who are interested in solving the challenges experienced by the dental profession and their patients."

Republican candidates haven't received any big donations  defined by the California Fair Political Practices Commission as $1,000 or more  from organized health care groups, which gubernatorial hopeful Kiley said shows just how cozy the governor is with the industry.

"You have vested interests that do whatever it takes to get the governor to do what they want," said Kiley, one of two Assembly members who sued Newsom last year for using his emergency powers during a pandemic. "He's taking money from all of them."

The diverse field of health care interests defending Newsom arent always on the same side politically. In fact, they're often at odds.

But if you're in health care or public health, the prospect of Newsom being booted from office is worrisome, especially if you want the state to continue combating the pandemic, said Mark Peterson, a professor of public policy and political science at UCLA.

"I don't think anyone who would be replacing the governor in the recall would be anywhere near as aggressive and might actually put in reverse the public health actions that have been taken," Peterson said.

Sal Rosselli, president of the National Union of Healthcare Workers, which represents nurses, drug rehab counselors, pharmacists and others, said his union's 15,000 members are grateful for Newsom's leadership in the pandemic  citing his first-in-the-nation statewide stay-at-home order, his directive to hospitals last winter to test workers for covid, and other workplace orders that protected essential workers.

"These are all examples of real leadership," Rosselli said.

In January, the union created a ballot committee to urge Californians not to sign the recall petition  chipping in just over $100,000 of its own money and collecting $10,000 apiece from state Senate leader Toni Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, among others, to help pay for political ads praising Newsom's leadership during the pandemic.

Nathan Click, a Newsom campaign spokesperson, did not address the money Newsom has received from the health care industry, but said Californians have a clear choice for governor.

"On one side, you have a governor who has expanded health care for Californians and fought to lower health care costs for families," Click said via email. "On the other side are a bunch of Trump lackeys who want to repeal Obamacare and take away health care from those who need it most."

When Newsom campaigned for governor in 2018, he called for a government-backed, single-payer health system at a time when the Trump administration and many Republican lawmakers were trying to dismantle the Affordable Care Act.

He hasn't delivered on his single-payer pledge, citing insurmountable federal hurdles. But he has signed legislation and advocated for policies that insured more Californians or boosted their benefits, policies that also enrich insurers and providers by bringing them more patients.

For instance, low-income undocumented immigrants ages 19 to 25 became eligible for full benefits under Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program for poor residents, last year. Next year, people 50 and older will become eligible regardless of their immigration status.

For the more than 13 million Californians already in the program, Newsom and legislators agreed last year to restore dental, vision and other optional health care benefits that had been cut during the Great Recession. And they boosted the rates the program pays physicians and dentists.

Qualified Californians can also tap into state subsidies to reduce the cost of health insurance premiums sold through Covered California, a benefit approved by Newsom in 2019.

The recall has handed the unions an opportunity to pressure Newsom to act on his single-payer pledge, arguing that the pandemic has laid bare deadly disparities in health care. For example, Latinos in California not only were exposed to covid at much higher rates but also died at 1.5 times the rate of white Californians, according to researchers at Stanford University.

"We trust that Gavin Newsom is the person to lead" on single-payer, said Rosselli, who has known Newsom since he got into politics nearly 20 years ago. "To make California the first state in the nation as an example for the rest of the country on ending these inequities in health care."

Methodology

Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing a recall election Sept. 14. To find out which health care interests are contributing for and against the recall effort, KHN analyzed campaign finance reports filed with the California secretary of state's office through 10 a.m. Friday, July 30. Each candidate and campaign committee participating in the recall is required to report how much money they've raised and spent. Any donation of $1,000 or more must be reported within 24 hours.

We downloaded and analyzed campaign records from two committees created to support the recall, committees run by the leading Republican candidates, and five committees created to oppose the recall.

This story was produced by KHN, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.
The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), Afrigen Biologics (PTY) Limited, the Biologicals and Vaccines Institute of Southern Africa (Biovac), the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have signed a letter of intent to address the global imbalance of manufacturing capacity for COVID-19 vaccines.

This letter of intent brings together partners to establish the South African mRNA technology transfer hub that will allow for greater and more diversified vaccines manufacturing capability, strengthen African regional health security and respond more equitably to the current COVID-19 pandemic and future pandemics.

Further to WHO's announcement in June of the first COVID mRNA vaccine technology transfer hub in South Africa, this letter of intent sets out the terms of the collaboration and responsibilities between our organisations. Through a shared responsibility approach, the organisations will ensure the most suitable platform technologies are selected for the development of COVID-19 vaccines, that technology transfer is in place and that funding is secured for the hub, clinical studies and manufacturing support. It will also ensure that, crucially, this platform for innovation in vaccines is sustainable, inclusive, and will lead to vaccine security for Africa in the future.

Inequitable manufacturing and distribution of vaccines is behind the wave of death, which is now sweeping across many low- and middle-income countries that have been starved of vaccine supply. Building vaccine manufacturing capacity in South Africa is the first step in a broader effort to boost local production to address health emergencies and strengthen regional health security." Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chief Scientist, World Health Organization

The new collaboration brings together key actors from COVAX partners, industry, government, academia, funding agencies, WHO AFRO, which was represented by Regional Director Dr. Matshidiso Moeti and the Africa CDC to collectively provide an enabling environment for the development of the first regional mRNA vaccine manufacturing production facility in Africa.

"At the Medicines Patent Pool, we look forward to offering our intellectual property expertise and experience, and to working closely with WHO and partners", said Charles Gore, Executive Director, MPP. "Within the consortium, MPP will provide appropriate intellectual property analysis, define and negotiate terms and conditions of the agreements, provide alliance management and make use of our established robust selection process to allow further technology recipients to benefit."

Afrigen is a biotechnology company incorporated in South Africa, which established the first adjuvant formulation laboratory in Africa and has a pipeline of vaccines in development. Afrigen has built strong research and development partnerships with leading Universities in South Africa and across Africa.

"We have recently completed a facility suitable for the establishment of a fully integrated mRNA pilot scale production, formulation and fill finish platform," said Prof Petro Terblanche, Managing Director of Afrigen. "Our platform and facilities are well positioned to deliver on the hub's objectives, and Afrigen will focus on ensuring the technical, scientific, quality control and quality assurance and regulatory teams so as to implement the mRNA Hub for Africa."

Biovac is a South African specialist vaccines company that was established to revive local human vaccine production in Southern Africa. Alongside the development of bacterial vaccine technologies, the company has built modern facilities and secured high profile technology transfers from international vaccine companies.

"Biovac sources and supplies a comprehensive range of vaccines required by the South African government and its neighbouring countries including childhood disease vaccines among others, and more recently COVID-19 vaccines," said Morena Makhoana, Chief Executive Officer of Biovac. "It is a long-held desire of Biovac to ensure that the full value chain of vaccines is developed in our continent and our aim is to assemble state of the art manufacturing capacity and help ensure the transfer of mRNA technology and know-how as quickly as possible."

South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has decades of experience in managing large research consortia and local and international funding programs, in both the research and innovation domains. The SAMRC is leading South Africa's research and innovation response to COVID-19.

"Throughout the pandemic, the South African Medical Research Council has been actively funding, conducting and facilitating research and development," said Dr Michelle Mulder, Executive Director Grants, Innovation and Product Development (GIPD) of the SAMRC. "As part of this new collaboration our domain will be facilitating product and clinical development so that we can bring new products to market, allowing maximum participation of African countries in developing and testing context appropriate products."

Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), is a specialized technical institution of the African Union that strengthens the capacity and capability of Africa's public health institutions as well as partnerships to detect and respond quickly and effectively to disease threats and outbreaks, based on data-driven interventions and programmes.

"Over the last few weeks there is a worrying increase in the number of cases across Africa and COVID-19 variants are causing a shocking wave of COVID-19 hospitalisation and death," said Dr John Nkengasong, Director of the Africa CDC. "Our objective is to ensure Africa has timely access to vaccines to protect public health security, by establishing a sustainable vaccine development and manufacturing ecosystem in Africa. As well as public health social measures, it is critical the world shares vaccine technologies now with African countries while also building up the manufacturing capacity across the region to help battle back against COVID-19 and also to leave a legacy for future pandemics."
Not so long ago, laws governing abortion in Massachusetts and Rhode Island were far more restrictive than those in the Deep South, as state legislators throughout New England regularly banned the procedure, no matter the circumstances, during the 1960s and '70s.

Nowadays, however, the American South represents a hub of anti-abortion fervor, home to a series of laws and regulations that have eroded Roe v. Wade, as liberal states in the Northeast and elsewhere have enacted laws to codify that landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision.

How that regional reversal came to pass touches on demographic and ideological shifts, as well as a political environment in which few governors or state legislators anywhere claim to be moderates on the issue.

More than anything, the switch can be traced to religion, and how Christian faiths have in some cases become as polarized on the issue of abortion as the views of elected officials who rely on votes of the religious faithful.

Q: Why was famously liberal New England so opposed to abortion?

Two words: The pope.

Daniel Williams, author of "Gods Own Party: The Making of the Christian Right" and "Defenders of the Unborn: The Pro-Life Movement Before Roe v. Wade," said that in the early 1970s the strongest opposition to abortion came not from Southern evangelicals but from states with strong Catholic ties in the Northeast.

Even as states like Connecticut and Maine were passing bans, states that were home to large populations of more conservative religious denominations allowed women to safely end pregnancies in cases of rape, incest, fetal deformities and when a woman's life was at risk.

North Carolina was one of the first states to allow for limited legal access to abortion in 1967. Georgia followed in 1968, and South Carolina and Arkansas in 1970. In Texas, a poll taken in 1970 by the Baptist Standard, the periodical of the Baptist convention, found that 90% of its readers  largely pastors and deacons  believed Texas' abortion laws were too harsh.

Religious scholars say white evangelical Protestants did not support unfettered abortion rights, but without a strong theology about when human life begins, less restrictive abortion laws were not a moral threat. Evangelicals viewed abortion as a Catholic cause.

"The general view among Southern evangelicals in the 1960s and early 1970s was that abortion was ethically problematic," said Williams, who serves as a professor of history at the University of West Georgia. "But there was no firm biblical support for the Catholic claim that human life began at conception."

Q: So, why did the South  and Southern evangelicals  change their minds?

One could say it started offshore: In March 1970, Hawaii became the first state to decriminalize abortion, though the law applied only to state residents. Later that year, New York, then led by a Republican governor, Nelson Rockefeller, and a Republican-dominated legislature, went further, allowing women from any state to receive abortion care.

In 1972, some 200,000 women had legal abortions in New York, and 3 of 5 were from out of state. That alarmed many Southerners, who feared that the procedure was being used  and abused  by unmarried women.

"Many of the Baptists in Texas might have thought if a married woman experienced problems with a pregnancy" she should have the option of a safe, legal abortion, said Williams. "They were not envisioning there would be 200,000. This was clearly not a limited procedure in a small number of instances."

Q: Was it just abortion that worried evangelicals?

Aversion to women's rights was not limited to reproductive issues: Disaffected by the sexual revolution and the feminist movement, Christian conservative leaders campaigned against the Equal Rights Amendment. They also battled to protect the tax-exempt status of racially segregated private schools and pushed to ban gay teachers from public schools and restore classroom prayer.

As opposition to abortion among Catholic voters and lawmakers eased, white evangelicals and fundamentalists grew more strident on the issue. By the late 1970s, white evangelicals had fully embraced the position that legal abortion was an assault on moral values. As biblicists, committed to the text of the Bible, evangelical leaders found new meaning in certain verses they believed gave credence to prenatal life.

"The connection these conservative evangelicals saw was that when Americans drifted away from God in public life, a change in gender roles came in," said Williams. "Christianity was being replaced by secular, humanistic, sexual ethics, and Roe v. Wade became the symbol for all of that."

Q: What role did politics play in the shift?

A major one.

While Catholics are fairly dispersed around the country, white evangelicals are heavily concentrated in Southern states, where true believers often also hold elected office, and thus the power to make laws, said Andrew Lewis, associate professor of political science at the University of Cincinnati.

Mary Ziegler, a professor at Florida State University College of Law and author of "Abortion and the Law in America: Roe v. Wade to the Present," describes a trifecta that reinforced abortion opposition in the South. "There are a lot of white evangelicals, a lot of Republicans and a lot of gerrymandered swing states," she said.

The acceleration of state-level abortion restrictions arose from grassroots conservative activists and socially conservative state legislators, not from national Republican Party strategists. "Once the Republican Party took over the South, it did so largely through the efforts of the Christian Coalition" of America, said Williams.

And that connection between white evangelicals and the GOP intensified as the decades passed: By 2009, white evangelicals made up 35% of the Republican Party.

Q: Where does it all stand now?

Nearly 50 years after the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion, the South is the most fervently anti-abortion region in the country. And year after year, Southern legislatures have outdone one another, passing ever more restrictive measures on abortion care and criminal punishment to those who provide it. For instance, a 99-year prison sentence for doctors who perform abortions in Alabama. A ban on nearly all abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy in Mississippi and six weeks in Texas. Rape crisis counselors are subject to lawsuits from private citizens if a woman chooses to end her pregnancy.

Few of these laws have taken effect. Most have been struck down or frozen by the courts and, until last month, the Supreme Court declined to consider many of them. But state legislators, often acting without guidance from national anti-abortion organizations, have continued to introduce anti-abortion bills at a fevered pace. And with the Supreme Court's rightward shift, many in the movement sense their moment has arrived.

The Democratic Party in the South "generally doesn't fight" abortion restrictions, Williams said. The party, which counts on the support of Black and Hispanic voters, tends to focus on other priorities, he said. "There is much greater interest in talking about health care and jobs."

And while many voters, even conservative ones, have shifted to the left on issues like gay rights, Williams said, younger evangelicals are more likely than their parents to oppose abortion.

"The Republican Party has a lot of staying power in Georgia and Alabama and across much of the South for the foreseeable future," Williams said.
Antibiotics shouldnt be given to children as a preventative measure to try to avoid another urinary tract infection (UTI) for kids who have already had one infection, as its unlikely to prevent another UTI and also contributes to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

This is the new advice from the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology (ANZSN), developed through the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) Evolve program and published as an official recommendation of the Choosing Wisely Australia initiative to reduce unnecessary healthcare  where the risks of using a medicine outweigh the potential benefits.

RACP spokesperson, ANZSN president and kidney specialist Dr Neil Boudville says urinary tract infections are a common childhood infection, occurring in around 8% of girls and 2% of boys before 7 years of age.

UTI symptoms can be unpleasant for the child and worrying for parents, so its understandable that doctors and parents want to do whatever they can to prevent the child having to experience another infection once the first one has cleared up, said Prof Boudville.

But the evidence shows that, once the first infection has resolved, giving further antibiotics to your child just in case they get another UTI is actually likely to do more harm than good.

Not only are the just in case antibiotics not likely to stop them from getting another UTI, but taking antibiotics when you dont really need them can contribute to antibiotic resistance, meaning antibiotics may not work for any future infection, whether a UTI or another type of infection, he said.

Dr Robyn Lindner from the NPS MedicineWise Choosing Wisely Australia initiative says Choosing Wisely is about supporting people being more proactive in the management of their own healthcare or that of their kids or loved ones they are caring for.

We strongly encourage people to ask their healthcare provider questions about any test, treatment or procedure, so they can make a more informed decision about their health management. Dr Robyn Lindner

Choosing Wisely has 5 questions to ask your doctor or healthcare provider to trigger the conversation, available at the Choosing Wisely website, she said.

The Choosing Wisely 5 questions are:

Do I really need this test, treatment or procedure?

What are the risks?

Are there simpler, safer options?

What happens if I do nothing?

What are the costs?

Choosing Wisely Australia, with forty-seven Australian medical colleges as members, is part of a global campaign encouraging a national conversation about reducing unnecessary tests, treatments and procedures.

Fifteen Australian medical colleges and organizations have collectively made 25 Choosing Wisely recommendations around the use of antibiotics.

These include recommendations around avoiding prescribing antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections (recommendation from the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases), avoiding repeat prescriptions of antibiotics without first checking if they are needed (recommendation from the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia) and starting antibiotics in general without an identified condition for which they can help. The length of the course of antibiotics should be determined beforehand or a review date planned (recommendation from the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia).
Goldsboro, NC (27530)

Today

Cloudy with periods of light rain. High 76F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Localized flooding is possible..

Tonight

Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 67F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a half an inch. Localized flooding is possible.
(Newser)  A Canadian fertility doctor who lost his medical license in 2019 after being accused of impregnating multiple women with the wrong spermsometimes his ownhas now agreed to fork over millions in a "groundbreaking" settlement. The Ottawa Citizen reports that the $10.7 million offer from Norman Barwin was announced Wednesday at a virtual hearing, a response to a class-action lawsuit involving 226 patients and family members, 100 of them children conceived when their parents went to Barwin to help them have kids. Per a statement from Nelligan Law, which represented plaintiffs in settlement negotiations and calls this a "case without precedent," of those 100 children, 17 have been proven to be the biological offspring of Barwin himself, while the other 83 "do not know the identity of their biological father," as Barwin didn't use the sperm they'd requested when they were trying to conceive. The cases date back to the early '70s.

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The class-action suit was spearheaded five years ago by Dan and Davina Dixon, who gave birth to a baby girl named Rebecca in 1990, after enlisting Barwin's help. After a DNA test in 2016, when Rebecca was in her mid-20s, they found out Dan wasn't Rebecca's fatherBarwin was, per the Washington Post. NBC News notes that Barwin, 82, has denied the accusations against him and that the settlement doesn't include an admission of any fault on his parthe says in the settlement he simply doesn't want to spend any more time or money dealing with the case. Under this proposed deal, ex-patients and children will stand to receive up to $40,000 or so in damages, if they choose to stay in the class-action suit. The deal also includes the establishment of a private DNA database for Barwin's former patients to see if they can make definitive matches with others. The settlement still needs a final OK from the Ontario Superior Court, which will render its decision at a November hearing. (Read more fertility doctor stories.)
(Newser)  A Gold Star father who became a household name after sparring with Donald Trump in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election has received a post courtesy of Trump's successor in the White House. CNN reports that President Biden has named Khizr Khan, a Muslim immigrant and Virginia attorney who founded the Constitution Literacy and National Unity Project, to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom. In a White House statement, the septuagenarian is described as "an advocate for religious freedom as a core element of human dignity" who, via his law firm, "devotes a substantial amount of his time to providing legal services to veterans, men and women serving in uniform, and their families." Khan's appointment "underscores the president's commitment to build an administration that looks like America and reflects people of all faiths," the statement added.

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Khanwhose son, US Army Capt. Humayun Khan was killed in battle in Iraq in 2004famously went after then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at the 2016 Democratic National Convention for the latter's derogatory remarks about Muslim Americans. "Have you ever been to Arlington Cemetery?" Khan blasted Trump at the time, per Axios. "You have sacrificed nothingand no one." After that, Trump often criticized Khan and his wife, and Politico notes the back-and-forth became "messy" for Trump, with members of his own party rebuking him for going after the Gold Star father. In addition to Khan, Biden also appointed the National Security Council's Rashad Hussain to serve as ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom, the first Muslim in that role; Emory University Holocaust scholar Deborah Lipstadt as special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism; and New York City Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum to serve with Khan on the religious freedom commission. (Read more Khizr Khan stories.)
(Newser)  Kept at home due to the pandemic and spurred by recent stimulus checks, Americans have increasingly invested in sprucing up their homes, including by purchasing new furniture. But that rush on sofas, beds, and coffee tables has caused a backlog, leaving some consumers waiting for months to receive their shipments. The owner of a furniture delivery company based out of North Carolina tells Fox Business that while it typically takes eight weeks to ship an item, that wait has now jumped to around 22 weeks, a trend seen around the nation. One vendor used by a furniture showroom in San Francisco is quoting arrival dates of Septembernot 2021, but 2022, per Slate. "The incoming orders have been up 30%, but the shipments have only been up 6% or 7%," Jerry Epperson, an executive with investment banking firm Mann, Armistead & Epperson, tells Fox.

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One of the reasons for the slowdown is that supplies from overseas have been delayed at US ports, per Epperson. Labor and transportation issues, as well as raw materials shortages, are also a factor: Foam and lumber are especially scarce, the former affected by winter storms in Texas and other Southern states that brought producers of propylene oxidea major ingredient in the foam used in couches, mattresses, and chairsoffline. Meanwhile, COVID spread in Vietnam, a major exporter of furniture to the US, is also playing a role, causing factories there to shutter, notes CNN Business. "It's kind of nutty right now," the co-owner of a furniture chain in Texas and Kansas says. "Every single day we're hearing more bad news." (Read more furniture stories.)
(Newser)  Thousands of people protested France's special virus pass by marching through Paris and other cities on Saturday. Most demonstrations were peaceful, but some protesters in Paris clashed with riot police, who fired tear gas. Some 3,000 security forces deployed around the capital for a third weekend of protests against the pass that will be needed soon to enter restaurants and other places, the AP reports. Police took up posts along Paris' Champs-Elysees to guard against an invasion of the famed avenue. With virus infections spiking and hospitalizations rising, lawmakers have passed a bill requiring the pass in most places as of Aug. 9. Polls show a majority of the French support the pass, but some are adamantly opposed. The law requires vaccination or a quick negative test or proof of a recent recovery from COVID-19, and mandates vaccine shots for all health care workers. The announcement that the pass would take effect on Aug. 9 has driven many of the unvaccinated to sign up for inoculations so their social lives won't be shut down.

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For anti-pass demonstrators, "liberty" was the slogan of the day. Hager Ameur, a 37-year-old nurse, said she resigned from her job. "I think that we mustn't be told what to do," she said. "And now, suddenly we are told that if we dont get vaccinated it is our fault that people are contaminated. I think it is sickening." Tensions flared in front of the famed Moulin Rouge nightclub in northern Paris during what appeared to be the largest demonstration. Lines of police faced down protesters. Officers used their fists on several occasions. Three officers were injured, the French press reported. Police, again responding to rowdy crowds, turned a water cannon on protesters as the march ended at the Bastille. More than 24,000 new coronavirus cases daily were confirmed Friday nightcompared to just a few thousand cases a day at the start of the month. Vaccinations are now available at a wide variety of places, including some beaches. More than 52% of the population has been vaccinated.

(Read more France stories.)
(Newser)  The remains exhumed from a cemetery to check for victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre have been reburied, angering protesters who may be descendants of those killed. The remains of 19 people were returned Friday to their original placements, KTUL reports, while protesters locked out of Oaklawn Cemetery watched through a fence, upset that there was no funeral. "It's disgusting and disrespectful that these are our family members and we are outside of the gate," said Bobby Eaton, relative of a massacre victim. A forensic anthropologist said DNA evidence was gathered, though none of the remains has been confirmed to be that of massacre victims, per the AP. A bullet was discovered with one set of remains that showed signs of trauma to the body and head, Phoebe Stubblefield said. "We are not done, we have not stopped." Stubblefield told the crowd.

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A spokeswoman for Tulsa said the city is "committed to transparency during this investigation," per ABC, and expects a report from researchers this fall. She said members of the oversight committee, physical investigation team, and clergy involved with the process were invited to Friday's reburial. "They did not consult, thats why were out here right now," Eaton said. "They didn't consult with the African American community." DNA matching with possible descendants could take years, she said. If the remains cannot be matched to anyone, Michelle Brooks said, "We would work to establish a permanent memorial." The city still plans to search a park and another cemetery for remains of massacre victims. (During the massacre, a witness said, "They were killing all the Black people." (Read more Tulsa stories.)
(Newser)  With the national moratorium on evictions by landlords expiring at midnight, members of Congress on Saturday expressed frustrationsometimes angrilythat no one has acted to preserve it. House Democrats tried to pass legislation extending the ban on Friday night but failed, ABC reports. "We are only hours away from a fully preventable housing crisis," Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren said Saturday in a floor speech. "We thought that the White House was in charge," Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters said on CNN, per the AP. But the White House said a Supreme Court ruling rendered President Biden powerless to head off the expiration and called on Congress to do it with legislation. A group of Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, nevertheless sent a letter to Biden and CDC Director Rochelle Walensky insisting the CDC "leverage every authority available" to extend its moratorium.

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Some lawmakers were enraged that Biden threw the issue to them at the last minute, when they would be unable to approve legislation in time to protect renters. To draw attention to the urgency, Democratic Rep. Cori Bush had spent the night on the Capitol steps, per WRAL. The Missouri lawmaker said she's been evicted three times and had to live in her car with her children. "We need the powers that be to understand that we're not going to let this go quietly," Bush said, "when the lives of actual people that we're supposed to represent, like actual whole people, like human beings, are actually at risk by this policy decision or the lack of one." More than 3.6 million people could face eviction if the moratorium is not extended. "The president should have moved on it," said Waters, who plans to try again on legislation when Congress returns from recess, if needed. "I dont want anyone else to have to go through what I went through, ever," Bush said. (Read more evictions stories.)
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Five Things to Know in Alaska Politics: Mineral mining, tree spiking and an outspoken booster for the Covid vaccine
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TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and his Sudan counterpart, Dr Maryam Al Sadiq Al Mahdi, inaugurated yesterday the new premises of the Embassy of Sudan in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the residence of the Ambassador in the Seef area.

The inauguration ceremony took place in the presence of Sudan Ambassador to Bahrain, Ibrahim Mohammed Al Hassan. It was also attended by a number of Ambassadors accredited to Bahrain and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Sudanese embassy. Dr Al Zayani welcomed the Sudanese Minister and thanked her for accepting the invitation to visit Bahrain to inaugurate the new premises of the embassy.

He noted that the visit provided a good opportunity to discuss areas of bilateral cooperation and ways of enhancing it in various fields. At the beginning of the ceremony, Dr Al Zayani and Dr Al Mahdi raised the flag of the Republic of Sudan in the embassys building and played the national anthems of both countries.

They cut the ribbon and unveiled the commemorative plaque before touring the embassy and viewed an exhibition of Sudanese plastic arts that was held specifically for this occasion.

The Sudanese Minister delivered a speech in which she extended the highest expressions of appreciation and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for advancing the Bahraini-Sudanese relations.

She expressed her deepest gratitude to Dr Al Zayani for his kind invitation, gracious welcome and hospitality. Minister Al Mahdi praised the outcomes of bilateral talks held yesterday in boosting relations between the two countries, lauding the historic meeting with His Majesty the King.

She conveyed the appreciation of the government and people of Sudan for the support of the Kingdom and its people following its revolution and regarding the Renaissance Dam.

Her Excellency voiced her countrys pride following His Majesty the Kings praise of the contributions of the Sudanese community in many fields. Dr Al Mahdi highlighted the support of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation in December 2020 to Sudan through the visit of its Secretary-General Dr Mustafa Al Sayed, following the floods that swept the Sudanese lands.

She also pointed out the visit of former Minister of Foreign Affairs and the current Advisor to His Majesty the King for Diplomatic Affairs, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, who was the first foreign minister from the regional and international arena to visit the Republic of Sudan after the December Revolution in April 2019.

She also appreciated the positions of Bahrain in support of the issues of Sudan in regional and international forums. The Sudanese Minister stressed that Sudan is following with great interest the positive, constructive and transparent approach of the Bahraini media to support the transition in their country.

At the conclusion of her speech, Minister Al Mahdi expressed thanks and appreciation to the attendees of the inauguration. She voiced keenness on further bolstering bilateral relations and cooperation.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

New services have been launched via the eTraffic app to simplify the reporting of minor traffic accidents, the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) announced. The services, covering accidents between two or more parties, allow for traffic procedures to be directly handled by insurance companies.

Provided in cooperation with the General Directorate of Traffic (GDT) and Bahrain Insurance Association, the services are in line with a decision by the Minister of Interior, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa to assign mutually resolved minor accidents to insurance companies, and to enhance cooperation between the iGA and public and private entities.

iGA Acting Chief Executive and Deputy CE of Electronic Transformation, Dr Zakareya Ahmed Al-Khajah said that providing online channels for reporting traffic accidents is in line with the vision of Bahrains senior leadership and directives by the Minister of Interior, Gen. Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa to implement digital transformation across all services offered by the ministry and its directorates and to save the public time and effort. It is also a highlight of the ongoing partnership between the iGA, the GDT, and the Bahrain Insurance Association, which recently conducted detailed studies of the laws and regulations, a restructuring of procedures, and the development of various electronic systems.

He stated that the new method digitally links insurance companies with the General Directorate of Traffic (GDT) and the Information & eGovernment Authority ( iGA), and the eTraffic app which now offers four new services: a Report Traffic Accidents function which allows citizens, residents, and visitors from the GCC to alert insurance companies about minor accidents; View Reported Traffic Accidents which provides details of all reported accidents; Traffic Accident Acknowledgment which allows the driver who caused the accident to admit fault; and Insurance Companies Locator which contains information on insurance companies, their locations, and contact details.

Al-Khajah stated that the Kingdom is a pioneer in providing innovative traffic eServices, highlighting their benefits which include reporting accidents in a few time-efficient and effort-saving steps, enhancing the flow of traffic, and ensuring road safety. There will also be no need for the public to have traffic reports issued nor to have to pay for them if there is a mutual agreement between the two parties, leaving insurance companies free to launch their own procedures. He added that the new services, in line with Bahrains ongoing digital transformation efforts, will help accelerate development.

To use the new services, parties to a simple traffic accident must report it via the eTraffic mobile app or by filling the insurance electronic form. Certain requirements must be met. All parties must mutually agree to report the accident via the eTraffic app or Insurance electronic form. There should be no injuries, and if the affected driver reports the accident, then the other driver must admit fault by using the apps Traffic Accident Acknowledgment service or via the National Portal, bahrain.bh. If the driver at fault is the one reporting the accident, then this will be accepted as an admission of fault. All parties must then head to the insurance company responsible for the vehicle of the driver at fault within 48 hours.


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"The engagement of Boustead represents an important milestone in Akanda's journey," commented Tej Virk, CEO, and Director of Akanda. "Together, we will ensure that Akanda has the right structure to successfully deliver on our exciting mission of providing patients with ethically sourced, high quality African medical cannabis from Lesotho to pharmacies and clinics in the U.K., Europe, and beyond."

Added Kiran Sidhu, CEO and Co-Founder of Halo, "We are delighted that Akanda has partnered with Boustead to help unlock the unrealized value of Akanda. We expect that the outcome of Boustead's work will create substantial value for all of Halo's stakeholders."

"We are excited to assist Akanda with its ultimate goal of becoming a world-class international medical cannabis company," said Boustead's Head of Equity Capital Markets, Dan McClory. "After visiting the African base last week, we believe the Company's seasoned leadership team, low-cost and high-quality operations in Lesotho, and commitment to social welfare have the potential to make it a unique and valuable asset in the emerging global medical cannabis economy."

In June, Halo announced the proposed reorganization of its non-U.S. medical operations (the "International Reorganization") into Akanda, to be led by accomplished cannabis and corporate finance and banking industry executive Tej Virk and Halo's Executive Chairman Louisa Mojela, one of Africa's most accomplished female entrepreneurs. Akanda is expected to combine the production capabilities of Bophelo Bio Science & Wellness Pty. Ltd. ("Bophelo"), Halo's scalable 200-hectare Lesotho-based cultivation and processing campus, with distribution and route-to-market through CanMart Ltd. ("CanMart"), Halo's UK-based fully approved pharmaceutical importer and distributor which supplies pharmacies and clinics within the UK.

Akanda's mission is to provide high quality and ethically sourced medical cannabis products for patients worldwide by combining award-winning genetic strains from Halo, DNA Genetics, and their partners, with the natural purity and pristine climate of its cultivation operations in Lesotho, Southern Africa. Bophelo is on course to obtain Good Agricultural and Collection Practice compliant status to facilitate exports to international markets including the U.K. and E.U.

Halo expects to provide additional information in respect of the International Reorganization over the coming weeks. Completion of the International Reorganization remains subject to the entering into of definitive documentation, the approval of the Halo board of directors and the receipt of all required regulatory approvals. There can be no certainty that the International Reorganization will be completed on the terms described in this press release or at all.

About Akanda Corp.

Akanda is a recently formed Ontario corporation that was founded in connection with the proposed International Reorganization. Following completion of the International Reorganization, it is anticipated that Akanda will be an international medical cannabis company, cultivating ethically sourced cannabis of the highest quality at scale, leveraging trusted brands, at a low-cost compared to many of its competitors. It is expected that Akanda's initial portfolio will include key businesses such as Bophelo, Halo's cultivation and processing campus in the Kingdom of Lesotho in Southern Africa, with distribution and route-to-market through CanMart, Halo's UK-based fully approved pharmaceutical importer and distributor which supplies pharmacies and clinics within the U.K.

Bophelo operates a campus in the Kingdom of Lesotho focused on the cultivation and production of medical cannabis products for international export. Akanda believes Bophelo to be one of the largest licensed marijuana cultivation sites in the world with up to a maximum of 200 hectares of canopy. Through partnerships and licensing agreements with award-winning seed producers, including DNA Genetics, Bophelo will provide Akanda with a low-cost gateway to the broader African continent and access to international markets. CanMart is one of a limited number of fully approved importers and distributors of medical cannabis products in the U.K. market with supply and distribution to pharmacies and clinics throughout the U.K. CanMart is committed to providing a range of the best possible cannabis-based medicinal products sourced from around the world.

A cornerstone of Akanda's value system is its fundamental commitment to using its operations as a force for sustainability and social good. Akanda will seek to deliver on this promise by driving positive change in wellness, empowering individuals in Lesotho, and by uplifting the quality of the lives of employees and the local communities where it operates  while limiting its carbon footprint. Adhering to best practice ESG operating and disclosure standards is among Akanda's highest priorities.

Connect with Akanda: Email | Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

About Halo Collective Inc.

Halo is a leading, vertically integrated cannabis company that cultivates, extracts, manufactures, and distributes quality cannabis flower, oils, and concentrates, and has sold approximately nine million grams of oils and concentrates since inception. The Company continues to expand its business and scale efficiently, partnering with trustworthy leaders in the industry who value Halo's operational expertise in bringing top-tier products to market.

Halo currently operates in the United States in Oregon and California, Canada, Southern Africa in the Kingdom of Lesotho, and the United Kingdom. The Company sells cannabis products principally to dispensaries in the U.S. under its brands Hush, Mojave, and Exhale, and under license agreements with Papa's Herb, DNA Genetics, Terphogz, and FlowerShop*, a cannabis lifestyle and conceptual wellness brand that includes G-Eazy as a partner and key member.

As part of continued expansion and vertical integration in the U.S., Halo boasts several grow operations throughout Oregon and two planned in California. In Oregon, the Company has a combined 11 acres of owned and contracted outdoor cultivation, including East Evans Creek, a six-acre grow site in Jackson County with four licenses owned and operated by Halo and two third-party licenses under contract to sell all of their product to Halo; Winberry Farms, a one-acre grow site located 30 miles outside of Eugene in Lane County with a license owned and operated by Halo; and William's Wonder Farms, a three-acre grow site in Applegate Valley, under contract to sell all of its product to Halo pending the closing of Halo's acquisition of its licenses and business assets.

In California, the Company is building out Ukiah Ventures, a planned 30,000 sq. ft. indoor cannabis grow and processing facility, which will include up to an additional five acres of industrial land to expand the site in the near future. Recently, Halo partnered with Green Matter Holding in California to purchase a property in Lake County, developing up to 63 acres of cultivation, comprising one of the largest licensed single site grows in California. Halo also plans to expand its operations in California by opening three dispensaries in North Hollywood, Hollywood, and Westwood, one of which will serve as the first FlowerShop* branded dispensary.

In Canada, Halo acquired three KushBar retail cannabis stores located in Alberta as a first in its planned entry into the Canadian market, leveraging its Oregon and California brands. With the KushBar retail stores as a foundation, the Company plans to expand its foothold in Canada.

Halo has also acquired a range of software development assets, including CannPOS, Cannalift, and, more recently, CannaFeels. In addition, Halo owns the discrete sublingual dosing technology, Accudab. The Company intends to spin-off these assets and its intellectual property and patent applications into its subsidiary Halo Tek Inc., and expects to complete a distribution to shareholders on a record date to be determined by Halo.

Halo has recently announced its intention to reorganize its non-U.S. operations into a newly formed entity called Akanda Corp., whose mission will be to provide high-quality and ethically sourced medical cannabis products to patients worldwide. Akanda will seek to deliver on this promise while driving positive change in wellness, empowering individuals in Lesotho, and uplifting the quality of the lives of employees and the local communities where it operates, all while limiting its carbon footprint. Akanda will combine the scaled production capabilities of Bophelo Bioscience & Wellness Pty. Ltd., Halo's Lesotho-based cultivation and processing campus located in the world's first Special Economic Zone (SEZ) containing a cannabis cultivation operation, with distribution and route-to-market efficiency of Canmart Ltd., Halo's UK-based fully approved pharmaceutical importer, and distributor that supplies pharmacies and clinics within the U.K. With a potential maximum licensed canopy area of 200 hectares (495 acres), Bophelo has scalability that is arguably unmatched in the world today.

For further information regarding Halo, see Halo's disclosure documents on SEDAR at www.sedar.com

Connect with Halo Collective: Email | Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

About Boustead Securities, LLC

Boustead Securities, LLC is an investment banking firm that executes and advises on IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, capital raises and restructuring assignments in a wide array of industries, geographies and transactions, for a broad client base. Boustead's core value proposition is the ability to create opportunity through innovative solutions and tenacious execution. With experienced professionals in the United States, Boustead's team moves quickly and provides a broad spectrum of sophisticated financial advice and services. Boustead is a majority-owned subsidiary of Boustead & Company Limited, a diversified non-bank financial institution.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only Halo's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Halo's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". Forward-looking information may relate to anticipated events or results including, but not limited to the terms and completion of the International Reorganization and the prospects of Akanda, the composition of the board of directors of Akanda, the development of Bophelo's operations and the granting of certifications, Halo's planned expansion into the Canadian retail market, the expected size and capabilities of the final facility planned at Ukiah Ventures, the size of Halo's planned cultivation facility in Northern California and the ability of Bophelo and CanMart to serve international markets.

By identifying such information and statements in this manner, Halo is alerting the reader that such information and statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such information and statements. In addition, in connection with the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release, Halo has made certain assumptions. Although Halo believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. Among others, the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information and statements are the following: unforeseen delays or circumstances that prevent the applicable stock exchanges from commencing trading in the Company's shares or warrants; delays in obtaining required licenses or approvals, delays or unforeseen costs incurred in connection with construction, the ability of competitors to scale operations in Northern California, delays or unforeseen difficulties in connection with the cultivation and harvest of Halo's raw material, changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; and the other risks disclosed in the Company's annual information form dated March 31, 2021 and other disclosure documents available on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.

The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and Halo does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information and statements attributable to Halo or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

SOURCE Halo Collective Inc.

For further information: Akanda Corp., Matt Chesler, CFA, FNK IR, Investor Relations, [email protected]; Halo Collective, Investor Relations, [email protected], www.haloco.com/investors; Dan McClory, Head of Equity Capital Markets, Boustead Securities, LLC, [email protected]

Related Links

https://haloco.com/


India will take over the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on August 1 and is set to host signature events in three major areas.

Indias two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the Security Council began on January 1, 2021. In a bigger development India will take over the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on August 1 and is set to host signature events in three major areas of maritime security, peacekeeping and counterterrorism during the month.

Indias Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti said in a video message that it is a singular honour for us to be presiding over the Security Council the same month when we are celebrating our 75th Independence Day.

The first working day of Indias Presidency will be Monday, August 2 when Tirumurti will hold a hybrid press briefing in the UN headquarters on the Councils programme of work for the month.

Tirumurti will also provide a briefing for member states of the UN which are non-members of the Council on its work for the month, according to a schedule released by the UN.

The August presidency will be Indias first Presidency during its 2021-22 tenure as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. India will again preside over the Council in December next year, the last month of its two-year tenure.
Both the sides are expected to talk over the disentanglement of the hot spring and the Gogra Heights of the eastern Ladakh, according to the sources of Indian Army.

The meeting between the corps commander level officers of the Indian Army and the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) was held on the Ladakh standoff at 10:30 a.m on Friday on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Both the sides are expected to talk over the disentanglement of the hot spring and the Gogra Heights of the eastern Ladakh, according to the sources of Indian Army.

India and China have been betrothed in a military standoff for almost a year. Even so, both the sides disentangle from the most disputable and debatable Pangong Lake area last month after considerable talks.at the Political and Military Level. The preceding round of military discussion between both the sides was held on April 9

When the Indian Army told the PLA that disentanglement at all friction points on the conflicted border was pivotal for de-escalation of the conflict. Officials are waiting to see if there is any mutually acceptable deal at Hot Spring and Gogra.

Since June 6 last year,the Indian Army and the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) have held 11 rounds of discussion between corps commander level officers to settle the issues of border row in eastern Ladakh, but both the sides have had little to no success in hammering out an official agreement for disentanglement of opposing soldiers deployed at friction points on the contested LAC.
China has now come up with the policy of one soldier per family to build their forces to fight india along the LAC. There is propaganda machinery at play.

China in a very disturbing development has made it mandatory for every Tibetan family to send one member to the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) in a bid to strengthen its military deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India. In what might be considered more horrendous is that the recruitment is being made after a loyalty test of the Tibetan youths as per sources.

The govt sources further revealed that Chinese Communist army is recruiting Tibetan youths in its territory and training them for operations along the LAC with India. China has now come up with the policy of one soldier per family to build their forces to fight india along the LAC. There is propaganda machinery at play.

In August 2020, the tibetan troops under the special frontier forces ambushed the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army and in a successful maneuver were able to capture the strategic areas of black top and Mukhpari in southern Pangong TSO of Kailash range. The courageous tibetan officer Nyima Tenzin sacrificed his life in the operation. The Chinese are wary every since and have been trying to mobilise their troops but to no avail. They are ill-acclimatized to the harsh terrain and climate of the Himalayas.
BERLIN (AP)  China and India have missed a U.N. deadline to submit fresh plans for cutting their greenhouse gas emissions in time for the global body to include their pledges in a report for governments at this year's global climate summit, officials said Saturday.

The worlds two most populous countries are among dozens that failed to provide an update on their targets for curbing the release of planet-warming gases to the U.N. climate change agency by July 31.

China is the country with the world's highest emissions, while India is third. The United States, which submitted its new target in April, is the second-biggest global emitter.

U.N. climate chief Patricia Espinosa welcomed that 110 signatories of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change had met the cut-off date, which was extended from the end of 2020 due to the pandemic. But she said it was far from satisfactory that only 58% had submitted their new targets in time.

Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Syria and 82 other nations also failed to update their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) in time to include them in a report Espinosa's office is preparing for the U.N. climate change conference in November.

Espinosa noted that a previous report found countries were doing too little to meet the goal of keeping global warming below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) by the end of the century compared with pre-industrial times, let alone the more ambitious target of capping warming at 1.5 degrees C (2.7 degrees F).

Recent extreme heat waves, droughts and floods acrossthe globe are a dire warning that much more needs to be done, and much more quickly, to change our current pathway, said Espinosa. This can only be achieved through more ambitious NDCs.

Under the 2015 Paris climate accord, countries set their own emissions reduction goals but are required to be transparent about them and jointly raise their targets over time to ensure that global warming remains at agreed acceptable levels.

China did announce last year that it aims for its emissions of carbon dioxide  the main greenhouse gas  to peak before 2030, and to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. The target has yet to be formally included in its submission to the U.N., however, meaning it can't yet be counted toward the global effort.

Earlier this month, the chair of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, Alok Sharma of Britain, met with environment ministers from more than 50 countries, including the U.S. and China. Speaking to reporters after the meeting  the first physical meeting of its kind since the start of the pandemic  Sharma said participants had agreed the 1.5 degrees C goal must stay within reach.

Between now and COP26 we must, and I promise you we will, make every single day count, he said.

___

Follow AP's climate coverage at http://www.apnews.com/Climate
Even as President Joe Biden was announcing sweeping new COVID-19 rules for federal workers, public officials in the New Haven area were busy formulating strategies for workers in their own communities.

While some require workers to wear masks, the idea of mandating masks, vaccines or testing wasnt something they were ready to do.

Bidens announcement last week came on the heels of one made by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio in which he said his city would require all of its employees to either be vaccinated against COVID or receive weekly testing. De Blasio cited the danger of the delta variant in announcing the new mandate.

Here in Connecticut, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said multiple Connecticut counties, including New Haven County, again have substantial community transmission of COVID-19 and people should be wearing masks indoors.

Some area public officials say they dont expect the rules they currently have in place to change. But political leaders in other communities said they are actively discussing changing their rules.

We are having discussions on this topic, said Kyle Boda, spokesman for New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. At this point we dont have a lot we can talk about.

Right now, New Haven officials require all employees to wear masks while in city buildings, Boda said.

Like New Haven, municipal employees in North Haven and Guilford are required to wear masks while working in town buildings.

I think it is designed to protect everyone, said Mike Freda, North Havens first selectman. For those who are not vaccinated, its their choice, but we have people coming into the (town) buildings that we have to protect.

Matt Hoey, Guilfords first selectman, said he is loath to do a vaccine mandate for municipal employees. For now, Hoey said the towns mask requirement protects the community and municipal workers.

If we were to institute a (vaccine) mandate, there would have to be provision for those who cant take the vaccine because it causes an adverse health reaction, Hoey said.

West Haven Mayor Nancy Rossi said she and other city officials are evaluating whether to institute a mask mandate as well as other possible options.

Were going to make a decision in the next few days, Rossi said. We know the CDC is recommending indoor masking so we are concerned. Its not only to protect our employees, but to protect the citys economy, as well.

Clinton Town Manager Karl Kilduff said a large cross-section of that communitys employees did get the vaccine.

But things are very fluid and I think thats conversation were going to need to have further down the road, he said.

Wallingford Mayor William Dickinson Jr. said he doesnt plan to mandate vaccines for municipal employees at this time.

luther.turmelle@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
The Imo State Police Command says its operatives killed two bandits in a crossfire in Njaba Local Government Area on Saturday. The C...

The Imo State Police Command says its operatives killed two bandits in a crossfire in Njaba Local Government Area on Saturday.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Abutu Yaro, confirmed this in a statement signed by the commands spokesman, CSP Mike Abattam, in Owerri, the state capital.

He said one AK-47 rifle and an operational vehicle were recovered from the bandits during the gun duel.

On 31/7/2021 at about 0120 hours, a convoy of bandits moving towards Njaba town to launch an attack were intercepted by Operation Restore Peace team of the Nigeria Police.





In the ensuing firefight, one of their operational vehicles was demobilised and two of them neutralised, and the remaining ones scampered into the bush.

On searching the vehicle, one Ak 47 rifle was recovered with 10 rounds of live ammunition and a locally made double barrel pistol with two expended cartridges.

They detonated an Improvised Explosive Device into the parking lots of a nearby Njaba Police Station causing minimal damage, the statement read.

Meanwhile, cordon and pursuant exercise is ongoing in the area and members of the public residing in the area should not panic as the ongoing Police clearance operation is designed to root out violent criminals in that axis.

Residents should avail Police with information of persons seen treating bullet wounds or hiding within the community.
The legal team of Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Igboho, has revealed why the freedom fighter should remain detaine...

The legal team of Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Igboho, has revealed why the freedom fighter should remain detained in Benin Republic.

Olusegun Falola, one of Igbohos lawyers said the agitator may be killed if the Beninese court orders his release now.

Falola said Igboho may be killed due to the tension between the Nigerian government and its Benin Republic counterpart.

He noted that though the laws of Benin Republic forbids Igboho to be incarcerated beyond one week, he would remain in custody due to the attention generated by the case.





Falola maintained that the Yoruba nation agitator has not committed any offence in Benin Republic to warrant continued detention.

Though the laws of Benin Republic do not allow a person to be detained in police custody beyond one week, authorities in the Benin Republic believe that setting Igboho free at the time the matter was still generating a lot of heat in local and international circles might also expose him to danger.

His continued incarceration here is to allow things to calm down and for peace to reign between Nigeria and Benin Republic. We have no criminal allegation against him in the Benin Republic.

Anyone that insists that we should set Igboho free now only wants him killed. He can be killed, which may cause more problems, Falola told Nation.
In another effort to secure the freedom of their children, parents of the 136 kidnapped pupils of Salihu Tanko Islamiyya School, Tegina, Nig...





In another effort to secure the freedom of their children, parents of the 136 kidnapped pupils of Salihu Tanko Islamiyya School, Tegina, Niger State, who were abducted two months ago, are battling to raise close to N3million to meet the latest demand of the bandits.

The bandits have reportedly demanded six Honda motorcycles as a condition to set the children free.

Findings show that each of the Honda motorcycles go for N490,000 in the market.

The children were abducted on May 30, 2021, in their school and have been held captive by the bandits until today, despite allegedly collecting about N55 million ransom from parents.

It was gathered that the parents had already contributed and sent about N55M to the bandits in ramson but they held onto the children and added the motorcycles as the latest demand from their families.

Initially, it was learnt that the families of the abductees and the school sold their landed properties to raise the first ransom of N25million but, instead of releasing the captives, the bandits placed another demand of N30million, which was also contributed and taken to their hideout in the forest.

But, they(bandits) again reneged on their promise over a shortfall of N4.5million on the ransom and demanded for the motorcycles.

Aan identified as Kassimu Daragana Tegina, accompanied by some mediators, was despatched to deliver the N30M ransom but was detained by the bandits due to the alleged shortfall and released on Monday.

Upon his release, Kassimu told the parents about the bad condition of the children, the alleged shortfall to the ransom and the bandits current demand for motorcycles.

However, the bandits appeared to have shifted their stance on the shortfall as it gathered that on Friday, they reportedly demanded only six motorcycles.

It was gathered that the parents, who were disturbed by the picture of the deplorable conditions of their children given to them by Kassimu are contributing money to enable them purchase the motorcycles for the bandits.

Efforts to get the head teacher of the school, Alhassan Garba Abubakar, were abortive as he could not be reached.

One of the parents who would not want their name mentioned said the families are disturbed by the continued stay of their children with the bandits as well as the demands they are making.

Lamenting, the parents said initially they gathered N25million which was delivered to the bandits at the designated location but, they later claimed that the ransom did not get them.

The only thing we can do as usual is to keep praying for their safe return. We dont understand what is happening, the Bandits keep making more and more demands. The first N25M we sent they claimed they didnt receive. We believe that the latest N30 million ransom we gave to Kassimu so days ago is complete and delivered to the Bandits. But instead of releasing our children they have continued to seek ways of collecting more money from the parents of children. When will all these demands end because our children are suffering in the hands of those wicked bandits, one of them said.

Efforts to get the head teacher of the school, Alhassan Garba Abubakar, on current developments on the issue proved abortive as he could not be reached.

However, the Niger State Government, through the Secretary to the State Government, Ibrahim Matane, had remained adamant on its position of ruling out payment of ransom to bandits in securing the freedom of the abducted children in the state.

We know the location where they (pupils) are; we do not want to apply force. We are very careful of any situation; we do not want to hurt the children while resorting to military action. We are taking time to evaluate ongoing negotiations with the bandits in order to prevent collateral damage., the SSG told journalists.
The United States attorneys office at the central district of California says Ramon Abbas, the self-confessed international fraudster bet...

The United States attorneys office at the central district of California says Ramon Abbas, the self-confessed international fraudster better known as Hushpuppi, will be sentenced in October.

According to The Punch, Thom Mrozek, the courts director of media relations, also confirmed that a directive was issued to the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for the arrest of Abba Kyari, a top detective.

A U.S. Magistrate Judge has issued arrest warrants for the defendants in the case, including Mr Kyari, he was quoted to have said.

This is standard operating procedure in nearly all of the criminal cases filed by this office. Hushpuppi is currently scheduled to be sentenced in late October.

The spotlight recently beamed on Hushpuppi, who was arrested in Dubai last year for cyber fraud, after he claimed to have bribed the deputy commissioner of police (DCP) to arrest Chibuzo, his co-fraudster and rival.

Although Kyari dismissed the allegations, an investigation by the FBI claimed the detective collaborated with Hushpuppi to facilitate the arrest of Chibuzo.

Hushpuppi was arrested in the UAE in June 2020 alongside 11 of his associates over allegations bordering on hacking, impersonation, scamming, banking fraud, and identity theft.

His extradition to the US had followed after the UAE police detailed his arrest in a special operation dubbed Fox Hunt 2 where he was accused of defrauding 1.9 million victims to the tune of N168 billion.

The embattled Instagram celebrity had recently pleaded guilty to the money laundering charges against him, putting him at the risk of 20 years imprisonment.
As large summer gatherings occur increasingly, the delta strain of the coronavirus may spread quickly and widely, even among those who are fully vaccinated, according to a study by the CDC. Dreamstime/TNS
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Matt DeHarts story is either stranger than fiction or mostly just that: fiction.

As an internet hacktivist, DeHart emerged a little more than a decade ago, claiming to be a member of the online group Anonymous and perhaps a conduit to WikiLeaks. He says he operated a server on the dark web and that he had files about U.S. government activities.

DeHart had enlisted in the Air National Guard and trained to work on a drone program, but was honorably discharged. DeHart tried to defect to Russia and Venezuela at their embassies in Washington, D.C. He later fled to Canada to seek asylum, and says he was drugged and tortured while detained by the FBI.

But there were other accusations about his online activity. He was accused of meeting two teenaged boys in a World of Warcraft online community and soliciting child pornography. DeHart said the charges were bogus and designed to allow the government to search his computer.

DeHarts story was the subject of several deep dives into an amazing string of revelations and accusations, all obscured by the dark corners of the web, the security state, sealed documents and more. There also are some odd happenstances in the story, adding to a sense of paranoia. The latest attempt to get at the truth of the matter is Sonia Kennebecks film Enemies of the State, which runs at The Prytania Theatres at Canal Place.

Theres a whiplash effect to wading into the cascades of details in the story. DeHarts father is a chaplain. But its soon revealed that both of DeHarts parents formerly worked for the U.S. military as linguists monitoring international communications. With the decline of the Cold War and reduction of some sectors of military operations, they retired (before the robust return of the security state following 9/11).

The DeHarts believed their son and went to great lengths to fight for his innocence. The entire family applied for asylum in Canada, alleging that the U.S. had tortured their son.

Its hard to verify many parts of the story. Matt DeHart says unencrypted files were placed on his server by another person. He says the government files were on hard drives that he took to Mexico and mailed to others, whom he hasnt identified. The only person who claims to be familiar with their contents is his mother. The U.S. government neither confirms nor denies various aspects of the case and its sprawling reach is daunting.

Prosecutors in Tennessee had a different view. They saw a Matt DeHart who told two teenagers that he was the son of a mob boss who lived in New Jersey. DeHart actually went to Tennessee and met one of the teens. The child pornography charges helped the government detain DeHart after one crossing of the Canadian border.

Not everything is as it first appears in the film. The movie follows the format of a documentary, but many scenes are recreated with actors. Thats not unheard of, and some use real recordings of conversations. But there is a wealth of created scenes and images, including stark images of Matt DeHart in detention that match what he alleges. But if hes an unreliable narrator or greatly mischaracterized the situation, these are rather loaded fabrications of the filmmaker. Is her recreation more about getting to the truth or giving the film a dark thrill?

Its also possible for multiple bad things to be true. DeHart could be a child pornographer and a hacker and the government could abuse its powers and be hiding war crimes, all of which deserve attention. Kennebeck turns to independent figures  journalists, security and legal experts  to try to establish a set of verifiable facts. No matter what the truth is about Matt DeHart, just the difficulty of getting to it is a chilling aspect of a film that feels designed to tease viewers with the possibilities.

"Enemies of the State" opens Friday, July 30, at Prytania Theatres at Canal Place.
Dee Lavigne started cooking at age 7 and she later attended the Culinary Institute of America. She currently runs her own baking and catering company and is the director of programming at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, where she teaches weekly classes. She will open the Deelightful Roux cooking school at the museum in October.

Lavigne co-hosts Lena Richards New Orleans Cook Book: A Groundbreaking Story of Innovation and Resilience, which is part of the Smithsonian Institutions three-part Cooking Up History series. Born in 1892, Richard was a Black woman chef and entrepreneur who owned two restaurants, authored a 1939 cookbook on Creole food, started a frozen food company and hosted twice weekly morning cooking segments on WDSU-TV in 1949, a decade before Julia Child hit the air. The seminar features Lavigne cooking one of Richards dishes and historian Ashley Rose Young, who is writing a book about Richard. The in-person portion is open to SoFAB members, and the program is available online via the Smithsonian (find the link at the SoFAB website) at 5:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5.

Gambit: How did you learn about Lena Richard?

Dee Lavigne: I first heard about Lena Richard in 2016. Elizabeth Williams was the director at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum. When we met, she gave me a tour of the museum and she asked if I knew about Lena Richard. I said I hadnt. She gave me a little bit of information, and I found it fascinating that I had never heard of this lady  and shes done so many things, literally in the city I was born in. I had never heard anybody talk about Lena Richard.

(Richard) was doing live TV twice a week. It wasnt a pre-recorded segment. I think one of the reasons she may not be remembered is because of the time she was on TV. There were no pre-recorded broadcasts. There were no VCRs. There was no way to record her besides pictures. I think thats one of the reasons why she got lost in history.

Gambit: What do you make of her getting a weekly spot on morning TV?

Lavigne: She did not quit. She was moving  two restaurants, an international frozen food company in the 1930s. I love the fact that she was able to not be put in a box, or kept as a kitchen servant, or work as another Black cook in a racially motivated time. It was still the time of Jim Crow, and she was able to work outside of that. I believe a lot of (getting on TV) had to do with her catering. People knew she could cook.

Elizabeth Street Cafe serves elevated Vietnamese dishes in the Lower Garden District The sophisticated French bakery and Vietnamese cafe opened in the new Hotel Saint Vincent.

Gambit: What dish are you going to demonstrate?

Lavigne: The dish I chose is shrimp bisque. I feel like its a really classic, old-school Creole dish that everyone can identify with. To me its the ultimate gift of love. Its so involved. Youre stuffing shrimp heads.

I tried to stick to her original recipe as much as I could, which is tricky. When I first tried it, it didnt work. I was like, Theres no way. I followed everything to the letter. I need to know why. There were ingredients in the directions that werent listed in the ingredients. You had to think about what was common kitchen knowledge then. (They didnt write it in the recipe) because you should know that. In 1939, they didnt have the same kitchen knowledge we have today. I had to do a few work-arounds. Of course, both recipes will be presented.

This (bisque) is roux based with big shrimp flavor, though very few ingredients. There is going to be a stuffing made to stuff the shrimp heads that get served on top of the bisque, which is an old-school type of thing. When I started practicing the recipe, the flavors were always on point. She was cooking delicious food.

For more information about Dee Lavigne, visit her website.
Three weeks ago, Khristian Hamilton, a 28-year-old actor, set out to jog through his New Orleans East neighborhood. He ended up splayed across a sidewalk, wondering if he would survive.

With his left leg dangling off his body, Hamilton looked up at the car that struck him. The driver had stopped briefly, and Hamilton remembers yelling: Please dont leave me here. Dont leave me here to die.

The driver left, but on Thursday the New Orleans Police Department identified him, saying the agency had obtained a warrant to arrest Chase Hinde, 19, of Metairie. Nothing in jail and court records indicates Hinde has been arrested, and Hamiltons mother said she hasnt been notified of an arrest.

Metairie man suspected of hitting pedestrian with car, then fleeing scene in New Orleans A Metairie man is suspected of hitting a pedestrian with his car and driving off, leaving the victim badly injured and hospitalized.

It was July 9 when Hamilton set out for a run at about 1 p.m. He couldnt really get into an energetic rhythm, so he stopped to buy an energy drink at the Shell convenience store at Morrison Road and Read Boulevard. Then he crossed the Morrison canal and onto the sidewalk that runs along the lake side of Morrison. He wanted to be on the sidewalk, out of the way of traffic, so he could take a nice stroll home.

He had just walked past the Walgreens drug store when a late-model black Nissan Sentra seemed to come from nowhere and head toward him, out of control. He was driving fast, and his car was fishtailing, said Hamilton, who had nowhere to go, trapped between a fence on his left and the street on his right.

He jumped upward, but the car hit him hard and dragged him through the Walgreens driveway. Doctors later told him that the car was likely traveling at about 55 miles per hour when it smashed into his left hip, thigh and knee, splitting open that part of his body.

From where Hamilton was lying, he couldnt see any people. He couldnt reach his phone. And even if he could reach it, its charge was low, around 4 percent. He didnt know if he could even reach anyone.

Though he couldnt feel his left leg, he could see the flesh in three pieces. I looked like a cow, sliced open, he said, wondering if this were his last moments. This is how Im going to die, here like roadkill? he thought.

Two bystanders ran to his aid. A man known only as Terrell took off his own shirt and wrapped it around Hamiltons thigh. A woman known only as Ms. Denise called 911 and Hamiltons mother, Laniker Hunter, then prayed with him until the ambulance arrived.

By that time, Hamilton had lost so much blood it felt like an out-of-body experience.

They were screaming, hollering, praying over me. I had lost any sense of my arms and legs. I could hear every persons voice and I saw some lights. People were cutting up my pants. I got into the ambulance, and I blacked out and the sirens faded away.

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When he came to, the paramedic was saying, Stay with me.

The ambulance rushed him to University Medical Center. He required three blood transfusions and a six-hour surgery. Surgeons determined that his right leg, though swollen, had suffered only a hairline fracture. Repairing the damage to his left leg took a steel rod and at least five screws; to close the wound alone took five staples in his hip, 18 in his inner thigh and 32 in his knee.

Because he is allergic to crab, Hamilton couldnt have any medicines that contain iodine. So he went through the entire ordeal without the usual cocktail of painkillers. The only narcotic that didnt contain iodine was morphine, but it made him overheat, so he stayed feverish, at around 103 degrees.

On Thursday, the same day police obtained an arrest warrant in the case, his mother and his younger sister, Michaela King, 18, picked him at the hospital and took him home. Even sitting in the car was difficult.

Hes now at home in a hospital bed. While there are parts of his leg he still cant feel, he found out a few days ago that he could wiggle his toes. He can move his knee a little.

But it doesnt feel like my knee anymore, he said. I think its mostly metal.

Hes missed a few filming dates, but he is thankful to be alive. Surgeons told him that his injuries, as bad as they were, missed a major artery by a fraction of an inch.

On Saturday, as she got her last supplies before going to college, his sister drove past the Walgreens and saw the blood-stained concrete - his clothes still there. She ran into the house and said, Bubby, Im so happy to see you alive and OK.

On Sunday the family was scheduled to drive to Columbia, South Carolina, to Benedict College, where his sister has received an academic scholarship. Hamilton planned to help her move in and to ensure everything seemed safe and correct.

Instead, hell be playing that role virtually. I cant play the same big-brother role. But Ill do what I can by FaceTime, he said.

Anyone with information about Hindes whereabouts may call police investigator Jason Naquin at (504) 658-6214 or Crimestoppers Inc. of Greater New Orleans at (504) 822-1111 or (877) 903-7867.
Politics Reporter

Reese Gorman covers politics and the COVID-19 pandemic for The Norman Transcript. He started as an intern in May of 2020 and transitioned into his current position as a staff writer in August of 2020.
Northumberland, Pa.  A Milton man was charged for allegedly lying on his application for a firearm at a sporting goods store in Northumberland County.

Dylan J. Bridge, 22, allegedly checked no to a question on the background check form which asks if the applicant had ever been adjudicated as a mental defective, or had ever been committed to a mental institution.

Police have said previous records for Bridge indicate that he should have checked yes, according to the arrest affidavit.

Bridge filled out the form on July 21, 2020, at Youngs Sporting Goods in Northumberland Borough.

He was denied ability to purchase the firearm after his information was run through the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS).

In June 2021, The Pennsylvania State Police Firearms Division asked Northumberland Borough Police to investigate. Upon talking with police, Bridge told them he forgot about a previous involuntary commitment.

A third-degree felony charge of materially written false statement in attempt to purchase firearm and a misdemeanor of false swearing was filed at the office of District Judge Michael Toomey. At a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, Bridges case was waived for court.

Docket Sheet
Montoursville -- Andrew "Lee" Glace, 80, of Montoursville passed away peacefully July 28, 2021, surrounded by his family and is now whole in Heaven with his Savior.

Born June 4, 1941 in Williamsport, Andrew was the youngest son of his namesake, the late Andrew W. and Edith (Edgar) Glace. He was a graduate of Montoursville High School in 1959. After high school Andrew enlisted in the United States Air Force, graduating second in his class from the academy. He served honorably for six years as a jet flight mechanic and was stationed in Kadena Airbase, Okinawa. After returning to the states, he worked for Montour Oil Company as a technician and crew leader until he retired in 2004.

Andrew always loved a good adventure with his friends, treasured the special times he spent hunting with his father, yearly fishing trips to Canada and time spent camping and boating at Lake Waneta. Among many things, he enjoyed scuba diving with his handmade tanks from recycled WWII airplanes. He was an avid skydiver, logging many jumps, and he was also especially proud of restoring his 1953 Studebaker back in the day. More than anything, he loved the time he spent with his family: Sunday dinners, trips to the beach, Knoebels, holiday celebrations, and he could be found often at one of his granddaughters' activities.

He was a long-time member of Sportsman's Shooting Range. He was also a member of the former Hope of Glory Bible Church, where he served as a deacon for many years. He was married to the late Donna M. Molino for 26 years, and they had two children together.

Andrew is survived by his daughter who loved him dearly, Kimberlee (Brian) Batkowski; three granddaughters who adored their Poppy, Anna and Katherine Batkowski, Jenna (Sal) Locricchio; and two great-granddaughters. He is also survived by a sister, Dolores (the late Jack) Barbour and a brother, Gary (Sharon) Glace; along with many loved nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Sean A. Glace.

A graveside memorial service will be held 12 p.m. Saturday, August 7 at Barbours Cemetery, Barbours Cemetery Rd., Plunketts Creek Township, Pa. 17701. Please bring a chair, a story to share and help us celebrate Andrew's life. The Pastor Ruebens Ruba will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to PanCan.org or Hometown Heroes c/o Lycoming County Veterans Affairs Office 330 Pine St., Williamsport, PA 17701.

Arrangements entrusted to Sanders Mortuary. Online condolences may be made on Andrews memorial page at www.SandersMortuary.com.




Calhoun, GA (30701)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 83F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening. A few showers developing late. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.
Willie Mae Samuel is a playwright, founder and director of the African American Connection of the Performing Arts Inc. and a 2020 Heart of the Community Award recipient. She can be contacted at artsnow2019@gmail.com.
GUEST COLUMNIST|LEN ROBBINS

How do you get a lizard out of your car?
Rome, GA (30161)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low 67F. Winds light and variable.
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LineageOS 18.1 has been made available for owners of Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy S10 family of devices. The stock Android-like custom ROM will, however, only work with the Exynos variants of these devices at this stage, however.

4 Reviews , News , CPU , GPU , Articles , Columns , Other "or" search relation. 5G , Accessory , Alder Lake , AMD , Android , Apple , ARM , Audio , Business , Camera , Cannon Lake , Cezanne (Zen 3) , Charts , Chinese Tech , Chromebook , Coffee Lake , Comet Lake , Console , Convertible / 2-in-1 , Cryptocurrency , Cyberlaw , Deal , Desktop , Exclusive , Fail , Foldable , Gadget , Galaxy Note , Galaxy S , Gamecheck , Gaming , Geforce , Google Pixel , GPU , How To , Ice Lake , Intel Evo / Project Athena , Internet of Things (IoT) , iOS , iPad Pro , iPhone , Jasper Lake , Lakefield , Laptop , Launch , Linux / Unix , Lucienne (Zen 2) , MacBook , Mini PC , Monitor , MSI , OnePlus , Opinion , Phablet , Radeon , Renoir , Review Snippet , Rocket Lake , Rumor , Ryzen (Zen) , Science , Security , Smart Home , Smartphone , Smartwatch , Software , Storage , Tablet , ThinkPad , Thunderbolt , Tiger Lake , Touchscreen , Ultrabook , Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) , Wearable , Windows , Workstation , XPS , Zen 3 (Vermeer) Ticker

LineageOS is one of the most popular custom Android ROMs out there, which is not surprising given its origins. The lineage its name refers to is the now defunct CyanogenMod project and continues to stay true to its origins by remaining open-source. Among its advantages are bringing a highly customizable stock Android-like experience to devices with manufacturer skins as well as more long-term software support.

In good news for owners of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy S10 family of devices, the Android 11-based LineageOS 18.1 is now compatible with these devices. Unfortunately, it is limited to only the Exynos variants of these devices at this stage. As the global version, it makes sense that the active developer community would focus on bringing support to these devices first, with Snapdragon support expected at a later stage. Support has also been added for the Xiaomi Mi 10T and Poco F2 Pro.

Of course, you will need experience flashing the ROM on an Android device, or watch a YouTube video on how to do it at the very least. Of course, there is the chance that you could brick your device, so it is probably best to install the ROM if you have an older phone that is no longer your daily driver. You will also need to install Google apps and Services separately as these arent included in the LineageOS 18.1 build.

Buy an unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note 10 (refurbished) from Amazon from US$354, a 40% saving.
It has been reported that MIUI 13s release has been delayed. Apparently, Xiaomis Android overlay requires additional polishing, meaning the Mi Mix 4 and Mi Pad 5 will likely launch with MIUI 12.5 as OS. Meanwhile, more POCO and Redmi devices have purportedly joined the internal Android 12 beta testing phase.

4 Reviews , News , CPU , GPU , Articles , Columns , Other "or" search relation. 5G , Accessory , Alder Lake , AMD , Android , Apple , ARM , Audio , Business , Camera , Cannon Lake , Cezanne (Zen 3) , Charts , Chinese Tech , Chromebook , Coffee Lake , Comet Lake , Console , Convertible / 2-in-1 , Cryptocurrency , Cyberlaw , Deal , Desktop , Exclusive , Fail , Foldable , Gadget , Galaxy Note , Galaxy S , Gamecheck , Gaming , Geforce , Google Pixel , GPU , How To , Ice Lake , Intel Evo / Project Athena , Internet of Things (IoT) , iOS , iPad Pro , iPhone , Jasper Lake , Lakefield , Laptop , Launch , Linux / Unix , Lucienne (Zen 2) , MacBook , Mini PC , Monitor , MSI , OnePlus , Opinion , Phablet , Radeon , Renoir , Review Snippet , Rocket Lake , Rumor , Ryzen (Zen) , Science , Security , Smart Home , Smartphone , Smartwatch , Software , Storage , Tablet , ThinkPad , Thunderbolt , Tiger Lake , Touchscreen , Ultrabook , Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) , Wearable , Windows , Workstation , XPS , Zen 3 (Vermeer) Ticker

There has been considerable chatter lately in regard to the release date for MIUI 13, with many believing Xiaomi would launch its latest and greatest Android skin this August. However, it has now been reported that new devices from the Chinese OEM, such as the upcoming Xiaomi Mi Mix 4 and Mi Pad 5, will initially operate on MIUI 12.5. Owners of supported Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO smartphones will be looking forward to MIUI 13s new features, such as increased virtual memory expansion, and the redesigned control center.

The well-known leaker Digital Chat Station has made the comment that those waiting for MIUI 13 will have to wait longer for the Android overlay. It seems possible that the software update requires further optimizations before release, so that it doesnt suffer from the same sort of bug onslaught that befell MIUI 12. While Xiaomi continues to iron out any potential issues with MIUI 13, it appears Android 12 update beta testing is going ahead without too many problems.

The latest Xiaomi and Redmi Android 12 update list published by @xiaomiui only has a few changes from the previous iteration. However, the new list shows that the POCO F2 Pro, Redmi K30 Pro, and Redmi K30 Pro Zoom have all moved to the devices in internal beta of Android 12 section. While this is an unofficial list (see image below) the original poster does claim that the information comes from internal Xiaomi and MIUI sources.

Buy the Redmi Note 10 Pro on Amazon
Dallin Walker, left, environmental scientist, and Ted Turner, right, regional biologist, both for Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, float along the North Fork of the Shenandoah River near Deer Rapids earlier this month. The pair were collecting algae samples for testing.
The South Shore Line will run more westbound and eastbound trains this weekend for the popular Lollapalooza music festival in downtown Chicago.

The commuter rail line that runs between Millennium Park and South Bend expects the usual increase in passengers for the four-day festival that draws around 100,000 people to Grant Park. This year's Lollapoalooza headliners include Post Malone, Foo Fighters, Tyler, the Creator and Miley Cyrus.

This weekend, the South Shore Line is adding westbound train 606 that will depart Carroll Ave at 9:27 a.m. and train 506 will leave South Bend at 1:05 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

An extra eastbound train will leave Millennium Station at 6 p.m. Saturday, run non-stop to Hegewisch and then make all local stops at Carroll Avenue in Michigan City. Another extra eastbound train will leave Millennium Station at 10:50 p.m. Saturday, run non-stop to Hegewisch and then make all local stops at Carroll Avenue in Michigan City.

Neither will serve Hudson Lake or South Bend.

The South Shore Line continues to require masks in both Indiana and Illinois regardless of vaccination status, per federal mandate. Only children under 2 and passengers with health issues are exempt.
The detail, called a severity assignment, falls on the less exciting end of the wildland firefighting spectrum, but Pichay said it still means being ready to react at a moments notice.

You have to be OK with boredom and staying still and patrolling for hours on end, he said. And then you get one day out of five thats OK, its go time and youre going to suppress this fire.

Shortly after Pichay and his colleagues drove back to Indiana, another two firefighters from the same station were deployed to take their place, and it likely wont be long before Pichay hits the road again. He said hes nearly ready to head out on another assignment, and his next trip could take him anywhere that fires are burning, or are likely to start.

Its common practice for Pichay and his ilk to be deployed elsewhere every fire season, but the past two years have been longer and more devastating than any in recent history, stretching resources to the limit. He said that while fire season used to run from June to August, its now more like April through December.

I think what were seeing is just a new trend, Pichay said, after acknowledging that while these seasons may be unprecedented in recorded history, weve only been tracking fires for a fraction of millennia theyve been burning.
MERRILLVILLE  The Indiana Horizon Academy is closer to having two modular classrooms for the next two years.

The towns Board of Zoning Appeals gave a favorable recommendation to a special exception request that would authorize the modular classrooms on a temporary basis. The matter heads to the Town Council for a final decision. The council could consider the request on Aug. 10.

IHA has been growing, and the modular classrooms are needed until a permanent solution is developed to meet enrollment needs, school officials said.

The BZA in June approved a variance associated with the modular units but deferred action on the special exception to allow for more time to review the matter.

IHA, a preschool and elementary Islamic school, is connected to the Northwest Indiana Islamic Center at 9803 Colorado St. There also is another school, the Avicenna Academy, which is located at the Islamic Center.

Attorney Greg Bouwer, who represents Avicenna Academy, said Avicenna isnt opposed to the IHA growing, but Avicenna has concerns about the modular units causing safety issues and overburdening the site.
VALPARAISO  Women who own wooded land in Porter County are invited to learn how state and federal programs can assist them in managing the property.

Women are natural caretakers, and we want to empower them by offering this opportunity to learn with other women, ask questions and get answers that are simple to understand, said Michelle Benson,

Porter County Soil & Water Conservation District administrator and educator.

This free program will be held 9:30 a.m. to noon Aug. 12 at the Porter County Expo Center, 215 E. Division Road in Valparaiso. Reservations are required.

We are eager to engage women who own land to learn more about programs that can help them improve their land now and for their family in the future. Porter County SWCD Chairman Brad Hunter said.

Jennifer Sobecki, assistant district forester with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, will provide an overview of woodland management at the half-day program. Other speakers will include Tatiana Gil, of the U.S. Department of Agricultures Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Mandi Glanz, of Southern Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management, which focuses on invasive plant and animal species.
A statewide Silver Alert was issued for two young girls and a woman who have gone missing in Merrillville.

Merrillville police are looking 11-year-old Jessica Cruz, 7-year-old Sharai Correa and 49-year-old Maria Correa-Cruz. They disappeared around 12:45 p.m. Friday in Merrillville and are believed to be "in extreme danger."

Cruz is described as 5 feet tall and weighing 90 pounds. She has brown hair and eyes and was last seen wearing a white shirt and white shorts.

Police described Correa as 4-foot-8 and weighing 60 pounds. She also has brown hair and eyes.

Both girls are Hispanic, according to police.

Correa-Cruz stands 5-foot-6 and weighs an estimated 191 pounds. Police describe her as a Hispanic female with brown and gray hair and brown eyes who was last seen driving a red 2000 Chevrolet Suburban with Illinois license plate E705992.

Anyone with information about the girls or their whereabouts should contact the Merrillville Police Department at 219-660-0028 or call 911.

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City Engineer Nick Minich said the current trail going about one-third of the way around Clear Lake will be extended to form a loop around the body of water.

The trail extension will have a mostly asphalt surface with signs containing information about the history of Clear Lake and the surrounding area once dominated by heavy industry.

He said the loop trail will also be connected to the Chessie Trail which now ends at nearby NewPorte Landing.

Eventually, the Chessie Trail will be extended to the downtown and double back toward Soldiers Memorial Park.

Minich said fishing piers in different spots around Clear Lake and native species planted along the shoreline are included in the project.

Park Department Superintendent Mark Schreiber said Clear Lake has never been as highly regarded as Pine and Stone lakes but that is changing.

The lake was once a source of discharges from Allis Chalmers, which closed in the 1980s, and is too shallow for motor boats.

Its just very gratifying to finally see us loving Clear Lake just as much, he said.
When Eric Adams arrived on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, he received a warm welcome from members of the states congressional delegation  but also a pointed reminder about the importance of unity.

At a closed-door meeting of New York Democratic elected officials, Representative Nydia M. Velazquez advised Mr. Adams, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, to avoid any appearance of criticizing members of the delegation, according to seven people familiar with the exchange.

I said I wanted to remind him that in the age of social media and communications, that we needed to be careful as to what we say and that it is important that we treated everyone with respect, said Ms. Velazquez, an emerging leader of the partys progressive wing in the state, confirming the account.

Her remarks came a day after The New York Post reported that Mr. Adams cast the Democratic Socialists of America as an archenemy at a recent fund-raiser. He did not mention Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez by name, the report said. But some nevertheless saw his remarks as implicit criticism of the congresswoman, who is closely associated with the democratic socialist group, particularly given Mr. Adamss rebuke of her policing positions during the primary.
Many had hoped incentives like cash bonuses would be enough to encourage vaccination, but the pace of immunizations has stagnated. On Friday, Walmart said it was doubling, to $150, its reward to employees who get vaccinated. But Rise Up Retail, a worker advocacy group, argued that Walmart should go even higher, quoting a Walmart employee who said a $500 bonus would significantly boost vaccination rates.

Recent court decisions have upheld employers rights to require vaccinations, including a ruling that said Houston Methodist Hospital could require health care workers to get shots. And governments at various levels have imposed their own mandates. President Biden announced on Thursday that all civilian federal employees must be vaccinated against the coronavirus or submit to regular testing, social distancing, mask requirements and restrictions on most travel.

Once you get a little momentum, you get a sort of tidal wave, said Dr. Ezekiel J. Emanuel, who was a member of Mr. Bidens Covid-19 Advisory Board during the transition between presidential administrations. He has been an advocate for employer mandates, arguing they could help the country achieve herd immunity. He suggested that businesses had been waiting for the other guy to do it, and then everyone piled on.

The highly contagious Delta variant also showed that the coronavirus was not yet done disrupting corporate decision-making. Executives who had been hoping for a return to some degree of normalcy were faced on Tuesday with a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that even vaccinated people should resume wearing masks indoors in some parts of the country.

Its just been a nightmare for the management level, said Mary Kay ONeill, a partner at Mercer, a human resources consulting firm. And theyre like, OK, lets just get vaccinated.

As businesses considered the spike in infections, they have also revisited long-awaited plans for the return to office.

On Friday, The New York Times Company indefinitely postponed its planned return to the office. The company, which employs about 4,700 people, had been planning for workers to start to return, for at least three days a week, in September. Its offices will remain open for those who want to go in voluntarily, with proof of vaccination.
More than a decade ago, Mohamed Bouazizi, a Tunisian fruit and vegetable vendor, set himself on fire and became the catalyst for the Arab Spring protests. Here in Tunisia, his actions helped bring about the end of over five decades of dictatorship, which were marked by endemic corruption, repression of dissent and economic underdevelopment. Todays unrest is not a quest for freedom, but dissatisfaction over economic progress.

We vowed to never forget what Mr. Bouazizi and thousands of Tunisians of all political persuasions struggled for. We sought to draft a new constitution enshrining the rule of law and separation of powers; to build new institutions to protect individual and collective freedoms; and, above all, we committed to respecting the ballot box. Tunisias Constitution of 2014 was hailed as one of the most progressive in the Arab world. But today, it is being ripped up by Mr. Saied.

Mr. Saied said his actions were taken in order to return social peace to the country. He also said his measures are temporary. On the contrary, these decisions follow the playbook for establishing a dictatorial regime. He cited Article 80 of the Constitution, which allows him to take extraordinary measures if there is imminent danger threatening the nation. But Article 80 also stipulates that he must consult the prime minister and the speaker of the Parliament before doing so, and that Parliament must be in a state of continuous session to oversee the presidents actions during this period. By suspending Parliament, he has made impossible the condition under which the article can be invoked.

The presidents moves tear up the system of separation of powers based on checks and balances that have been put in place by the Tunisian people and their elected representatives.

Some political opponents are attempting to justify these anti-constitutional measures by resurrecting ideological differences between so-called secularists and Islamists. Neither label neatly fits the two sides. We consider our party, Ennahda, a Muslim democrat party, but what is being targeted here is not any specific political party but Tunisian democracy as a whole.
Many members of their group had participated in the coronavirus talks in late 2020.

Everybody knows what peoples strengths and foibles are, said Senator Mark Warner, Democrat of Virginia and a key negotiator. If this group of people had not worked together before, I dont think we would have gotten there.

There were setbacks. After the group held a triumphant news conference at the White House with Mr. Biden, announcing the outlines of a deal, the president nearly torpedoed their progress with comments suggesting he would not sign the bipartisan agreement unless the much larger budget package also reached his desk.

As White House advisers frantically worked to smooth over the backlash, Mr. Biden called Ms. Sinema and Mr. Portman separately and assured them he supported the agreement. He asked Mr. Portman for suggestions on how to remedy the situation, according to a Republican official close to the talks.

There have been hiccups multiple times every single day, right, all along this process for many months, Ms. Sinema said in an interview on Thursday.

Weve approached all of our hiccups in the same fashion, she added. How do we get through this? How do we continue working? And how do we reach our goal?

Even after Mr. Biden had smoothed over his comments, the fate of the deal was uncertain. Translating an agreement in principle into legislation that could draw the support of at least 60 senators took weeks.

The question of how to pay for the package was particularly tricky. After strenuous lobbying from anti-tax activist Grover Norquist, the president of Americans for Tax Reform, Republicans dropped their support for a provision that would have beefed up the ability of the I.R.S. to collect unpaid taxes. The group spent hours on the phone, on Zoom and in rooms across the Capitol, hashing out differences over chips and guacamole, pizza and salads and wine often procured by Mr. Warner and Ms. Sinema.
As the Delta variant of the coronavirus has become the most predominant variant in the United States and medical experts issue confusing advice, restaurateurs find themselves once again making difficult decisions. Where laws allow, many have begun requiring patrons to bring proof of vaccination before dining.

The recent rise in infection rates had already prompted some restaurant owners to revise their rules. But the announcement on Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that even vaccinated people should resume wearing masks indoors added new urgency.

In states including California and New York, some restaurant owners are mandating that customers and employees be vaccinated, and reinstating older health protocols like requiring that both groups wear masks. But in states like Florida and Arkansas, which have had huge spikes in coronavirus cases, businesses are prohibited from enforcing vaccine requirements, and local governments cannot issue mask mandates.

Danny Meyer, the chief executive of Union Square Hospitality Group, which manages more than a dozen restaurants in New York and Washington, D.C., announced Thursday that beginning on Sept. 7, all employees must be fully vaccinated.
The quarry that became the site of Opus 40 was purchased by Fite in 1938 when he was a teacher at nearby Bard College. He finished building the house there a year later at a time when Fite, a drama instructor at first, had already switched over to teach sculpture.

After a trip to Honduras in 1939 to help restore Mayan ruins, Fite began teaching himself how to finely fit stones together without mortar or cement. Each summer, free from his teaching responsibilities, he worked on his sprawling rock formation. In 1963, Fite added one of the finishing touches: A nine-ton boulder he would use as the centerpiece, a 15-foot monolith that shot triumphantly into the air. Opus 40, as some have noted, had been capped off with an exclamation point.

Fite died while still working on Opus 40 in 1976. (While riding a power lawn mower, he fell into the quarry from a precipice on the property, according to his obituary printed in The New York Times.) He had said it would take him 40 years to complete the project and when he died at age 72, some 37 years in, it had been fully outfitted with ramps, stairways, pools, moats and subterranean passageways, all fashioned from hand carved stone that was placed with remarkable precision.

He left some unfinished areas; but Opus 40 is as complete as it would ever have been, Tad Richards wrote in the book, Opus 40: The First 20 Years. It was the product of Fites ceaseless vision, and could only have been stopped by his death.
One scenario is what Mr. Calhoun suggested: Companies could dramatically reduce whole categories of travel, such as in-person meetings with internal colleagues in other cities. A Wall Street Journal analysis last year, for example, estimated that intra-company meetings and training represented 20 percent of all business travel and predicted that 40 to 60 percent of that would go away permanently. The Journal concluded that 19 to 36 percent of business trips would disappear. Bill Gates predicted at DealBooks conference last fall that business travel would still be more than 50 percent lower once things normalized.

In contrast with domestic leisure travel, which has largely recovered, business travel has been relatively slow in coming back. Just 9 percent of companies say theyve resumed their pre-pandemic travel levels, according to a recent survey by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. United Airlines and Delta Air Lines both recently said that business travel remains about 60 percent lower than pre-pandemic levels, despite an increase in recent months. Rising coronavirus cases in recent weeks could delay the recovery of business travel further.

But Mr. Calhouns plan to reduce his own internal travel echoes the results of the accountants associations survey, which found that two-thirds of companies were allowing travel for sales or client meetings, with fewer permitting travel for internal purposes or training programs.

The rebound

Early indications suggest that most businesses will be reluctant to dramatically trim the estimated two-thirds of business travel that involves sales calls and client visits, conferences and professional services like consulting. Executives remain wary of losing out to a rival who actually shows up in person, or seeing an important contract go away because of poor virtual communications. Jamie Dimon, the chief executive of JPMorgan Chase, said in May that clients told him his bank lost business when bankers from the other guys visited, and ours didnt.

Scott Kirby, chief executive of United, earlier this year predicted full recovery in business demand because business travel is about relationships. Speaking with investors via a conference call, he added, You cannot build human relationships through a medium like this.

Others also see the potential for corporate travel to swell, as increasingly dispersed workers need to reassemble regularly.

The thing that we describe as business travel may actually grow in the future years, said Lindsay Nelson, chief experience and brand officer at Tripadvisor, the online travel company. But the kinds of people that are traveling and what theyre traveling for is going to change.
To the Editor:

Re The Right to Curse Joe Biden (editorial, July 25):

You defend a neighbor foisting her huge banner with a vulgar word on anyone who passes by her home. The fact is that this type of sign outside someones home is rare because civil society wants it that way.

Whether its directed at Joe Biden, Donald Trump or just another neighbor, Western civilization (to the extent it still exists) rightly frowns upon foisting obscenities upon innocent passers-by, including children.

Should we expect to be bombarded by obscene signs outside many more houses going forward? Is this the kind of world The Timess editorial board wants us all to live in? What, life in America now is just not crude enough for you?

No ones in favor of forbidding her use of the word  I use it myself, on rare occasions, say if I stub my toe. But imposing gutter-talk on innocent bystanders in nearby homes  including children  is another issue entirely, and it degrades us all.
Its clear that the ransomware gangs take care not to target the powers that shelter them. Security analysts found that REvil code was written so that the malware avoids any computer whose default language is Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian, Tajik, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Georgian, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Turkmen, Uzbek, Tatar, Romanian or Syriac.

Finding the criminals is not the problem. The U.S. government has the wherewithal to identify and arrest would-be cyberblackmailers on its own soil and to help allies find them on theirs. In fact, Washington has identified and indicted many Russian cybercriminals  the F.B.I., for example, has offered a reward of $3 million for information leading to the arrest of one Evgeniy Bogachev, a.k.a. lucky12345, a master hacker in southern Russia whose malware has led to financial losses of more than $100 million.

The key is to compel Mr. Putin to act against them. At his summit with him in June, Mr. Biden said he demanded that Russia take down the ransomware gangs it harbors and identified 16 critical sectors of the American economy on which attacks would provoke a response.

Yet two weeks later, REvil made the biggest strike ever, hacking into Kaseya, a firm that supplies management software for the I.T. industry, and attacking hundreds of its small-business customers. That led Mr. Biden to telephone Mr. Putin and to say afterward that we expect them to act. Asked by a reporter whether he would take down REvils servers if Mr. Putin did not, Mr. Biden simply said, Yes. Shortly after that, REvil abruptly disappeared from the dark web.

Tempting as it might be to believe that Mr. Biden persuaded the Russians to act or knocked the bands servers out with American means, it is equally possible that REvil went dark on its own, intending, as happens so often in its shadowy world, to reappear later in other guises.

So long as the hackers focus on commercial blackmail abroad, Mr. Putin probably sees no reason to shut them down. They do not harm him or his friends, and they can be used by his spooks when necessary. Unlike the official hackers working for military intelligence who have drawn sanctions from Washington and Europe for meddling in elections or mucking around in government systems, Mr. Putin can deny any responsibility for what the criminal gangs do. Its just nonsense. Its funny, he said in June when asked about Russias role in ransomware attacks. Its absurd to accuse Russia of this.

The Russians apparently also believe they can parlay their control over the ransomware gangs into negotiating leverage with the West. Sergei Rybakov, the deputy foreign minister who leads the Russian side in strategic stability talks launched at the Biden-Putin summit, indicated as much when he complained recently that the United States was focusing on ransomware separately from other security issues. Ransomware, he implied, was part of a bigger pile of bargaining chips.
Rhodes, a small liberal arts college, estimates that three-quarters of its employees are vaccinated. It is still collecting information about the vaccination rate among its 2,000 students, and it strongly encourages vaccination. But it is waiting until full Food and Drug Administration approval of the vaccines before mandating them.

This is not a punishment, said Meghan Harte Weyant, the colleges vice president for student life. Students who choose to return to campus unvaccinated without an exemption will have to cover the testing costs, she said. This is intended to ensure that students who are vaccinated do not have to bear that cost.

Other employers are having workers chip in for the costs of coronavirus testing. MGM Resorts, which owns many hotels and casinos in Las Vegas, will charge a $15 co-pay for the testing at an on-site clinic for unvaccinated workers, multiple news outlets reported last week. Workers will also have the option to be tested at an outside provider.

MGM Resorts did not respond to a New York Times request for comment on the new policy.

These disparate approaches could provide a menu of options for workplaces still deciding who will pay for unvaccinated workers coronavirus tests, and how much.

New York and California started testing requirements for unvaccinated state workers this week, but neither has specified who will pay for the service. Neither governors press office responded to a Times request for comment.

Many states and cities still have free coronavirus testing sites that they started earlier in the pandemic. Long Beach, Calif., announced this week that it would require testing for unvaccinated city workers. In a statement to The Times on the new rule, the city said that workers will have the option to do their mandated testing for free at the Long Beach Health Department when the requirement takes effect in mid-August.
It moved a bit slowly at first, and meandered around a little before swimming away, Ms. Fair said.

It was a happy ending for the whale, which returned to sea about six hours after it was spotted on the shore. The Canadian authorities confirmed the orca was a Biggs killer whale of the West Coast transient population.

The beaching came just a day after a powerful 8.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of southwestern Alaska. However, the quake, which was the countrys largest in 50 years, did not cause the whale to be stranded, NOAA said.

Toa, an orphaned baby killer whale, suffered a different fate than T146D after it washed ashore in New Zealand this month. Even though conservationists fed the whale in a makeshift pool and volunteers spent days scouring the coast to find Toas family, the orca ultimately died.

In one of the largest cases of whale beaching ever recorded globally, Australian rescuers last year saved 108 of the 470 whales that landed on a wide, remote sandbank in the rugged Macquarie Harbour of Tasmania.

Live whale strandings are unusual but do happen from time to time, experts said.

Five whales, including T146D, have been recorded as stranded on the West Coast in the past two decades, said Jared Towers, a researcher at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, a government department, and Bay Cetology, a killer whale research organization.

These whales were hunting seals or sea lions and just made a mistake and basically got stuck and then the tide went out, he said.
That period marked the best weeks our businesses have had in a very long time, Mr. Morse, the town manager, said. It was, he said, a sense of release that they all needed.

There was a collective feeling that everyone had been through so much, individually and collectively, over the last 18 months, he said.

Steve Katsurinis, the chair of the town Board of Health, said the venues were in line with C.D.C. guidance.

We were told, Now youre vaccinated, and everyone is vaccinated, you can go out and live the pre-Covid lifestyle, he said. People did, they were living with gusto. We were led to believe, If you get the vaccine, you can go to a dance club, you can go to a house party and meet someone and make out. Thats what we thought the situation was.

Delta is a different thing

By the end of the week, Mr. Katsurinis was taking reports of positive coronavirus cases  all gay men, with an average age of 30 to 35, many of whom had seen a doctor for other reasons, like flu symptoms or sexually transmitted infections, not suspecting the coronavirus. What puzzled him, he said, was that so many of the infected people were vaccinated.

I couldnt believe, frankly, that vaccinated people were getting and spreading it, the way that the contact tracing people were saying, he said. I had that moment of saying, I dont believe that data is accurate.
At least 233 staff members at two major San Francisco hospitals, most of them fully vaccinated, tested positive for the coronavirus this month, and most, according to a hospital official, involved the highly contagious Delta variant.

Some of the cases were asymptomatic, most involved mild to moderate symptoms and only two required hospitalization, officials said. The infections were determined to be Delta-related because most samples in San Francisco were tested for the variant, which is now dominant in the city.

About 75 to 80 percent of the more than 50 staff members infected at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital were fully vaccinated, Dr. Lukejohn Day, the hospitals chief medical officer, said in an interview on Saturday. The University of California, San Francisco Medical Center said in a statement issued on Friday that 153 of its 183 infected staff members had been fully vaccinated.

The statement from the U.C.S.F. Medical Center said that two of the infected staff members required hospitalization. None of the infected staff members at San Francisco General have been hospitalized and most had mild to moderate symptoms, Dr. Day said. The asymptomatic cases were discovered through contact tracing.
Now, many renters fear that the bill is coming due at a time when they have no way to pay it.

The government cant imagine the harm its doing to us, Migreldi Lara said in Spanish about the impending end of the eviction ban. She and her three children are facing eviction from their apartment in Reading, Pa., after she lost her job and fell thousands of dollars behind on rent.

The moratorium has shielded struggling renters from eviction whether they lived in public or private housing, as long as they could prove they had lost income during the pandemic, attempted to obtain rental assistance and made an effort to pay as much rent as possible.

For many renters and advocates the expiration has a particularly painful sting because only a small fraction of the rent assistance approved by Congress has been distributed. Many small landlords have been anxiously awaiting the funds, too, as bills pile up.

Some cities and states, including California and New York, have their own eviction moratoriums that will outlast the federal one, but many renters will be left to rely on assistance funds. Through June, however, local governments had distributed just $3 billion of the nearly $47 billion in rental assistance that Congress made available, according to the Treasury Department. Cumbersome documentation requirements have kept many people from getting the money they need to avoid eviction.

The most frustrating and maddening thing about facing down this eviction cliff, said Diane Yentel, president of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, is knowing that there are abundant resources to assist tenants.
The new president will not be the final word on whether the deal is restored. That judgment still belongs to Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is believed to have lined up the support for Mr. Raisis election. And on Wednesday, the ayatollah echoed a key demand: that the United States provide a guarantee that it can never again walk away from the pact the way Mr. Trump did.

They once violated the nuclear deal at no cost by exiting it, Ayatollah Khamenei said. Now they explicitly say that they cannot give guarantees that it would not happen again.

In fact, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Mr. Malley have said that in a democracy, there is no way to tie the hands of a future president and that the best way to preserve the deal is to show that it is working for both sides. There is no such thing as a guarantee; thats not in the nature of diplomacy, Mr. Malley said. But we dont have any intent  the president doesnt have any intent  of spending all these months negotiating a return to the deal in order to then withdraw.

But the Iranians have found some sympathy, even among Americas European allies, for their argument, especially among those who fear that if Mr. Biden does not run for a second term, or a Trump-like figure gets elected, the accord could be blown up again.

If it happened once, it could happen again, one senior European diplomat involved in the negotiations said.

The new pessimism is a sharp change from a month ago. The departing government, led by President Hassan Rouhani and the foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, knew their legacies were tied to the nuclear accord they negotiated for more than two years with President Barack Obama and the secretary of state at the time, John Kerry. In Vienna, the Iranians said they believed they had the authority to wrap up talks before Mr. Raisi was inaugurated, so that he could start afresh  and blame anything that went wrong in enforcing the accord on the incompetence of the old government.
A nationwide moratorium on residential evictions is set to expire on Saturday after a last-minute effort by the Biden administration to win an extension failed, putting hundreds of thousands of tenants at risk of losing shelter, while tens of billions in federal funding intended to pay their back rent sit untapped.

The expiration was a humbling setback for President Biden, whose team has tried for months to fix a dysfunctional emergency rent relief program to help struggling renters and landlords. Running out of time and desperate to head off a possible wave of evictions, the White House abruptly shifted course on Thursday, throwing responsibility to Congress and prompting a frenzied  and ultimately unsuccessful  rescue operation by Democrats in the House on Friday.

The collapse of those efforts reflected the culmination of months of frustration, as the White House pushed hard on states to speed housing assistance to tenants  with mixed results  before the moratorium expired. Hampered by a lack of action by the Trump administration, which left no real plan to carry out the program, Mr. Bidens team has struggled to build a viable federal-local funding pipeline, hindered by state governments that view the initiative as a burden and the ambivalence of many landlords.

As a result, the $47 billion Emergency Rental Assistance program, to date, disbursed only $3 billion  about 7 percent of what was supposed to be a crisis-averting infusion of cash.
As coronavirus cases rise across the United States, the fight against the pandemic is focused on an estimated 93 million people who are eligible for shots but have chosen not to get them. These are the Americans who are most vulnerable to serious illness from the highly contagious Delta variant and most likely to carry the virus, spreading it further.

It turns out, though, that this is not a single set of Americans, but in many ways two.

In one group are those who say they are adamant in their refusal of the coronavirus vaccines; they include a mix of people but tend to be disproportionately white, rural, evangelical Christian and politically conservative, surveys show.

In the other are those who say they are open to getting a shot but have been putting it off or want to wait and see before making a decision; they are a broad range of people, but tend to be a more diverse and urban group, including many younger people, Black and Latino Americans, and Democrats.

With cases surging and hospitalizations rising, health officials are making progress in inoculating this second group, who surveys suggest account for less than half of all unvaccinated adults in the United States.
KABUL, Afghanistan  An important city in Afghanistans south was in danger of falling to the Taliban on Saturday as their fighters pushed toward its center despite concerted American and Afghan airstrikes in recent days.

Reports from Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand, a province where the Taliban already controlled much of the territory before their recent offensive, were dire: People were fleeing their homes, a hospital in the city had been bombed, and government reinforcements were only now arriving after days of delays.

We are just waiting for the Taliban to arrive  there is no expectation that the government will be able to protect the city any more, said Mohammadullah Barak, a resident.

What comes next in Lashkar Gah is anything but certain  the city has been on the brink of a Taliban takeover off and on for more than a decade. But if the insurgent group seizes the city this time it will be the first provincial capital to fall to the Taliban since 2016.
NEW DELHI  The body of Danish Siddiqui, a Pulitzer Prize-winning Reuters photojournalist who was killed in Afghanistan this month, was badly mutilated while in the custody of the Taliban, officials said this week.

The revelation comes amid concern that the fighting in Afghanistan, where the Taliban have carried out an aggressive military offensive since the United States withdrew nearly all its troops, has become increasingly brutal as peace talks have stalled.

Mr. Siddiqui, 38, an Indian national who took some of the most memorable news photographs from South Asia in recent years, was killed on the morning of July 16, when Afghan commandos he had accompanied to Spin Boldak, a border district recently captured by the Taliban, were ambushed. Initial photographs from the scene showed Mr. Siddiquis body with multiple wounds but fully intact.

But by that evening, when the body was handed over to the Red Cross and transferred to a hospital in the southern city of Kandahar, it had been badly mutilated, according to two Indian officials and two Afghan health officials there. The mutilation was reported by an Indian website, Newslaundry, in the days after Mr. Siddiquis killing.
What a difference a week makes. In just a few days, the state and local authorities have imposed mask mandates, companies have put off returning workers to their offices, and the federal government and the military have pressured their employees to get vaccinated.

It started on Tuesday when federal health officials reversed themselves and recommended that even people fully vaccinated against the coronavirus should wear masks again in public indoor spaces in parts of the country where the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus has been surging. They also said everyone in public schools should wear masks, setting off heated debates across the country.

Some state and local governments, schools and businesses scrambled to follow the new guidelines, while others defiantly declared they would not. On Friday, Cornell University directed all faculty, staff, students and visitors to wear masks inside campus buildings and facilities, while Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida signed an executive order giving parents the final say on whether their children wear masks in school.

By Friday, government documents leaked to the news media had painted a grim picture of the Delta variant as more contagious, more likely to cause severe illness and more able to break through vaccines than other known versions of the virus. One document said officials must recognize that the war has changed.
Twice a year, Louise Al-Hakkak would sit on her front porch in Burgundy, waiting for her sister Flora and dreading the moment of la bise. In this Franco-Iraqi family, only Flora enjoyed Frances traditional two-kiss greeting on the cheeks. For Ms. Al-Hakkak and her father, It was more a chore than anything else.

But times have changed.

Covid made us stop doing the bise, said Ms. Al-Hakkak, 23. Its a lot easier now. I dont need to ask myself tons of questions about whether I should do it or not.

In France, the bise is a longstanding tradition for greeting loved ones, or even strangers, that was upended by the coronavirus. Throughout the pandemic, French authorities have urged people to avoid physical contact to prevent the virus from spreading.

But now, with more than half of the French population at least partly vaccinated and most lockdown restrictions lifted, many are split over whether to go back to the way greetings used to be and questioning whether the bise was all that great to begin with.
Every summer, around 400 hunters scour a small, remote island in Icelands Breizafjorzur Bay in search of an unusual treasure  the worlds most expensive feathers

The hunt for the worlds most precious feathers has been held almost every year for over a millennia. People have known that Eiderdown, the feathers of the Eider polar duck, is one of the warmest natural fibers on the planet for a really long time, and nowadays they use it to make the best duvets and quilts money can buy. A kilogram of Eiderdown sells for thousands of dollars, as the feathers are only used to make luxury products. Eider ducks shed the precious down from their breast and uses to line their nests to insulate them during hatching. Its these nests that the hunters are after during their annual Eiderdown hunt.

Photo: Georg_Wietschorke/Pixabay

When we have eggs, we take only part of the down, and when Eider is already out of the nest, we take everything, Erla Fridriksdottir, head of King Eider, one of the countrys main exporters, told AFP.

Not only is eiderdown both light and highly insulating, but its also extremely scarce, with annual global yield at less than four tons, three quarters of which comes from Iceland. Eiderdown hunters have to find about 60 duck nests on average, to gather one kilogram of down. The down also has to pass rigorous quality checks in order to make the cut, which also impacts the price.

You have to be able to pick up a 40-50 gram package between two fingers and if it remains intact and does not fall out, then the down is of good quality, one eiderdown inspector said.

Interestingly, Eiderdown is one of the few downs that is actively hunted and harvested, the others being a byproduct of the food industry. This makes it a favorite of nature and animal lovers, but few can actually afford Eiderdown products, as a duvet containing 800 grams of feathers costs over $5,000.
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BOWMAN [mdash] Gary Hamilton 76, of Bowman Georgia, husband of the late Donna Greer - Hamilton, formally of Ottumwa, Iowa, passed away on July 24, 2021 at his home. Mr. Hamilton was born in Trenton, MO, on July 16, 1945, son of George and Darlene Clutter - Hamilton. He was a veteran having s
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TARTU, Estonia (AP)  With her father in tow, 13-year-old Gloria Raudjarv marched through a vaccination center inside a sports hall in Estonias second-largest city and up to a nurse for her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

So far, around half of Tartu's teenagers from 12 to 17 have already received their first vaccine shot, and local health officials are working to reach 70% by the time school resumes on Sept. 1.

I really want to go to school already, we have been distance learning for so long, she said, gripping her vaccination certificate.

Two months after the European Medicines Agency recommended that the coronavirus vaccine made by Pfizer-BioNTech be expanded to children 12 to 15, large disparities in the access to vaccination are being seen for youths across Europe. Last week, the EU drug regulator also cleared the vaccine made by Moderna for the same age group.

While countries like Estonia, Denmark and France are actively encouraging families to vaccinate their children before the new school year begins, others such as Sweden and the United Kingdom have yet to begin mass vaccinations for those under 18.

The World Health Organization, meanwhile, has said that children are not a priority for vaccination given the extremely limited global supplies and the fact that they face a significantly lower risk of severe disease and death. It has urged rich countries to stop vaccinating children and donate their doses to the developing world instead.

But as the highly transmissible delta variant creates new infections even as vaccination rates rise among adults in Europe, there are fears that young people will now accelerate the spread of the virus.

Maria Theodoridou, head of the Greeces National Vaccination Committee, said a significant increase has been noted in the past few weeks in Greece of positive cases in children and adolescents.

Children and adolescents, as we know, are a source of spread of the virus, Theodoridou said, adding that those most at risk were the people in the childrens environment who were unvaccinated.

Children getting infected will lead to new variants and to a reduction in the effectiveness of the vaccines, she warned.

Vaccination remains voluntary for children in Europe but in Denmark, where more than a third of all children 12 to 15 are getting their first dose, health officials are hoping parents will yield to recommendations for all to get vaccinated before returning to class.

In France, where a third of all children from 12 to 17 have received at least one dose, the French education minister prompted criticism this week for announcing that starting in September, unvaccinated students in that age group would be sent home from school if anyone in their class gets COVID-19.

Critics said this would create a two-tier education system and unfairly discriminate against children whose parents are anti-vaccine. WHO has said children do not need to be immunized as long as the at-risk adults around them, including teachers and parents, are protected.

In the U.S., just a quarter of those 12 to 15 who got access to Pfizers vaccine starting in May have had their second dose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among U.S. teens 16 and 17, about 37% are fully vaccinated.

In Estonia, where youth vaccination campaigns are run by municipalities, the rapid rollout in Tartu is credited to a strong outreach campaign via schools and social media, easy registration procedures and an educated population. Tartu is a university and research town.

For the teenagers themselves, its mostly about seeing their friends again. Estonias schools have been closed for in-school learning since February, with some exceptions for the youngest children and those sitting exams.

Gloria, who is entering 7th grade and aspires to be a singer, is looking forward to returning to the school stage.

Contacts, interactions, discussions, but also the change of environment, getting out from home to go to school is really important, said Ott Maidre, a biology teacher at the city's Hugo Treffner Gymnasium, who misses face-to-face teaching.

With more than 3,100 teenagers already vaccinated and another four weeks to go before school resumes, Tartus Vice Mayor Mihkel Lees is confident the city will reach its 70% vaccination goal for students 12 to 17 by Sept. 1

If not, they have Plan B.

In case we cant vaccinate enough kids and youth at the vaccination center during the summer, he said, school nurses will join in.

___

Contributors include Jill Lawless and Maria Cheng from London, Elena Becatoros in Athens, Angela Charlton in Paris and David Keyton in Stockholm, Sweden.
MSU Extension of Midland County and cooperating parent educators sponsor the Parents Corner. Send submissions to Midland County MSU Extension Educator, Lisa Treiber, 220 W. Ellsworth St., Midland, MI 48640

Homestead Sunday. Step back in time at Chippewa Nature Centers log cabin, timber frame barn and one-room school for a family friendly afternoon at the Homestead Farm and Log Schoolhouse. Try your hand at grinding corn, pumping water, writing on a slate board, working in the garden, tilling the field, or watering the animals. The Homestead and Schoolhouse will be open 1-5 p.m. Sundays, offering weekly activities, in July and August. All ages are invited (under 18 w/adult). Please bring a mask.

Food Safety Q & A. MSU Extension offers a week 30-minute informational program about food preservation. A short presentation will be shared focusing on a timely topic, leaving plenty of time for Q & A. The next session title is: Celebrating Summer Squash. Join in on this quick free presentation at 1 p.m. August 2. To register, visit: www.canr.msu.edu/events/summer-food-safety

How Much Home Can Your Afford? MSU Extension will be offering a one-hour online class to help future homeowners learn to calculate how much home they can afford to purchase and maintain based on their current income. This class will be held via Zoom. The session will be held at 2-3 p.m. August 3. It is recommended that you have a microphone and webcam, but it is not necessary. Participants can also attend the event via their phone. This session is free. Pre-registration is required, to register, visit www.canr.msu.edu/mimoneyhealth/ click on the link online classes and you will then see this course as well as other options that might be of interest to you.

Going Geocaching at Discovery Preserve. Beginners and experts alike are invited to come out to Discovery Preserve, 1701 S. Euclid in Bay City, and begin their adventure in search of geocaches. Geocaches are small containers hidden in nature that can be found using GPS units and the coordinates that are provided for you by Chippewa Nature Center. Join the worlds largest scavenger hunt at 3-4 p.m. August 3, hunt as you work at your own pace to conquer as many of the geocache series you desire. This program is designed for ages 5+ (under 18 w/adult). Pre-registration is required, visit www.chippewanaturecenter.org. Please bring a mask.

Kids Nature Art: Reptiles. Drop in with Chippewa Nature Center staff at The Woods Nature Play Area for a blast of reptile art 2-3 p.m. August 4. Pre-assembled kits will allow your artist the materials to create art inspired by Michigans scaly, and sometimes slithery, creatures. This program is designed for all ages (under 18 w/adult). Pre-registration is required, visit www.chippewanaturecenter.org. Please bring a mask.

Story Hour. Come spend an hour learning about nature at Chippewa Nature Center, 9:30-10:30 am or 11 a.m.-12 p.m. August 5. The hour will include a story, crafts, and other age-appropriate activities. The entire program will be held outdoors so dress for the weather. This program is designed for youth ages 3-5 years, accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required, visit www.chippewanaturecenter.org. Please bring a mask.

Preserving Harvest Series. Michigan State University Extension will be offering a series of food preservation classes online, these free online classes will be offered at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Thursdays. The topic on August 5 will be Shopping & Storing MI Fresh Produce from the Farmers Market & U-Pick. These sessions will not be recorded, they will only be offered live. Supporting materials will be emailed to all participants after each broadcast. Join in the fun, sign up for one, some or all these educational sessions. There is time at the end of each program to ask questions. To register visit https://events.anr.msu.edu/PreserveSummer21/

Midland Countys Prescription for Health. MSU Extension is offering an opportunity to learn about farmers markets, using produce, blanching and freezing produce, and building confidence from shopping at the market. Participate in one or six lessons and receive vouchers to spend at the Midland Area Farmers Market. Attend one class receive $10, attend all six lessons receive $60! This series begins in-person at Coleman Family Center with Childcare, 6-7 p.m. Thursdays August 5-Sept. 9. To register, contact Tara Roberson 989-750-1531. This is a program in collaboration with MidMichigan Medical Center, the Midland Area Farmers Market, and MSU Extension.

Too Many Tomatoes! A virtual program sponsored by Grace A Dow Memorial Library, presented by MSU Extension, 7 p.m. August 11. Join in the fun to learn all about preserving tomatoes. Well discuss the usual way, canning them, the not so talked about way, freezing them, and then dehydrating them. Get your questions answered, receive resources to create delicious products to enjoy and get entered in a virtual drawing to win prizes. To register, call the library 989-837-3449 or email askgadml@gmail.com. This is the final presentation of the series.

Cooking for Crowds. Is your organization preparing for a food event? The Cooking for Crowds class educates groups who offer food fundraisers and events such as dinners, soup suppers and bake sales. Join MSU Extension to learn how to keep the community safe and prevent foodborne illness. Note: this course does not take the place of the 8-hour ServSafe Manager Course for the Person in Charge, it is designed for volunteers. This online class is being offered at different times, the next session is 5:30-8:30 p.m. August 10, cost is $15/participant. Each participant will receive a food safety manual, food safety posters, accompanying food safety information and instruction from the three-hour online session. For more information or to register, visit https://events.anr.msu.edu/C4C21. Questions, please contact Lisa Treiber, email treiber@msu.edu or phone, 989-832-6643 (leave a message).

Safe Food = Healthy Kids. Looking for a training for your childcare center or home? Michigan State University Extension is hosting several online sessions which includes education credits. Learn what the best practices are for food safety to help keep kids safe. Topics include cleaning and sanitizing, cooking, storing food, common allergens, and personal hygiene. The workshop can count towards annual training hours for licensed childcare providers. This is also an approved training of Great Start to Quality. The next class will be offered 6-9 p.m. August 23. To register visit www.canr.msu.edu/safe_food_healthy_kids/events There is no charge to participate in this session. Other dates will be offered, they are included on the link listed.

Sleep Education for Everyone Program. MSU Extension will be offering a virtual program 12-12:30 p.m. beginning Mondays, Sept. 13-Oct. 18. Each session is designed to last about 30 minutes. The program will begin with a short 2-3-minute educational video created to deliver key concepts. The rest of the Zoom time is spent discussing the topics, brainstorming solutions to possible obstacles to improving sleep, and goal setting. There is no cost for the workshop. The program is supported financially by MSU Extension and the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. To register, visit https://events.anr.msu.edu/sp/
To the editor:

The seventh mobile food pantry (MFP) by the Midland County Emergency Food Pantry Network (EFPN) of this year was hosted on Thursday, July 8, in the parking lot and adjoining drive and garage of Trinity Lutheran Church's Youth Center located on Jefferson Avenue in Midland. Because of the pandemic guidelines, our mobile food pantry events continue to be as drive-thru, no-contact distributions.

The giveaway of 19,173 pounds of food from the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan was provided by Trinity Lutheran Church and the food bank. The 32 volunteers served 110 families with generous amounts of milk, eggs, sliced ham, cabbages, potatoes, canned corn, corn on the cob, applesauce, assorted produce, walnuts, blueberry oatmeal bars, soft drinks, bread and cereals. After the distribution, a small amount of food was shared with Hidden Harvest in partnership with their ministry to the food-insecure.

Midland County residents in (financial) need of food during the year may dial 211 and request the Midland County Emergency Food Pantry Network for food assistance or may dial the Network directly at 989-486-9393 and press 1 to leave a message.

SALLY ANN SUTTON

Midland County EFPN
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - A Libyan coast guard patrol boat on Friday rescued 121 illegal migrants of various African nationalities as they headed to the European coast in a rubber dinghy
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The continued recruitment and presence of mercenaries in Libya is impeding progress in the peace process and an obstacle to upcoming elections, independent UN human rights experts said on Friday, calling for their long overdue departure
BLOOMINGTON  Ronnie Morris didn't set out to live on a vacant concrete slab wedged between a gas station, a hotel and a creek on the city's west side.

But Morris, 40, took to the streets after losing a job, running out of money to pay rent and failing to secure a spot in local shelters operating at reduced capacity because of the coronavirus pandemic, he said.

For the last few months, Morris and at least seven other people experiencing homelessness have occupied the site of a former gas station at 1901 W. Market St. Their encampment, spread across the open lot, features a collection of tents, some furniture and other items.

"Everybody's out here for their own reasons  it's all individual," Morris told The Pantagraph during a recent tour of the site. "I'm not blaming anybody  it's survival of the fittest out here."

Morris said the residents have agreed to a shared set of rules, wherein no illegal drugs are allowed to be brought to or consumed on site.

"In order for us to all stay together there has to be some sort of rule, some sort of organization, things that we can agree to," Morris said. "But anything goes out here and I can't make anybody do anything."

Like Morris and a man named Dennis, most of the residents  all are men, with no women or children present  are longtime locals who lost their employment and subsequently, their housing.

"Because of COVID, the company I was working for ain't got no work now," said Dennis, who said he worked as a concrete finisher and had decades of experience. "That's the only reason I'm out here, man."

Questions over future

Even though the group doesn't have access to clean water or a sanitary place to use the bathroom, members said they don't plan on relocating soon.

Questions surrounding the group's future have intensified recently because of development slated on the 1.5 acres of private property.

On Monday, the Bloomington City Council gave final approval for a Las Vegas developer's plans to build a 2,381-square-foot Panda Express drive-thru and restaurant there.

And while construction likely won't start immediately, the group will eventually need to relocate.

That timeline could accelerate if the property owner complains and requests that law enforcement remove the group, said John Fermon, public information officer for the Bloomington Police Department.

So far, Fermon said, that hasn't happened.

"Yes, lots of people driving by complain about the camp and want them removed; however, being homeless isn't a crime," Fermon said, noting that officers with BPD's neighborhood focus team have visited the site in recent weeks.

BPD Interim Chief Greg Scott in a statement said it is the department's "sincere hope" that "the folks staying there will receive the help they need."

"As a last resort, we will continue trying to contact someone who is willing and legally responsible to sign a ban notice," Scott said. "This option is really not helpful for the homeless, so we will continue to work with PACE, PATH and any other qualified social service agency to find a solution that benefits both the homeless and the community."

Morris and others said they're aware that the restaurant is going to be built, they don't intend to purposely interfere with construction and they plan to leave before crews begin work.

A call for 'human rights'

Nonetheless, Morris said he views the pending development as symbolic of the conundrum he and the others find themselves in.

When the restaurant is built, it could provide the group with jobs. But its construction also means the group will still be without a place to live, so they will need to occupy another space in the city.

Until then, Morris said he and the other residents are calling on the city to support their "human rights."

That request starts with providing a trash can or dumpster for the group to dispose of its trash. As of now, garbage and other debris is scattered across the lot, piled in mounds and stacked near each tent.

"Is Bloomington really not going to help with citizens as far as, you know, the basic essentials?" Morris said. "Even in the public parks you're going to find running water, a toilet and at least a garbage can. These are the basic essentials that the city leaders have a responsibility to take care of."

Fermon said the group was told their trash was an issue and they were permitted to put it in dumpsters at the neighboring Circle K gas station.

As of now, there are no plans to supply the encampment with its own way to dispose of trash.

Encampment causes, effects

Other than health concerns that come from garbage lingering near where they sleep, the group is also at risk of violence and harsh weather, said Erik Zdansky, homeless services manager with PATH Crisis Center.

"A visible location like the one they've selected puts them at risk for physical assault," Zdansky said. "You never know who is going to walk up or what their intentions are."

Extreme storms like the ones that blasted the area in late June and recent intense heat waves also pose dangers and challenges for people living outdoors, Zdansky said, adding that encampments typically disappear in the winter, with their residents seeking shelter in an indoor space like a parking garage.

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Pitched this spring, the West Market Street encampment is the only active homeless encampment in McLean County, Zdansky said.

It is not a new phenomenon, however.

New encampments typically form when individuals refuse to follow rules  like abstaining from drinking alcohol  or get banned from local shelters. Sometimes a person will choose a tent over a bed offered by an organization.

Zdansky said PATH's street outreach team has visited the encampment "many times," supplying its residents with blankets, food and hygiene kits.

"We've talked with them; so far it's been a pretty positive response," Zdansky said. "We try to gain some rapport with people, but its a slow process. We can't immediately solve all their particular issues."

Without housing amid a pandemic

Homeless encampments can also form when local shelters and transitional housing are full or are operating at a reduced capacity.

Both scenarios have been in play for the last year because of mitigations and policies related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Zdansky said.

"If they can't get into shelters, people are going to pop up tents if they're able to," he said. "They have to do whatever they can to survive."

Emergency shelters like the ones operated by Home Sweet Home Ministries and The Salvation Army have limited the number of available beds in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus among guests.

"We had to balance which is worse: keeping people on the streets or exposing them to COVID," said Debbie Reese, HSHM director of client services. "It was a very difficult decision."

HSHM offers a total of 70 beds at its emergency shelter at 303 E. Oakland Ave. The organization can house up to 50 adults, and supplies rooms specifically meant to house families, veterans and children.

At the onset of the pandemic, the organization took enough beds out of circulation so that people could sleep 6 feet apart. Now, all 70 beds are back in circulation, Reese said. But they're also all full.

One avenue to create more space in the shelter is to move people into transitional or long-term housing.

Both PATH and HSHM offer access to rapid rehousing programs, wherein people experiencing homelessness receive rental and utility assistance so they can afford to live in low-rent housing.

"Most people experiencing homelessness have been in housing at some point, and something happened," Reese said. "It doesn't take long to get to into homelessness, but it can take long to leave it."

Future of local homelessness

Rapid housing programs often come with a set of expectations from landlords and tenants, which can in turn complicate the move from homelessness to stable housing.

In most cases, Zdansky said, a tenant won't follow guidelines or has a set of challenges preventing them from qualifying for a program. Other times a landlord won't have units available or will flat out refuse a tenant.

But the largest barrier to getting homeless people into stable housing is the lifting of national and state eviction moratoriums.

Both Zdansky and Reese said they're worried about the flood of requests for shelter and rehousing that could hit their organizations at the end of the summer, when Illinois' eviction moratorium is set to expire.

"Its the unknown thats bothering us," Reese said. "Not all of the people who are evicted will become homeless. But we just dont have a clue of how many are going to come to us."

Zdansky said the moratorium's lifting is "going to be a serious, serious problem" that could cause a "housing crisis" across McLean County.

That crisis, Zdansky said, will largely be driven by landlords seeking to reclaim outstanding rent and late fees while also denying low-rent housing to people because of current situations.

Together, this could result in a wave of area homelessness.

PATH's 2021 Point in Time Count  a measure of the number of people in emergency shelter, transitional housing and unsheltered  found there are 188 people experiencing homelessness in McLean County.

Zdansky said 2021's numbers could show a boost, especially after the eviction moratorium is lifted. And like Morris, he sees the West Market Street encampment as a chance to spotlight homelessness in the Twin Cities.

"That encampment is very visible and most of the homelessness in Bloomington-Normal is very invisible," Zdansky said.

Morris agrees, but doesn't want that to qualify him as separate from other residents here.

"We don't want to be outside the community, we don't want to be seen as, 'Oh, there's a (homeless) community here,;" Morris said. "We get seen as being outside of the community, but that's the thing, aren't we already a part of this community?"

Contact Timothy Eggert at (309) 820-3276. Follow him on Twitter: @TimothyMEggert

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A Black-owned marijuana dispensary is coming to Springfield.

Chicago businessmen Brian Scruggs and Kamau Murray of Herbal Quality Control LLC on Thursday were awarded a cannabis license by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to operate a recreational dispensary in Springfield.

The dispensary will be the first of three licenses coming to Sangamon and Menard counties as part of the state's three-round lottery, which has a renewed focus to award licenses to minorities and those with past marijuana-related convictions due to recent legislation.

"The outcome of the original scoring process prompted a reply that the results did not meet their original goal of social equity," said Pamela Althoff, executive director of the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois and former state senator.

"It was the entire reason why the State of Illinois had the additional lottery," Althoff said referring to a lack of licenses being awarded to those who were historically disenfranchised as a result of past marijuana laws. The drug became legal for recreational use in Illinois in 2020.

Earlier in July, Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill into law that changes the state's grading system for cannabis licenses to better promote minority applicants. A study by the American Civil Liberties Union found that Black people were 7.5 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession in Illinois prior to the drug's legalization despite them using it at about the same rate as whites.

Herbal Quality Control was awarded one of 75 licenses announced on Thursday. Those license awards were delayed more than a year during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of 110 licenses will be awarded by the state in August, with two slated to go toward operations in Sangamon and/or Menard counties. Preference for those licenses will be given to "social-equity" applicants, per recent legislation.

Social-equity applicants include entrepreneurs from low-income neighborhoods or those who have or are directly related to those with past marijuana convictions.

"We look forward to ensuring an inclusive and equitable cannabis program whose makeup accurately reflects the diversity of our great state of Illinois," said IDFPR acting secretary Mario Treto Jr. in a news release.

Three additional licenses will be granted for a west-central Illinois region that includes the counties of Christian, Logan, Mason, Montgomery, Morgan and Schuyler with another three licenses going to a multi-county region of Illinois near St. Louis that includes Macoupin and Jersey counties.

It was announced on Thursday that licenses were awarded to Clean Slate OPCO LLC and Land of Lincoln Dispensary LLC to operate in Decatur and Bloomington, respectively.

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AURORA, Ill.  A suburban Chicago woman convicted in a 2007 car crash that killed five teenagers has been released from prison after nearly 12 years, the state's Department of Corrections said.

The (Aurora) Beacon-News reported that a corrections department spokeswoman said Sandra Vasquez, 37, of Aurora, entered a work-release program on July 27 at the Fox Valley Transition Center.

Vasquez was sentenced to 15 years in prison after a jury found her guilty of aggravated drunken driving and reckless homicide for her role in the February 2007 crash that killed the five teens and injured at least three others.

At the trial, Vasquez testified that she'd gone to pick up her sister from a home where a group of teenagers had been drinking alcohol and that after she offered an intoxicated teen a ride, several more teens piled into her car.

Vasquez testified that she had turned to look over her shoulder when she felt a bump from the back seat and when she turned back around she swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle. Her car skidded across the roadway and slammed into a utility pole.

Prosecutors presented evidence that showed Vasquez's blood-alcohol level after the crash was .124, above the legal threshold of .08.

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The number of new coronavirus cases in Illinois increased by nearly 50% during the week ending Friday compared with the previous week, state health officials said, the latest sign of a fourth wave of infections in the state that experts attribute to sluggish vaccination rates and the more contagious delta variant of COVID-19.

Illinois health officials on Friday reported 2,348 new confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19, the second time in three days the tally has topped 2,000. Over the past seven days, the state has averaged 1,669 new daily cases, up roughly 46% from the previous weeks average of 1,140 cases per day.

While the statewide average remains well below the peak of 3,390 daily cases recorded in mid-April during the spring surge  the smallest of the previous three waves of COVID-19 and the only one during which some portion of the population was vaccinated  new information from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing the delta variant is as contagious as chicken pox and can be transmitted by fully vaccinated people is raising alarms.

Still, while state officials announced earlier this week that Illinois would adopt CDC guidelines recommending masks be worn indoors while in public regardless of vaccination status in counties where the virus is surging, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has yet to adjust his COVID-19 restrictions, aside from ordering that masks be worn at all state facilities under his control. Secretary of State Jesse White earlier had announced a similar requirement for driver services facilities, the state Capitol and other offices under his jurisdiction.

Likewise, Chicago and Cook County officials have yet to announce any changes, even as Cook joined DuPage, McHenry and Will counties and 89 of 102 counties across the state in meeting the criteria for the new federal mask recommendations.

In Chicago, the average number of new daily cases has been inching closer to 200  the benchmark Mayor Lori Lightfoot said could trigger more restrictions. That figure was 192 as of Friday afternoon and the upward trend comes at an inopportune time, with the massive Lollapalooza music festival underway in Grant Park.

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Fest officials tweeted Thursday, Lollapaloozas opening day, that more than 90% of attendees showed up with proof of having been vaccinated, while 8% showed proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Six hundred people were turned away because they didnt have either, the tweet said.

Along with new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations are once again on the rise in Illinois.

As of Thursday night, 903 people where hospitalized statewide with COVID-19, bring the seven-day average for hospitalizations to 796, the highest level since the week ending June 9, when the state was averaging 816 coronavirus patients in the hospital each day. Hospitalizations were up 39% from a week earlier, when the state was average 572 per day.

A Tribune analysis of state and federal data show that the risk of hospitalization has nearly tripled among unvaccinated Illinoisans in the last three weeks, while being largely unchanged among those fully vaccinated.

The latest weekly data, through Wednesday, shows the rate of hospital admittances has climbed beyond 12 per 100,000 residents who arent fully vaccinated. Thats still far below the rate of 35 around Thanksgiving, during the peak of the fall surge, but still far more than the current rate of those fully vaccinated, which has remained less than 1 per 100,000 residents, even with the latest case surge.

The states largest public college, the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, on Friday began requiring face coverings for everyone at school facilities, regardless of vaccination status. Champaign County shifted from a substantial to high transmission Friday, based on a CDC metric.

The secretary of states office, meanwhile, on Friday laid out steps its taking to reduce the volume of customers seeking to renew drivers licenses and conduct other business at its driver services facilities.

Beginning in September, people will be able to schedule appointments at most Chicago-area driver services facilities. The office also plans to expand remote renewals for drivers licenses and state identification cards over next six months, allowing an estimate 1 million additional people renew online, by mail or over the phone. Those eligible will receive notice by mail.
Not long after college, in the late-1960s, I was visiting friends on the gentrifying near northwest side of Chicago. My host couple and I took a stroll, before a night on Old Town nearby. As we came upon the Armitage Avenue Methodist Church, we saw maybe a dozen young men lounging on the broad concrete steps that led to the imposing church doors.

Thats Bobby Rush, whispered friend Gordon, nodding to an obvious leader of a lively discussion ongoing at the foot of the Lords house.

Seeing us, the gang leaders (even a downstater like me could tell thats who these dudes were) beckoned us up. They put quart beer bottles in our hands, and we bantered about nothing for a few minutes, then departed with a wave, beers in hand. The Black Panther and Young Lords leaders had more important things to talk about during their powwow.

My takeaway: Back then there were just a few big gangs in Chicago, So, bad as the gangs were, there was identifiable leadership. And power can talk to power, when absolutely necessary.

Today in Chicago, there are about 60 gangs, according to the Chicago Crime Commission, and many more semiautonomous offshoots, some on but single blocks, and 100,000 plus members. Gang members outnumber the Chicago police 9-to-1. How do you like them odds? No wonder so many cops long to depart the city for safer jobs in nearby suburbs.

Nor is there anyone for the cops and city leaders to talk to. Power is atomized, and Chicagos poorest neighborhoods must often seem like free-fire zones among teens.

My boss, Gov. Jim Thompson, directed me to spend some time in East St. Louis, to see if there were any positive leaders in that benighted city across from its Missouri namesake whom the governor might support with social and law enforcement programming.

I met Sister Julia Huiskamp, a tough, saintly sort of the Mother Teresa variety. There are a rare few like her in many of our depleted neighborhoods; not enough to make much of a difference. There was a young man, a college graduate, who had started a printing company. Locals were pinning some hopes on him. A printer myself, I could tell from the outdated equipment in his shop that the business wouldnt last a year. It didnt.

I reported back to Big Jim: There is really no effective leadership you can deal with. The city is too far gone. Role models like businessmen, the middle class, school teachers and cops, who lived elsewhere, have all abandoned ESL and neighborhoods like it.

Fast, fast forward to a couple of years ago. I return to East St. Louis to be on a panel discussion, sponsored by the Illinois Humanities Council, a fine, do-good group. We meet in a government building, the only kind still standing. On my purposeful, slow drive through the city of 25,000 (82,000 in 1950), I see little business activity other than liquor stores and storefront churches, a neon cross faintly blinking above one of them. Whole neighborhoods are vacant, trash strewn, houses falling down  apocalyptic.

The homicide rates in East St. Louis and downstate cities like Peoria are even higher than in Chicago, yet they dont have the Magnificent Mile of Michigan Avenue and tourism to protect. No, its Chicago that national newscasters imply is on the bubble, between vitality and fateful disarray.

What to do? Get 20,000 to 30,000 at-risk teens out of their neighborhoods. After all, thats what everyone else who can has done. Maybe to programs like the Lincoln ChalleNGe residential school boot camp, located downstate, started by former Governor Jim Edgar (the camps are for the National Guard, which runs the program). And maybe to CCC-type camps in the wilderness, the types that lifted thousands of young whites out of their poverty plight during the Depressionand which mostly barred blacks.

We also have to repair, somehow, the crumpled subcultures of our depleted neighborhoods (including as well those for young white single mothers in my rural Illinois). Too many of these young mothers in urban and rural America have neither parenting skills nor positive support networks, and find drugs and alcohol a comfort in a world which overwhelms them.

Small ball wont make a difference. President Biden thinks big, but he apparently wants simply to throw money at people, and not use it to hold them accountable for striving to better themselves.

Chicagos out-of-control gangs pose an existential threat to Chicagos future, which is otherwise bright and shining. Small ball wont do it.

Jim Nowlan is a former state legislator. He writes a newspaper column on Understanding Illinois.

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Photo: (Photo : PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP via Getty Images)

A baby girl born with a parasitic twin inside her stomach has left doctors at the Assuta Medical Center in Ashod, Israel, shocked and baffled.

Neonatology doctor Omer Globus said that they first noticed the bizarre case during the mother's ultrasound late in the pregnancy because the fetus presented an unusual enlargement of the stomach. Upon the baby's birth, doctors conducted more tests to confirm their suspicions that this was a rare case of "fetus-in-fetu" (fetus within fetus).

The parasitic twin was only a partially-developed embryo with a heart and some bones, but the doctors stressed that the fetus was not fully formed. They successfully removed two formations on her stomach, but the baby is expected to recover well from the surgery as she and her mother are now safely at home.

Read Also: Miracle Baby Born at 21 Weeks Celebrates First Birthday

Super Rare Anomaly

Described as a "super rare anomaly," Dr. Neeraj Desai of the Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital said that parents shouldn't worry that their baby could be born with a parasitic twin. Speaking with Today, Dr. Desai, who was not part of the treating team in Israel, said that only a few doctors in the world have experience with fetus-in-fetu as it is estimated to occur in just one of every 500,000 births.

Desai further explained that experts previously thought a fetus-in-fetu is a form of a cyst or teratoma stem cell with human tissues like bones or hair. However, most of these formations are benign, and no one knows precisely why such a rare instance happens.

The doctor said that pregnant women develop teratoma inside their ovaries which "may start growing in the wrong place" and turn into a messy "hodgepodge of different tissues." But a fetus within a fetus is quite a specialized formation that looks like a human baby.

Globus said their case in Israel likely happened as the cavities during the fetal development process closed, and one of the embryos remained in that space. They thought there was more inside the baby's stomach, but the formation hardly looked like an actual human embryo as the operation revealed.

Other Cases of Fetus-in-Fetu

In the past years, doctors also discovered a parasitic twin in a child in her toddler years in Colombia. There has been a case of a 17-year-old girl in India with a parasitic twin after she complained of a lump for five years.

In Saudi Arabia, doctors also did an operation in early July to remove a Yemeni baby's parasitic twin. The procedure took eight stages to complete and lasted nine hours. The newborn, named Aisha, has been recovering successfully and has reunited with her mother. However, she will be monitored in the hospital for at least ten weeks.

Doctors said that Aisha was born with a parasitic twin that had an extra pelvis and an extra set of what looked like lower extremities. The experts who operated on the baby said that surgeries like this are not life-threatening. Aisha's parents were also able to watch everything via live stream.

Related Article: New Guidelines for Infants With Fever Released; What You Should Know
Rumors about Elon Musk demanding that he'd be CEO of Apple in a merger with Tesla has been shot down by Musk as having zero credibility. Tesla Inc. Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk said on Friday that he never met with Apple Inc. about a potential takeover.

A late Friday Bloomberg report stated that Musk "was responding to an upcoming book that says Apple CEO Tim Cook called Musk in 2016 about taking over Tesla. The book claims that merger discussions ended when Musk told Cook hed like to replace him as Apples CEO as part of the deal. According to the story -- revealed in a Los Angeles Times review of 'Power Play: Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century' by Wall Street Journal reporter Tim Higgins -- Cook then hung up the phone after uttering an expletive.

Musk said on Twitter: "Cook & I have never spoken or written to each other ever. There was a point where I requested to meet with Cook to talk about Apple buying Tesla. There were no conditions of acquisition proposed whatsoever."

Cook refused the meeting, Musk said and added that "Tesla was worth about 6% of todays value." The statement reiterated remarks from last year, when Musk said Cook refused to take a meeting about acquiring Tesla.

Apple also denied the books anecdote and pointed to comments from Cook on a recent New York Times podcast wherein he stated: "You know, Ive never spoken to Elon, although I have great admiration and respect for the company hes built."
The ousted Member of Parliament for Assin North constituency in the Central region, Mr James Gyakye Quayson says he was in good spirits and unshaken by events leading to the annulment of his election.

"All my beloved constituents should be assured that I am in high spirit and confident that this momentary travesty shall rather make us emerge stronger," he reassured constituents.



"Take heart and be of good cheer; the victory of the NDC and all true democrats shall not be stolen," he stated.



A release issued and signed by Mr Quayson today, Thursday, July 29, 2021, urged all his constituents and all democratic Ghanaians not to be worried or discouraged, adding that the confirmation of the party's historic victory beckoned.



"Our massive victory in Assin North on December 7, 2020 was a pure and legitimate one handed over to us by the discerning people of Assin North and we shall resist every attempt to subvert the true will of the people," he stated.



He said the victory from the masses was far superior to the dark machinations of an elite few.



Mr Quayson expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support and solidarity since the judicial events of yesterday saying the show of support had renewed his confidence in a brighter future for the country regardless of the "treacherous momentary setbacks,"



"I am absolutely grateful to the chiefs and people of Assin North for the remarkable show of love and unparalleled resilience," he said.



The solidarity from the rank and file of the NDC and the general public as a whole has renewed my confidence in a brighter future for this country regardless of the treacherous momentary setbacks.



Mr Quayson said the facts showed that he had been a sincere, loyal, law abiding and patriotic citizen who only set out in good conscience to come and serve the people of Assin North with all his heart and capacity.



"As the unimpeachable facts show, I have always been a sincere, loyal, law abiding and patriotic citizen who only set out in good conscience to come serve the great people of Assin North with all my heart and with all my capacity adding that the Almighty Lord is on our side - we fear no foe.

Source: graphiconline.com









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Parliament on Friday (30 July) unanimously approved the nomination of Kissi Agyebeng as the special prosecutor.



The 43-year-old has now been cleared to take office as the countrys second special prosecutor since the office was created by an Act of Parliament.



The Appointments Committee of Parliament on Thursday (22 July) vetted the special prosecutor nominee of the President, Akufo-Addo, and approved his nomination within hours.



With his approval by the entire House, the next phase is for President Akufo-Addo to swear him into office in the coming days.



Agyebeng, currently a private legal practitioner with nearly 19 years standing at the Ghanaian bar, answered a myriad of questions from the 26-member parliamentary committee.



Following his approval, Agyebeng, managing partner at Cromwell Gray LLP, is the second person to occupy the office of Special Prosecutor since the Act establishing the Office of the Special Prosecutor (Act 959) came into force in 2017.



Martin Amidu, the countrys first Special Prosecutor resigned from office on 16 November 2020, 21 days to the 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary elections, citing alleged executive interference with his work. The Office of the President subsequently denied his allegations, noting that he was given the free hand and resources to operate.



The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Dame, on 16 April 2021 wrote to Akufo-Addo, nominating Kissi Agyebeng to serve as special prosecutor in line with section 13(1) and (2) of Act 959.



Section 13(8) of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959) requires the President to appoint a person qualified for appointment as Special Prosecutor to that position, within six months of the Office of Special Prosecutor becoming vacant subject to the approval of Parliament.



Acting SP

As a result of the events of 16th November 2020, Ms. Jane Cynthia Naa Koshie Lamptey, the Deputy Special Prosecutor, has been acting, in accordance with section 17 (3) of Act 959, which states, the Deputy Special Prosecutor shall act in the absence of the Special Prosecutor or in the event of a vacancy in the position of the Special Prosecutor.

She has held the fort for over five months.



The OSP mandate

Act 959, which establishes the Office of the Special Prosecutor, spells out three main objectives of the Office, namely:

(i) investigate and prosecute alleged corruption or suspected corruption and corruption related offences,

(ii) recover the proceeds of corruption and corruption related offences, and

(iii) take steps to prevent corruption.



Functions of the OSP

The functions entrusted to the Office are:

(a) the investigation and prosecution of cases of alleged or suspected corruption and corruption related offences under the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663);

(b) investigation and prosecution of cases of alleged corruption and corruption related offences under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) involving public officers, politically exposed persons and persons in the private sector involved in the commission of the offence;

(c) investigation and prosecution of cases of alleged or suspected corruption and corruption related offences involving public officers, politically exposed persons and persons in the private sector involved in the commission of the offence under any other relevant law;

(d) recover and manage the proceeds of corruption;

(e) disseminate information gathered in the course of investigation to competent authorities and other persons the Office considers appropriate in connection with the offences specified in paragraphs (a) and (b);



The Office of Special Prosecutor is to further:

(f) co-operate and coordinate with competent authorities and other relevant local and international agencies in furtherance of the Act; and (g) receive and investigate complaints from a person on a matter that involves or may involve corruption and corruption-related offences.

Source: asaaseradio.com









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We completely oppose any and all forms of racial stereotyping, and we have taken direct action with the teams involved. Due to where the post originated, we have decided to cancel our sponsorship contract with Commencal 21. In addition, we have agreed with the Commencal/Muc-Off team that Amaury will undertake an education programme on the subject, which we have insisted is paid for using our sponsorship money.  Muc-Off

Muc-Off has withdrawn its sponsorship of the Commencal 21 team and will fund an education program for Amaury Pierron following recent social media posts.Last week, Commencal 21 Team Manager Charlie Julia shared a photo of Amaury Pierron with cornrows and the words "Next level n----tion" in his Instagram Stories, which Pierron subsequently shared in his own Instagram Stories with the caption "Rap carrer in the making set to Bobnlarry's 'N---- N---- N----' song. The pair later both apologised for posting the Stories with statements on social media that can be read, here Muc-Off reached out to inform us it will no longer be an equipment sponsor for the Commencal 21 team and while it will remain the title sponsor for Pierron's Commencal/Muc-Off team, it has agreed that Pierron will undertake an education course paid for through its sponsorship money.Commencal and Pierron declined to comment. We have approached Julia for comment and will update this post if he responds.
KAMPALA  President Yoweri Museveni has intervened in the wrangle between Mbarara University and Prof Patrick Ogwang over the ownership of Covidex herbal medicine, warning the former to desist from sabotaging the progress made over patents.

Addressing the country on Friday July 30, the President said he had been briefed about arguments around ownership of the patents and trademarks, ruling that these belong to the scientists who discovered them.

If the institutions that employ these scientists want to benefit from their innovations, they should levy a sort of tax, what the technology transfer experts refer to as sharing of royalties, he said.

Even then, much of the proceeds should go to the inventor so that we encourage our scientists to discover more, he said, adding that: We must protect the intellectual property rights of the scientists involved.

The President had previously asked lawyers suing Prof Ogwang over Covidex ownership to stop.

President Musevenis intervention comes after Mbarara University claimed intellectual Property Rights for Covidex, a supportive Covid-9 treatment, manufactured by Prof Ogwangs Jena Herbals Limited.

Earlier, the Mbarara University vice chancellor, Prof Celestino Obua said the institution owned the Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) for Covidex and that it was developed with public resources.

Prof Ogwang revealed that Jena Herbals Limited has capacity to manufacture 30,000 bottles of Covidex per day and that they sell each bottle at Shs7,000.

There is high demand for the product after the National Drug Authority (NDA) last month approved it as a supportive treatment for Covid-19.

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Students and teachers in Edgefield County won't have to worry about the usual financial burden that can comes with starting a new school year.

The Edgefield County School District announced Friday that the district will be providing back-to-school supplies to all students and teachers for the upcoming academic year.

The districts recent expansion of 1-to-1 Chromebook instruction has reduced the school supplies needed. While families are asked to still provide backpacks and essential personal items for their children, other supplies will be provided at school at no expense to parents.

Each school will determine the best method of distributing supplies to students and teachers.

By combining 1-to-1 Chromebook instruction with this model of providing students with school supplies, students will have all of the technological and traditional tools they need to excel, Edgefield County schools Superintendent Dr. Kevin OGorman. Furthermore, we know many of our families are stretching every dollar to meet the needs of their households. We hope that this approach will reduce the typical financial back-to-school burden that families and teachers often face.

As part of this school supply initiative, every elementary school student will receive earbuds, composition notebooks, a pencil pouch, pencils, highlighters, folders and notebook paper. Students in 4K will have mats to use for rest time.

Each elementary school teacher will have scissors for all students, crayons, dry erase markers, erasers, index cards and Post-it notes.

Each middle school student will have earbuds, a 2-inch binder with dividers, a pencil pouch, pencils and notebook paper.

Each middle school teacher will have scissors, erasers for all students, manual pencil sharpeners, composition notebooks for students, rulers, glue sticks, colored pencils, pens in three different colors, highlighters, dry erase markers, index cards, Post-it notes and graph paper.

Each high school student will receive a 3-inch binder with dividers, pens in two colors and pencils.

Each high school teacher will have notebook paper, spiral notebooks, colored pencils, headphones for students and graph paper.

As in previous years, families will be asked to pay a general school fee of $25, plus any additional fees that cover costs associated with lockers, parking and other specific school related needs. Families that qualify for free or reduced lunch will receive the proportional reductions on the general school fee after appropriate documentation has been completed and verified.

It means a lot to teachers to know that we will have all the necessary supplies for our students to be successful," said Erin Martinez, a first grade teacher at Johnston Elementary. It takes the burden off of families and certainly helps all of our students feel like they have what they need to start the year.
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Local Marine Corps League members have plans in place for a fundraiser to maintain support for college-bound honor students by way of an Aug. 6 event in memory of Cpl. Matthew Dillon, who was killed in action in Iraq in 2006.

The Matthew Dillon Scholarship Fund supports top Junior ROTC students from Wagener-Salley, Silver Bluff, South Aiken and Aiken high schools, and the host site for this year's gathering will be the Lewis Wise Building, 561 May Royal Drive, next to the Western Carolina State Fairgrounds. The doors are to open at 6:30 p.m., and the event is under the leadership of James L. Hammons Marine Corps League 939, based in Aiken.

Columbia-based attorney Thomas Mullikin, who retired from the South Carolina State Guard as the organization's major general, is to be the featured speaker. Mullikin will be sharing from a background that includes certification as a polar diver (diving in the Arctic and Antarctic regions) and scaling such peaks as Mount Elbrus (the highest mountain in Europe), Mount Kilimanjaro (highest in Africa) and Mount Kosciuszko (highest on Australia's mainland), with more peaks in his sights. He also holds a black belt in karate.

The fund in Dillon's honor, according to a Marine Corps League report, provides $1,000 checks to the top cadet in the JROTC programs at the four high schools.

Dillon, a corporal, died Dec. 11, 2006, in Al Khalidiyah, Iraq, at age 25, when a roadside bomb hit his Humvee while on combat operations, on his 37th mission. He was assigned to Support Squadron 373, Marian Wing Support Group 37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Air Corps Station, which is in Miramar, California. He had attended South Aiken High School, participating in the Naval JROTC program, and went on to graduate from Wardlaw Academy in Edgefield County.

A son of Neal and Lucy Dillon, he attended Augusta State University and was awarded a Purple Heart for an injury incurred during his first deployment to Iraq, in 2004, as a member of the S.C. National Guard.

Dillon's father, as quoted in a 2012 Aiken Standard article, noted, "When he was wounded, Matt and some others bled pretty good. He later took an EMT course on his own and got certified. He taught a basic EMT course to those in his company to help them take care of themselves.

The article also noted that Dillon, after returning home with Charlie Company, enlisted in the Marine Corps and underwent basic training at Parris Island. The week he was killed, his father said, Dillon's unit was short on personnel. He was scheduled to be elsewhere but stayed behind to help out.

The first recipient of a scholarship in Dillon's memory was Jourdan Dible, a 2006 South Aiken graduate who went on to attend Virginia Tech, graduating with a degree in English in 2013, enlisting in the Army and rising to the rank of captain. Dible now works in the information technology department of Generac Power Systems in Edgefield County.

Tickets for this year's event are $50 and cover dinner, a cash bar and a silent auction. Business attire is recommended. Details are at 803-642-2761 and the local Marine Corps League's website. The Marine Corps League unit can also be reached at P.O. Box 6046, Aiken, SC, 29804.
A North Charleston office building once leased to Boeing Co. is now under new ownership.

Maybank Properties recently acquired the 40,000-square-foot structure at 4340 Corporate Road for $7.5 million. The previous owner was an affiliate of Mountain Shore Properties of West Virginia, which has an office in Charleston.

The two-story structure off of Interstate 526 is vacant and ready to be leased, according to Michael McFall with Maybank Properties.

The building, which was renovated in 2015, includes an open-floor plan along with private offices, conference rooms and two large break rooms. Commercial real estate firm Lee & Associates is handling the leasing.

Boeing moved its operations out of the property in mid-2020.

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New lease

A fourth lease has been signed on the 12-story, $71 million Morrison Yard office building under construction on the Charleston peninsula.

Bond Street Advisors, a Charleston-based owner and operator of small retail centers in the Southeast, recently inked a deal for 3,512 square feet on the seventh floor.

Other businesses planning to move into the building once it's completed in mid-2022 include the law firm of Parker Poe, which leased 12,000 square feet on the sixth floor; workplace solutions company CBI, which leased 4,197 square feet on the seventh floor; and Indigo Road Hospitality Group, which leased 8,000 square feet on the top floor.

"The project has three additional pending leases that we will soon be able to announce, and leasing velocity continues to be positive," said Brian Connolly, managing director of commercial real estate firm JLL, which is handling leasing.
NORTH CHARLESTON  Potential labor unrest and the threat of lawsuits created a ripple effect of global shipping lines refusing to call on the Leatherman Terminal, recently released documents show, even as the pandemic continues to squeeze supply chains and overload port terminals with unprecedented shipments.

The issue became so heated in April that two of the State Ports Authority's biggest customers  shipping lines CMA CGM and COSCO  threatened to bypass the Port of Charleston completely and unload cargo in Savannah if they were forced to use the new terminal.

Jim Newsome, the SPA's president and CEO, ultimately relented and let the lines dock at the Wando Welch Terminal in Mount Pleasant, realizing a reroute to Georgia's port would cause "a massive supply chain disruption" to the SPA's customers.

But even with the concession, cargo isn't moving as fast as Newsome would like.

"Had it not been for the (labor dispute), we'd have three services at the Leatherman Terminal, which would have spread things out and made things a lot more fluid," he said during the SPA's July 20 board meeting. "So we are suffering from the fact that we only have one service there right now, there's no question about that."

The extent of the maritime meltdown is outlined in court documents filed by the SPA and the state of South Carolina in their dispute with the International Longshoremen's Association over who will operate heavy-lift machines at the Leatherman Terminal, which has seen limited activity since it opened in March.

The ILA has said its labor contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents the shipping lines that hire workers to load and unload cargo, calls for union members to operate the cranes at the terminal.

The SPA, which is not a party to the contract, wants its employees to operate the equipment  as they do at Charleston's other terminals  and it said the union mandate amounts to an illegal third-party boycott of the Leatherman site at the former Navy base.

A dispute was filed with the National Labor Relations Board in January, An administrative law judge is expected to decide the matter in August.

Meanwhile, most shipping lines are refusing to use the Leatherman Terminal until the dispute is resolved.

A lawsuit the ILA filed in April against Hapag-Lloyd, one of the few container vessel operators to call on the terminal, put added pressure on the shipping lines. The union wanted the company to pay $200 million in damages and threatened to name any other shipping line that called on Leatherman as a defendant in the complaint.

The union followed through with that threat, adding Orient Overseas Container Line  known as OOCL  to the lawsuit a week after it was filed.

Although the case has been administratively dismissed, it can be revived at any time by the ILA, and the union has said it might pursue it after the NLRB dispute is settled.

Regardless, the legal action had its intended effect. In the days after the lawsuit hit the docket, 21 ships that had been scheduled to call on the Leatherman Terminal refused to dock there.

Ed Aldridge, CEO of the CMA CGM shipping line, told Newsome he'd rather spend $1 million to send all cargo south to Savannah than use the Leatherman Terminal. And he threatened to sue the SPA if his vessels weren't allowed to reroute to the Wando Welch Terminal.

Choppy waters

Newsome saw the first sign of trouble nearly a year before the Leatherman Terminal was to open, in the form of a June 8, 2020, letter from David Adam, chairman and CEO of the U.S. Maritime Alliance. In it, Adam said his organization's members "may be prohibited from using the new facility" if the work at Leatherman isn't performed by union workers.

That prompted a series of emails from Newsome to the shipping lines that were scheduled to call at the terminal, with each response "explicitly expressing concerns about the ILAs position ...," according to court documents.

Dave Daly, a vice president with the Ocean Network Express shipping line, "made it very, very clear that they would not commit to deploy services to the Leatherman Terminal" without a resolution to the labor dispute, according to court records of an Aug. 12, 2020, telephone call the executive had with Newsome.

Christopher Parvin, executive vice president of Mediterranean Shipping Co., told Newsome on Aug. 20 that the dispute "had the potential to bring down the entire coast" with union workforce disruptions. While Parvin said he thought the SPA ultimately would win a legal battle, it could take years to resolve and "significant disruption would occur" in the interim.

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Newsome tried to negotiate a resolution during an Oct. 6 meeting with Dennis Daggett, the ILA's executive vice president. Daggett, according to court documents, wouldn't budge on the union's position that ILA members must perform all of the work at the new terminal despite a history of union members and SPA employees working together at Charleston's other terminals.

"Jim, you all in the South Atlantic ports say how much you respect the ILA. If thats case, why dont we have all the jobs?" Daggett asked Newsome.

A last-minute attempt to reach a compromise during a Jan. 6 call involving SPA executives, ILA representative Kenny Riley, state Sen. Hugh Leatherman  the terminal's namesake  and state Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter went nowhere.

"During this conversation, Riley reiterated the ILAs positions as expressed in his prior public statements: that carriers could not call on the Leatherman Terminal unless ILA-represented workers performed all work there," a court document states.

The next day, the SPA and state Attorney General Alan Wilson filed formal complaints against the ILA with the NLRB.

Choking supply chain

The first phase of the Leatherman Terminal was designed to handle up to 700,000 20-foot cargo containers per year. In the three months since the first vessel arrived, just 16,820 containers moved through the terminal  mostly from vessels operated by Hapag Lloyd, the defendant in the ILA's lawsuit.

Meanwhile, the Wando Welch Terminal is busier than ever. It accounted for nearly 1.2 million containers in the fiscal year that ended June 30  or 6 percent better than the previous 12 months and nearly 10 percent more than in fiscal 2019.

Leatherman was supposed to help ease the logjam at Wando Welch, but with most shipping lines unwilling to use the new terminal on the Cooper River the surge of cargo associated with pandemic-related consumer purchases is being unloaded at the Mount Pleasant waterfront.

"If we had three services at Leatherman instead of one, we would be in the catbird seat," Newsome said during the July 20 board meeting. "But if I was seven feet tall I'd be playing for the Lakers."

The situation might not get better any time soon.

Whichever side loses the labor dispute at its current stage could ask the NLRB's five-member board for a review and then, potentially, appeal the matter through the federal court system. And the ILA's civil lawsuit against Hapag-Lloyd and OOCL is still looming, serving as a financial deterrent to any other shipping line thinking of using Leatherman.

A more fluid supply chain is also questionable. For the moment, the global fleet of container ships don't have enough space available to haul all of the goods consumers are ordering, which has some U.S. retailers spending up to $18,000 to ensure a single container is scheduled for shipment. Other merchants are taking matters into their own hands by chartering much smaller ships to handle their cargo.

Once the merchandise arrives, it's taking longer for truckers to move cargo and warehouses longer to unload it  the average wait time for a container chassis at Charleston's port has increased 50 percent to 15 days.

And there isn't enough suitable real estate in the U.S. to store and sort the cargo even if all of it could move efficiently. Prologis, one of the world's largest warehouse investors, estimates an additional 300 million square feet of space could be needed to handle U.S. imports fueled by the e-commerce boom. To put that in perspective: The Charleston region is in the midst of its biggest industrial construction boom, yet all of the projects on the drawing board would add just 6.5 million square feet to the local warehouse inventory.

"The pandemic has pushed global supply chains to their limits," Prologis CEO Hamid Moghadam said in a written statement. "Increased e-commerce adoption and the rebuilding of inventories to meet consumer demand are structural forces in the logistics environment that will take years to play out."

Many analysts expect record cargo levels to continue through the peak fall shipping season and toward Chinese New Year, which falls on Feb. 1 next year.

Newsome said he doesn't think there ever will be a return to "normal" pre-pandemic levels. That ultimately will make the Leatherman Terminal an attractive stop for shipping lines, he said, because it opens a rare new point of entry for inbound cargo while other ports are stuck with their "rigid" existing infrastructure.

"We're going to look back on that as a real calling card for this port," Newsome said.
Summerville, SC (29483)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. High 81F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Localized flooding is possible..

Tonight

Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Localized flooding is possible.
Forecasters with the National Weather Service are warning of excessive heat in the Charleston area over the weekend through Aug. 1.

The agency's Charleston-area office issued an excessive heat warning for July 30, saying high heat and humidity would increase the danger of heat-related illness.

Temperatures were expected to reach 95 degrees on July 30, with heat index values as high as 117 degrees in the coastal counties of southeast South Carolina and southeast Georgia, the weather service said.

The heat index, also known as the apparent temperature, is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature, according to the weather service.

High humidity makes it more difficult for perspiration to evaporate from the body, disrupting the body's ability to regulate temperature.

July 31 is expected to bring a high of 94 and heat index of 109 degrees, according to the weather service. The high temperature on Aug. 1 is expected to be around 93 degrees.

Peter Mohlin, a meteorologist with the weather service's Charleston area office, said that temperatures and humidity over the weekend likely won't be high enough to trigger excessive heat warnings, but cautioned that conditions will still pose a risk.

The agency could issue heat advisories for both days, Mohlin said. Everyone in the Lowcountry should be aware of the temperature, stay in air-conditioned areas and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Extreme heat and humidity increases the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities, the weather service said.

Residents also were urged to stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors.

It's never safe to leave children, people with disabilities or pets inside an unattended vehicle, the Weather Service said. Temperatures inside a vehicle can climb to fatal levels in as little as 10 minutes.

So far in 2021, 10 children have died from overheating after being left in cars, according to the organization KidsandCars.org, which tracks such deaths. In 2020, there were 26 such deaths.

Since 1990, 1,000 children have died in hot cars, according to the organization.

The animal-rights group PETA also said the day's temperatures "will put dogs at high risk of enduring heat prostration and dying."

PETA encouraged pet owners to touch the pavement before walks to ensure that it wont burn dogs foot pads; be alert to a long, curled-up tongue and heavy panting, which is how dogs cool themselves since they cannot sweat; and walk only in the shade or on dirt or grass; and never leave animals outdoors in extreme heat or inside vehicles.
Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations.
Why are you wearing a mask? my friend asked Wednesday when we met for dinner. I told her the CDC said we needed to start wearing them again, and she immediately pulled a mask out of her pocketbook. She was strapping it on when I continued, to protect all those irresponsible people who are still refusing to get vaccinated  or wear their masks  or do anything else to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.

She stuffed the mask back in her purse.

After 10 weeks of mostly maskless bliss, the CDCs new guidelines  based on rising infections and new data that show vaccinated people who contract the delta variant could be as likely as the unvaccinated to spread it  are hard to swallow. It's incredibly tempting to react as my friend did and just say no. To say they made their decision, let them live  or die  with it.

Our masks always protected other people more than they protected us, but we wore them as part of a social contract: You protect me, and Ill protect you. Now, though, theres almost no chance the vaccinated will get sick or die if were infected, so thats not the arrangement this time.

But heres the thing. Several things actually:

 Children younger than 12 don't have the option of getting vaccinated. And while theyre at extremely low risk of getting sick or dying from COVID-19, theres still a risk, and we still have no idea what the long-term effects of COVID could be.

 The vaccine doesnt seem to be working as well in people with weakened immune systems  typically cancer, HIV and organ transplant patients. While they represent only 3% of the U.S. adult population, some studies have found they make up nearly half of the vaccinated people hospitalized with COVID breakthrough cases. Yet the United States hasnt followed France in authorizing third doses for them.

 Each new COVID infection gives the virus another opportunity to mutate into something our vaccines cant protect against. If vaccinated people get infected and spread that infection to others, we potentially contribute to that vaccine-evading mutation.

And then theres this: If were not willing to do something so small as wear a mask to protect others from infection, are we any different from all those people who weren't willing to protect us? Jesus didnt say do unto others as they do unto us.

There are reasonable questions about whether the CDC is being too cautious on this one, but unless or until a medical consensus emerges that it is, the right thing for all of us to do as individuals is to put our masks back on.

Whats right for government is trickier.

And it's an important question to answer, because contrary to popular belief, there are few limits on what S.C. governments can do about masks, or even vaccines.

The Legislature passed two measures this year aimed at impeding COVID-prevention efforts. One prohibited K-12 schools from requiring masks. The other prohibited colleges from requiring vaccinations. (Lawmakers also said colleges couldnt require unvaccinated students to wear masks unless they also require vaccinated students to wear masks, but thats just spit-in-your-face annoying, not dangerous.)

Although Gov. Henry McMaster signed his own anti-public-health orders during his COVID state of emergency, they evaporated when he ended the state of emergency.

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What all that means is that colleges can require everybody to wear masks  as USC and S.C. State have already announced they're doing.

It means city and county councils can reinstate mask mandates  for everybody or, under the old CDC standard, for the unvaccinated. It means DHEC and other state and local agencies that dont answer to the governor could require masks  for employees or even everyone who comes into their offices, as Charleston County did Friday.

For that matter, the Legislature didnt prohibit anyone except public colleges from requiring COVID vaccinations. Which opens up a whole range of possibilities we can discuss another day.

But theres a difference between what's legal and what's smart.

The Legislature needs to reverse its anti-mask law and allow mask requirements in the public schools, where people who do not have the option of getting vaccinated cogregate. I would respect any government (or business) that chose to require masks. And I detest the idea of giving in to belligerent people who have no respect for their fellow human beings and no respect for the law  or for the right of business owners to determine the rules of admission.

Unfortunately, tragically, maddeningly, belligerency has prevailed.

Any remaining chance of compliance by those people who had to be ordered to wear a mask evaporated on May 11, when Gov. McMaster overrode local mask requirements and sentenced masked school children to confinement alongside unmasked virus spreaders. Victory for ... umm ... never mind.

If cities and counties decide to require people to wear masks in public again, those of us who have reluctantly agreed to resume masking will wear them. In fact, most of the vaccinated people who were wearing them when the CDC suddenly announced we didnt need to would probably wear them again.

And that might reduce the spread of the virus by a tenth  of a percentage point.

And the people who stopped wearing masks 10 weeks ago even though they hadnt been vaccinated will continue not wearing them. As well as the people who didnt wear them even when the mandates were still in place.

And theyll just consider the new mandates another excuse to be irate. And to not get vaccinated.

We need to be realistic, and pragmatic.

Masks are helpful. Vaccination is game-changing. Better to use what little persuasive power we have with the unvaccinated to convince them to get those shots.
When the College of Charleston rolled out its COVID mitigation policy for the summer and fall, it said students who dont provide proof of vaccination would have to get tested every month and quarantine if they test positive for the virus.

It was a sensible policy that sought to keep down COVID's spread on campus and in the surrounding Charleston community, while recognizing that the CDC and DHEC were saying that testing, quarantine and isolation arent medically necessary for people who have been vaccinated, unless they develop symptoms.

Well, it was sensible to people other than Attorney General Alan Wilson, who fired off a letter earlier this month complaining that the policy could be read to imply that an unvaccinated student that refuses to participate in a survey and monthly testing protocols may be subjected to a reprimand, which he suggested was tantamount to requiring students to get vaccinated. And he then went on a national talk show to brag about his brave stand against public health. And then he used the clip from that appearance in a fundraising letter.

Its true, as Mr. Wilson wrote, that the courts generally prohibit doing indirectly what the law prohibits you from doing directly. Its also true that the college could have worded its policy better. But the attorney general overlooked a few crucial factual matters.

First is that the College of Charleston  like USC and Clemson  required routine testing in the spring semester. That obviously wasnt an attempt to coerce people into getting vaccinated, because the vaccine wasnt even available to students then. It was an attempt to prevent a repeat of the fall 2020 semester, when COVID infection rates skyrocketed on and around the campus, while they stayed low at Clemson, which had mandatory testing from the start.

The college wasnt instituting a new requirement for the unvaccinated: It was making a medically sound decision to exempt students who are vaccinated, in keeping with federal and state guidelines.

Mr. Wilson also ignored how at the very same time the Legislature prohibited colleges from requiring vaccinations, it declined to prohibit mandatory testing. The House added a proviso to the state budget to ban mandatory college testing, but that provision was stricken from the final version of the bill after the colleges objected. The attorney generals letter makes it sound as though penalizing students who refuse to be tested is illegal, when in fact colleges clearly have the legal right to do that.

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Apparently, the College of Charleston missed all that too, because President Andrew Hsu abandoned the testing requirement the very next day. The result is that the College of Charlestons current COVID protocols look a lot more like Mr. Wilsons vision of how they should look than the Legislatures vision.

Ironically, the only way we found out about this episode was when Mr. Wilson sent out a fundraising letter bragging about forcing the college to abandon its testing requirement. In it, he claimed that he had stepped in to ensure that In our state, the rule of law will always stand while liberal politicians and institutions  use the pandemic to expand their power at the expense of everyday citizens personal freedoms. Seriously.

Of course, the attorney general isnt the only one to blame here: Although he dressed up his argument with all that freedom talk so it would sell well on the Tucker Carlson show and in a fundraising appeal, the only thing he actually demanded in his letter was that the college make clear that no one was required to get vaccinated.

That was already stated in the policy. But instead of reiterating that  and flipping the language around to make sure what it emphasized was that tests would continue to be required except in those cases where the CDC and DHEC say theyre not necessary  President Andrew Hsu retracted the requirement.

In so doing, he raised the chance of COVID spread on campus and thus increased the chance that Charleston residents who chose to get vaccinated in order to protect themselves will still get infected, and possibly even end up in that 5% to 10% who get serious breakthrough infections.

Instead of bragging about what he did, Mr. Wilson ought to give some thought to limiting his warning letters to governmental bodies that actually are violating state law, which the college wasnt doing. And the College of Charleston needs to take back its wholly unnecessary and potentially deadly promise to keep testing optional.

Does it need to require monthly testing? Not necessarily. USC interim President Harris Pastides, an epidemiologist, made a deliberate decision to require unvaccinated students to test negative before they return to campus next month but to hold mandatory weekly testing in abeyance, unless or until its needed. That would be a good place for the College of Charleston to start.
We are in the middle of the dog days of summer, but get ready for a long winter. I am referring to the impending spread of the new COVID-19 delta variant.

Do not let these dire predictions scare you. Instead, take action.

This time last year, most of the nation and world were locked down with no vaccine in sight.

Now, we have not one, but three vaccines readily available. Keep in mind that any vaccine is for protection, not a cure. They do not prevent COVID-19, but can lessen the effects if the virus is contracted.

It is our best and only protection from the deadly infection. Face masks and social distancing still play a vital role in combating possible spreads.

Earlier this year, I contracted COVID-19 and know how bad this virus can be. I was a fairly healthy person, but COVID-19 threw me for a loop. I have seen how friends and family have been affected by the virus.

For those who have not yet been vaccinated or who are unwilling to take the shot, do not listen to false rumors. Instead, talk to someone in the medical field, such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists or others.

They will give the clearest information for you to make the right decision.

With a new virus storm approaching, we must have a sense of responsibility for ourselves and our neighbors to get through this.

BRIAN KIZER

McAlhany Road

Reevesville

Irony in funds requests

There was great unacknowledged irony in Tuesdays Post and Courier story by Seanna Adcox, Mayors calling for release of $435 million.

The story was about a portion of South Carolinas $2.5 billion share of state and local funds appropriated under the American Rescue Plan.

South Carolinas congressional delegation consists of two senators and seven representatives: eight Republicans and one Democrat.

Every Republican voted against the American Rescue Plan, which was developed by President Joe Biden because, well, it was developed by President Biden.

Sen. Lindsey Graham characterized the plan as a liberal wish list of parochial interests.

Now, according to Ms. Adcoxs article, the leaders of our smaller cities, towns and communities are desperate to get their liberal and parochial hands on the funding our congressional delegation did not want them to receive.

Evidently Gov. Henry McMaster has not requested the funds from the U.S. Treasury (as required by the plan) and is keeping the funds bottled up.

In a state that overwhelmingly hoped for another four more years with Donald Trump, the Statehouse doesnt trust local leaders to resist the temptation of blowing the money on things antithetical to the Republican platform, things like water and sewer systems, firetrucks and laptops for police officers.

Perhaps Sen. Graham and Gov. McMaster would like the funds to go to something less liberal and parochial, like a big, solid wall on the states southern border with Georgia.

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DAVID GROCE

Acorn Drop Lane

Johns Island

Pay protest ludicrous

In the July 21 Post and Couriers Business section, an article and photograph highlighted about a dozen people protesting for a $15 hourly wage for Charleston area food service workers.

Lets compare their demands with an E-3 soldier with more than two years of service. That soldier is paid $12.86 an hour.

After three years of service, the pay jumps to $13.63 an hour.

Unlike food service workers, who get paid time and a half for overtime, soldiers receive no extra pay and are expected to put their life on the line to protect our country.

Why should food workers, who have little experience and few skills, expect to be paid more than our servicemen and servicewomen?

Their demand is ludicrous.

TERRY WATKINS

Wildwood Landing

North Charleston

Applause for ballet show

The American Ballet Theatre received well-deserved, thunderous applause when members took their final bow at The Citadel on July 17.

A standing ovation should also be given to The Citadel for hosting the event on its beautiful parade grounds.

This venue should be used more frequently for outdoor performances, including Spoleto events. It is a lovely space with plenty of parking.

The Gaillard Center also deserves a round of applause for sponsoring this performance and including the American Ballet Theatre in its upcoming dance series.

Judging from the size and response of the crowd, this free ballet performance was a gift that was very much appreciated. Thanks to everyone involved with the production.

PAT VOTAVA

Brownell Avenue

Sullivans Island
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A popular Nigerian broadcaster, Ifedayo Olarinde alias Daddy Freeze, has said he is ready to defend himself should the FBI invite him for questioning concerning his relationship with an alleged internet fraudster, Ramon Abass aka Hushpuppi.

Daddy Freeze said this on his verified Instagram handle in a video titled, Abba Kyari denies Huspuppi bribe allegation; says hands clean.

His remarks were made on the backdrop of the recent announcement by the FBI that it was seeking Mr Kyaris arrest over allegations that he abetted a $1.1 million transnational cyber-fraud initiated by Hushpuppi, a Nigerian Instagram celebrity.

Hushpuppi was arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in connection to the case and other fraudulent schemes.

Following the announcement, some Nigerians on social media referenced Daddy Freezes 2019 visit to Hushpuppis Palazzo Versace home in Dubai saying it was only a matter of time before the FBI came after the controversial broadcaster.

My story

Responding to his critics, the broadcaster explained that he was in Dubai for a Cool FM event when Hushpuppi reached out to him.

He added that he had tweeted that he was in Dubai, Hushpuppi saw his tweet and invited him for dinner.

The result of that visit was a mini-documentary and tour of Hushpuppis luxury home, state-of-the-art vehicles, and wardrobe posted on Daddy Freezes YouTube account.

In the now infamous YouTube video, Hushpuppi could be heard saying his driver collects more money in a month than a local government chairman in Nigeria.

In the same video, the broadcaster could be seen dining with Hushpuppi in his residence and mocking Nigerians who questioned Hushpuppis luxurious lifestyle on social media.

Questioning

Mr Olarinde in the clip said he is disappointed in Hushpuppi and added that he was not afraid of being questioned by the FBI over his relationship with the embattled Nigerian Instagram celebrity.

You guys need to move away from this mentality that anybody that hangs out with) somebody must be collecting money from that person, I would not lie, Im disappointed in Hushpuppi and if I see him now, I will tell him because you fed the rumours because tomorrow somebody is buying a Ferrari he must be a thief, he said.

The 45-year-old broadcaster also said he is not afraid of being called in for questioning by the FBI as he has nothing to hide.

Someone said Freeze dey fear, I don talk before when you no get sense you go dey talk nonsense, I don talk am say if FBI wants to question me, make them dare me I ready answer anybody question, he said in pidgin.

What do I have to hide? Do I have anything to hide? They will come and sit down and look at all my bank details. Let them just looklet them check all the notes I have and see if there is anything that looks like Dubai money that can be traced to Hushpuppi, they should come, for free. It is when you have something to hide that you will be worried about. What I wanted from Hushpuppi was an interview

Background

When the news of Huspuppi alleged involvement in internet fraud became public knowledge, Daddy Freeze said if he knew that Hushpuppi was a criminal, he wouldnt have hung out with him.

He also came under intense criticism online for promoting the alleged internet fraudster and has since continued to defend himself.

Addressing critics in June 2020, Daddy Freeze said he never knew Hushpuppi to be a criminal but a social media influencer and that if he knew, he wouldnt have hung out with him.

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The OAP added that he does not support fraud in any way and he would not have shot a video with Hushpuppi if he had a case in court

I didnt know him to be a (alleged) criminal, if I did I wouldnt hang out with him. And unless someone is proven guilty, I do not discriminate against them because the one who taught me Christianity, the one who I follow, Christ did not discriminate against anyone, he said.

He said, I didnt know him to be a criminal, if I did I wouldnt have hung out with him. And unless someone is guilty, I do not discriminate against them because the one who taught me Christianity did not discriminate against anyone.

Hushpuppi who boasts over 2.5 million followers on Instagram was unfollowed by some of his followers including celebrities like Davido, Tiwa Savage, Zlatan, Naira Marley, Tonto Dikeh and others shortly after his arrest.
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The Public Relations Officer of the Actors Guild, Lagos State chapter, Olamilekan Ojora, has debunked reports that actress, Rachel Oniga, died from COVID-19 complications.

She (Rachel Oniga) passed away on Friday night around 10 p.m. She had malaria and typhoid, Mr Ojora, told PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday morning.

Mr Ojora also told this newspaper that they (himself and Ms Oniga) were supposed to meet on the  Sensations movie set this (Saturday) morning.

Her son, Olatunji, also told Punch that his mum died of Malaria.

Ms Onigas last major movie appearance was in comedian Bovi Ugbomas comedy flick, My Village People which premiered on June 6.

The Lagos State Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rising, had earlier confirmed the news of her death in a telephone interview with this newspaper on Saturday morning.

He said, We just got the news early this morning today. We have nothing to say other than to give glory to God for a life well spent.

I got the news this morning, I have been down and surprised.

Mr Rising promised to call back and share more details about Ms Onigas death.

Goldmynetv, which shared the news on Instagram, revealed that the veteran actress had only a few days ago shot some scenes in a movie in Mowe, Ogun State, before her demise on Friday night.

Ms Oniga

Ms Oniga, who hailed from Delta State, was born on May 23, 1957 in Ebute-Metta, Lagos State.

The veteran actress featured in some of the best English and Yoruba Nollywood movies until her death.

She became a household name after starring in the Yoruba classic family drama, Owo Blow.

Ms Oniga began her acting career shortly after her divorce. She was a full-time housewife and before then, a computer programmer.

After the separation, she went into business trading, travelling and buying things.

She worked briefly at Ascoline Nigeria Limited, a Dutch Consultant Company before she made her acting debut in the Nollywood classic (Memorial Hospital) in 1993 and her debut Yoruba movie was Owo Blow.

Over the years, the multiple award-winning actress featured in notable Nigerian films including Sango, Wale Adenugas television series, Super story, Doctor Bello, Out of Bound, 30 Days in Atlanta, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, The Wedding Party, and most recently, My Village People.
The Lagos State Government says it paid accrued pensions of more than N32 billion to 8,170 retirees between May 2019 and July 2021.

The Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) said, in a statement issued on Saturday, that the Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, Ajibola Ponnle, made the declaration on Friday.

It said the commissioner made the declaration at the 87th retirement benefit bond certificates presentation to retirees.

Mrs Ponnle stated that the state government also paid more than N1billion into the Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) of 247 retirees for the month of July.

She said N1.1 billion had been credited into the RSAs of 247 retirees this month alongside their monthly contributions.

Lagos State government has paid N32.8 billion to 8,170 retirees in the mainstream; local governments, the State Universal Basic Education Board, the Teaching Service Commission and other parastatal organisations, she said.

The commissioner assured that the state government was committed to the welfare and interests of pensioners.

She explained that the government had continually prioritised prompt payment of pension obligations within available resources.

In spite of the huge liabilities, the present administration has ensured prompt payment of pension entitlements to retirees under the Pay As You Go Pension Scheme monthly.

LASPEC ensures payment of accrued pension rights to retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) to enable them to access their RSAs without delay, she said.

Mrs Ponnle advised retirees to embrace the joy and challenges of their new phase of life.

She urged them to contact LASPEC or the ministry should they require clarifications or advice regarding the modalities surrounding their retirement benefit matters.

The commissioner congratulated the retirees and prayed that God would give them good health to enjoy their benefits.

In his remarks, the Director-General, LASPEC, Babalola Obilana, commended the state government for the efficient and effective administration of the CPS.

One of the outcomes of effective administration of the CPS is the regular issuance of the retirement benefit bond certificates to retirees.

I must also appreciate the unflinching support of the ministry, the Pension Funds Administrators and the insurance companies at ensuring that all our retirees have unrestrained access to their pension benefits, he said.

Mr Obilana enjoined the retirees to take very good care of their health, to avoid unnecessary spending and to beware of pensions fraudsters.

(NAN)

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Shortly after completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in 2016, Emmanuel Ifeanyi got a job with a tech firm in Yaba area of Lagos, Nigerias commercial hub. Ever since then, he has paid his taxes to the Lagos State Government, but the 28-year-old resides in Alagbole-Akute, an Ogun State community located on the edge of Lagos State.

I have lived in Alagbole-Akute area of Ogun state since I came to Lagos looking for job but I have paid all of my taxes to Lagos State government, Mr Ifeanyi told PREMIUM TIMES in an interview.

It breaks my heart that I cannot possibly channel my taxes to the purse of Ogun State government because thats where I live. But, honestly, I really dont know how to go about it.

The tech expert explained further that he chose to stay in the Ogun community because of its relatively cheaper cost of accommodation compared to Lagos, but commuting has been quite difficult due to the poor state of infrastructure.

From Ajuwon to Lambe to Akute to Denro, the roads are a complete mess, he said.

I honestly feel that many of us who live in Ogun and pay taxes to Lagos State are depriving the state (Ogun) of revenue to fix roads and bridges and build hospitals but youd realise that many do this largely out of ignorance or because their taxes are deducted at source.

Unlike Mr Ifeanyi, Shina Ayoola told PREMIUM TIMES he does not care that much that his taxes are being paid into the coffers of Lagos government. Mr Ayoola, a resident of Joju area of Sango-Otta in Ogun State, works with a manufacturing firm in Ikeja, the Lagos state capital.

My company pays my taxes into the pockets of Lagos government and I really dont care that much, he said with nonchalance. After all, I see what the government does with the taxes in Lagos, unlike my part of Ogun State.

Aside Messrs Ifeanyi and Ayoola, many Nigerians living in communities on the borders of Lagos and Ogun pay their income taxes mostly to the Lagos State Government. In places like Agbara, Akute, Agbado, Denro, Alagbole, Sango, Ajuwon, Ojodu-Isheri , Ibafo, Mowe and other parts of Ifo and Obafemi Owode Local Government Areas of Ogun State, residents pay their taxes in Lagos, ostensibly because many of them work in Lagos.

The development raises concerns with regards to state governments revenue drive and delivery of infrastructural projects. It also raises questions about the friction among states with regards to the dictates of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA).

PITA and Residency Rule

The Personal Income Tax (Amendment) Act 2011 was officially gazetted in January 2012, with an effective date of June 14, 2011, the date the bill was signed into law by the Nigerian president.

The act provides that Personal Income Tax shall be paid for each year of assessment on the total income of every individual based on the state where the tax payer resides, in the relevant year of personal income tax assessment, and not based on where the individual tax payer works or carries on business.

In terms of what constitutes income, Section 3 of the amended act defines income chargeable to include any  salary, wage, fee, allowance or other gain or profit from employment including compensations, bonuses, premiums, benefits or other perquisites allowed, given or granted by any person to any temporary or permanent employee other than so much of any sums or expenses incurred by him in the performance of his duties, and from which it is not intended that the employee should make any profit or gain.

Taxable income is assessed to tax at graduated rates ranging from 7 percent to 24 percent, depending on the income band being assessed. The maximum tax rate is put at 24 percent of an individuals income, a note by the KPMG Professional Services said.

A major source of concern in the PITA arrangement is the residency rule. Due to the inter-state controversies that this generates, the act states explicitly that an individual tax payers place of residence is the place where such an individual lives or uses as his residence most frequently in Nigeria. The residence, in effect, does not include a tax payers hotel room, vest-room or office.

In the case of individuals with multiple residences, Section 32 provides, in paragraph 1(d), that: in the case of an individual who works in the branch office or operational site of a company or other body corporate, the place at which the branch office or operational site is situated is where payment is made

The clause explained further that operational site shall include oil terminals, oil platforms, flow stations, quarries, construction sites with a minimum of 50 workers, among others.

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Due to variegated factors, many Nigerians who work in some states live in other states. Mr Ifeanyi told this newspaper that the factors may include proximity to place work, low cost of accommodation, security concerns, transport network, and sundry career opportunities.

Gabriel Fakayode, a finance and tax analyst, told PREMIUM TIMES that the dichotomy in peoples states of residence and work places raises serious issues in income tax payment.

When people live in Ogun, and work in Lagos State for instance, there is always a problem with Income Tax payment, he said.

Although the law has been tested and provisions are now clear that the state of residence deserves the benefit of PIT collection, there are still many challenges.

For instance, the absence of accurate documentation and data in Nigeria is a major problem. Many people pay their taxes to Lagos government and live in Ogun State because Ogun doesnt have their data and their Lagos-based offices remit their taxes directly from source. Its the same for those living in Niger and Nasarawa and paying taxes to Abuja. This is a huge problem and state governments lose millions in tax revenues.

In July 2015, former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, lamented that about 760,000 people residing in two of the 20 Local governments in the state pay their income tax to the Lagos government. The situation, the governor said, robbed the state of millions of naira in terms of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) annually.

Mr Fakayode said that states suffering losses in this area would need to focus on accurate data collection to solve the problem, block leakages and generate more revenue.

They also need to make people see the benefits of tax payment by delivering on infrastructure, he quipped.

Like Ogun, like others

Findings by this newspaper showed that aside from the Ogun-Lagos personal income tax debacle, other states in Nigeria also face the burden of losing tax revenues to bigger and economically viable states.

Abdullahi Sambo, a civil servant resident in Kwankwashe community in Suleja LGA of Niger state, works in Abuja. He told this newspaper, however, that he pays his income tax in Abuja largely due to the ease of payment.

One thing some of these neighbouring states lack is easy means of tax payment, he told PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone conversation.

As a resident of Kwankwashe, it is far easier for me to pay or do official things in Abuja than in Niger State where you may have to go to Minna, the capital, in most cases. Yet I live in a community that is effectively in Niger State.

So even for those working in an informal economy or those who can easily channel their taxes to the right sources, the mode of tax payment is always a major concern.

Apart from Niger state, Nasarawa is another neighbouring state that loses so much revenue to Abuja due to logistics and poor data collection, Mr Sambo explained.

Mr Ifeanyi agrees with Mr Sambos assertion, adding that those who reside in Alagbole face similar concerns in tax payment and other official obligations.

There is a liaison office in Ojodu but quite often, you may have to travel to Abeokuta to fix basic stuff, he said.

How do you then convince anyone to do a travel of about 100km to Abeokuta when he can fix the same thing without much stress either online or at nearby Ikeja, a journey of less than 10km?

State governments losing taxes in border communities have to do more in technology integration in tax collection and ease payment by bringing the government nearer to the people in those border communities.

Other neighbouring states that have these peculiarities in PITA payment challenge in Nigeria include Rivers and Bayelsa; Ondo and Ekiti; Osun and Oyo; Anambra and Delta; among others.

Opportunity Cost

Mr Ifeanyi lamented that a possible effect of poor income tax collections in border communities is the poor state of infrastructure in those communities.

Border communities all over Nigeria often face serious problems of neglect and poor infrastructure, he said.

Thats the opportunity cost. There isnt any better example than the Alagbole-Akute-Ajuwon area of Ogun state and its dilapidated roads and abandoned bridges. I do think that this residency challenge in PITA and poor tax collection may be a major cause of the neglect.

Mr Sambo also shares Mr Ifeanyis sentiment on the poor state of infrastructure in border communities. He however argued that the neglect may not be necessarily tied to the residency concerns surrounding income tax payment.

Border communities are largely far away from capital cities where political leaders reside and so it is also easy for them to abandon infrastructure in those communities, he said.

I do agree, however, that if there is improvement in tax collected from these communities, the infrastructure could as well improve.

Mr Sambo urged governments at all levels to harmonise the PITA arrangement and ensure that the resources are judiciously used for the growth of the communities.

Solutions

In the last week of May, the governments of Lagos and Ogun states signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on joint development of infrastructure in borderline communities between the states.

At a ceremony in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dapo Abiodun inaugurated the Lagos-Ogun Joint Development Commission (LOJDC), a sustainable development agenda under which Lagos and Ogun States will combine resources to meet present socio-economic needs and prepare for the future.

An important part of the partnership showed that both governments would focus on revenue and taxation, including PAYE remittances and boundary town revenue management and collection.

Before the recent MoU was signed, the relationship between both states has endured, despite occasional frictions. During the tenure of former governor Babatunde Fashola, the Ogun State government succeeded in getting Lagos to remit 20 percent of taxes paid by Lagos workers who reside in Ogun State to the coffers of the state.

Mr Fakayode believes that the new partnership has potential to facilitate effective enumeration and data sharing about citizens resident in border town areas, as well as efficient and regular remittances of personal income taxes of Ogun residents working in Lagos State.

This will definitely boost the internally-generated revenue (IGR) of both states, especially Ogun state, he quipped.

He added that it will also reduce tax leakages and increase the number of taxable persons across the states, adding that other states in similar conditions should be encouraged to enter into similar agreements to ease tax payment.

Mr Ayoola on his part encouraged governments to deepen the confidence people have in the tax payment system through delivery of infrastructure that could encourage payment.

Mr Sambo on his part called on disadvantaged state governments to ease tax payment and embrace innovative digital processes that would enhance PITA payment in border towns, widen the tax net, and block leakages.

This would open up opportunities for more revenue that could drive growth and development, especially in these often neglected border communities, he added.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person (NAPTIP) said it rescued at least 100 victims of human trafficking in the South-east between January and June.

The Enugu Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Nneka Ajie, said this on Friday in Enugu during the celebration of the 2021 World Day Against Human Trafficking.

Ms Ajie said the victims, who were mostly children, were exposed to sexual exploitation, child labour, violence and baby harvesting, amongst other crimes.

She also said that some of the rescued victims had been reunited with their families.

If you go to our shelter to see some of the rescued victims, you will commend us for what we are doing, she said.

Ms Ajie, however, said the issue of reuniting the victims with their families posed a challenge to NAPTIP, given that the agency had a duty to empower them.

We are very limited in the area of empowerment and that is why we seek partnership to execute our mandate. We cannot do it alone, she said.

She also said that no fewer than 50 suspected human traffickers were arrested within the same period, adding that some were being prosecuted.

Ms Ajie described the incidences of human trafficking as endemic in the zone.

According to him, the zone has been recognised as the place of origin, transit and destination for human traffickers.

We mostly have the preponderance of sexual exploitation, followed closely by baby harvesting offenses and labour exploitation, she said.

The NAPTIP boss said that July 30 was set aside to commemorate the victims rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Ms Ajie also said the celebration provides an opportunity to highlight the ills of human trafficking and deliberate on ways to arrest the trend.

Also, the South-East Regional Director of NAPTIP, Nduka Nwanwenne, said the Federal Government had put enough policies in place to curb the menace.

Mr Nwanwenne cited the National Policy for the Protection and Assistance of the Victims of Human Trafficking, which came into force in 2008, as one of such policies.

From then, there have been other policies that have been developed and if not for these policies, incidences of human trafficking would have been more serious.

So, the intervention of NAPTIP has helped to curb human trafficking, Mr Nwanwenne said.

He, however, said that one of the major challenges faced in the crusade against human trafficking was that the responsibility seemed to have been pushed to the government.

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He said that every stakeholder had a duty to contribute to the fight against the crime.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of this years celebration is Victims voices lead the way.

(NAN)
The first flight evacuating Afghans who worked alongside Americans in Afghanistan brought more than 200 people, including scores of children and babies in arms, to new lives in the United States on Friday, and President Joe Biden said he was proud to welcome them home.

The launch of the evacuation flights, bringing out former interpreters and others who fear retaliation from Afghanistans Taliban for having worked with American troops and civilians, highlights American uncertainty about how Afghanistans government and military will fare after the last U.S. combat forces leave that country in the coming weeks.

Family members are accompanying the interpreters, translators and others on the flights out.

The first evacuation flight, an airliner, carried 221 Afghans under the special visa programme, including 57 children and 15 infants, according to an internal U.S. government document obtained by The Associated Press.

It touched down in Dulles, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C., after midnight, according to the FlightAware tracking service.

Fridays flight was an important milestone as we continue to fulfill our promise to the thousands of Afghan nationals who served shoulder-to-shoulder with American troops and diplomats over the last 20 years in Afghanistan, Biden said.

He said he wanted to honour the military veterans, diplomats and others in the U.S. who have advocated for the Afghans.

Most of all, Biden said in a statement, I want to thank these brave Afghans for standing with the United States, and today, I am proud to say to them: Welcome home.'

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin lauded the Afghans for their work alongside Americans and said their arrival demonstrates the U.S. governments commitment to them.

Fridays flight was all about keeping promises, said Will Fischer, an Iraq war veteran and an advocate on veterans issues.

But a refugee agency said the Biden administration appeared to be still scrambling to work out the resettlement of thousands more of the Afghans, and it urged Biden to bring them quickly to the U.S. or a U.S. territory, such as Guam.

To date, there is simply no clear plan as to how the vast majority of our allies will be brought to safety, Krish OMara Vignarajah, president of the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service resettlement agency, said of the Afghan interpreters.

We cannot in good conscience put them at risk in third countries with unreliable human rights records, or where the Taliban may be able to reach them, the resettlement official said.

The Biden administration calls the effort Operation Allies Refuge. The Operation has broad backing from Republican and Democratic lawmakers and veterans groups. Supporters cite repeated instances of Taliban forces targeting Afghans who worked with Americans or with the Afghan government.

Congress on Thursday overwhelmingly approved legislation that would allow an additional 8,000 visas and $500 million in funding for the Afghan visa program.

The United States has been talking with Qatar and Kuwait about temporarily hosting thousands of other Afghan interpreters who are much further behind in their visa application process than Fridays arrivals.

But U.S. officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss negotiations, said Friday that no deal had been closed with those two countries. Concerns about housing Afghans who have not completed their security screenings and uncertainty on the American side about finding funding for the massive relocation effort have remained obstacles, the U.S. officials said.

Biden announced earlier this year the U.S. would withdraw all its troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, honoring a withdrawal agreement struck by former President Donald Trump. He later said the U.S. military operation would end on Aug. 31, calling it overdue. Some administration officials have expressed surprise at the extent and speed of Taliban gains of territory in the countryside since then.

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Biden said that although U.S. troops are leaving Afghanistan, the U.S. will keep supporting Afghanistan through security assistance to Afghan forces and humanitarian and development aid to the Afghan people.

The newly arrived Afghan people will join 70,000 others who have resettled in the United States since 2008 under the special visa program.

Subsequent flights are due to bring more of the roughly 700 applicants who are furthest along in the process of getting visas, having already won approval and cleared security screening.

The first arrivals were screened for the coronavirus and received vaccines if they wanted them, said Tracey obson, the U.S. diplomat running the effort. They were expected to stay at a hotel on a base in Fort Lee, Virginia, for about seven days, completing medical exams and other final steps, Jacobson said. Resettlement organizations will help them as they travel to communities around the United States, with some bound for family members already here, she said

France 24 is Premium Times syndication partner. We have permission to republish content.
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The Bauchi state police commissioner, Abiodun Alabi has condemned last Thursdays assault on a Bauchi journalist by police officers, which led to a planned boycott of its activities by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NUJ, Bauchi council, had planned to boycott all activities of the police following the assault they meted on an AIT camera man covering a students protest over public encroachment of land belonging to the state college of agriculture.

Me Alabi said the assault of the journalist by police officers was both regrettable and unacceptable at any police formation.

He said the command would not tolerate such acts because the police and journalists were partners in progress as well as serving the citizens.

I dont see why we would become enemies, we are not enemies, police are your friends not enemies, we would continue to work together, he said.

He said the command would investigate to a logical conclusion the conduct of the officers, who allegedly assaulted the journalist, as well as offset the journalists medical bills. It would also pay compensation for his personal belongings that were lost during the protests.

The commissioner assured journalists that the command would not hesitate to deal decisively with any police officer found engaging in brutality.

Earlier, Isa Gadau, the secretary of the council, commended the commissioner for his concern over the assault on the Journalist.

He said the council and the CP have had a robust discussion and arrived at an amicable decision and that the command regretted the action of its officers.

He said all journalists in the state should shelve the idea of their planned protest against the police (NAN)
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Caution was thrown into the wind Friday night as officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and residents of Ayetoro, Yewa North Local Government area of Ogun State engaged in a violent clash.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the clash led to the burning of three customs vehicles and shooting of a youth.

A witness, Razak Adeyemi, who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES explained that trouble started after a heated argument ensued between a customs officer and a resident suspected to be a smuggler.

He said the matter was resolved and both parties went their separate ways.

He added that about an hour later, four fully loaded customs Hilux vehicles stormed the community, with the officers shooting continuously in the air.

The act was said to have angered the youths in the community, hence a violent face-off between the officers and youths.

It lasted like a normal argument between a man and a customs officer at Oke Rori, here in Ayetoro. They had few minutes of argument after which military men and residents waded into the issue and it was resolved.

About an hour time, four Hilux vans, with fully armed customs officers entered our community and they started shooting anyhow in the air. After several attempts to stop them became fruitless, the youths in the area then faced them and they started shooting at the people.

Another resident of Ayetoro, who identified himself simply as Nojeeem, claimed that the officers were shooting like they have been ordered to wipe out the community.

If you see the way they were shooting, it was like a war zone, like they have been told to kill us all. If not because many of our youths are fortified many would have been dead by now.

If you go round the community, you will see people whose clothes were torn by the customs bullets, but the bullets didnt penetrate their bodies; only for one guy Solid Solid who was shot three times.

When asked of the victims whereabouts, Nojeem said he had been taken away by his family members to a yet-to-be known traditional caregiver.

When contacted, the spokesperson of Ogun Area 1 Command, Hammed Oloyede, confirmed the incident.

He said the command had commenced investigation into the reasons for the clash, promising to get back to our reporter.

The situation is currently under investigation. So, I will get back to you, Mr Oloyede responded on the phone.
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A 64-year-old Internally Displaced Person (IDP), John Adamu, has cried out to Nigerians to come to his aid as he battles prostate cancer.

Mr Adamu, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the IDP Camp Kuchigoro, in Abuja, said on Saturday that he was doing well in Gwoza, Borno State, before Boko Haram displaced his family.

I am here in the IDP Camp without anything. Since January this year, I was down with prostate cancer and high blood pressure. Please, I beg government and Nigerians to come to my aid.

I have been to the hospital at Wuse Zone 3. I was given drugs and it has helped me to some extent; I need to buy the drugs, but they are expensive.

The last time I went, they fixed my manhood to a pipe attached to a urine sack, that I should manage, but that surgery is the next and only on. The urine sack is in my pocket.

I have tried seeking for help. I went to Human Rights Radio but was told to swear an affidavit and I dont have the resources. Sometimes, I trek from Kuchigoro to the hospital at Wuse Zone 3, he said.

Kuchigoro, a suburban community along the Abuja Airport highway, in the Abuja Municipal Council Area of the FCT, is about six kilometres to the Wuse hospital at zone 3.

Mr Adamu, who said he took refuge at the Kuchigoro IDP Camp for the past eight years, said his case is between life and death, explaining that he almost committed suicide, but for some people in the camp who encouraged him.

My plea is to Nigerians and governments at all levels to help me and sponsor the surgery so that I can have my normal life back and continue with my farming activities. (NAN)
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An annual investigative journalism prize in honour of a veteran Nigerian journalist, Ray Ekpu, was on Friday announced in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigerias South-south.

Mr Ekpu, a celebrated journalist, is a former editor-in-chief and a co-founder of Newswatch magazine.

He won the International Editor of the Year, 1987, in New York, U.S, and is a recipient of Nigerias national honour, Officer of the Order of Niger.

The prize is to be sponsored by a former vice chairman of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Udom Inoyo.

Mr Inoyo disclosed this during the monthly Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, in Uyo, which he attended as a special guest.

The winner of the Ray Ekpu Award for Investigative Journalism will receive N500,000, said Mr Inoyo who described Mr Ekpu as the high priest of quality reporting.

I have thought of what I could do as my little contribution to the NUJ in Akwa Ibom State. Anywhere that I have gone in this world when people talk about journalism, one individual comes to my mind first.

He is a great son of Akwa Ibom State, an international award-winning journalist, who rose from a position of insignificance to that of global prominence. It is in honor of this high priest of quality reporting that I hereby request the Exco to accept the institution of an annual award to be called: Ray Ekpu Award for Investigative Journalism.

This award, to be administered annually by a panel of five first-class journalists comprising: two celebrated veteran journalists; one national officer of the Nigerian Guild of Editors; a nominee of the award sponsor; and the State Chairman of the NUJ, is aimed at encouraging quality, factual investigative reporting in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large, Mr Inoyo said.

Mr Inoyo also announced plans to partner the leadership of the NUJ to enhance the capacity of journalists in Akwa Ibom State. He donated laptops and a kick-off fund of N2.5 million for that purpose.

Mr Inoyo said Nigerian journalists have made enormous contributions towards the development of Nigeria.

He advised journalists to remain truthful, objective, factual, and responsible in their reporting.

The Chairman of the NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Amos Etuk, thanked Mr Inoyo for instituting the prize and for his other numerous contributions, especially in the field of education, to Akwa Ibom State.

Mr Inoyo currently serves as an advisor to Inoyo Toro Foundation, a non-profit organisation which focuses on education development in Akwa Ibom.

He is a member of the Akwa Ibom State Economic Reconstruction Committee.
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State say they have agreed on consensus executives at the ward levels.

The resolution was reached after a crucial meeting with the seven-man Ward Congress Committee constituted by the National Caretaker Committee in Ibadan on Friday evening.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the APC National Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee had directed the committees to meet with the party leaders in the various states.

NAN reports that party leaders in the state present at the meeting agreed to have consensus executives at the ward levels.

The meeting also enjoined all leaders to sensitise and encourage members as well as supporters at the grassroots to peacefully participate in the exercise without any rancour or misgivings.

The decision of the party leaders in Oyo State came days after their counterparts in Lagos also agreed to adopt the consensus system.

Family affair

NAN reports that the Gambo Lawan-led Ward Committee for Oyo State met with the leaders ahead of the partys ward congresses scheduled to hold on Saturday across the country.

Other members of the Gambo-led committee are Friday Sanni, Akintunde Adegboye, Saidu Musa Abdullahi, Ephraim Bombo, Rotimi Bello and Bukola Ayanwuyi.

Mr Lawan said the meeting was convened to bring all the party gladiators together and rub minds on the forthcoming congresses toward achieving cohesion and acceptable consensus.

He said the party would go ahead with the ward congresses on Saturday, adding that the APC has repositioned itself to take over the state in 2023.

Mr Lawan said the committee was from the national headquarters of APC to conduct ward congresses to the 351 wards in the state.

We are not having election with the PDP or other party, but within our family. We encourage consensus so that we can resolve trouble, misunderstanding, and disagreement.

We lost last election in Oyo because there was no understanding and agreement. There was too much personalisation. Some people put their personal interest above the collective interest, he said.

Among the party chieftains from the state present at the meeting were Akin Oke, the State Caretaker Chairman; Teslim Folarin, Abdulfatai Buhari, and Olusegun Odebunmi.

Others were Joseph Tegbe, Adebayo Adelabu, and Mojeed Olaoya.

Consensus in Osun

Meanwhile, Gboyega Famodun, the Caretaker Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Osun, on Friday, said the party would be adopting a consensus system at the party ward congress on Saturday.

Mr Famodun made this known at the Osun APC Congress Committee Stakeholders Meeting on Ward Congress at the Government House in Osogbo.

The party caretaker chairman, who was welcoming the party national congress committee members, said security arrangements have also been made to ensure committee members safety and security throughout the congress.

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In his remarks, Gbenga Elegbeleye, said that his team has received a list of members of the congress committee set up by the party in the state that they will be working with.

Mr Elegbeleye also debunked reports that he had been kidnapped in the state because of the congress, saying he and his team just got into the state and that he is safe and sound.

The principle of consensus would apply for the congress. according to the party, and we will be very transparent in our job, he said.

The State governor, Gboyega Oyetola, in his remarks, said consensus was adopted by the state for the congress in order to avoid rancour.

Mr Oyetola explained that congress was a way of electing officers of the party and should not be a problem.

Opposition members kick

But the decision of the APC leadership in the states to adopt the consensus system had, however, met with opposition with some party members.

In Lagos, a leader of a faction of the party, Fouad Oki, said any attempt to go ahead with the consensus arrangement would be an exercise in futility.

Another group within the party in the state, the Lagos4Lagos Movement, alleged that the National Ward Congress Committee, headed by Mohammed Dangiyadi, was biased.

Olajide Adediran, the convener of the group, who addressed journalists on Friday said the national committee ought to have formed a local working electoral committee to work with, to make its work easier in the 245 wards in Lagos State.

The congresses will hold tomorrow but till now we dont know the electoral committee members or even the contestants. The venues are also not clear.

The guideline said there must be forms for anyone who wants to contest, but we have not seen any single form, despite paying for same and having our payment evidences.

We even showed the chairman a list of our intending contestants across the 245 wards, to express our readiness for this congress.

How do we hold a congress/election without knowing the members of the electoral committee and even aspirants?

The committee chairman said he has no business with the list of contestants, but who are the aspirants you are conducting the election for if you dont have forms with you at this time, he said.

According to him, it is very obvious they are scared of the competition, but the group said itwill go ahead with the ward congress on Saturday because they have paid for nomination forms into the partys coffers to show readiness and seriousness.

He called on the group members in the 245 wards to come out on Saturday and file behind their officials to be voted for.

When we are done, we will submit our list and payment evidences to the national office.

We will also seek redress in the court if we are not satisfied with the congress outcome because it is our right and we are fully prepared to give all it takes to assert it, Mr Adediran said.

Similarly, The Osun Progressive (TOP), a faction within the APC in Osun State, alleged that the state APC Caretaker Committee refused to carry other leaders along in the preparation and arrangements for the ward congress in the state on Saturday.

The TOP Chairman, Adelowo Adeniyi, who spoke during a news conference on Friday in Osogbo, the capital, said only the Ilerioluwa group (a group loyal to the governor) is involved in the party arrangements, adding that no single form was sold to all other interested parties within the APC.

He also alleged that the national secretariat officers sent to Osogbo for the congress had been hijacked and kept from being accessed by other leaders in the party.

We have it on good authority that the Ward Congress Committee appointed by the National Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning committee arrived Osogbo on Friday morning.

They are said to have been in the Government house with the governor.

They are circumventing the popular rule of democratic engagement by not allowing the committees to interact with stakeholders in consequent with how things will go tomorrow, he said.

He, however, called on the ward congress committee members, who were in the state for the congress, to be fair to all members within the party.

Reacting to the allegation, APC Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Kunle Oyatomi, said the allegations by the TOP group were baseless.

Mr Oyatomi assured party members that the congress would be conducted peacefully and transparently on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some members of the APC (TOP group) later staged a protest along the Gbongan-Ibadan road, Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo, alleging that the party caretaker committee chairman had hijacked the nomination forms brought to the state for the congress.

(NAN)
For Nigerian banks, 2021 seems to be a year of positive change as more women are taking key positions in various management teams.

As of December 2020, women had less than 30 per cent representation in banks boardrooms, according to a PREMIUM TIMES analysis. The ratio was not much different in the banks management teams.

Recent appointments have pushed the figures upwards, improving the banking sectors gender balance outlook. Six women are currently managing directors/ chief executive officers (MD/CEO) of top banks.

They are Ireti Samuel-Ogbu of Citibank Nigeria Limited, Tomi Somefun of Unity Bank, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe of Fidelity Bank, Miriam Olusanya of Gtbank, Yemisi Edun of FCMB, and Halima Buba of SunTrust Bank.

Nigerias corporate space is largely male-dominated, but the banking sector saw progress in boardroom gender diversity when Bola Kuforiji-Olubi was appointed the first woman to chair the board of a bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), in 1984.

In 2015, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Nigerias oldest lender, appointed Ibukun Awosika as its first chairman. Mosunmola Belo-Olusoga was also appointed chairman of Access Bank Plc, while Osaretin Demuren was appointed chairman of Guaranty Trust Bank  both in 2015 also.

A gender activist, Nana Nwachukwu, described the recent appointments as a great development for women.

Having women as the CEOs or representatives will make other women feel safe in the workplace, she argued.

An economist, Dere Awosika, also praised the development, saying having more women as leaders in the sector will engender growth in the sector, considering their tolerance and listening skills.

Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe

Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe became the managing director/chief executive officer of Fidelity Bank on January 1, 2021. She is the first female to occupy the position since the banks inception in 1988.

She joined the bank in 2015 and is the former executive director for Lagos and south-west directorate, overseeing the banks business in the six states that make up the southwest region of the bank.

She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from Kings College, London. She has attended executive training programmes at global institutions including Harvard Business School, Wharton School University of Pennsylvania, INSEAD School of Business, Chicago Booth School of Business and London Business School.

Miriam Olusanya

Miriam Olusanya was appointed the managing director of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) on July 14, 2021.

Like her Fidelity Bank colleague, she is the first female boss in the banks 31-year history.

She holds a bachelors degree in Pharmacy from the University of Ibadan and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), majoring in finance and accounting, from the University of Liverpool.

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Yemisi Edun

Yemisi Edun became the managing director of First City Monument Bank Limited (FCMB) on July 13, 2021. She is equally the first female MD of FCMB, following the approval of her appointment by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

She holds a bachelors degree in chemistry from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife and a masters degree in international accounting and finance from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.

Halima Buba

Halima Buba, the MD/CEO of SunTrust Bank, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Maiduguri, as well as MBA from the same university.

She is an alumnus of the Lagos Business Schools senior management programme.

She is a senior honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants.

She is a member of the board of several institutions, including those of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) as a Non-Executive Director and Anchoria Asset Management Company Limited.

Ireti Samuel-Ogbu

Ireti Samuel-Ogbu was appointed MD/CEO of CitiBank in September 2020, the first time a woman was appointed to the banks top position after 36 years of operation in Nigeria.

She holds a Bachelors of Art in Accounting and Finance from MiddleSex University, UK, and an MBA from the University of Bradford, UK.

Also, she was the head of payments and receivables, treasury, and trade solutions (TTS) for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at Citis Institutional Clients Group (ICG) based in London, UK.

Tomi Somefun

Tomi Somefun became the CEO of Unity Bank in 2015. She is a graduate of English Language from Obafemi Awolowo University. She is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN).

She started her career in the financial service industry with Peat Marwick and Co. After that, she moved to Arthur Andersen  now KPMG.
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The media adviser to the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, has said the APC leader has not been hospitalised as being reported by a section of the media.

Tunde Rahman, in a statement made available to PREMIUM TIMES, on Saturday said Mr Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, is fine, hale and hearty.

He is not in any hospital. He has no medical problem that would require hospitalisation. Yes, he is out of the country at the moment. He will be back shortly, Mr Rahman said.

There had been speculations over Mr Tinubus health, especially with the APC leader visibly absent at recent political events. His absence was a talking point due to his reported ambition to run for president in 2023.

During last Saturdays local government election in Lagos, party supporters and journalists, who were hopeful to see Mr Tinubu cast his vote, were told he had travelled out of the country. He was also absent during Saturdays APC ward congress in the state.

Mr Rahman said any time his principal travels out out of the country, the next thing some mischievous people would say is he is sick, hospitalised or has died.

It is shameful that perpetrators of this evil are not deterred by the fact that each time this fake news has been propagated, they have been proven wrong.

Who really is afraid of Asiwaju Tinubu? Those wishing Asiwaju Tinubu evil or dead should be careful. They should know the matter of life and death is in the hand of only God Almighty.
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Saturday in Abuja confirmed the arrest and detention of the former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

Wilson Uwujaren, the spokesperson of the commission, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Mr Saraki was invited for questioning over allegations of corruption and money laundering.

He said the former senate president was currently in the custody of the commission for continuation of interrogation.

The invitation and detention of Mr Saraki for interrogation happened days after former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura and his wife, Mairo, were invited and interrogated.

The commission had invited Mr Al-Makura and the wife over alleged breach of public trust and misappropriation of billions of naira by his administration.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported how the commission arrested Mr Saraki over allegations of theft and money laundering.

Mr Saraki, a former Kwara State governor, was detained on Saturday, sources familiar with the development had said, a situation that may trigger another episode of troubles for the politician.

As senate president between 2015 and 2019, Mr Saraki spent a considerable time facing allegations of corruption and false declaration of assets. He was acquitted by the Supreme Court in June 2018.

However, in his new case with the EFCC, PREMIUM TIMES understands, Mr Saraki is to answer questions over alleged theft and laundering of public funds using a network of cronies and proxy companies.

(NAN)
It is about time we rethink our public health decisions, and attend to these with the urgency they deserve. This fact can never overemphasised, as it actually needs to be reiterated to become a second national anthem. And for a starter, there is the salient need to all take the vaccines available to us, and particularly the COVID one, so that we do not slide backwards to become worse than our year 2020 level.

As the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic surges through Africa, Nigeria is among a list of developing countries facing shortfalls in the COVID vaccine supply. However, health officials are implying that we are not in a bad place yet; but should we wait for when we are in a bad place before responding to the situtaion with the urgency it deserves?

Following Indias decision to control the exportation of COVID vaccines by prioritising its domestic needs, experts say that such restrictions have been a huge factor in the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) delivering fewer than 50 million vaccines worldwide  just a quarter of what it planned to distribute by the end of May.

Nigeria was due to receive a consignment of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in April but could not, as India faced an exponential increase in COVID-19 cases and deaths.

With hospitals running out of oxygen and health workers having to watch patients die and are unable to help them, India is prioritising vaccinating more of its population and has taken a big decision to not export vaccines until the end of the year.

The worlds largest vaccine maker, Serum Institute of India (SII) produces the bulk of vaccines that COVAX distributes to nations of the world, and with this development in India, global vaccination will suffer a major setback.

Mr Faisal Shuaibu, Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), said this has led to the delay in Nigerias access to vaccines. He, however, said the country is expecting deliveries between late July and August.

Some public health experts believe that a delay in supplies of vaccines will impact the health system in a not so positive way, as we saw in the early days of the pandemic. As some of them put it, Nigeria needs to look inwards and see how we can start producing our vaccines if the importations are not working.

Also, (o)ur fate is in our hands and we have to work together  both citizens and those in leadership positions; we should all understand that it is our collective responsibility and as such we should adhere to all regulations.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO)s African Regional Office, COVID-19 cases have risen for weeks since the onset of the third wave on May 3. As of July 25  day 83 into the new wave  Africa had recorded close to 600,000 new cases, and at the current rate of infections, even as there was a slight decrease in earlier trends, the ongoing surge gives huge cause for worry, as 17 countries (37 per cent) have witnessed spikes in the weekly cases in the past seven days.

A combination of factors including weak observance of public health measures, increased social interaction and movement as well as the spread of variants are powering the new surge, the health agency said.

Ms Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organisation (WHO)s Regional Director for Africa fears that this might be the continents worst wave of COVID-19 yet, however she believes, Africa can still blunt the impact of these fast-rising infections, but the window of opportunity is closing. Everyone everywhere can do their bit by taking precautions to prevent transmission.

While emphasis has returned on the non-pharmaceutical protocols required to protect us and society from COVID-19, including the wearing of masks, washing of hands, avoidance of crowded places and parties, etc., ironically we are now carrying on as if COVID-19 was a fairy tale or some bad dream that we have all woken up from.

In view of the data gathered by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), only 1.30 per cent of Africas population has been fully vaccinated presently. For Nigeria, only 0.96 per cent of its total population has been fully vaccinated.

Experts say that countries of the world will need to vaccinate at least 70 per cent of their populations to attain herd immunity.

I wrote about three viruses last year in the wake of the pandemic, hoping that while year 2020 turned out as the worst ever, the incoming year 2021 would be nothing like the past one.

As we strode into 2021, most of us would have seen the joker poster that read 2020 won (2021); and I think that joke is starting to become our reality.

Just when we thought we were beginning to heal from the effects and what many refer to as the ill wind of Coro, then kidnapping for ransom became the order of the day, and no week goes by without reports of people who have been kidnapped. This almost makes one wonder at this point: Which takes precedence  the coronavirus as a public health menace or national insecurity?

In Nigeria, for many citizens, COVID-19 does not exist or at best, it is a disease of the rich, the well-to-do or people who can afford three square meals. In as much as this uninformed consideration of a ravaging disease is laughable, it is yet our reality.

While emphasis has returned on the non-pharmaceutical protocols required to protect us and society from COVID-19, including the wearing of masks, washing of hands, avoidance of crowded places and parties, etc., ironically we are now carrying on as if COVID-19 was a fairy tale or some bad dream that we have all woken up from.

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In 2020, we were all so scared of being wiped out by the virus that we (at least a handful of believers) readily adhered to everything put in place to protect the population, such as the lockdowns; the physical distancing; the mask mandate, etc. across the country and the Federal Capital Territory (FTC). Thankfully, the scientific community worked hard and gave the world vaccines to save the day. Even then, although the vaccine is here, yet major swathes of our population have been complacent about the uptake of this prophylactic remedy.

Vaccine complacency suggests a feeling of false security or a lack of awareness or urgency of potential danger, as such the recourse to pharmaceutical prophylaxis to mitigate the risk of diseases to the individual/family/community is low. For example, someone may not believe that s/he is at the risk of contracting a certain disease, and hence might not take the need for a preventive vaccination against such ailment seriously. Or s/he might consider other issues to be more important.

In terms of COVID-19, a more virulent variant (the most virulent so far, we are told) is now in town, and shall we wait for when it begins to spread like wildfire before we do the needful  by taking the protocols of safety more seriously and aggressively seeking vaccination?

These are really interesting times, as we do not have only COVID-19 to deal with, Cholera is also rising to a notorious reckoning and almost competiting with the coronavirus in its grim onslaught. As such, are we ready for an epidemic in the middle of a pandemic?

This Delta variant of the coronavirus is most likely exchanging hand shakes across the Niger, and I will not be surprised if the next popular conspiracy theory suggests that this can only be contracted by the people of Delta State or inhabitants of the Niger Delta region, as we are wont to distort things in these parts.

I have heard a group of persons, a colleague at work inclusive, asking why they should take the vaccine if the vaccine does not protect one from contracting the virus.

It is true that the vaccine does not prevent or protect you from contracting the virus, but it does you a great favour by protecting you from becoming very sick or landing in an isolation centre or emergency unit. Actually, many of those who rail against vaccines have never visited an Isolation Centre, to witness the dark spectacle of human sickness and feel the near breath of death, otherwise they would be the most fervent of crusaders for COVID vaccines.

These are really interesting times, as we do not have only COVID-19 to deal with, Cholera is also rising to a notorious reckoning and almost competiting with the coronavirus in its grim onslaught. As such, are we ready for an epidemic in the middle of a pandemic?

And of course, there is the latest discovery of Monkeypox (which one had even thought was already history) in Dallas, Texas, which was recently imported there from Nigeria!

It is about time we rethink our public health decisions, and attend to these with the urgency they deserve. This fact can never overemphasised, as it actually needs to be reiterated to become a second national anthem. And for a starter, there is the salient need to all take the vaccines available to us, and particularly the COVID one, so that we do not slide backwards to become worse than our year 2020 level.

Then our health system suffered a major battering and many lost their lives to a now preventable disease, which is the risk we are susceptible to if we do not act quickly.

We are already experiencing food scarcity, leading to a ridiculous hike in food prices; if we allow COVID to take a huge toll, we would very easily walk into a full blown famine with our eyes wide open.

In the past year, we have seen and learnt what works and what could work in terms of mitigating the spread of COVID infections, and those of other highly transmissible diseases; now is the time to put these lessons to good use.

It is not enough to declare a few states as transmission hot spots, it is now about ensuring that the entire country does not become one raging furnace.

Chiamaka Okafor is with the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ), Abuja.
A non-profit group, Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), in Akwa Ibom state on Thursday raised the alarm over the possible suppression of the EndSARS panel recommendations that was submitted to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, by the panels members.

EndSARS panel, the judicial panel of Inquiry was constituted to investigate incidences of police brutality and infractions of the rights of Nigerians in Akwa Ibom State.

The six-member committee, which was headed by a retired high court judge, Ifiok Ukana, submitted its report to Governor Emmanuel on July 23 after dispensing 143 petitions, 28 of which bordered on extrajudicial killings.

The panel was inaugurated on October 14, 2020 as a post-EndSARS protest response by the government.

But the CLO said that the manner in which the panel shrouded its recommendations in secrecy without making it public leaves room for suppression citing the case of Reigners Bible Church in 2017.

Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) is a non-profit group that investigates human rights abuses through litigation, publications and communication with the government on behalf of people whose rights have been abused.

The group in a statement jointly signed by its chairman, Franklin Isong and secretary, Christopher Ekpo, accused the current administration in the state of suppressing the recommendations and white paper of the 2017 Reigners Bible Church commission of Inquiry.

The Civil Liberties Organisations (CLO), Akwa Ibom State Branch has faulted the EndSARS panel of investigation constituted by the Akwa Ibom State Government to investigate incidences of police brutality and infractions of the rights of Nigerians in Akwa Ibom State for submitting its reports to the State Governor, Mr Emmanuel without making public its recommendations.

CLO stated that it is worried given the unsavoury manner in which the current state administration suppressed the recommendations and white paper of the 2017 Reigners Bible Church panel of Inquiry.

Reigners Bible Church, Uyo, (then located few meters away from Akwa Ibom State Government House), which was under construction, caved in during a ceremony to consecrate the founder of the church, Akan Weeks, as a bishop.

At least 27 people died with more than 37 injured during the collapse of the church building which occurred in December 10, 2016.

The State Governor, Mr Emmanuel, who was a special guest of honour at the ceremony, narrowly escaped unhurt.

This newspaper reported in December 2017 that a year after the fatal church collapse, the state government was yet to release a report from the commission of inquiry.

The commission, which was headed by a retired judge, Umoekoyo Esang, had submitted its report in July 2017.

The state government, however, released a white paper of the tragic incident in 2018, where it rejected the indictment of the church founder, Mr Weeks, by the commission of inquiry it set up to investigate the incident.

The commission had in her report said that the pastors undue interference in the construction led to the collapse of the church building, PREMIUM TIMES also reported this in 2018.

Publishing recommendations without compensation could be explosive

Meanwhile, the chairman of Akwa Ibom EndSARS panel, Mr Ukana, on Thursday told PREMIUM TIMES that publishing the recommendations of the panel without paying compensations to the affected persons could be explosive.

Mr Ukana, told this newspaper in an interview that his panel was not mandated to pay compensation and that the basic procedure guiding such a panel is to submit her reports to the person that sets up the panel.

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The first thing to understand is the procedure upon the completion of the work of a panel. When a panel completes its work, it submits their report to the person that set up the panel.

If you make public the recommendations of the panel now that the monetary awards are yet to be sanctioned by those who will pay the compensation, it could be explosive, Mr ukana said.

Mr Ukana explained that the panel rose from the decision of the National Economic Council (NEC) and that the panel report will be forwarded to the Office of the Vice President whose responsibility is to pay compensation.

He further said that his committee made two copies of the report, one for the state government and the other for onward transmission to the Office of the Vice President. He also said the committee made a breakdown of the type of complaints they received and the approach they adopt in handling them.

Lagos, Ekiti states are peculiar cases

Mr Ukana said that Lagos and Ekiti panels were mandated to pay compensations unlike those in other states.

According to Mr Ukana, Lagos and Ekiti States panels made their recommendations public because they also paid the compensation from the seed money that was allocated for such purpose once recommendations are made.

In Ekiti and Lagos states where payments were made as decisions were taken, there was a second panel liaising with the EndSARS panel and a seed money was paid into a particular account. Once the recommendations were made, both panels sat and resolved issues of payment before it was made.

Similarly, a member of the panel, Harry Udoh who corroborated the position of the chairman told our reporter that Lagos was peculiar.

They have been announcing recommendations and written out cheques to those people based on the funding they got ab initio but we (Akwa Ibom EndSARS panel) didnt get such funding. Ours was different from Lagos.

Mr Udoh represented the Civil Society Organisation in the panel.

On the suppression of the panel s report as alleged by CLO citing the case of Reigners Bible Church in 2017, Mr Ukana told our reporter that he was very disappointed with lawyers who raised the issue when his committee began sitting and questioned if any lawyer has activated the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act in that regard.

I told them that I was highly disappointed that they were raising it. Has there been any application by a lawyer or civil rights organisation asking for a copy of that report or extract of recommendations made available through the court? None!, he said.

If after one or two months nobody hears about this report, the FOI Act can be activated, he said.

When contacted, the State Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom declined comments but his Information counterpart told PREMIUM TIMES that the EndSARS panel was a resolution of the NECand that the State Government is only transmitting the report to NEC.

There is nothing like suppression. The EndSARS panel was the resolution of the National Economic Council. The State Government is merely transmitting the report to them (NEC). They (CLO) should wait. There is nothing to preempt.
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The Lagos4Lagos Movement within the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) has decried the procedures and guidelines for Saturdays ward congress.

The group will most likely go ahead with a parallel congress across the state.

The Convener of the group, Olajide Adediran , who addressed journalists on Friday at Ikeja, alleged that the APC National Ward Congress Committee, headed by Mohammed Dangiyadi , was biased.

Mr Adediran said the national committee ought to have formed a local working electoral committee to work with, to make its work easier in the 245 wards in Lagos State.

The congresses will hold tomorrow but till now we dont know the electoral committee members or even the contestants, he said. The venues are also not clear.

The guideline said there must be forms for anyone who wants to contest, but we have not seen any single form, despite paying for the same and having our payment evidence.

We even showed the chairman a list of our intending contestants across the 245 wards, to express our readiness for this congress.

How do we hold a congress/election without knowing the members of the electoral committee and even aspirants?

The committee chairman said he has no business with the list of contestants, but who are the aspirants you are conducting the election for if you dont have forms with you at this time.

Mr Adediran accused some tendencies within the party of being scared of competition, saying his own group will, nonetheless, participate in the ward congress on Saturday because they have paid for nomination forms into the partys coffers to show readiness and seriousness.

READ ALSO: Group seeks end to imposition of candidates in Lagos APC

He called on the group members in the 245 wards to come out on Saturday and file behind candidates they want to vote for.

When we are done, we will submit our list and payment evidence to the national office, Mr Adediran said.

We will also seek redress in the court if we are not satisfied with the congress outcome because it is our right and we are fully prepared to give all it takes to assert it.

Reacting, the spokesperson of the Lagos chapter of the APC, Seye Oladejo, said members of the party knew that forms could be obtained from the party secretariat.

Mr Oladejo urged those who need the forms to proceed to the appropriate venue to get one.

(NAN)
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The Police in Osun State say the officer who was allegedly responsible for the stray bullet that killed a commercial motorcycle passenger in Osogbo on Tuesday has been identified and detained.

In a statement late Friday night, the police described the incident as unfortunate.

The passenger, Saheed Olabomi, died on Thursday night at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.

Mr Olabomis death came days after a delegation from the Osun State government, accompanied by the police commissioner, visited him at the hospital and pledged to foot his medical expenses.

Although the police did not name the alleged killer cop in their statement, they assured members of the deceased family and the public of justice.

The statement, issued by the state police spokesperson, Folasade Odoro, quoted Police Commissioner Olawale Olokode as saying that the officer had been arraigned in an orderly room trial since the day of the incident. He added that he would continue to be in detention until the trial process is completed.

It is unfortunate that Olabomi eventually died, the statement read.

The command wishes to express the sympathy of the Commissioner of Police and the entire Police officers in the command towards the family of the deceased. I also want to use this medium on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, to commiserate with the family of Olabomi, while I pray that God Almighty Himself will console them and give them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

Furthermore, we wish to apologize for the previous information on the matter, it was due to misinformation from the culprit and some other testifiers that claimed have witnessed the incident.
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In a bid to hear as many cases as possible before the October 19 deadline, the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry Saturday says it would begin a process called front-loading.

The panels sitting was supposed to conclude its activities on April 19 but was given three months extension to hear petitions till July 19. The sitting was again extended until October 19.

The panel head, Doris Okuwobi, announced during the panel session in Lekki, Lagos, that the new development will reduce to the barest minimum, the amount of time spent on petitions and ensure speedy dispensation of justice.

It is important that every petition or petitioner be given an equal duty of being heard and to achieve that task we have put in place amendment of front loading of the processes which will be more time-saving in terms of sitting and in terms of working outside the panel, Mrs Okuwobi, a retired judge, said.

So, this will now take effect from the 2nd of August. It will determine the listing of fresh petitions which have not been opened. The earlier you comply with the rules by front-loading, we will then have cause to list fresh matters that can then come up before the panel.

It is our appeal that petitioners in particular, who do not understand the process, seek advice on the front-loading. The rules are very clear, just. We want your evidence on the affidavit, evidence of your cases on affidavit. What you have in petition just have to be put in place of an affidavit and sworn to the court, so the evidence of the witnesses.

Im sure petitioners are not going to have any difficulty with complying with the front-loading process.

And all documents you want to present to the panel should come in ahead of the hearing of the petition and properly served on the respondents.

The front-loading process means that the petitioners will state their petitions in writing and the panel will adopt it and begin cross-examination.

Front-loading is a deviation from the usual panel session where petitioners orally recount their ordeals in the hands of security operatives before cross-examination from the state lawyers.

Usually, the oral narration of their experiences take about an hour or more but with this announcement, a lawyer, who declined to be quoted and identified because he was not authorised to speak, told PREMIUM TIMES at the panel that it would take less than 15 minutes.
In 1911, suffragists on their quest for the right to vote came to Plattsburgh to advocate for their cause. The women were here, Helen Nerska, director of the Clinton County Historical Association said. They went from county to county apparently, according to the newspaper, they attracted over 200 people.
SCREENSHOTA screenshot of a collage of photos of U.S. Army Capt. Bergan Flannigan, a Tupper Lake native and Purple Heart decorated veteran, found on a GoFundMe oage aiming to raise money for one of her surgeries. Flanningan was injured by an IED blast on Feb. 24, 2010 in Afghanistan.
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
NANCHANG, Jiangxi, July 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2021 SCO Forum on Traditional Medicine is held in Nanchang, capital of east China's Jiangxi province from July 28 to 30. As an important event marking the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the event is themed on "Inheritance, Innovation, Mutual Learning, and Sharing". About 500 guests from China and SCO member states attended the event online and offline. Zhyldyz Bakashova, Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan and Nikolai Snopkov, First Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus addressed the forum via videolink. Diplomatic envoys to China from Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Armenia, Russia and other countries delivered speeches. The Nanchang Initiative on SCO Traditional Medicine Cooperation was passed and issued at the forum.
VANCOUVER, BC, July 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - KORE Mining Ltd. (TSXV: KORE) (OTCQX: KOREF) ("KORE" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its Board of Directors has formed a new Board Committee, the Environmental, Health, Safety and Sustainability Committee ("Committee") to oversee KORE's environmental, social and governance ("ESG") practices. ESG considerations have come to be recognized by investors, communities and regulators as fundamental to long-term success of any mining company, throughout all stages of their development. The scope of the Committee will include safety, health, sustainability, community and social considerations, environment and the governance of those issues.

The newly formed Committee is chaired by CEO Scott Trebilcock, and other Committee members are Mr. Brendan Cahill and Mr. Don MacDonald, who both bring decades of experience in managing the wide array of ESG issues related to mine development. The formation of the Committee will elevate these significant topics to the regular Board agenda and focus attention on enhancing programs and transparency.

Mr. Trebilcock stated: "The formation of the ESG Committee will help us focus on key stakeholder issues as we continue work to advance the Imperial and Long Valley gold projects in California. We are confident our work in this area will demonstrate to investors, local communities and other stakeholders that we take ESG matters seriously with a commitment to high standards."

The Committee held its first meeting this past week and has mandated management to develop a values statement and a robust policy with respect to ESG. KORE's governance matters that are unrelated to safety, health, sustainability, community and the environment will continue to be managed by the Compensation and Governance Committee whose charter remains unchanged.

KORE's Board, pursuant to the Company's stock option plan, has granted annual share-based incentives to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company. The issuance of 2,075,000 options are part of KORE's regular annual incentives to attract and retain skilled directors, officers, staff and consultants. The grant represents approximately 1.85% of KORE's current issued and outstanding shares. The options are exercisable at C$0.62, with a third vesting in 6 months, another third in 12 months and the balance 18 months after the date of grant. Options to directors and officers have a 5-year term and to employees and consultants have a 3-year term.

About KORE Mining

KORE is 100% owner of the Imperial and Long Valley gold projects in California. Both projects have positive preliminary economic assessments. KORE is supported by strategic investor Eric Sprott who owns 26% of KORE's basic shares. KORE management and Board are aligned with shareholders, owning an additional 35% of the basic shares outstanding. KORE is actively advancing its Imperial Gold project and is aggressively exploring across its portfolio of assets.

Further information on KORE can be found on the Company's website at www.koremining.com or by contacting us at [email protected] or by telephone at (888) 407-5450.

On behalf of KORE Mining Ltd

"Scott Trebilcock"

Chief Executive Officer

(888) 407-5450

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Kore Mining

Related Links

http://www.koremining.com


NEW YORK, July 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Juan Monteverde, founder and managing partner at Monteverde & Associates PC, a national securities firm rated Top 50 in the 2018-2020 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report and headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City, is investigating Valley Republic Bancorp ("VLLX" or the "Company") (VLLX) relating to its proposed acquisition by TriCo Bancshares (TCBK). VLLX shareholders will receive 0.95 shares of TriCo per share they own.

The investigation focuses on whether Valley Republic Bancorp and its Board of Directors violated securities laws and/or breached their fiduciary duties to the Company by 1) failing to conduct a fair process, and 2) whether the transaction is properly valued.

Click here for more information: http://monteverdelaw.com/case/valley-republic-bancorp. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

About Monteverde & Associates PC

We are a national class action securities litigation law firm that has recovered millions of dollars and is committed to protecting shareholders from corporate wrongdoing. We were listed in the Top 50 in the 2018-2020 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. Our lawyers have significant experience litigating Mergers & Acquisitions and Securities Class Actions. Mr. Monteverde is recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in Securities Litigation in 2013, 2017-2019, an award given to less than 2.5% of attorneys in a particular field. He has also been selected by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2017-2020 Top Rated Lawyer. Our firm's recent successes include changing the law in a significant victory that lowered the standard of liability under Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act in the Ninth Circuit. Thereafter, our firm successfully preserved this victory by obtaining dismissal of a writ of certiorari as improvidently granted at the United States Supreme Court. Emulex Corp. v. Varjabedian, 139 S. Ct. 1407 (2019). Also, over the years the firm has recovered or secured over a dozen cash common funds for shareholders in mergers & acquisitions class action cases.

If you owned common stock in the Company and wish to obtain additional information and protect your investments free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan E. Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

Contact:

Juan E. Monteverde, Esq.

MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC

The Empire State Building

350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4405

New York, NY 10118

United States of America

[email protected]

Tel: (212) 971-1341

Attorney Advertising. (C) 2021 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

SOURCE Monteverde & Associates PC

Related Links

http://www.monteverdelaw.com


The second G20 Culture Ministerial Meeting (CMM) has taken place in Rome, building on the success of the Saudi-led initiative inaugurated under its presidency last year.

A Ministerial Declaration on culture will be adopted by the G20 members. It is expected that Ministers will agree to strengthen rules combatting illicit trafficking of cultural property and give greater prominence to the role of culture as a driver of climate action, particularly the preservation of cultural heritage. They are also likely to promise greater investment in culture-related education, training, employment and provide greater access to culture online.

In a statement following the meeting, UNESCO celebrated the expected outcomes: "Italy has taken important steps with a view to integrating culture on a permanent basis in the G20 This dynamic is in line with the historic advance achieved at the initiative of Saudi Arabia, which put culture on the G20's agenda in 2020."

The CMM is a high-level platform intended to tackle issues of critical importance to the global cultural and creative economy, which is estimated to be worth US$2.3 trillion. The addition of a cultural pillar to the G20 agenda boosts a sector affected by the pandemic more than most, given that G20 members represent 60% of the world's population and 80% of global GDP.

The Kingdom was represented by HH Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture, who said:

"Saudi Arabia celebrates the return of culture to the annual G20 Agenda, recognizing the importance of culture in advancing the G20 mission for greater global economic cooperation. We thank our Italian hosts for building on the momentum generated in Riyadh last year.

"For the last two years, G20 members have discussed the critical importance of culture  its preservation and development  as a driver of economic growth.

"Saudi Arabia is seeing the benefits firsthand as we undergo a cultural transformation across the Kingdom  from the addition of the Hima Cultural Area as our sixth UNESCO World Heritage Site, to celebrating home-grown talent on the global stage at world renowned events, such as the Venice Biennale and Cannes Film Festival."

Saudi Arabia, which is undergoing a cultural transformation as part of Vison 2030, has made great strides towards preserving and developing its cultural sector. This includes developing a world-leading center to preserve underwater cultural heritage in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf Region, announced at last year's CMM, the establishment of new cultural festivals throughout the Kingdom, and the creation of new support ecosystems for Saudi creatives.

Saudi Arabia is also supporting other multilateral efforts to conserve global culture. In 2019, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UNESCO to contribute $25 million to the preservation of heritage worldwide. The Kingdom invests in initiatives that will enhance international cooperation for research and capacity building, education, training and to explore the tremendous potential of digitalization in the cultural sector.

Notes to Editors:

UNESCO

- UNESCO statement: G20 adopts Culture Declaration for the first time .

SOURCE Saudi Arabia Ministry of Culture
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Continued execution of M7's integrated B2B and B2C business model drives ongoing enhancement of California's cannabis supply chain

M7 reports ongoing strategic review

--

IRVINE, Calif., July 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ManifestSeven Holdings Corporation (CSE: MSVN; OTCMKTS: MNFSF) ("M7" or the "Company"), California's first integrated omnichannel platform for legal cannabis, today announced financial results for its fiscal second quarter ended May 31, 2021. M7's second-quarter financial results reflect the continued demand for the Company's integrated regulated operationsits business-to-business and direct-to-consumer divisions, respectively, Highlanders Distribution and Wedenwhich seamlessly integrate the cannabis supply chain directly with end-users in major metropolitan markets throughout California.

All financial information in this press release is provided in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Second Quarter 2021 Fiscal Quarter Financial Highlights

Generated consolidated revenue of $3.8 million during the second fiscal quarter, in line with consolidated revenue of $3.8 million during the first fiscal quarter. During the second fiscal quarter, M7 continued to place a greater emphasis on generating revenue from its regulated operations, with regulated product sales increasing by 4% quarter-over-quarter and expected to yield greater long-term revenue growth.

during the second fiscal quarter, in line with consolidated revenue of during the first fiscal quarter. During the second fiscal quarter, M7 continued to place a greater emphasis on generating revenue from its regulated operations, with regulated product sales increasing by 4% quarter-over-quarter and expected to yield greater long-term revenue growth. Reported consolidated gross profit of $1.2 million during the second first quarter, representing an increase of 10% from $1.1 million during the first fiscal quarter. The increase in gross profit is primarily attributable to a shift in product mix from ancillary to regulated products, as described above.

during the second first quarter, representing an increase of 10% from during the first fiscal quarter. The increase in gross profit is primarily attributable to a shift in product mix from ancillary to regulated products, as described above. The Company's gross profit margin increased from 30% during the first fiscal quarter to 33% during the second fiscal quarter, with gross profit margin for the Company's regulated segment increasing from 30% to 34% quarter-over-quarter. The Company expects gross profit as a percentage of revenue to fluctuate going forward as the Company continues to implement its business model and further refine its product mix.

M7 continued to optimize its cost structure, resulting in operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization and stock-based compensation expense) of $2.7 million during the fiscal second quarter, representing a decrease of 23% from $3.5 million during the first fiscal quarter.

Operational Highlights and Key Updates Subsequent to the Quarter

M7 entered into two key agreements related to Highlanders that are collectively expected to result in significant operational synergies and maximize the Company's ability to monetize its regulated distribution infrastructure by generating incremental and accretive revenue and optimizing operating margins, including:

In May 2021 , M7 entered into a Consulting Agreement with an established third-party broker of bulk regulated products to carry out bulk wholesale distribution operations on behalf of Highlanders, which is expected to provide the Company with consistent sources of raw materials through relationships with some of California's leading licensed cultivators and manufacturers and generate significant cross-sell opportunities with Highlanders' finished goods distribution operations; and

, M7 entered into a Consulting Agreement with an established third-party broker of bulk regulated products to carry out bulk wholesale distribution operations on behalf of Highlanders, which is expected to provide the Company with consistent sources of raw materials through relationships with some of leading licensed cultivators and manufacturers and generate significant cross-sell opportunities with Highlanders' finished goods distribution operations; and

In July 2021 , the Company entered into a Master Services Agreement with a licensed third-party cannabis distribution company, focused primarily on the rapidly-growing beverage product category, to carry out finished goods distribution operations on behalf of Highlanders, which is expected to consolidate a client portfolio that includes some of California's highest selling beverage products, a database of nearly 400 active licensed retailers throughout California , and a robust fleet consisting of 16 distribution vehicles, allowing for efficient statewide long-haul transportation and last-mile fulfillment of regulated products.

, the Company entered into a Master Services Agreement with a licensed third-party cannabis distribution company, focused primarily on the rapidly-growing beverage product category, to carry out finished goods distribution operations on behalf of Highlanders, which is expected to consolidate a client portfolio that includes some of highest selling beverage products, a database of nearly 400 active licensed retailers throughout , and a robust fleet consisting of 16 distribution vehicles, allowing for efficient statewide long-haul transportation and last-mile fulfillment of regulated products. The Company announced that it has initiated a strategic review process to explore, review and evaluate a broad range of potential alternatives for M7 focused on maximizing shareholder value.

The Company is evaluating options around its strategic direction and drivers, operations and operating model, geographic footprint, value-driven elements of the supply chain, and resourcing.

The Company has modified the terms of certain of its secured promissory notes, eliminating principal or interest payments due until the maturity date. In addition, the Company continues to work closely with its other major creditors, vendors, and landlords as it pursues a range of strategic and financing alternatives.

Management Commentary

Sturges Karban, M7's Chief Executive Officer, commented, "M7's launch into 2021 demonstrated that our commitment to integrating our B2B and B2C operations into a singular, statewide cannabis superhighway has yielded a reliable, scalable, and frictionless commercial platform capable of supporting the legal cannabis industry's increasing demand for distribution, retail, and delivery solutions. In this most recent quarter, M7 continued to build upon its focused strategy by further developing Highlanders' distribution capabilities and strengthening the business processes and practices across the Company's integrated regulated operations."

Karban added, "While we work to maximize the organic growth potential of the regulated infrastructure we have developed across California, the world's largest and most vibrant cannabis market, we also continue to evaluate potential acquisitions and joint ventures to expand M7's market share, while also enhancing its bottom line. As we look to the second half of 2021, we see significant opportunities to grow the physical and commercial footprint of our core B2B and B2C operations in California and, eventually, outside of our home state, as well."

About ManifestSeven Holdings Corporation

ManifestSeven Holdings Corporation (CSE: MSVN; OTCMKTS: MNFSF) ("M7" or the "Company") disrupts the California cannabis landscape by seamlessly integrating proprietary distribution, retail, and delivery operations into a unified statewide platform that supports compliant and efficient commerce, both for cannabis enterprises and consumers. M7 offers local on-demand delivery through a growing portfolio of delivery hubs and storefront dispensaries in the state's major metropolitan markets through its direct-to-consumer division, Weden. Through its business-to-business division, Highlanders Distribution, the Company provides a comprehensive suite of commercial and compliant services to licensed cannabis cultivators, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers operating throughout California. M7's 1-800-CANNABIS portal ties the Company's integrated operations together with a centralized gateway through which businesses and consumers can access M7's comprehensive suite of products and solutions. M7 is a publicly listed company on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") trading under the ticker symbol "MSVN". Additional information is available under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

For the latest news, activities, and media coverage, please visit www.manifest7.com . To receive Company updates and be added to the email distribution list, please sign up here .

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND STATEMENTS:

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs and assumptions regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control. This forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions made by management and other factors used by management in developing such information. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, regulatory actions, market prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information and statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice.

The Company's securities referred to in this press release have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws. Accordingly, the Company's securities may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any Company's securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful.

No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE ManifestSeven

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This is the story of one of many rangers around the globe whose hard work is celebrated on World Ranger Day on July 31.

HARARE, Zimbabwe, July 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ranger Margaret Darawanda has not looked back since she joined the International Anti-Poaching Foundation's all-female Akashinga conservation program that is expanding its footprint across southern Africa, protecting the natural world.

The International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF), founded by former Australian special forces soldier Damien Mander, is inching closer towards its goal of deploying 1,000 Akashinga rangers across 20 reserves throughout the region by 2026.

Meet Margaret Darawanda, a Dedicated Akashinga Ranger on World Ranger Day: Akashinga ranger Margaret Darawanda (right) on patrol in Phundundu Wildlife Area, Zimbabwe.

Last month, 25 new rangers graduated from basic training, and in early September they will be joined by 46 more, enabling three reserves under IAPF management to begin receiving full and regular patrols.

Ms Darawanda, 24, who was part of the first intake of Akashinga rangers to start patrolling Phundundu Wildlife Area in the Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe in 2017, said: "I think it's a special thing protecting something that cannot protect itself."

After completing her training, Ms Darawanda soon found her stride patrolling, collecting and keeping records, tracking and arresting poachers, investigating and educating the local community about the importance of wildlife. She has also become the proud breadwinner for her entire family who live in the nearby village of Nyamakate - her widowed mother, her two-year-old daughter and her four siblings, some of whom have families of their own.

The opportunity to become a ranger came when the IAPF moved into her area just after she completed high school, and while she acknowledges there are hardships with her role as a ranger, it can also be very rewarding. "I just loved that day when we rescued a lion from a snare ... it was not that badly hurt as it only had its leg caught, but because it was not able to free itself, we had to help it. It had been there a day."

She has also been amazed at the amount of wildlife that has returned to the area since the Akashinga began patrols - it was unheard of to see elephant, leopard and hippo four years ago, but now they are regularly sighted. "It's very different from when we started. You'd see maybe old elephant dung, or old animal spoors meaning there were not a lot of animals active in the area, and we would only see a few of the smaller antelope."

Mr Mander said rangers form the first and last line of defence for nature, and at a time when Covid-19 had brought civilization to its knees as a direct result of the way that humanity treats the natural world, the importance of a ranger and the role they fulfil in society had never been more prominently highlighted. "We need to be giving an increased amount of focus as a global community into the protection of nature and rangers are at the front of that fight," Mr Mander said.

"For the IAPF, every day is World Ranger Day as we deploy hundreds of rangers out protecting nature in some of the most remote and hostile locations on the African continent," he said. "But for the rest of the world, today is a day to come together and celebrate the hard work and often thankless task that these rangers perform on behalf of all of us."

For more information CONTACT: [email protected] or visit https://www.iapf.org

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Meet Margaret Darawanda, a Dedicated Akashinga Ranger on World Ranger Day

Akashinga ranger Margaret Darawanda (right) on patrol in Phundundu Wildlife Area, Zimbabwe.

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SOURCE International Anti-Poaching Foundation
NEW YORK, July 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Churchill Capital Corp IV (NYSE: CCIV) between January 11, 2021 and February 22, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important August 30, 2021 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Churchill Capital securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Churchill Capital class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2083.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than August 30, 2021. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose: (1) Atieva, Inc. d/b/a Lucid Motors' ("Lucid") inability to produce cars in the first half of 2021; (2) Lucid's actual timeframe to produce cars; and (3) that as a result, defendants' public statements and statements to journalists were materially false and/or misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Churchill Capital class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2083.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

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www.rosenlegal.com



SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

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NEW YORK, July 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

Juan Monteverde, founder and managing partner at Monteverde & Associates PC, a national securities firm rated Top 50 in the 2018-2020 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report and headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City, is investigating Covanta Holding Corp. ("CVA" or the "Company") (NYSE: CVA) relating to its proposed acquisition by EQT Infrastructure. Under the terms of the agreement, CVA shareholders will receive $20.25 in cash per share.

The investigation focuses on whether Covanta Holding Corp. and its Board of Directors violated securities laws and/or breached their fiduciary duties to the Company by 1) failing to conduct a fair process, and 2) whether the transaction is properly valued.

Click here for more information: https://www.monteverdelaw.com/case/covanta-holding-corp. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

About Monteverde & Associates PC

We are a national class action securities litigation law firm that has recovered millions of dollars and is committed to protecting shareholders from corporate wrongdoing. We were listed in the Top 50 in the 2018-2020 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. Our lawyers have significant experience litigating Mergers & Acquisitions and Securities Class Actions. Mr. Monteverde is recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in Securities Litigation in 2013, 2017-2019, an award given to less than 2.5% of attorneys in a particular field. He has also been selected by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2017-2020 Top Rated Lawyer. Our firm's recent successes include changing the law in a significant victory that lowered the standard of liability under Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act in the Ninth Circuit. Thereafter, our firm successfully preserved this victory by obtaining dismissal of a writ of certiorari as improvidently granted at the United States Supreme Court. Emulex Corp. v. Varjabedian, 139 S. Ct. 1407 (2019). Also, in 2019 we recovered or secured six cash common funds for shareholders in mergers & acquisitions class action cases.

If you own common stock in the Company and wish to obtain additional information and protect your investments free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan E. Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

Contact:

Juan E. Monteverde, Esq.

MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC

The Empire State Building

350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4405

New York, NY 10118

United States of America

[email protected]

Tel: (212) 971-1341

Attorney Advertising. (C) 2021 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

SOURCE Monteverde & Associates PC

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Bengaluru, July 31 : In view of the alarming situation in the state in the backdrop of a spurt in the number of Covid cases in the neighbouring districts of Kerala, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has called a high-level meeting on Saturday evening.

The meeting is scheduled at Chief Minister's official residence, Krishna, after Bommai returns from New Delhi.

The Chief Minister will also hold a video conference with the deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, Zilla panchayat CEOs, health and family welfare department officers of Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Udupi, Chamarajanagar and Mysuru districts which share borders with Kerala.

Chikkamagalur district officers will also be addressed in a video conference.

He will also hold meetings with the authorities of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to monitor the situation in Bengaluru.

He will further take stock of the situation in Shivamogga, the home district of former chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa.

Meanwhile, BBMP has given strict orders to implement its orders to seal the residential areas including apartments where more than three cases are being reported.

In Mahadevapura zone, which includes International Tech Park (ITPL), the major IT hub of the city, this order is already in place due to rising Covid cases. Mahadevapura zone Joint Commissioner Venkatachalapathy has already issued a notification in this connection.

Seal downs have been implemented in various apartment complexes in Horamavu, Hoodi, Varthur, Bellandur till August 7.

The authorities carried a door-to-door campaign after 20 Covid cases were reported from the Kaveripura ward in the Yelahanka zone. Health department officials have also gone with Asha workers to check on first and secondary contacts in these areas.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Tokyo, July 31 : Star American gymnast Simone Biles has opted out of the vault and uneven bars finals in artistic gymnastics to be held on Sunday at the Tokyo Olympics. The 24-year-old is still not ready to compete as she is dealing with 'the twisties', as per her Instagram stories on Friday.

Twisties are defined as a sudden inability to feel comfortable while twisting in mid-air. It means that the rhythm is off and the gymnast's mind won't allow the body to complete a particular trick.

The announcement was made by USA Gymnastics through their Twitter handle on Saturday. Simone has qualified for the floor exercise final on Monday followed by the balance beam final on Tuesday. A decision on her availability for the two events is yet to be decided.

"Today, after further consultation with medical staff, Simone Biles has decided to withdraw from the event finals for vault and the uneven bars. She will continue to be evaluated daily to determine whether to compete in the finals for floor exercise and balance beam. We remain in awe of Simone, who continues to handle this situation with courage and grace, and all of the athletes who have stepped up during these unexpected circumstances," read the statement from USA Gymnastics.

Simone will be replaced in the vault final by her team-mate MyKayla Skinner. MyKayla was fourth in qualifying for the vault. But with Simone and Jade Carey ahead of her in scores and a two-gymnasts-per-final rule meant that she missed out on the final.

With Simone's withdrawal, MyKayla gets a chance to end her gymnastics career on a high. "Looks like I get to put a competition Leo on just one more time. Can't wait to compete in vault finals. Doing this for us @Simone_Biles (red heart emoji) It's go time baby!" wrote an excited 24-year-old on Twitter.

Simone's spot in the uneven bars final will be filled by the first reserve Melanie de Jesus dos Santos of France.

Projected as the biggest star of the Tokyo Olympics, Simone was tipped to be at her best after winning four gold medals in the 2016 Rio Olympics. But the six-time Olympic medallist sat out from the final of the team event on Tuesday and the individual all-around final on Thursday due to mental health concerns.

Latest updates on Tokyo Olympics 2020
Chennai, July 31 : The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has ordered closure of nine markets and commercial establishments where large number of people gather, till August 9, 2021, starting from Saturday.

The market closure is to prevent the spread of the coronavirus which in turn would impact the livelihood of the people.

The nine markets that are ordered to be closed are: Ranganathan Street till Mambalam railway station; Purasawalkam - Doveton Junction to Brickklin Road Junction, Bharathi Salai Ratna Cafe Junction to Bells Road Junction; Fakir Sahib Street, Habibullah Street, Pulipone Bazaar, NSC Bose Road-Kuralagam Junction to Mint Street Junction; Royapuram Kalmandapam Salai, Water Tank to Kamatchi Amman Koil, Aminjikarai police outpost to Pulla Avenue Thiru Vi Ka Park Junction, and Red Hills Anjaneyar Statue to Ambedkar Statue.

According GCC, the Kothwal Chavadi market will also be closed from August 1 till August 9, 2021.

On Friday, extending the Covid-19 lockdown till August 9 without any new relaxations, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had said officials can decide on closure of places where there is large gathering of people.

Stalin also said that action can be taken against owners of shops and other establishments who do not follow the safety protocol.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Washington/Moscow, July 31 : Russian space agency Roscosmos has blamed a short-term software failure which led to erroneous engine firings by its Nauka Multipurpose Laboratory Module, docked with the International Space Station (ISS), shifting the ISS off its normal position.

On Thursday, the Russian module's thrusters unexpectedly fired hours after docking, causing the Nauka module to think it was supposed to back away from the ISS.

The space station was shoved 45 degrees off track once Nauka's thrusters started unexpected firings.

"Due to a short-term software failure, a direct command was mistakenly implemented to turn on the module's engines for withdrawal, which led to some modification of the orientation of the complex as a whole," Vladimir Solovyov, the flight director of the space station's Russian segment, said in a statement on Friday.

NASA had said it lost control of the station's positioning minutes later, but it was repositioned back to normal.

According to Solovyov, during the final rendezvous, slight fluctuations were noticed, which were eliminated by the docking system.

"At the moment, the station is in its normal orientation, all the ISS and the multipurpose laboratory module systems are operating normally. A reliable internal power and command interface was created, as well as a power supply interface that connected the module to the station," he added.

Nauka, which means 'science' in Russian, is a multipurpose module designed to carry cargo and humans to space.

The crew was now busy balancing the pressure in the Nauka module.

"This is a rather lengthy procedure, because the total volume of the module is about 70 cubic metres. The crew will open the hatches, enter the module, turn on the necessary means of purifying the atmosphere and begin normal regular work," said Solovyov.
Nairobi, July 31 : Kenya has tightened Covid-19 containment measures, including a ban on public gatherings, amid a new spike of Covid-19 cases in different parts of the country, according to a top health official.

In a statement on Friday, Mutahi Kagwe, cabinet secretary for Health, said a surging caseload in the capital Nairobi and eight other counties necessitated the ramping up of mitigation measures to avert exhaustion of public health facilities, reports Xinhua news agency.

"The number of cases in the recent days risen sharply countrywide, signaling an urgent need to review the mitigation measures put in place at the end of June 2021," Kagwe told a televised news conference in Nairobi.

He said 13 western Kenyan counties that were late May declared coronavirus hotspots have been recording a sustained decrease in the number of infections and fatalities thanks to the imposition of stringent containment measures.

Kagwe said rising infections in Nairobi and counties located in central, eastern and coastal parts of the country were linked to the Delta variant.

He said that other measures in addition to a ban on public gatherings include remote work in the public and public sectors.

Kagwe said that in-person worship will be limited to one-third of sitting capacity in a given venue while members of the public are encouraged to wear masks, maintain physical distance and observe hygiene to help tame the virus' spread.

He said night curfew hours will be observed from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. countrywide until further notice as the government intensifies vaccination as part of pandemic containment measures.

Kagwe urged teachers to be vaccinated to avert disruption of the school calendar.

He urged devolved units to install oxygen plants, establish critical care infrastructure, isolation centres besides ramping up testing capacity to boost their resilience in the wake of new Covid-19 upticks.

Kenya's Covid-19 caseload currently stood at 201,954, while the death toll rose to 3,926.

According to the Ministry of Health, about 2.4 per cent of Kenyan adults are fully vaccinated.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
New Delhi, July 31 : He has redefined high-octane action entertainers with his death-defying stunts, power-packed performances and sprinkle of laughter with witty lines. Filmmaker Rohit Shetty, who has given a new meaning to action cinema agrees that the genre in Hindi cinema has immensely evolved.

Rohit, who currently awaits the release of his film 'Sooryavanshi' told IANS: "It has evolved a lot especially because of the exposure to the west. We have technicians from all over the world coming to India and working in our films. The same team who worked in Cape Town on 'Fear Factor' have done a lot of stunts with me in my films as well." The 48-year-old filmmaker, who has given a gamut of hit franchises such as 'Golmaal', 'Singham', films like 'Simmba' and 'Chennai Express', added: "Because of the kind of budgets with which we operate and the evolution of the CGI technology, our action has definitely evolved a lot in a good measure." Shetty has had a track record of his masala entertainers featuring Bollywood biggies such as Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Shah Rukh Khan being super-hits at the box-office.

Talking about how he has managed to have a 100 per cent hit track record with all his films, Shetty has no clue.

He laughed: "That I really don't know." The filmmaker, who was a stunt double for actor Akshay Kumar in the movie 'Suhaag', just feels he is "lucky".

"All I can say is that I am blessed and that I am lucky that they (the audience) like my films and I am thankful to them that I have reached here today," he added.

Shetty has always pushed the envelope when it has come to his films. He has dabbled in action, comedy and even sprinkled romance on his movies.

He does not have a favourite genre as he says he just enjoys shooting.

"I enjoy shooting; be it films or 'Khatron Ke Khiladi'. I only work when I am going to enjoy doing that otherwise I won't do it," he said.

Asked his mantra to handle difficult people and situations calmly, Shetty shared: "I think one has to adapt and realise that everybody is not going to be on the same page as you are. One also has to be patient with everyone because every individual is different where thinking is concerned." He shared that being patient is the key.

"It is also important to know how well people are trained when it comes to action. As far as Khatron Ke Khiladi is concerned, the contestants are not trained for action, so you need to keep that in mind and be very calm," he said.

The filmmaker is currently seen hosting the 11th season of 'Khatron Ke Khiladi' on Colors.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
July 31 : The first official trailer for House of Gucci is finally out, and this one stars an all star ensemble of Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Jeremy Irons, Salma Hayek and Al Pacino in the lead roles.

The biographical crime drama is directed by Ridley Scott, based on the 2001 book The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed by Sara Gay Forden.

It stars Lady Gaga in the role of Patrizia Reggiani, who was tried and convicted of orchestrating the assassination of her ex-husband and former head of the Gucci fashion house Maurizio Gucci, portrayed by Adam Driver.

The film chronicles the shocking true story of the family empire behind the Italian fashion brand of Gucci. Spanning three decades of love, betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately murder, we see what a name means, what its worth, and how far a family will go for control.

The film is set in 1995 and depicts the events and aftermath of the murder of Maurizio Gucci, Italian businessman and head of the fashion house Gucci, by his ex-wife Patrizia Reggiani.

Filming took place from February to May 2021 in various parts of Italy. House of Gucci is scheduled to be released in the United States on November 24, 2021, by United Artists Releasing.
Mumbai, July 31 : IL&FS has sought request for proposals to sell the stake of IL&FS Energy Development Company Ltd (IEDCL) in Shendra Green Energy Ltd (SGEL).

SGEL is a 100 per cent subsidiary of IEDCL.

In an advertisement, IL&FS has said that LSI Financial Services Pvt Ltd is the transaction advisor to IL&FS for the potential transaction.

SGEL is a 13 MW biomass-based power with 21.6 acres of land, incorporated on February 18, 2005 and is situated in Shendra MIDC Aurangabad, Maharashtra.

The company had signed PPA with Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) for 13 years on October 12, 2006 and started commercial operation on December 7, 2008. Currently the plant is not in operation since June 2015.

On April 20, 2016, the Company had notified MSEDCL to terminate the PPA IL&FS said that the eligible applicants have to submit the RFP by 6 p.m., August 30, 2021.

"IL&FS reserves the right to suspend, modify or terminate the potential transaction at any time without providing any reason or incurring any liability to any party," the advertisement said.
San Francisco, July 31 : Micro-blogging site Twitter has detailed a new bounty competition that offers prizes of up to $3,500 for showing biases in its automatic image crops.

The winning teams will receive cash prizes via HackerOne -- $3,500 for the winner, $1,000 for second place, $500 for third place $1,000 each for Most Innovative and Most Generalisable.

"In May, we shared our approach to identifying bias in our saliency algorithm (also known as our image cropping algorithm), and we made our code available for others to reproduce our work," Rumman Chowdhury, Director, Software Engineering at Twitter, said in a blog post on Friday.

"We want to take this work a step further by inviting and incentivising the community to help identify potential harms of this algorithm beyond what we identified ourselves," Chowdhury added.

According to Chowdhury, they are inspired by how the research and hacker communities helped the security field establish best practices for identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities to protect the public.

"We want to cultivate a similar community, focused on ML ethics, to help us identify a broader range of issues than we would be able to on our own," Chowdhury said.

"With this challenge, we aim to set a precedent at Twitter, and in the industry, for proactive and collective identification of algorithmic harms," Chowdhury added.

For this challenge, Twitter said they are re-sharing their saliency model and the code used to generate a crop of an image given a predicted maximally salient point and asking participants to build their assessment.

Successful entries will consider both quantitative and qualitative methods in their approach.

All participants must enroll with HackerOne to make a valid submission; anyone with a HackerOne account may participate in this challenge.

Thr winners will be announced at the DEF CON AI Village workshop hosted by Twitter on August 8, where Twitter will invite the winners to present their work.
New Delhi, July 31 : The twelfth round of top commanders-level talks between India and China are underway at Moldo on the Chinese side in the Ladakh region on Saturday.

The talks are happening after a gap of three months. Indian military delegates are discussing disengagement at friction areas like Hot Springs, Gogra and 900 square km Depsang plains.

Indian delegation is led by Leh-based XIV Corps chief Lt Gen P.G.K. Menon and Additional Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Naveen Srivastava.

The Chinese military delegation is led by Commander of the PLA's Western Theatre Command Xu Qiling, who was appointed earlier this month.

The build-up in Depsang was not being considered part of the current standoff that started in May last year as escalation here took place in 2013. India has insisted during recent military commander meetings to resolve all issues across the Line of Actual Control.

"The initial attempt will be to resolve Gogra and Hot Springs. Finding a solution to Depsang might be tricky and take longer," said the officer.

In April, during 11th round of Corps Commander level talk, the focus was disengagement on friction points at Gogra, Hot Springs and Depsang. On February 20, Indian and Chinese militaries held 10th round of dialogue to de-escalate tension at the Line of Actual Control.

Till now, apart from 11 round of Corps Commanders-level talks, the two forces have also held 10 Major Generals level, 55 Brigadiers-level talks and 1,450 calls over the hotlines.

China has been enhancing military infrastructure across the Line of Control.

Looking at it, India has changed its posture towards China, unlike its previous defensive approach that placed a premium on fending on Chinese aggression, India is now catering to military options to strike back and has reoriented its military accordingly.

India has reoriented around 50,000 troops whose main focus will be the disputed border with China. The reorientation comes when China is refurbishing its existing air-fields in Tibetan Plateau that will allow twin-engines fighter aircraft to be stationed, sources said.

In addition, China has also brought troops from the Tibet Military region to the Xinjiang region that passes through Karakoram range down south Uttarakhand.

Further, they have deployed larger numbers of long range artillery and are rapidly building infrastructure in the Tibetan Plateau.

So far, the troops of two Himalayan giants have disengaged from both the banks of Pangong Tso in February this year.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Istanbul, July 31 : Turkey's largest city Istanbul has banned entrances to its forest areas because of the increasing fire danger.

Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya announced on Twitter on Friday that the ban would be effective until August 31 as the city is on high alert for high temperatures with strong winds, reports Xinhua news agency.

"It is forbidden to enter the forests, take a stop in and around, and have a picnic," Yerlikaya said.

Local authorities in many other provinces have taken similar restrictions given the ongoing wildfires across the country.

The deadline for the ban has been extended until September in some regions.

Turkey has been battling multiple blazes in more than 20 provinces since Wednesday, which has so far claimed at least four lives and left over 180 others injured.

Firemen have been trying hard to control the blaze in the coastal town of Marmaris in the Mugla province.

A highway that connects Marmaris with Datca, Mugla's another resort town, was closed to traffic after the flames intensified, press reports said.

Marmaris Mayor Mehmet Oktay called on residents not to take the roads unless it is "absolutely" necessary for medical teams and fire extinguishing vehicles.
Tel Aviv, July 31 : Israel has decided to ban its citizens from travelling to the UK, Georgia, Cyprus and Turkey over concerns of the high level of Covid-19 morbidity reported in the four countries, the Ministries of Health and Transport said in a joint statement.

According to the statement, the ban came into force on Friday, reports Xinhua news agency.

Israel has already banned its citizens and permanent residents from travelling to Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, India, Mexico, Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Spain and Kyrgyzstan unless they can obtain special permission from an exception committee.

In addition, inbound passengers from these countries, including recovered and vaccinated ones, must enter an immediate seven-day quarantine.

Israel has issued a severe travel warning to 18 other countries, from which passengers are required to enter a quarantine upon arrival as well.
Srinagar, July 31 : A top Pakistani terrorist commander belonging to proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed was among the two terrorists killed in an early morning encounter between terrorists and security forces at Nagberan-Tarsar forest area of South Kashmir's Pulwama district, officials said on Saturday.

"Top most Pakistani terrorist affiliated with proscribed terror outfit JeM Lamboo killed in today's encounter. Identification of second terrorist being ascertained," police said.

Earlier the firefight between terrorists and security the forces took place after a joint team of the police and the army cordoned off the area and launched a search operation on the basis of specific information about the presence of terrorists.

As the security forces zeroed in on the spot where terrorists were hiding they came under a heavy volume of fire that triggered the encounter.

Meanwhile, IG Kashmir Vijay Kumar has congratulated the army and the police for the successful anti-terror operation.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Amaravati, July 31 : Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and former chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday met the family members of Devineni Uma Maheshwara Rao to extend solidarity and console them.

Rao is currently under arrest for allegedly perpetrating an attack on YSRCP leaders in Krishna district.

Naidu said Rao has been targeted because he exposed the alleged illegal mining by the ruling party leaders at Gaddamanugu in Krishna district.

He said the ruling party leaders are not confident of coming back to power in 2024, which is prompting them to loot as much as possible.

The former CM warned of retaliation to the YSRCP leaders in the future.

Meanwhile, TDP national general secretary Nara Lokesh said that the alleged illegal mining activities of YSRCP leaders are getting unravelled one by one.

He alleged that under the mask of mining laterite, Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy's relatives are mining bauxite.

Lokesh said he will not rest until he exposes the alleged YSRCP mining mafia and ensure that the culprits go behind bars.
New Delhi, July 31 : The Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) of China is using heavy machine guns, a rocket launcher and mortar bombs to train troops in the Tibet region.

As per media reports, in the hinterland of the plateau, a certain brigade of the Tibet Military Region is training troops.

Reportedly, the officers and soldiers have crossed the muddy mountains to reach the target area.

They utilised weapons such as heavy machine guns, bazookas, and mortars for the battle scenario training.

More than 10,000 China, Russia soldiers to attend joint drill in Ningxia, SCMP reported.

The announcement from Beijing comes amid deteriorating relations between both countries and the US.

The exercise, scheduled for early August, will 'consolidate cooperation' and 'maintain regional peace'.

Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian said on Thursday that the exercise in China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region would take place in early August.

The move comes as both countries face a deteriorating relationship with the US.

"The purpose of this exercise is to consolidate and develop a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between China and Russia," Wu said during a regular press briefing in Beijing.

"It will also further demonstrate the determination and ability of both sides to combat terrorist forces and jointly maintain regional peace and security." The report said Wu said Chinese troops will come mostly from the Western Theatre Command, China's largest military area, which oversees regions including Xinjiang and Tibet. Russian troops will be from the Eastern Military District.

A joint command centre will be established and exercises will focus on aircraft, artillery and armoured equipment.

There will also be training to improve joint reconnaissance, early warnings, electronic and information attacks and joint strikes.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday after a meeting in Tajikistan with his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe that Russia had accepted an invitation from China to take part.

"We have found new forms of cooperation through joint efforts and continued to carry out effective cooperation," he said, according to Russia's state-owned news agency Sputnik.

Shoigu and Wei met on the side-lines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
United Nations, July 31 : Martin Griffiths, the new UN emergency relief coordinator, visited a site for internally displaced people in Ethiopia's conflict-hit Tigray region, a spokesperson said.

During the visit on Friday, humanitarian partners of the world organisation briefed Griffiths on his first mission as the relief chief, said Eri Kaneko, associate spokeswoman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Griffiths also met people affected by the crisis.

"According to our humanitarian partners, an estimated 5.2 million people need assistance in Tigray," she told reporters at a regular briefing.

The Unicef estimates that more than 100,000 children in Tigray could suffer from life-threatening severe acute malnutrition in the next 12 months, a tenfold increase compared to the average annual caseload.

"This malnutrition crisis is taking place amid extensive, systematic damage to the food, health, nutrition, water and sanitation systems and services that children and their families depend on for their survival," it said.

"The risk of disease outbreak is high, particularly in the overcrowded, unsanitary sites hosting displaced families." Alice Wairimu Nderitu, the UN special adviser to the Secretary-General on the prevention of genocide, expressed alarm at ethnic violence in Ethiopia and reports of serious human rights violations and abuses, including alleged sexual violence, recruitment of child soldiers, arbitrary arrests and ethnic-based targeted killings committed by all parties.

She also condemned inflammatory statements used by top political leaders and associated armed groups.

"Such dynamics in the current socio-politico context, characterized by deep-seated ethnic tensions across the country, constitute a dangerous trajectory in the direction of further pulling communities apart," Nderitu said in a statement.

Since the early hours of November 4, 2020, the Ethiopian government launched military operations against the TLPF after the latter rejected political reforms and captured army bases.

The fierce fighting between the two sides has left thousands of people dead.

More than two million have been displaced and 350,000 pushed towards famine.
Santiago, July 31 : Chile has fully vaccinated 80 per cent of the target population against Covid-19, Health Minister Enrique Paris announced.

"We have reached 80 per cent of the target population with a complete vaccination scheme... We congratulate Chileans because this is everyone's achievement," the official told the media.

So far, 24,750,738 vaccine doses have been administered in the South American country.

"We must continue with the vaccination process, the vaccines will continue to arrive," he said, adding that everyone needs to "always maintain self-care measures".

The target population defined by the Chilean government is 15.2 million people, with 86 per cent having received single and first doses while 80 per cent having been fully vaccinated.

To date, Chile has registered a total od 1,614,629 Covid-19 cases and 35,366 deaths.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Srinagar, July 31 : A top Pakistani terrorist commander of the Jaish-e-Mohammad and a relative of JeM chief Masood Azhar was one of the terrorists killed in an early morning encounter between militants and security forces in South Kashmir's Pulwama district, officials said on Saturday.

"Top most Pakistani terrorist affiliated with proscribed terror outfit JeM, Lamboo, killed in today's encounter. Identification of second terrorist being ascertained," police said.

Police said Mohd. Ismal Alvi, alias Lamboo, was family member of Masood Azhar and was involved in conspiring in the February 2019 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

"Mohd Ismal Alvi, alias Lamboo, alias Adnan, was from family of Masood Azhar. He was involved in conspiracy and planning of Lethpora Pulwama attack and figured in charge sheet produced by NIA," police said.

The gunfight at Nagberan-Tarsar forest area took place after a joint team of the police and the army cordoned off the area and launched a search operation on the basis of specific information about presence of terrorists.

As the security forces zeroed in on the spot where terrorists were hiding they came under a heavy volume of fire that triggered the encounter.

IG Kashmir Vijay Kumar has congratulated the army and police for the successful anti-terror operation.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Beijing, July 31 : China's Yunnan province has reported nine imported coronavirus cases with no new infection in the community, the local health commission said Saturday.

All of the imported cases arrived in Yunnan from Myanmar through land checkpoints on July 29, Xinhua news agency reported.

They tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday while under quarantine, the commission said.

As of Saturday, there were 371 infected patients still hospitalised in Yunnan, including 60 locally transmitted cases.

There were also 27 asymptomatic cases, including two locally transmitted.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guwahati/Aizawl, July 31 : In response to the Mizoram police's FIR against him in connection to the inter-state border skirmish, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said that he is ready to join any probe on the issue.

Besides Sarma, who is accused of "attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy", six other officials, including an IG, DIG and Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Cachar district, were named in the FIR lodged at the Vairengte police station on July 26.

In response to the FIR, which also included 200 unidentified Assam Police personnel, Sarma said in a tweet: "Will be very happy to join in any investigation. But why the case is not being handed over to a neutral agency, especially when the place of occurrence is well within the constitutional territory of Assam? Have already conveyed this to Zoramthanga CM ji." The Assam Police has also issued summons to Mizoram's Rajya Sabha member K. Vanlalvena and six state officials for their alleged role in the July 26 border violence, which left six of its personnel dead and over 100 people from both states injured, officials said on Friday.

Officials in Guwahati said that an eight-member police team, also comprising CID officials, went to Delhi on Thursday to serve the police summons to Vanlalvena.

But they could not find him at his residence or at the Mizoram Bhavan in Delhi and pasted the summons on the doors in both the places.

The summons asked the Mizoram parliamentarian to appear before the investigating officer on Sunday.

Assam Police's Special Director General G.P. Singh said that a case has been registered at the Dholai police station over the killing of the six personnel.

Meanwhile, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga hoped for an amicable solution to the border disputes.

Zoramthanga, who earlier appealed to maintain a calm and peace along the boundaries of the two states, tweeted: "I still hope for an amicable solution to the Assam-Mizoram border tension from the Central Government." He tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and the region's six other Chief Ministers -- Prem Singh Tamang (Sikkim), N. Biren Singh (Manipur), Pema Khandu (Arunachal Pradesh), Neiphiu Rio (Nagaland), Conrad K. Sangma (Meghalaya), and Biplab Kumar Deb (Tripura).

The most violent clashes, seen so far, along the Assam-Mizoram border on July 26 left six Assam Police personnel dead and around 100 civilians and security personnel of the two neighbouring states injured, including an Inspector General of Police in Assam and Cachar Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Chandrakant Nimbalkar, who subsequently shifted to Mumbai.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Chennai, July 31 : Demanding functional autonomy and opposing privatisation, the major unions in the government owned general insurers are not buying Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's views about the reasons for the government amending the General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Act, 1972.

The unions also do not rule out a Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB) style transfer of a government insurer.

On Friday the central government brought in The General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Amendment Bill, 2021 in the Lok Sabha.

Speaking in the Parliament Sitharaman said the government is not privatising one of its general insurance companies, but bringing in enabling provisions so that there is public/common people participation in the company.

She said the private-public participation will bring in more resources from the market and for company's faster growth.

"If raising money from the public is the main reason for the amendment, then providing full functional autonomy to the company is the best option. I don't think this government is interested in full autonomy," Sanjay Jha, Secretary, Standing Committee (General Insurance), All India Insurance Employees'Association (AIIEA) told IANS.

The four PSU non-life insurers are: National Insurance Company Ltd, The New India Assurance Company Ltd (already listed), The Oriental Insurance Company Ltd and United India Insurance Company Ltd.

Sitharaman had earlier said one of the unlisted non-life insurers will be privatised.

As regards mobilising capital from the public, the two listed companies General Insurance Corporation and New India Assurance found it difficult when they came out with their initial public offer, the union officials said.

At the bourses, the scrip of New India Assurance is traded at a huge discount as compared to its private sector rival. The market discounts a PSU scrip owing to government's control.

"Who will be interested is the question. The foreign direct investment (FDI) has been increased from 49 per cent to 74 per cent. But the foreign promoters of 15 general insurers have not increased their stakes even to 49 per cent," K. Govindan, General Secretary, General Insurance Employees' All India Association (GIEAIA) told IANS.

Officials of PSU companies are open for full functional autonomy for the companies followed by an IPO if funds are needed.

The amendment bill could be for enabling the environment so that talks can be held between the central government and the potential bidders in a sincere and an efficient manner, is one view.

As to the objects of the amendment the government said: (i) to omit the proviso to section 10B of the Act so as to remove the requirement that the Central Government holds not less than fifty-one per cent. of the equity capital in a specified insurer; (ii) to insert a new section 24B providing for cessation of application of the Act to such specified insurer on and from the date on which the Central Government ceases to have control over it; and

(iii) to insert a new section 31A providing for liability of a director of specified insurer, who is not a whole-time director, in respect of such acts of omission or commission of the specified insurer which has been committed with his knowledge and with his consent.

On Friday, Sitharaman also said the private general insurers have greater penetration and raised more money from the market and therefore give a better premium for public and innovative covers. On the other hand, the government insurers are not able to perform as they are short of resources.

Responding to that Jha said: "In 2019-20 the four PSU general insurers issued about 7.33 crore policies. The numbers of last fiscal will be similar. One should compare this with the number of policies issued by the private players to calculate insurance penetration." Incidentally, low insurance penetration, more money for infrastructure, increasing competition were some of the reasons said in 2000 while opening up the sector for private participation.

According to Jha, general insurance penetration is closely linked with the economic growth (that would bring in new industrial investments, jobs) and the disposable income with an individual.

He said there is no economic growth and hence no new projects for the insurers to insure. Further the job losses and pay cuts due to Covid-19 has not left anything in the pockets of common man to look for a general insurance policy.

As regards competition and choice for the insuring public, there are now 21 general insurers and seven standalone health insurers.

"Two decades after private sector's entry, the market share of four PSU's stand at about 42 per cent and the balance is shared by 24 players," Jha said.

As regards Sitharaman's charge of private general insurers are offering insurance coverage at a lower price as compared to PSU's Govindan countered that pointing the third party premium in the motor insurance which is always on the upswing.

Govindan said only on the pressure of the private sector the third party premium is on the rise and they do not want market forces to determine the rates as in the case of other business.

Both Jha and Govindan said the industry unions would discuss and decide on the future course of action opposing the amendment bill.

Officials of both the unions will meet the Members of Parliament and seek their support in favour of PSUs.

While the unions in the PSU companies are against the government's move, they do not expect the government to do a `LVB'out of the insurer to be privatised.

In the case of LVB with huge non-performing assets and eroded networth, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the government without calling for an open bid palmed the private bank to DBS Bank.

Jha said he does not expect the government to do a LVB with an insurer but does not rule out such a thing by the centre.

The LVB shareholders did not get anything from the transfer, whereas the centre wants revenue from the sale.

The two union officials declined to comment when queried whether they would demand transfer of officials of the privatised PSU insurer to the remaining three government companies.

They said they would cross that bridge when that situation arises.

(Venkatachari Jagannathan can be contacted at v.jagannathan@ians.in)
New Delhi/Kabul, July 31 : Amid the ongoing violence in Afghanistan, the country witnessed the bloodiest day in a month as security forces repelled mass Taliban attacks on the capital cities of Herat, Helmand, Takhar, and Kandahar provinces, according to media reports.

Besides being the bloodiest, Friday was also one of the busiest days for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) in the past one month.

The media reports said the Taliban entered Herat province and launched attacks on Afghan government forces' outposts inside the namesake capital city.

The city's airport and the UN's main compound in the city came under attack by rocket-propelled grenades and gunfire "So-called 'anti-Government elements' targeted entrances of the clearly marked UN facility with rocket-propelled grenades and gunfire just hours after Taliban fighters penetrated Herat city and clashed with Afghan security forces near UNAMA's provincial headquarters," the world body said.

In this attack, an Afghan security guard was killed.

Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry said that the ANDSF launched operations during which the militans were pushed back and the district of Guzara recaptured.

The media reports also said that US Army also conducted airstrikes in support of the Afghan government forces in Herat.

On Friday, 226 Taliban insurgents were killed during the security operations.

The Ministry of Defence said the deaths were reported in Kunar, Paktia, Maidan Wardak, Kandahar, Herat, Jawzjan, Helmand, Baghlan and Kabul.

During the incidents, another 130 Taliban were wounded and a large number of their weapons were destroyed.

In the past 24 hours, the security forces has also uncovered and defused 15 Taliban-mines from insecure areas in a number of provinces.
New Delhi, July 31 : The Center has directed all the states and union territories to vaccinate homeless people and beggars who may not have resources for vaccination against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan issued an order to the chief secretaries of states and the administrators of UTs to operate special campaigns and conduct sessions by coordinating with voluntary institutions for the vaccination of such homeless, beggars, and the destitute.

The notice said: "Nationwide Covid-19 vaccination drive is people-centric and provisions have been made to make it accessible to all eligible priority groups irrespective of their socio-economic status." The administration may take the help of NGOs, and civil society organisations to carry out this task. A special session may be planned for vaccinating people of this group, the notice added.

Earlier also, Health Ministry had advised all states and union territories on May 6 to provide Covid vaccination to such groups of people like beggars, nomads; people residing in rehabilitation camps, while sharing the SOPs regarding vaccination of persons who do not possess the prescribed identity cards.

The Health Ministry has again exhorted states and union territories to take up this task on a priority basis. States and union territories have been requested to direct their concerned Departments of Social Justice and Empowerment and Health to work together to facilitate vaccination of the destitute, beggars, and vagabonds.

Meanwhile, the health ministry data said that a total of 46,15,18,479 Covid vaccine doses have been administered in India so far.

A total of 52,99,036 lakh vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours. India reported 41,649 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours with 593 deaths in that period.

The total number of samples tested so far has reached 46.64 crore as of July 31.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
New Delhi, July 31 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday exhorted new police rookies, saying: "I am confident the young IPS probationers will work beyond the police stations and HQ. They will work among the people and do their best to address their problems." Emphasizing on the need to keep police ready round the clock especially in times of technological disruptions, Modi addressing the IPS probationers said that the challenge was to prevent new types of crime with even more innovative methods.

He stressed on the need to undertake novel experiments, research and methods for cyber security.

Modi addressed the IPS probationers at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy via video conferencing. He also interacted with the new recruits during the event. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Minister of State (Home) Nityanand Rai were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister noted that coming August 15 will herald 75th anniversary of Independence. Last 75 years have seen efforts to build a better Police Service. In recent years, significant improvement has taken place in the infrastructure related to police training.

The Prime Minister exhorted the officer trainees to remember the spirit of the freedom struggle. He said the period between 1930 to 1947 saw the younger generation of our country rise in unison to achieve a great goal. He said that same feeling is expected in the youth of today, "They fought for 'Swarajya'; you have to move forward for 'Surajya'," he said.

He asked the officer trainees to remember the significance of the time they were entering into their career when "India is undergoing transformation at every level. As their first 25 years in the service are going to be critical 25 years in the life of the country when Indian republic will move from 75 years of independence to the centenary year of its independence".

Modi told the probationers that people expect a certain degree of conduct from them. He asked them to be always mindful of the dignity of their service not only in office or headquarters but beyond that too.

"You will have to be aware of all the roles in the society, you'll need to remain friendly and keep the honour of the uniform supreme," said the Prime Minister.

He reminded the officer trainees that they are the flag-bearers of 'Ek Bharat-Shreshth Bharat', therefore they should always keep the mantra of 'Nation First, Always First' foremost in their mind and it should reflect in all their activities.

In their decisions art field level they should keep national interest and national perspective in mind, said the Prime Minister.

He acknowledged the bright young women officers of the new generation and said that there have been efforts to increase the participation of women in the force.

He expressed hope "our daughters will infuse the police service with the highest standards of efficiency, accountability and will also bring in elements of politeness, ease and sensitivity".

He also mentioned that the states are working on introducing Commissioner System in the cities with more that 10 lakh population.

The system has already been introduced in many cities of 16 states. He said it is important to work collectively and sensitively to make policing effective and futuristic.

The Prime Minister paid homage to the members of the police force who lost their life while serving during the pandemic. He recalled their contribution in the fight against the pandemic.

He said that police officers from neighbouring countries, undergoing training at the academy underline the closeness and deep relation of the countries.

He said that whether it is Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives or Mauritius, we are not just neighbours but we also share lot of similarities in our thinking and social fabric.

"We are friends in times of need and whenever there is any calamity or difficulty we are the first responders for each other. This was evident during the Covid period also," he said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Islamabad, July 31 : Amid escalating bloodbath in neighbouring Afghanistan -- Pakistan, China, Russia and the US will be meeting in Doha on August 11, to discuss the security situation there and ponder on ways to prohibit the Himalayan South Asian nation from plunging into yet another civil war.

The 'Troika Plus" meeting in Doha holds great importance as Afghan Talibans continue to make major inroads and take control of parts of Afghanistan, since the start of the US and NATO forces' withdrawal.

Since the foreign forces have started exiting Afghanistan, the Asrhaf Ghani government is facing stiff resistance from the Afghan Taliban, who have been claiming control of many districts and provinces of the country.

The Taliban offensive has also put the all important intra-Afghan dialogue on the back burner as no major headway has been witnessed in the process.

The Troika Plus meeting is also important as the US is keen to have China and Russia on board on the situation in Afghanistan, despite having serious concerns against China.

It is pertinent to mention that both Russia and China, have strongly criticized the US for opting to a hasty withdrawal, blaming the American for failing to bring peace in Afghanistan. Moreover, Pakistan has also made it clear that it will neither be providing its ground bases or airspace to the US forces to operate in Afghanistan. Islamabad has also asserted that the country will not be part of any future conflict in Afghanistan.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the country is ready to have good relations with any one, who forms the government in Afghanistan.

"We will do everything short of a military option to ensure that Afghanistan situation comes to normalcy and an all inclusive government is formed. We will not be part of any conflict anymore," said Imran Khan.

Khan has also been critical of the US' withdrawal from Afghanistan, stating that the US has messed it up. And the US was now trying to achieve a solution by wanting to sit in neighbouring countries, and plan to achieve that it has failed to achieve while sitting in Afghanistan for 20 years.

In the recent meeting, China and Pakistan had told the Afghan Taliban to take action against East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), one seeking independent state for Chinese Muslims in Xinxiang and other being the outlawed proscribed terror outfit in Pakistan.

"Pakistan looks forward to the Troika Plus meeting in Doha. The meeting will review the current situation in Afghanistan," said Spokesperson to Pakistan foreign office Zahid Hafiz Chaudhri.

While countries are putting their head together to find a solution to what seems like an re-emergence of a conflict in Afghanistan; Taliban claim to have gained control of at least 85 per cent of the country's territory, which includes important border regions with Iran, China, Pakistan, Tajkistan and Turkmenistan.
New Delhi, July 31 : The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is in regular talks with Assam and Mizoram administrations over the situation amid the continued border row between the two northeast states, the officials said here on Saturday.

Admitting that the situation is tense but under control, the MHA officials said the battalions of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) patrolling the area along National Highway 306 between the two states is in full strength to prevent any further clash between the state polices.

The ministry, however, refused to comment over the issue of cross FIRs by the states in the matter.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also stepped forward on Saturday to ease the tension. Speaking about the registration of FIR against him, he said he would be "very happy to join in any investigation".

However, he questioned as to why the case was not being handed over to a neutral agency, especially when the place of occurrence was well within the constitutional territory of Assam.

He said he has conveyed the same to his Mizoram counter part Zoramthanga.

In an unprecedented move, Mizoram Police filed an FIR against Sarma in connection with the border clashes.

Sources stated that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has several times spoken to both the chief ministers over the issue and urged them to ensure that peace prevails in the region.

Earlier, the Mizoram Home Department Secretary Pi Lalbiaksangi also wrote a letter to the Additional Secretary (Northeast) Piyush Goyal in MHA complaining that that armed police personnel were being mobilised by Assam at Dholai and Hawaithang area along the inter-state border.

Citing media reports that additional enforcement of around four platoons of Assam Police Commandos have been deputed, he also requested the Union Home Ministry to issue appropriate instructions to Assam Government to refrain from such reinforcements and to pull back those contingents.

Earlier, Mizoram had written to Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla to immediately ask Assam to lift the economic blockade clamped by residents of the Barak Valley with allegedly support of the state machinery, but the Assam government had flatly denied the charges.

Clarifying on the alleged 'travel ban' by the Assam administration, Sarma on Friday said that the state government's advisory was not meant to put a curb on travel. "We have advised our people to only think before going to Mizoram as civilians there have arms in their hands and this will continue until the Mizoram government seizes their weapons," he added.

Amid the counter allegation of each state transgressing on the other's territory, the situation escalated on July 26 afternoon, when at Vairengte auto stand inside the Mizoram, five Assam Police personnel and a civilian were killed and over 50 others, including a superintendent of police were injured as the Mizoram Police opened fire on a team of the Assam officials.

Immediately after the clash, Shah spoke to the Chief Ministers of the both states and advised them to defuse the tension and also asked them to withdraw their police personnel from the disputed site.

Later, on July 28, the Union Home Secretary chaired a meeting with the Chief Secretaries and Director Generals of Police of Assam and Mizoram wherein both the states agreed for deployment of central police force (CRPF) in the disturbed border areas along NH306 under the command of senior officer of the Force.

During the meeting, both state governments also agreed to continue discussions mutually to resolve the border issue in an amicable manner.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, July 31 : The ongoing flexibility in working systems is paving the way for an increased demand in new trends such as co-working spaces. Co-working spaces were strategically designed to offer collaboration and networking benefits within furnished and equipped workspaces on a rental basis and the market dramatically expanded in recent years.

The term co-working refers to the practice of working at a close end with each other in an environment that is flexible and involves a shared office environment. The key objective behind setting up this workspace idea was to encourage collaboration, creativity, idea sharing, mentoring, networking, socializing, and generating new business opportunities. The coworking spaces were initially aimed at inviting start-up companies and freelancers who prefer high-end working infrastructure, points out Nakul Mathur, Managing Director of Avanta India.

A recent study by Gartner emphasizes that by 2022, 60 per cent of hybrid wellness-equipped Smart Offices will be a priority of employers over a remote office. An undenying advantage that coworking spaces provide is the networking support that adds development ideas to businesses while creating synergies in a creative work environment.

"Many reports have suggested an empirical illustration of how coworking spaces can stimulate the soft aspect of entrepreneurship (e.g., collaboration, interaction, and networking). Companies across diverse segments are focusing extensively on creating more efficient and cost-effective solutions for start-ups, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and corporates," adds Mathur.

Shared amenities offered by coworking spaces bring in a significant cost reduction to its users. The flexible, technology-driven, state-of-the-art facilities attract millennial occupiers who like working together in vibrant work culture. Due to the advent of newly emerged start-ups and freelancers, these workspaces are attracting the attention of larger organisations as well. As enterprises and budding entrepreneurs' experiment with various business models for best efficiency and cost optimisation, the coworking era is likely to be an interesting period.

"Of many respondents who answered a question on the assumed influence of working in a coworking space on their health, 55.6 per cent believed that the coworking environment created a positive influence. Studies have suggested that working alone can worsen work-related stress and mental health issues. This is majorly because employees feel isolated, due to having no daily contact with either an employer or colleagues. It is natural for anyone to face a negative reaction while working alone, whether they are a freelancer, a lone worker, a self-employed individual, or someone who regularly works from home.

He adds: "Some employees agreed that prolonged social distancing at work can add to the work-related stress while making them feel lonely. However, working together with people from diverse sectors can help reduce the feelings of anxiety and loneliness by allowing like-minded individuals to work under one roof." Coworking forms an excellent working environment that fosters teamwork and office bonds that helps in coping with the inherent stress. There is an enhanced scope for the chance for meaningful interactions and connections with industry experts who also have similar interests, lifestyles, and aspirations.

Mathur says: "Coworking spaces ensure that offices are more than just shared open-plan offices as they design spaces for a diverse group of people (co-workers) enhancing outcomes for collaboration, community building, and idea-sharing. The coworking model boosts creativity and innovation as it promotes collective R&D activities." Also, the co-working values (collaboration, community, sustainability, openness, and accessibility) can be used as a guide for where to set up such spaces; how to operate daily; and how to stimulate employees' creativity. "The work environment has significantly been associated with satisfaction and can thus be seen as an important topic for coworking space operators. Coworking spaces are smartly establishing themselves as a healthy, alternative work arrangement through exclusive health-promotion strategies specially tailored for a flexible work environment," he concludes.

(Puja Gupta can be contacted at puja.g@ians.in)
Beijing, July 31 : Electric vehicle maker Tesla has reduced the price of the Model 3 Standard Range in China, even as the price of the same vehicle produced in the US has been going up.

Since the beginning of the year, Tesla has been increasing the price of its electric vehicles in the US. In China, where Tesla now sells vehicles produced locally, the prices have been stable.

But now, the automaker announced a price change in China and it's trending differently than in the US, reports Electrek.

Tesla China announced that the price of the Model 3 Standard Range is going down by 15,000 yuan or the equivalent of $2,323.

The cheapest Tesla vehicle in China now sells for 235,900 yuan ($36,500) -- that's less than the $39,990 starting price of the base Model 3 in the US, the report said.

In China, where Tesla still has a press relations team, the automaker communicated to the media that the price decrease was due to "cost fluctuations." It would imply that Tesla's costs in China have improved despite CEO Elon Musk's warning that Gigafactory Shanghai is facing some supply chain issues during Tesla's earnings call earlier this year, the report said.

According to the report, the EV maker still hasn't brought back the popular version of its electric sedan to the market.

The Chinese market has become increasingly important for Tesla, especially since launching the Model Y produced at Gigafactory Shanghai.
Bengaluru, July 31 : Amid the rising Covid-19 cases in Karnataka, the state government on Saturday made an RT-PCR test certificate compulsory for those travelling from Kerala and Maharashtra to the state.

The certificate has been made mandatory for all travellers visiting the state by bus, flight, train and private vehicles.

Karnataka Additional Chief Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, Jawaid Akhtar has issued an order saying that a negative Covid report or certificate should not be dated more than 72 hours. Earlier, the state government had given the choice of either a RT-PCR test or a certificate of one dose of vaccination to travel to the state from Kerala and Maharashtra.

"The revised special surveillance measure notified here would be complied with strictly for arrivals from Kerala and Maharashtra in view of the current Covid-19 situation," the order said.

The order is mandatory for all flights coming into Karnataka from Kerala and Maharashtra. It has been made compulsory for the airlines to ensure that passengers board with RT-PCR negative test report dated not more than 72 hours.

The order also gives responsibility to railway authorities to ensure only travellers without Covid-19 infection enter the state from Kerala and Maharashtra. The bus conductors are tasked with allowing only those with RT-PCR negative test report from the two states.

For private vehicles, district authorities have been told to put up more number of checkposts at border districts of Kerala and Maharashtra to check RT-PCR reports.

The Covid certificate has also been made mandatory for students and businessmen who travel everyday from Kerala and Maharashtra to Karnataka. Swabs will be collected from those who travel to attend funerals and medical emergencies.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
New Delhi, July 31 : Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said on Saturday that the Central government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will provide 1 crore doses of Covid vaccine to the state for the month of August, in the wake of a possible third wave of the pandemic.

So far, the Centre has supplied 63-64 lakh doses of Covid vaccine every month.

"I have demanded for increasing the allotment of Covid vaccine doses. Union Health Minister Mansukh L. Mandaviya has promised maximum doses of vaccine for the state," he said.

Bommai explained that he had demanded 1.5 crore doses for the state from the Union government. Mandaviya informed him that the Centre supplied 63 to 64 lakh doses to the state and though it is difficult to allot 1.5 crore doses of Covid vaccine to Karnataka, he would do his best to provide 1 crore doses for the month of August.

"The Union Health Minister assured us that the supply would be increased in the coming months. I hope to get 1 crore Covid vaccine doses so that 3 to 4 lakh vaccinations can be carried out in the state per day.

"In addition, Karnataka has been allotted Rs 800 crore from the Centre's Covid emergency fund. The Centre has already released 15 per cent of the fund and I have been assured of releasing the rest of the amount soon for the overall improvement of infrastructure to face the Covid onslaught," Bommai said.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Thiruvananthapuram, July 31 : It was a home coming that not many would have witnessed as Sajad Thangal returned on Saturday evening after 45 years and waiting there to greet him was his 92-year-old mother.

"What more happiness is there for me than this. This is God's will and this has happened and God has a plan for everything," said Thangal right after his aged mother hugged him and kissed him as he reached his home near Kollam.

"I have always prayed for this day and finally my prayers have been answered as you are back with me. I had a deep desire that before I die, I wanted to see you and it has happened," said the mother, who waited half her life-time longing to see her son once more, hold him in her arms.

Thangal was 19, when he left his home, in 1972 for the UAE on a ship and joined work as a store keeper in a cultural organisation.

He last visited his home in 1976 when he accompanied a cultural troupe that included then glamourous actress Rani Chandra.

But things turned sour for Thangal as many thought he also died along with the actress when the ill-fated Indian Airline flight which left from Mumbai to Chennai crashed soon after takeoff killing all on board.

Many thought that Thangal also on the flight, but it was not so. Deeply disturbed by the accident Thangal decided to stay away from everything.

It was only last week through a TV programme that his relatives got to know he was alive and in an old age home in Mumbai's Panvel. Soon a group of his relatives landed in Mumbai and brought him back.

Present on the occasion to receive their lost son was over 100 people including his relatives from a 2-year-old to his 92-year-old mother.

His village hosted a civic 'reception' at his home and a cake was cut to mark the happy occasion and also present was the local legislator Kovoor Kunjumon.
Vijayawada, July 31 : Navataram Party (NP) founder Ravu Subrahmanyam on Saturday said Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief and former chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has called upon all the opposition parties to form a united front to take on the incumbent Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP government in the future.

Subrahmanyam said Naidu made these observations when he met him on Friday night at Vijayawada for about half an hour.

He hinted that something on the lines of Andhra Pradesh Political Joint Action Committee (APPJAC) could come up for 2024 polls to face YSRCP.

"I was invited to meet Naidu on Friday. I met him at the TDP Mangalagiri office and spoke to him. Appreciating my work in the Tirupati Parliamentary by-poll, he said the time has come for all opposition parties to join hands," said Subrahmanyam.

Though Navataram Party is a minnow compared to other established players, Subrahmanyam said Naidu promised TDP support for all the good work of the party.

Echoing with Naidu, he said TDP and other parties should join hands to achieve the goals of special category status, fulfil bifurcation promises, protect Amaravati capital, save Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) and others.

He alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre and the YSRCP in the state are implementing anti-people policies.

The Navataram Party founder said a coalition of opposition parties should fight together to expose the alleged misdeeds of YSRCP, even as he condemned the arrest of former irrigation minister and senior TDP leader Devineni Uma Maheswara Rao.

He also met with TDP leader Parachuri Ashok Babu.

In the recent Tirupati Parliamentary bypoll, NP contested the election under the glass tumbler symbol, which is also Janasena party's symbol.

Despite several efforts, BJP and Janasena failed to restrain minnow Navataram Party from contesting the by-poll under that symbol as it ran the risk of confusing voters.
Amaravati, July 31 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Saturday announced a compensation of Rs 3 lakh each to six migrant labourers from Odisha, who died in Guntur district recently.

"Reddy directed the concerned officials to give Rs 3 lakh each to the deceased migrant labourers' kin," said an official.

The Chief Minister said the compensation should be handed over as a humanitarian gesture to the labourers' kin, considering that they came to the state in search of livelihood.

Similarly, Reddy also instructed the concerned officials to ensure that the owners of the shrimp ponds who engaged the labourers also pay compensation to the labourers' kin.

The six workers from Odisha were found dead near a shrimp pond in Lankavanidibba village in Guntur district on Thursday night.

The police are investigating the cause of death of the six men who were working in the shrimp ponds.

Some locals are suspecting that the workers could have died of electrocution, suspecting the power lines to have fallen on their shed. Burn injuries were also found on the bodies of the deceased workers.

The six men came to the district in search of livelihood only a few months ago.
New Delhi, July 31 : Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said here that the Union minister of Finance, Nirmala Sitharaman has agreed to release pending GST compensation of Rs 11,400 crore to the state.

"Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has agreed to release state's pending GST compensation in instalments every month as early as possible," he said.

Along with timely release of regular compensation this year, Sitharaman has also agreed to provide Rs 18,000 crore of loan amount to the state, Bommai said.

"She further consented to cooperate in all possible ways to release funds for implementation of centrally sponsored schemes in Karnataka. She has asked me to come with specifics in this regard. On my next visit I will come with required specifics for further discussions," he explained.

"We also discussed about extension of agricultural financing schemes for the state from the National Bank of Rural Development (NABARD) to create infrastructure for farmers," Bommai said further.

Chief Minister Bommai had also interacted with finance ministry for the release of pending GST funds when he was home minister in former chief minister Yediyurappa's cabinet.
Palghar : , July 31 (IANS) Former Manager of Axis Bank, Anil Dubey - who looted the ICICI Bank and killed a woman Deputy Manager on Thursday - has now been charged with allegedly cheating his immediate previous employer of Rs 26.84 lakh (Rs 2.68 mn), police said here on Saturday.

The huge amount was found missing during a recent audit of the cash reserves at the Axis Bank's Naigaon Branch where Dubey was the manager before he was abruptly sacked on Friday, hours after the sensational ICICI Bank Virar East Branch heist and murderous attacks on two women staffers inside the bank premises.

The Waliv Police Station has registered a complaint of the missing amount under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and investigations are currently on, said an official.

"The discrepancy was found during the routine monthly tally of accounts and reported to the top authorities. Thereafter, an internal investigation has been launched and we have also lodged an FIR with the police," an official of Axis Bank told IANS, requesting anonymity.

Simultaneously, the bank is attempting to confirm whether Dubey - who had joined Axis Bank in August 2020 - had cheated its customers or indulged in any other scams or misappropriation of public money.

Apprehending action from the Axis Bank or the police after his misdeeds were discovered in the past few days, he had skipped office during the week, but by the weekend masterminded the ICICI Bank heist to clear off his outstanding dues at one go.

Officials reveal that since he had served ICICI Bank for 15 months, he was on good terms with the staffers there, well acquainted with the bank's routine activities.

These and other details may have helped him commit the daring - but unsuccessful - loot attempt on Thursday (July 29) night as the bank would be closed for the weekend after the July month-end accounts tally.

As his escape attempt was foiled by the local people, the Virar Police recovered the booty comprising cash and gold totally valued at around Rs 3.38 crore, said Senior Police Inspector Suresh Warade.

Dubey was produced before a Vasai Magistrate Court which remanded him to police custody till August 6, under charges of dacoity, attempt to murder, murder, theft, etc.

Meanwhile, the condition of the injured cashier Shraddha Devrukhkar - who was attacked by Dubey with a cut-throat razor, remains worrisome and she has been shifted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai.

"She is still in deep shock due to the bloody assault on her and also her senior colleague and close friend, Yogita Vartak Choudhary, who succumbed on Thursday," said another staffer.

Owing to the serious injuries on her neck, shoulder and other parts, Devrukhkar, 32, is communicating through signs with her family, police and bank colleagues.

Dubey, 38, with over 15 years of experience in the banking sector, had piled up huge debts through a lavish lifestyle, expensive tastes, certain investments in lucrative residential/commercial properties, etc, though the sources of his finance are still not clear.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in)
Islamabad, July 31 : Noor Mukaddam, the daughter of a former Pakistan diplomat, was brutally killed when she was at the house of her boyfriend Zahir Jaffer on July 20, who not only tortured Mukaddam, but inhumanely beheaded her at his residence, located in the posh vicinity of Islamabad.

The murder of Mukaddam has now sparked a widespread uproar, protest and outrage among the masses, who have started to raise serious questions over what they call deliberate ignorance of the government towards increasing cases of rape, sexual assault and murder, which have overlapped the whole society, from the poor to the privileged elite.

As per the investigation details of the case, Jaffer and Mukaddam were friends and were close.

"Jaffer lured Mukaddam to his home, held her for two days and then brutally murdered her," investigation into the case has revealed.

"The status of the families involved, especially the family of Zahir Jaffer, and of course Noor's father being a former ambassador, and this happening within the elite circles of Islamabad... all of that combined definitely has brought more attention to this case," said Nida Kirmani, associate professor of sociology at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS).

The incident has erupted the social media, with many expressing their anger and disgust with demands of justice to the Imran Khan-led government.

Protests have also been staged in major cities of not only Pakistan, but also abroad in support and solidarity with Mukaddam's family.

The uproar and anger against Jaffer's family has prompted them to post a full-page advertisement in newspapers, distancing themselves from the murder and echoing public demand for justice.

The cases of rape and murder have become a daily routine news in Pakistan with victims ranging from infants to adults, from men to women and from poor to the rich.

This has spread fear among every single female, who say they fear of their safety from the men around them.

"Every woman I have spoken to after Noor's case speaks about feeling a heightened sense of fear from the men around them," said Benazir Shah, a journalist.

Women's rights organisations are demanding a landmark bill meant to tackle domestic violence in order to lessen some anger that prevails in the masses.

The bill, they demand, should streamline the process of obtaining retraining orders, define violence broadly and to include emotional, psychological and verbal abuse.

On the other hand, government lawmakers met with the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) to seek their opinion on whether the legislation adhered to Islamic principles.

However, religious leaders have raised some reservations over what they call ambiguous language, which they said is unacceptable in the society.

"Does this mean that a daughter or wife can complain when a father or husband stops them from going outside the house? This may not be acceptable to all Pakistanis," said Qibla Ayaz, chairman of CII.

"We all agree on the goal of stopping violence against women. But our sense is that this bill might actually cause new social tension and lead to more domestic violence," he added.
New Delhi, July 31 : American investors are asking whether China Inc is still worth the risk following a widening series of regulatory crackdowns that have wiped some $400 billion off the value of US-listed Chinese companies, Wall Street Journal reported.

Investors ranging from pension fund Orange County Employees Retirement System in California to money manager William Blair & Co are rethinking their portfolios following Beijing's decision last week to curtail the operations of China's for-profit tutoring industry along with its ongoing campaign to rein in tech companies. The moves fuelled large declines across sectors of China's stock markets and hammered Asia-focused funds stateside, the report said.

The investor retreat sent tutoring firm TAL Education Group's American depositary receipts down some 70 per cent in a matter of days to $6.19 Friday morning. TAL traded above $90 in February. American depositary receipts, or ADRs, are certificates issued to US investors that represent a specified number of shares in a foreign company.

New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc has fallen roughly 66 per cent since July 22 and was at $2.24 Friday morning.

It was the latest of regulatory crackdowns that have hit the value of Chinese firms as large as Tencent Holdings Ltd, even as US indexes have risen to records. Earlier regulatory moves that had rattled companies such as Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, its unlisted sister company Ant Group Co and Didi Global Inc, which is considering going private again to placate authorities, had already caused concern among western investors.
Gurugram, July 31 : A major crack emerged in a slab between pillar number 120 and 121 of an under-construction flyover on Dwarka Expressway on Saturday, though no one was injured in the incident.

The broken span is part of the 29 km expressway, which is intended to connect Kherki Daula on the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway with Shiv Murti near Mahipalpur in Delhi.

"The crack appeared in a span during the testing process and immediately after the information was received, the area was cordoned off. Our team is trying to determine the reason for the crack. This span will be replaced," said Nirman Jambulkar, the project director.

Engineers of the construction company were also present on the spot. The officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have also visited the spot to take stock of the matter.

"We have cordoned off the entire area and the work to clear the debris has begun. The flyover is being constructed in the middle of the road, so it did not affect traffic movement on either side," said a police officer.

The police also said that a major accident was averted as there were not too many people at the site when the incident occurred.

Preliminary reports suggest that a few girders were installed between the two pillars after which cracks emerged all across the slab and the reason could be some mechanical problem, said a district administration officer.

Earlier, two slabs of the under-construction expressway near the Daultabad village chowk had collapsed on March 28, in which three persons were injured.

In March 2021, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, had reviewed the construction work of the Dwarka Expressway to assess the status of the project and suggest improvement measures to the NHAI officials.

The NHAI has been working on this project since 2008. The expected cost of the project is Rs 7,000 crore.

Work on the project was originally expected to be completed in 2014, but due to delays in land acquisition, the project was transferred by the state government to the NHAI in 2016.

Once completed, the project will solve the twin problems of traffic congestion and vehicular pollution in Delhi-NCR.

The Dwarka Expressway project is a bypass to the Delhi-Gurugram section of the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway (NH-48).

"Earlier, two slabs of the expressway near the Daultabad village chowk had collapsed. Now, there is a crack in the slab between pillar number 120 and 121 ahead of the Daultabad chowk, which can break and fall at any time due to substandard material which is being used in the project. A high-level probe should be initiated into the incident," said Rakesh Rana, the president of Sai Kunj Resident Welfare Association.
Bengaluru, July 31 : Taking serious note of the possible third Covid wave in the state including Silicon Valley in Bengaluru, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is seriously considering to recommend week-end restrictions and curb night life, to the Karnataka government.

Sources explain that as lakhs of people arrive in Bengaluru from various districts of the state and across the country, it has become imperative to impose curbs that were relaxed recently.

People are found to be roaming freely in Bengaluru and other district headquarters on week-ends without following Covid protocols. Bars are allowed to give services to customers till 9 p.m. These factors will contribute towards more number of Covid infections in Bengaluru, health department officials opined.

The state government already made the RT-PCR certificate mandatory for those travelling from Kerala and Maharashtra. BBMP yet again started creating containment zones in Bengaluru to avoid spreading of infections.

The daily number of cases of Covid infections touched 450 and 11 deaths were reported in Bengaluru on Saturday, while the entire state reported 1,987 positive cases and 37 deaths.

Meanwhile, authorities have sealed down a student hostel in Attur in Bengaluru, where 8 students from other states studying ITI tested Covid positive.

H.D. Kumaraswamy, former chief minister, on Saturday warned the government about possible Covid outbreak in the state. "We are seeing a spike in Covid cases. Every day we are seeing an increase of 50 to 100 Covid cases. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai should fix responsibilities at district levels to monitor the situation," he said.

Bommai has already stated that district commissioners will be held responsible if there is failure in containing Covid cases. The announcement to put curbs on nightlife and week-ends in Bengaluru and major cities will soon be made if this situation continues, say sources in BBMP and health department.
London, July 31 : Xiaomi has expanded its 'AIoT line-up by launching new products, including a scooter, gaming monitor and Wi-Fi Router.

Some of these products aren't new, as a few gadgets have been made available in China for a while now. But most of them are new to Europe, reports GSMArena.

The new Mi Electric Scooter 3 has a 275 Wh battery for up to 30 km range (18.6 miles). It can operate at 300W continuously with peak power-hitting of 600W.

The top speed is limited to 25 kmph to comply with local regulations and it can tackle 16 per cent inclines, the report said.

Essentially, this is the motor from the Pro 2 and the battery of the 1S scooters. A full recharge takes 8.5 hours, the report added.

Priced at 450 euros, the new model weighs 13 kg and has a maximum load of 100 kg. The company has redesigned the folding mechanism with a 3-step design. The LCD has been upgraded as well.

Other features include an aerospace-grade aluminum chassis, pneumatic tires, eABS on the front and dual-pad disc brake on the rear, a 2W headlight and two colourways -- Onyx Black and Gravity Grey.

The company also unveiled Mi 2K Gaming Monitor 27-inch that has an IPS panel with 2,560 x 1,440 px resolution (16:9) and 178-degree viewing angles. It is priced at 500 euros.

It carries the VESA DisplayHDR 400 label, meaning it has a peak brightness of at least 400 nits. It also covers 95 per cent of the DCI-P3 color space. Note that this is an 8-bit panel with a 1,000:1 contrast ratio.

The gaming monitor support refresh rates up to 165 Hz, Adaptive Sync is supported as well. It has a 4 ms response time (gray-to-gray), which can be reduced to 1 ms using the Intelligent Motion Blur Control feature.

The monitor comes with a DisplayPort 1.4 and an HDMI 2.0 for video. There's also a single USB-A 3.0 port, plus a 3.5 mm jack.

Mi Router AX9000 is Xiaomi's first tri-band Wi-Fi 6 router. It has a total of 12 external antennas that cover the 2.4 GHz band (up to 1,148 Mbps of bandwidth) and two 5 GHz bands (4,804 Mbps + 2,402 Mbps), one of which is dedicated to gaming, so that other devices on the network won't interfere.
New Delhi, July 31 : The Deobandi groups larger objective is to impose Sharia in Afghanistan by converting it into an emirate and expand its influence all over the country at the cost of minorities and womens rights, Afghan media reports said.

Disturbing videos and photos circulating on social media show the Taliban torturing and killing people in Afghanistan as the extremist group has been seizing territories after international troops began withdrawing from the country in May 2021.

While both the US and the UN have warned the Taliban of international isolation and travel sanctions if the group unilaterally tries to seize power in Kabul, the Islamist group, with its leadership safely ensconced in neighbouring Pakistan, is in no mood to change from its 1996 version, reports said.

In one of the video clips on Twitter, several men are seen gathered around a man, picking up stones and repeatedly throwing them at him as he tries to save himself.

In another clip, a man is seen being beaten with sticks and stones and kicked by men. Yet another video was tweeted, which show the Taliban cutting the private parts of a man.

It was not possible to verify the authenticity of these videos or ascertain where they were shot, media reports said.

On Thursday, the Taliban said that they had killed a popular comedian. Nazar Mohammad, known as Khasha Zwan, was taken out of his home on July 22 and killed. The family of the comedian, who previously served in Kandahar Police, has blamed the Taliban for the attack.

Last week, viral videos showed Mohammad with his hands tied behind his back and sitting between two men in a car, being slapped repeatedly.

Earlier this month, reports said the Taliban has ordered women not to leave their home alone, set dowry regulations for girls and men to grow their beards, among other diktats.

According to reports, the Taliban has also issued a statement ordering local religious leaders to give them a list of girls over 15 years of age and widows under 45, reports said.

The Taliban, the reports said, has promised to get them married to its fighters.

In the past as well, the Taliban had enforced a strict interpretation of Islamic law, including public lashings, flogging and stoning. Women were required to cover their bodies and faces in a burqa and were barred from going to school or work or leaving the house without a male relative.
New Delhi, July 31 : The Congress on Saturday launched an attack on the Narendra Modi-led government for taking away the powers of states to identify and notify the Other Backward Classes (OBC), saying it is trying to give a "terrific spin" to fool the people.

Addressing a press conference here, Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said, "The government is trying to give a "terrific spin" to fool the people of India by congratulating the BJP-led government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for passing constitutional amendment to create a constitutional level Commission for Backward Classes." He said that the government on August 11, 2018 passed a constitutional amendment with the full support of the opposition.

"That constitutional amendment gave and created an OBC Commission at the national level, no problem, but, in the debate something very interesting happened. Speaker after speaker, the names are published in the debate of the parliament and opposition said that we are the ones who want this, we are the ones who are supporting it, make sure that by chance, by inadvertence, by mistake, by overlooking, it does not happen that the established power of the state, at the state level, to recommend names for inclusion, but, to include names and make their own state list, so the state will have its own state list of OBCs that should not go away," he said.

He said that those are clear apprehensions in black and white in debate, in parliament.

"Then Union Social Justice Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot, several BJP members, including then MP and now Minister Bhupender Yadav agreed, as everybody in the house agreed that it is not the intention to take away the state's right," he said.

"But due to lack of attention to detail, your lack of care to detail, you did not add a two line clarification that the creation of a national Commission does not mean that the states will not have its list of inclusion or exclusion at the state level," he said.

He asked that at the state level how can that power go? The Congress Rajya Sabha member said that now, "unfortunately" your blunder is costing the country dear, your creation of a national Commission has been interpreted by the Supreme Court in the recent 3-2 judgment that in absence of clarification only at the highest states can recommend, but, the list will be one list, not state level list.

"Is it not a very serious assault on the fundamentals of federalism? It cuts at the root, because, nobody is disputing that the states always had the power," Singhvi said.

He said that the government should have put that clarification today, now this adds further insult to injury.

The BJP leaders had been lauding PM Modi for the recent increase in the All India Medical education quota for the OBCs.

He also said that as he was coming for the conference which is pre-announced, "I hear that the BJP has had a pre-emptive press conference congratulating the BJP government and the Prime Minister for doing so much for backward classes".

Slamming the government, the Congress leader said, "You are misleading the people of this country. You are making the people of this country believe otherwise by pure spin and not very good spin." "Do not live in a false sense of ego. Do not befool the people with self congratulatory press conferences, which are comic, because they are actually hiding a blunder, so, you are congratulating for what, I don't know, short point is that you bungled the amendment which is now used and interpreted to suggest that states have lost a vital power, which is at the bedrock of federalism," he added.
Jaipur, July 31 : Chhattisgarh home minister and Congress manifesto implementation committee chairman Tamradhwaj Sahu and MP Amar Singh were in Jaipur on Saturday to evaluate the status of promises made in the Rajasthan Congress manifesto, as per the directions given by the Congress high command.

The meeting of the manifesto implementation committee was held at the chief minister's residence on Saturday where Ashok Gehlot said that 64 per cent of the promises made have been completed. He said, 321 promises have been fulfilled out of a total of 501.

Sahu also expressed satisfaction over the progress made by the state government under the leadership of Gehlot.

He said that the speed with which efforts are being made to fulfill the promises made in the manifesto is commendable. This will not only bring relief to all sections of the society, but also the overall development of Rajasthan, he added.

Dr Amar Singh said that the programs and schemes run by the Rajasthan government for villages, the poor, farmers, the youth, women and other needy sections have set an example for other states as well. He stressed on making special efforts to make the people aware of the achievements of the state government.

This is the second meeting of the committee headed by Tamradhwaj Sahu, the first meeting was held on September 25 last year.

Meanwhile, Sahu after reaching Jaipur told media that he came to the Pink City on the orders of Sonia Gandhi to chair a meeting of the manifesto implementation committee.

"Will review the work done by the Rajasthan government on the Congress manifesto. Will report to the high command after review," he said.

The Manifesto Implementation Committee was constituted by Sonia Gandhi in January last year.

Chief minister Ashok Gehlot, before the arrival of two leaders, tweeted: "Tamradhwaj Sahu, chairman of the manifesto committee constituted by Congress President Sonia Gandhi, and MP Amar Singh will come to Jaipur and hold a second review meeting regarding the implementation of the manifesto. Last year on September 25 also, a review meeting was called to know the status of the implementation of the manifesto. As before, our government has worked by making the election manifesto a policy document. I am happy that we are moving towards fulfilling most of the promises made in the manifesto.

On July 28, when Congress in charge Ajay Maken was here in Jaipur to hold one-on-one dialogue with Congress MLAs, Gehlot also met all ministers and officials to review the work done on the announcements so far.

The Congress had declared its manifesto as the official policy document in the first cabinet meeting called after the government formation.
Srinagar, July 31 : The second terrorist killed in encounter in the forest area of Namibian and Marsar, general area of Dachigam forest in Kashmir on Saturday has been identified, officials said.

Police said the second slain terrorist has been identified as Sameer Ahmad Dar alias Hanzala Jihadi, resident of Gundibagh, Kakapora Pulwama and was affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed.

"As per police records, Sameer Dar alias Hanzala Jihadi was A+ category terrorist and also figured among the list of most wanted terrorists operating in the Valley. He was also involved in 2019 Lethpora Fidayeen attack and figured in NIA's chargesheet," police said.

With the elimination of terrorist Sameer Dar, eight terrorists have been killed so far out of 19 terrorists involved in the Lethpora Fidayeen attack, seven terrorists/Over Ground Workers (OGWs) have been arrested and four terrorists are still absconding, police added.

"Sameer Dar was also involved in a series of grenade attacks on Police/Security Forces including attack on Army camp Kakapora, patrolling party at Gundibagh and killing of two CRPF personnel at Chinar Bagh and Railway Kakapora for which several cases are registered against him. He was also influential in motivating and recruiting the youth to join terror folds and brainwashing them to seek new members in the terrorist ranks," police said.

Earlier police said a top Pakistani terrorist commander and a relative of JeM Chief Masood Azhar, belonging to proscribed terror outfit JeM, was among the two terrorists killed.

Police said Mohd Ismail Alvi alias Lamboo was family member of Jaish Chief Masood Azhar and was involved in conspiring February 2019 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF men were killed.
Bengaluru, July 31 : Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said here on Saturday that a decision on cabinet expansion will be taken very soon.

"I am expecting a call from the high command on Monday in this regard," he said here on Saturday.

He clarified that he has not given any list to the central leaders in this regard and there is no question of lobbying for cabinet posts, he underlined.

"I have discussed the matter with party President J.P. Nadda and am waiting for their signal," he added.

Meanwhile, union minister Pralhad Joshi has stated that Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has already discussed the matter with the high command and cabinet expansion will be done in two or three days.
Gurugram, July 31 : The councillors of the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) demanded legal action against IL&FS (the concessionaire for handling C&D waste) during the house meeting held on Saturday which was chaired by Mayor Madhu Azad.

The MCG had allotted IL&FS to process the debris, but it is alleged that the company has given its work to some other agency, which is completely against the agreement.

Even after full knowledge of all this by the corporation officials, no action is being taken against the company which has caused heavy loss to the MCG revenue.

During the meeting, the councillors said that the city has got piles of C&D (construction and demolition) waste. IL&FS has sublet the work to Arvi Company. The councillors demanded an inquiry into the work of the agency. Municipal Commissioner Mukesh Kumar Ahuja ensured that action will be taken after an investigation in this matter.

"We have received a complaint, we are conducting an inquiry into the matter. Action will be initiated against the company if we find any lapses on their part," Ahuja said during the house meeting.

In another major development, the MCG has decided to levy the cost of cutting a tree during the construction of house or a building, on the person concerned.

In this regard, a proposal was sent by the Forest Department to take permission for cutting of trees in the Corporation boundaries, first from the Corporation and later by the Forest Department.

During the meeting, the officials said that the tree which will be outside the house will be considered as the MCG property.

District Forest Officer Subhash Yadav said that according to PWD Haryana Schedule Rate (HSR), the cost of planting 10 trees is Rs 43,000. So if a tree is cut, Rs 4,300 will have to be deposited.

If the person concerned does not do so, a case will be filed against him in the Environment Court.
Guwahati/Dimapur, July 31 : Ami the ongoing Assam-Mizoram major border troubles, in a major development over the Assam-Nagaland border plight, the two northeastern states on Saturday started pulling out of their forces from the two disputed locations.

Assam Chief Secretary Jishnu Barua and his Nagaland counterpart J. Alam in the presence of Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu and Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton signed a pact in Dimapur to withdraw their respective forces from the two disputed locations.

Soon after the signing of the agreement, withdrawal of forces was started by both Assam and Nagaland. The two northeastern states share a 512.1 km inter-state border.

According to the agreement, both sides agreed that in order to maintain peace and tranquillity in the areas around Ao Senden village and Vikuto village, as they are known in Nagaland, and Jankhona Nala and Nagajankha in Assam, urgent and effective steps are required for defusing the standoff between the security forces of Nagaland and Assam.

The two states have decided that they would monitor the disputed area by surveillance using drone and satellite imagery with a view to maintaining the status quo.

The Superintendents of Police of the districts of Mokokchung (Nagaland) and Jorhat (Assam) shall ensure orderly withdrawal of their respective forces and shall be responsible for it in the instant case.

Later, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted: "This is a historic step in our relations. My gratitude to HCM Sri Neiphiu Rio for working with Assam in restoring peace on the border. Assam is committed to ensuring peace along all its borders and strives for social and economic prosperity of the northeast region." Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton said that the signing of agreement for simultaneous withdrawal of security personnel was decided after interaction with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on July 24-25.

Patton also requested his Assam counterpart for the safe passage of Naga commuters, not only in some particular gates, but in all the gates so that the travellers are not harassed.

The Chief Ministers of both the states had recently agreed to withdraw their police forces and maintain a peaceful atmosphere in the border areas, Patton said.

The decades-old Nagaland and Assam border dispute cases are pending in the Supreme Court for many years.

Many people have been killed, most of them on the Assam side, in the attacks by the armed forces from Nagaland in different incidents in 1979, 1985, 2007 and 2014.
Guyana, July 31 : West Indies fast bowler Jason Holder captured four wickets to restrict Pakistan to 157 for eight wickets in 20 overs in the second T20 International at Providence Stadium here on Saturday. For Pakistan, captain Babar Azam top scored with 51 off 40 balls while Mohammad Rizwan smashed 46 off 36 balls.

Earlier, West Indies captain Kieron Pollard won the toss and opted to bowl.

Openers Rizwan (2x4s, 2x6s) and Sharjeel Khan (20) put up 46 for the first wicket. Then, Rizwan and Azam added 67 for the second wicket to add strength to the innings.

Then there was a middle order collapse when Dwayne Bravo dismissed veteran Mohammad Hafeez (6) and Fakhar Zaman (15) off successive deliveries to wrest the initiative. In the very next over, Holder dismissed Hasan Ali and Sohaib Maqsood off consecutive balls to take control as the tail failed to contribute.

Holder finished with four wickets for 26 runs in four overs while Bravo bagged two for 24 in four overs.

The first T20 had ended in a 'no result' after the rains disrupted the first innings, and the match could not be resumed after that.

Brief scores Pakistan: 157/8 wickets in 20 overs (Babar Azam 51, Mohammad Rizwan 46, Jason Holder 4/26, Dwayne Bravo 2/24)
New Delhi, July 31 : Military delegates from India and China deliberated for almost nine hours to resolve the border crisis on Saturday at Moldo on the Chinese side in the Ladakh region.

Both the forces have not come out with any statement so far, but sources said that both sides are keen on early disengagement at the other friction areas. The talks started at 10: 30 am and continued for nine long hours.

The talks are happening after a gap of three months. Indian military delegates are discussing disengagement at friction areas like Hot Springs, Gogra and the 900 sq km Depsang plains.

The Indian delegation was led by Leh-based XIV Corps chief Lt Gen P.G.K. Menon, and Additional Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Naveen Srivastava.

The Chinese military delegation was led by the Commander of the PLA's Western Theatre Command, Xu Qiling, who was appointed earlier this month.

The build-up in Depsang was not being considered as part of the current standoff that started in May last year as escalation there took place in 2013. India had insisted during the recent military commander meetings to resolve all the issues along the Line of Actual Control.

"The initial attempt will be to resolve Gogra and Hot Springs. Finding a solution to Depsang might be tricky and take longer," said an officer.

In April, during the 11th round of Corps Commander level talk, the focus was disengagement on the friction points at Gogra, Hot Springs and Depsang. On February 20, Indian and Chinese militaries held the 10th round of dialogue to de-escalate tension along the Line of Actual Control.

Till now, apart from 11 rounds of Corps Commanders-level talks, the two forces have also held 10 Major Generals level, 55 Brigadiers level talks and 1,450 calls over hotlines.

China has been enhancing military infrastructure across the Line of Control.

Looking at it, India has changed its posture towards China, unlike its previous defensive approach that placed a premium on fending on Chinese aggression, India is now catering to military options to strike back and has reoriented its military accordingly.

India has reoriented around 50,000 troops whose main focus will be the disputed border with China. The reorientation comes when China is refurbishing its existing air-fields in Tibetan Plateau that will allow twin-engines fighter aircraft to be stationed, sources said.

In addition, China has also brought troops from the Tibet Military region to the Xinjiang region that passes through Karakoram range down south Uttarakhand.

Further, they have deployed larger numbers of long range artillery and are rapidly building infrastructure in the Tibetan Plateau.

So far, the troops of two Himalayan giants have disengaged from both the banks of Pangong Tso in February this year.
Silchar/Aizawl, Aug 1 : Five days after a bloody border clash between Assam and Mizoram police, the inter-state borders of the two northeastern states remained quiet but tensed with security personnel remaining on extra alert to prevent any fresh eventuality, officials said on Saturday.

Wearing bullet proof jackets, Cachar district SP Ramandeep Kaur and Deputy Commissioner Kirti Jalli, accompanied by a huge contingent of security forces, moved along the trouble-torn bordering areas in bullet proof vehicles.

Due to the border troubles, responding to the Mizoram government's request, the Indian Oil Corporation has started supplying transport fuel to Mizoram by road through the alternate roads in Mamit district, avoiding the trouble ragged Cachar-Kolasib routes.

The Mizoram government has also taken steps to ferry various other essentials from neighbouring Tripura and Manipur.

Mizoram shares 95 km inter-state borders with Manipur and 109 km with Tripura.

Meanwhile, cutting across political lines, a 10-member all-party MLA team of Assam Assembly led by Speaker Biswajit Daimary visited the bordering areas and strongly protested against the firing from Mizoram, which killed six Assam policemen besides injuring many.

Daimary said: "Just as all parties in Mizoram are united in protecting the borders of Mizoram, all parties in our state (Assam) must also be united. If the current policy and law do not allow for settlements in the reserve forest area of the border, then there is a need to formulate new policies or enact laws in the interest of border protection." Raijor Dal President Akhil Gogoi, who's also an arch-rival of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, said: "We might have disagreements in the Assembly and differences of opinion on political issues, but I strongly oppose the move by Mizoram. The FIR registered against the Assam Chief Minister by Mizoram police must be withdrawn." In Aizawl, the Mizoram Chemists and Druggists Association (MCDA) in a letter to the state Chief Secretary said: "The Assam government in the guise of security concern has verbally given instructions to all transporters in Guwahati not to carry any goods, even medicine, destined for Mizoram." "Even private courier services have been barred from booking items and materials for Mizoram. In this Covid pandemic situation, life-saving drugs are being stopped by Assam leading to a dire situation in our state with far reaching ramifications and consequences," MCDA President and General Secretary told the Chief Secretary.

Violent clashes along the Assam-Mizoram border took place on July 26 that left six Assam Police personnel dead and around 100 civilians and security personnel injured.
Bengaluru, Aug 1 : Karnataka intensified testing at inter-state borders with Kerala and Maharashtra to prevent surge in Covid cases in the state, said Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday.

"Testing at inter-state border check-posts has been intensified and a negative RT-PCR test report or a certificate on taking two doses of vaccine has been made mandatory for all entering the state from Kerala or Maharashtra," Bommai told reporters here.

Soon after returning to the city from a 2-day visit to New Delhi, the chief minister held a video conference with deputy commissioners of Chamarajanagar, Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Mysuru, Shivamogga and Udupi and reviewed measures taken to contain the virus spread.

"We controlled the pandemic's second wave in 45 days during April-May with maximum effort. We are taking precautions to control Covid cases in the event of a third wave hitting the state," said Bommai.

The chief minister directed the commissioners of districts bordering Kerala to tighten check-posts for preventing entry of Covid patients into the state.

"Deploy senior officers, assistant commissioners, deputy superintendent of police, doctors and support staff at check-posts on 24x7 basis to regulate the entry of people from the neighbouring states," said Bommai.

The Chief Minister told the deputy commissioners to inspect check-posts along with their district superintendent of police (SPs) every 2 days and submit a report on the situation at the borders to the state Chief Secretary.

"A high alert has to be kept at the borders to prevent rise in positivity rate and reduce the number of patients being admitted to hospitals in Dakishna Kannada district on the state's west coast," he told the deputy commissioners.

The Chief Minister also instructed the district health officials to conduct testing of passengers entering the state at railway stations and inter-state bus stands.

"Passes to be issued only for a week to commuters from Kerala entering the state for education and employment. Students coming from other states must be quarantined in hostels," said Bommai.

The chief minister also told health officials to ensure no shortage of medical facilities, oxygen and medicines in state-run hospitals, Covid care centres and primary health centres.

"PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) units supplied to the districts should be installed in all hospitals to ensure oxygen supply round-the-clock," he said.

Strict action to be taken to contain the infection by forming micro containment zones in Covid-hit areas.
Association Management Group (AMG), a leading professional community association management company in the Carolinas, announced today the four college/university scholarships winners of $1,000 in its College/University Scholarship Program. AMG provides professional residential property management services to more than 30,000 homeowners across the Carolinas living in communities with homeowners or community associations.

AMG wholeheartedly believes in the preservation and enhancement of homeowner associations, emphasizing the value of community as it contributes to ones overall quality of life. As a leading property management association, AMG works closely with dedicated community members, service providers and employees throughout the North and South Carolina regions.

This years scholarship prompt was based around just that the importance of community. The essays were evaluated anonymously by a panel of eight judges, including representatives and staff from AMG, community board members from Greensboro, Charlotte and Greenville, as well as client community vendors. The program was open to residents and vendors from AMG properties, as well as AMG employees and family members from each respective category.

We were pleasantly surprised by the turnout from this years program. It is so encouraging to hear from the future leaders of our community, especially in how their own experiences have shaped them into thoughtful, community-conscious individuals. I think giving back to the community is incredibly rewarding and it is uplifting to see young people with that same spark, said AMG Vice President May Gayle Mengert.

The AMG scholarship recipients are:



Manuela Monjimbo, attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, was awarded the Corey Flynt Scholarship. Flynt, who died in a car accident in 2017, was the son of AMGs President Dacy Cavicchia and brother to Charlotte Director of Operations, Danielle Rudisill and Special Projects Coordinator, Cassie Kutay.

Bethany Castro-Lucero, attending the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, was awarded the Ron Erickson Scholarship in honor of the late world-class financial planning professional and role model to all who knew him.

Payton Egan, attending Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, was awarded the Tommy Badgett Scholarship in honor of long-term AMG employee and friend, who recently passed away this past January. His memory, in addition to the previously listed honorees, will be cherished forever.

Sophia Bowers, also attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, was awarded the Billie Butler Scholarship in honor of Butlers 20+ years dedicated to serving AMG clients in the Charlotte area.

This scholarship program has been a great way to highlight the significance of community while honoring the memory of four individuals and their contributions to our community. I cannot think of a better way to continue honoring their legacies than by doing our part to help make a difference in the lives of others. The chosen essays reflect the diversity of our communities, and all have a common theme of appreciating cultures aside from our own, added CEO Paul Mengert.

About AMG: AMG is a professional community association management company dedicated to building effective community associations. AMG guides and assists executive boards to help protect the associations interests, enhance the lives of community members and improve the property values in the community. With offices throughout the Carolinas, AMG is a knowledgeable partner in enforcing community governing documents with a proven set of processes and techniques and supporting communities with a broad range of services that can be tailored to individual community needs. Association Management Company, Inc., is a locally Accredited Business by the BBB and is a nationally Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC) by the Community Associations Institute. For more about AMG, visit AMGworld.com.
Juniper Communities, a leader in quality, value, and innovation in long-term care, is proud to announce it has been named a winner of the NJBIZ 2021 Healthcare Heroes award, which recognizes excellence, innovation, and honors those making a positive impact on the quality of health care in New Jersey.

Chosen by a panel of independent judges, the Healthcare Heroes Awards program shines a light on individuals and organizations across 12 categories and celebrates their significant contributions to the health care industry and landscape in New Jersey. Winners will be honored during a virtual Healthcare Heroes recognition event on August 24 and will be profiled in NJBIZ, the states leading business journal.

Juniper Communities was recognized for its proactive strategy to protect its residents and chronically ill older adults from the effects of Covid-19 and for its outstanding track record of driving effective data-driven initiatives to advance the health of its residents. The programs developed by Juniper are making a positive impact throughout New Jersey and nationwide.

Juniper is very honored to be recognized by NJBIZ as a 2021 Healthcare Hero, said Lynne Katzmann, founder, and CEO of Juniper Communities. This award is a testament to the exceptional commitment of Juniper team members who have worked together to bring advances in the long-term care environment.

Juniper was an early leader in implementing testing, staffing cohorts, and PPE procedures to protect its residents. Juniper was the first to announce that receiving the Covid-19 vaccine would be a condition of employment to protect the health and safety of residents and associates. The company obtained a 95% compliance rate among associates and 97% among residents at the time this data was compiled.

Juniper takes pride in leading the charge for vaccine compliance, maintains Katzmann. Our goal is to do everything possible to protect our residents and our team members and their families.

Juniper also created a highly touted medical concierge program called Connect4Life that integrates a resident's care among all providers. Junipers C4L provides high tech/high touch medical and wellness care, integrated with electronic health records (EHR) and coordinated via a medical concierge approach. This initiative serves as a model for senior living providers looking to be part of post-acute care continuum; it also differentiates Junipers senior living from home care as a solution for high care/high needs individuals. The over-arching goal is to minimize the risk for re-hospitalizations and maximize the overall well-being of the individuals.

About Juniper Communities, LLC

Juniper Communities, a leader in quality, value, and innovation in long-term care, operates seniors housing communities in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Texas that emphasize residents well-being, interaction, and security. Its approach to housing and care offers residents the opportunity to live a full life, regardless of age or health. Junipers innovative Connect4Life program has been proven to improve residents care by decreasing hospitalizations, re-hospitalizations, and urgent care visits, while offering potential cost savings to public programs such as Medicare. To learn more about the many ways Juniper Communities innovates in support of our residents, visit http://www.junipercommunities.com.
'Lazy' is that perfect song of late-summer, as lingering rays of sunlight stretch across the landscape and harken exciting things ahead."

Stream Maro Music & Skytech's "Lazy" (Ego Music), here: https://egomusic.lnk.to/MaroMusicSkytech_Lazy

After the great success of Sanah's "Invisible Dress" (Maro Music & Skytech Remix), Ego Music Italy releases a new collaborative single from Maro Music & Skytech, titled, "Lazy" (Ego Music). The song is out now.

The Maro Music & Skytech Remix of Sanah's "Invisible Dress" topped 15 million digital streams, and the song went on to be certified Platinum in Poland. The release was also a "#1" in 2020, and a "Top 100" song for the continent of Europe.

Following the natural progression of music-making and natural chemistry, Maro Music and Skytech teamed-up once again on an original, collaborative effort. The result is the summer gem, "Lazy" (Ego Music).

About Maro Music

Maro Music (also, "MARO") is a DJ/producer, composer, Polish sound engineer and subject of important international music publications. He hosts a weekly radio show, "Addiced To Music," named after his professional recording studio, on Dash Radio (U.S.) and other radio stations. Maro Music has produced multiple original music recordings for the worldwide smash interactive video game, "Cyberpunk 2077" from Projekt Red. Maro Music often collaborates with the most respected legends in rap and hip-hop, including members of the Wu Tang Clan and many others.

About Skytech

Skytech is widely recognized as being one of the most important DJs and producers in the Polish electronic dance music scene. He has collaborated with top artists including R3HAB, Headhunterz, Bassjackers and Yves V., among many others. As a live DJ, Skytech has performed onstage in many prestigious festivals, including Tomorrowland and the Sunrise Festival. In 2018, Skytech was the second most-listened-to Polish artist on Spotify. In 2019, Skytech earned "1st place" on the Polish DJ charts.

Official: http://maromusic.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maromusic1/

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/maromusic1/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaroMusic

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4iHE8t7vhPwUX0TrF4cETN

PRESS CONTACT (U.S.)

EMILY TAN MEDIA RELATIONS | EmilyTan@EmilyTanMediaRelations.com | +1(917) 318-3758
 claire mccormack hogan

Former CIA analyst McCloskeys debut, Damascus Station (Norton, Oct.), combines a tale of old-fashioned tradecraft in Syria with a taboo relationship between an American agent and a woman official who works deep inside the Assad regime.

Why did you choose Syria as the setting for your first work of fiction?

I worked on the Middle East for many years while at the CIA and watched the Syrian war closely. When I left the agency, I was also struggling to process the tragedy and hopelessness of that conflict, so I started writing about it. As I got deeper into the project, I realized the setting provided both an opportunity to reveal an authentic side to the CIA and to craft characters, many of them Syrian, who would demonstrate something true about war, love, power, and loyalty.

How did your professional background help you craft the story?

The CIA background was invaluable, for things both big and small. On the big side, I knew what it felt like to work inside the CIA. I had a sense of how the agency functions, I had a catalog of real-life characters, and I had a group of helpful people willing to talk to me to fill in gaps. On the little side, I had a wealth of authentic detail in my head. For example, the existence of a hot dog machine at Langley. That fun little fact is completely trueindeed, its almost too insane to make up. Ultimately, though, this is a work of fiction, so there are places where I bent reality. But when I did take such liberties, I typically tried to show the reader that I was in fact breaking the rules, instead of simply pretending that the rules didnt existor that I didnt know they existed in the first place.

You portray the Syrian power structure as one that tolerates all sorts of internal atrocities, including pedophilia and scalping. How accurate is this portrayal?

There is a wealth of open-source material demonstrating the Syrian regimes complicity in horrendous war crimes. The scalping and pedophilia in this book are figments of my imagination, but they are drawn from the sad reality that theres a deeply violent and even sadistic undercurrent to this regime.

Whats it like to submit your material to the CIA Publication Review Board?

The PRB is professional, efficient, and helpful. They had a few minor issues with the book, which were logical to me and relatively simple to address. The best part of working with them is that they literally return the manuscript with segments redacted by black highlighter, which I always think is pretty fun to see. Theres a certain novelty to it, a kind of throwback cold war espionage vibe.
At each Childrens Institute, a panel of booksellers presents its 10 favorite fall debuts, and each of the authors gives a reading. Here, the editors of this years picks discuss why they think their books were chosen.

Indies Introduce will take place 45 p.m., August 30.

Alejandra Algorta

Neverforgotten, illus. by Ivan Rickenmann, trans. by Aida Salazar

Levine Querido, Aug.; $17.99; middle grade

The buzz: My favorite writers have both the soul of a poet and a mastery of prose. Alejandra has each in equal measure, and here in Neverforgotten/Nuncaseolvida, for one boy in Bogota, she captures that ineffable feeling of what its like to grow up and discover the world isnt as honest as it seems. Nick Thomas, senior editor, Levine Querido

Opening: On the day Fabio forgot, the sun was merciless. His body would no longer do what it had done so many times before, and now, his knees do nothing but scrape the ground.

Kylie Lee Baker

The Keeper of Night

Inkyard Press, Oct.; $18.98; young adult

The buzz: I have never encountered prose like this, which is equally stunning and terrifying! Debut author Kylie Lee Baker offers a nuanced exploration of biracial identity wrapped in a dark and immersive fantasy thats set in 1890s Japan and in Yomi, the pitch-dark underworld ruled by the Goddess of Death. Ren is a complex heroine who will stay with readers long after they turn the last page, as will the shocking twist ending. Claire Stetzer, editor, Inkyard Press

Opening: The legend they tell about me goes something like this: First, youll see a streak of silver across the sky, like a comet burning through the fog. Then, the clock hands will still halfway between this second and the next. The world will fall silent, and the Reaper will knock three times on your bedroom door. Whether you answer or not, Death will enter through the light in the keyhole.

Natasha Bowen

Skin of the Sea

Random House Books for Young Readers, Nov.; $18.99; young adult

The buzz: Natasha has crafted a sweeping yet intimate fantasy through breathtaking prose that sinks its teeth in you and refuses to let go. The result is Skin of the Sea, an inspiring epic that doesnt flinch from a painful period of history, yet celebrates the sheer breadth and beauty of African culture. Simis journey is both escapist and important, and I am so excited for her story to find its way to readers. Tricia Lin, associate editor, Random House Books for Young Readers

Opening: I circle the ship with the sharks, slipping between dark waves. The water is layered with cold currents, sea creatures, and a ship that slices through it with cargo holds full of stolen people. I swim underneath the swells, away from the gaze of men and just out of the reach of jaws. Waiting.

Alda P. Dobbs

Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna

Sourcebooks Young Readers, Sept.; $17.99; middle grade

The buzz: When I first read Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna, I was struck by Aldas gift for balancing suspenseful storytelling with emotional resonance. Petra is a compelling protagonist whos learned to be strong out of necessity but who also refuses to let go of wild hope. Through her, we understand more deeply what it means to live through war and poverty. The Mexican Revolution was over a century ago, but theres an immediacy to Petras story that will hook readers from the start. Wendy McClure, senior editor, Sourcebooks Young Readers

Opening: The smoking star lit the night sky as women wept, holding their babies close. Men kept quiet while the old and the weak prayed for mercy. It was on that night that all of us huddled under the giant crucifix, the night when everyoneeveryone but meawaited the end of the world.

Kelly Fernandez

Manu

Graphix, Oct.; $24.99 ($12.99 trade paper); middle grade

The buzz: We chose Manu by Kelly Fernandez as a winner of our Get Published by Graphix contest in 2017 because what Kelly has done with this world inspired by her childhood and the Dominican Republic is simply brilliant. Its a wonderfully fun and charming story, and its unique in the middle-grade graphic novel space. I cant wait for readers to meet Manu! Cassandra Pelham Fulton, editorial director, Graphix

Opening spread:

Isaac Fitzsimons

The Passing Playbook

Dial Books, out now; $17.99; young adult

The buzz: One of Isaacs specific goals as a writer is to foster empathy through joy, rather than pain, and The Passing Playbook is easily one of the most joyful books Ive had the privilege of editing. For queer and trans readers, theres often some anxiety in reading about LGBTQ+ characters because were so accustomed to these stories hinging on painful or traumatic tropes. But while Isaac is honest about the hardships Spencer faces staying stealth as a Black trans boy at a mostly white school in Ohio, he also grants readers the gift of seeing Spencer get the happily-ever-after he deserves. Ellen Cormier, editor, Dial Books

Opening: Spencers morning went to hell when some asshole on a dirt bike swerved in front of Moms Subaru.

Amber McBride

Me (Moth)

Feiwel and Friends, Aug.; $18.98; young adult

The buzz: Me (Moth) is a book Ill always remember reading for the first time. Amber McBride is a storyteller and a poet who holds space for her readersin fact, in talking about poetry, Amber describes it as the scaffolding of truth that gives the reader space to maneuver, stretch and find their own lessons within the lines. The lessons of Me (Moth) are that life and love are even more precious when we feel seen. Amber McBride sees you; she sees us. Read this book and youll come away, like I did, experiencing the world (yes, even after this tough year) with your heart cracked open. In a good way. Liz Szabla, associate publisher, Feiwel and Friends

Opening:

Ive thought about changing my name.

Especially now with no one to really mind.

Given or replaced, names hang to your bones like forever suits.

Alexis Nedd

Dont Hate the Player

Bloomsbury, out now; $17.99; young adult

The buzz: Alexis has that something in her writing that just makes every page a joy. She knows her characters, their brain and heart workings, and their voices are engaged and distinct. Shes also the queen of smart and barbed banter, which is fun in rom-coms and fun just on its own. Not to mention, shes telling stories that really only she can tell, informed by her experiences and interests, and the love and respect that come through in them will light up readers whether they know the gaming world or not! Sarah Shumway, executive editor, Bloomsbury

Opening: Nobody actually liked Emmett Franklin, but his birthday party was the most well-attended event on the fourth-grade social calendar.

Maleeha Siddiqui

Barakah Beats

Scholastic Press, Oct.; $17.98; middle grade

The buzz: When I first read Barakah Beats, I immediately fell in love with Nimra, the wonderfully proud and confident main character. She leaves Islamic school to start at a secular public school for the first time; there she must navigate changing friendships and different cultures, but through it all, she is never afraid to stand up for herself. This joyful, nuanced story of figuring out how to be true to yourself in a complicated world is something I could deeply relate to, and it is sure to make young readers hearts sing. Emily Seife, senior editor, Scholastic Press

Opening: Todays a big day for meits my Ameen.

Elisabet Velasquez

When We Make It

Dial, Sept.; $19.98; young adult

The buzz: Elisabet Velasquez has a positively electric voice, as anyone who has seen her poetry performances can attest. That power and fire jumps off the page in her debut YA novel-in-verse about Sarai, a young woman growing up in Bushwick, Brooklyn, who questions it all: her family, her Boricua identity, and the society around her. I love how Sarai sees the world with such clarity, and how she celebrates herself and defines, on her own terms, what making it actually means. This book is not to be missed. Nancy Mercado, associate publisher, Dial Books for Young Readers

Opening:

Lets start the story where abandon meets faith.

Aight, so boom. Check it.

Im named after a homegirl in the Bible who couldnt have kids.

Her man Abram was all like:

Yo, Sarai, God promised me I would be the Father of Nations.

Sarai was all like:

Nah B, you must be buggin, you know I cant have no babies.

Return to the main feature.
Childrens booksellers have reason for cautious optimism. Although the delta variant is surging in parts of the country, the number of Americans who are fully vaccinated continues to inch upward and the economy is rebounding. Eager to meet the perceived needs of their communities, several entrepreneurs without prior bookselling experience opened childrens bookstores during the pandemic, and currently they are drawing sighs of relief.

They also have reason to look forward to CI9: building community with other indie booksellers, several of whom already have provided advice and encouragement to them in their new ventures.

Alice, Ever After Books, Buffalo, N.Y.

Opening Date: July 3, 2021

Alice, Ever After Books might never have existed if it hadnt been for the pandemic. For more than a year, owner Megan Howe taught kindergarten via Zoom, while her husband kept their toddler quiet and worked across the table from her in their tiny Boston apartment. The two moved back to their Buffalo, N.Y., hometown earlier this year to escape a living situation that was becoming intolerable.

After driving by a vacant commercial building, Howe decided to make a 20-year dream a reality by opening a bookstore there. There was no listing, so I cold-called the owner, she says. It took me 20 years, but then it moved very quickly after that phone call. Then people started to get vaccinated. The timing was uncanny.

The 800-sq.-ft. bookstore stocks 1,5002,000 books, from board books to YA, plus a shelf containing adult books. And we have a display of I just came from the zoo books, Howe notes, in honor of the stores proximity to the Buffalo Zoo across the street.

Howe expressed appreciation for approximately 20 indie booksellers across the country who, she says, held my hand and guided me all the way. Each bookseller would talk to me, and then pass me on to the next; this happened over and over. Howe joined the ABA and is taking a crash course for new booksellers hosted by the New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association.

At the stores grand opening celebration, masked customers were welcomed by a group of musicians performing outside. Howe hopes it will be the first of many special events. Once I figure out how to do it, Im going host events and classes, she says.

Fable Books, Venice, Fla.

Opening Date: June 4, 2021

Robyn Lee says she opened Fable Books to provide a fun experience for kids in the area and a destination for their parents and grandparents. The 1,000-sq.-ft. store has a woodsy theme: the ceiling is covered with clusters of leaves, there are forest-related fixtures and displays, and the store mascot is a raccoon named Fable.

Lee, a former educator, often fantasized about opening a bookstore after becoming an avid reader as an adult. I loved reading books with my daughter, she says, and literature-based curriculum was my favorite part of being a preschool teacher.

Admitting that it was a leap of faith to take the plunge into bookselling, Lee recalls she decided to make her silly dream a reality after observing how committed to supporting local businesses the residents in Venice had become during the pandemic.

While Lee describes herself as winging it, she has also done her homework. She has watched how-to videos on bookselling on YouTube, produced by companies ranging from Ingram and Scholastic to the Big Comfy Bookshop in Coventry, England. She also joined the ABA and is taking full advantage of its resources, especially the educational webinars.

As she prepared to open her store, Lee drove around southwest Florida, introducing herself to other Gulf Coast indie bookstore owners, who have been generous with their time and knowledge. Among them was Rebecca Binkowski, a bookseller of 25 years who has owned MacIntosh Books & Paper on Sanibel Island, Fla., since 2017. She spent a lot of time talking with me and walked me through her stores POS system, Lee says.

Rohis Readery, West Palm Beach, Fla.

Opening Date: June 19, 2021

On the other side of the Sunshine State, Pranati Kumar deliberately opened Rohis Readery on Juneteenth, June 19, a date that reflects its mission statement of being a social-justicedriven childrens bookstore committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity. Its 1,000-book inventory emphasizes books featuring BIPOC and LGBTQ characters and people with disabilities.

Kumar says the 1,000-sq.-ft. store was inspired by the fact that she didnt see herself, as an Indian immigrant to the U.S., represented in the books she read when she was a child.

Despite the pandemic, Kumar, who has an extensive background in education and obtained bookseller certification through the International Association of Professions Career College, felt compelled to persevere with opening Rohis Readery to provide a safe learning spacenot just for children but also for their parents and other adult caregiversthat would attend to peoples emotional needs as well as their educational interests.

Programming for both adults and children includes story times, classes, workshops, and even community meals. Were all collectively going through trauma, Kumar explains. The goal is to provide an opportunity for people to build connections through literacy, to grow and learn together after the experiences of the past yearparticularly families that have moved to the area during the pandemic and might feel isolated.

For me its really all about community, Kumar notes. Its about access to stories about underrepresented communities.

Kumar and Terri Hamm of Kindred Stories, a new Houston pop-up and online bookstore that sells books by authors from throughout the African diaspora, are learning from one another. While Hamm searches for a location where she can open a physical storefront, Kumar wants to enhance Rohis Readerys digital presence. My hope is to offer an online experience, but right now, Im just a party of one, she says.

Sandcastle Tales, Del Mar, Calif.

Opening Date: September 15, 2020

Alex Rhett, who grew up in Mexico and France before moving to California, opened Sandcastle Tales in Del Mar, Calif., in July 2019. Less than nine months later the store, which is located on the main road going through the beach town north of San Diego, shut down due to a lack of customers. I saw my business die, she recalls. She was forced to move out of her shop and place her inventory in storage because she could no longer afford rent.

After negotiating favorable terms with Del Mar Plaza, a restaurant and shopping complex anchoring the downtown area, Rhett reopened Sandcastle Tales in a 450-sq.-ft. space with 2,500 books for children ranging from board books to YA, with an emphasis on art, the ocean, nature, and the environment.

Surrounded by clothing stores and closed restaurants, Rhett drew families to Sandcastle Tales by offering weekly storytimes on the plazas communal outdoor patio. We would not only read stories but everybody participated, she recalls. We also made crafts. People would come and pay for the [craft] kits. By November 2020, attendance averaged 50 people.

California has relaxed its Covid-19 guidelines, but Rhett intends to continue minimizing physical contact and restricting the number of people permitted inside the store at one time. Taking advantage of Del Mars mild climate, she says she is also going to continue scheduling outdoor events, explaining, I have to do storytimes outside, my store is so small.

Three Stories Books, Lemont, Ill.

Opening Date: April 3, 2021

Sommer Steele was inspired to become a bookseller after touring a vacant space across the street from the vintage furniture and home decor store she has owned for more than five years in the Chicago suburb of Lemont, Ill. In December 2020 she decided that she would open a childrens bookstore in the storefront. Three Stories Books opened less than four months later.

More and more young families have been moving to Lemont, and there werent many destinations downtown where kids were welcome, Steele explains. I had no intention of starting another business. We were going through a pandemic and I knew nothing about bookselling; I didnt even know where Id get the books. But I wanted a place for families. We didnt need another bar or restaurant.

The learning curve has been steep, but Steele has embraced it, joining the ABA and reaching out to the Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association. She solicited advice from several Facebook indie bookseller groups she participated in and met John Mesjak of Abraham & Associates, PWs 2018 sales rep of the year. Luckily, he was the first rep I talked to, she says. He visited my store and was both realistic and encouraging, not wearing rose-colored glasses.

Steele plans on hosting events in the 1,200-sq.-ft. space, in which she spotlights colorful picture books by displaying them face out in the front area, while middle grade and YA titles are shelved in a back area designed to look like a classic library. She is already planning something even more ambitious than a reading or storytime: a street festival featuring childrens authors including Rena Rosen and Amy Logan, face painting, live music, and food vendors.

Despite owning another retail business, Steele describes her entry into bookselling as a humbling experience, disclosing that if she had known how little she knew about the industry before she signed the lease, she never would have done it. Its been harder to learn than the typical retail experience, she admits, but everyone has been so supportive. I have customers who I believe will show up, and I have this other community of booksellers and publishers reps who will help me.

The Wandering Jellyfish Bookshop, Niwot, Colo.

Opening Date: July 31, 2021

Beginning when she was a student at the University of Colorado, childrens writer and illustrator Carissa Mina kept her eye on a 112-year-old historic building outside of Boulder, in downtown Niwot, that she envisioned as the perfect space for a childrens bookstore. The minute that building became available in April, I jumped on it, she says. Ive been waiting five years for this.

Mina asked fellow childrens lit enthusiast Jerilyn Patterson to partner with her, and the two are launching the Wandering Jellyfish Bookshop on August 14. The 620-sq.-ft. retail space holds 1,400 books. There is also a 450-sq.-ft. area in which writing and illustrating workshops are planned.

Two of the first things Mina and Patterson did after signing the lease were joining the ABA and signing up for Paz & Associates online training courses for prospective booksellers. They also hired Donna Paz and Mark Kaufman as consultants. Donna and Mark introduced us to some veteran booksellers that we talked to as well, Patterson explains.

The bookstore co-owners note that their volunteer work with the Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators eased the transition, providing them with some knowledge of how the industry works.

Launching a business during the pandemic didnt faze either woman. We both felt like we wanted and needed some personal connection, Patterson says. Wed been online for so long. This bookstore is the perfect marriage between what we both lovechildrens booksand getting books out into the community.

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Everyone loves a good story, and Bisi Adjapon tells a fabulous one in her American debut novel, The Teller of Secrets (HarperVia, Nov.). But the story of how her writing life unfolded is almost as fabulous.

The book: a Nigerian-Ghanaian girl comes of age in 1960s postcolonial Ghana to experience the plight of women, the ties of family, political upheaval, and the ultimate realization of her own intellect and power. Young Esi Agyekum lives with her stepmother and four elder half sisters (some kind, some not so much, as their nicknames indicate: Sister Sweet Voice, Sister Crocodile Jaws). Shes the apple of her fathers eyeand the keeper of his secret adultery.

Esi is destined for a university education if she can avoid having her belly filled, though marriage seems to be Ghanaian societys ultimate goal for women. Her father repeatedly advises her that a womans glory is her husband. She learns early on about patriarchy and subjugation; her response is to stand up and find her way in a moving, uplifting and exciting journey.

Esi tells herself, For so long Ive lived inward, far from the spirited little girl I used to be. Now Ive rejoined her, except Im twenty-one and stronger.... Ill light up my womanhood. Ill help my sisters. Ill help other women ignite their fires, blaze their paths through life, and leave behind embers to warm those who will come after them.

The career trajectory: Adjapon tells me that shes been writing forever, but finding time was always difficult. She was working in Senegal when she fell in love. She and her partner came together to the U.S. in the late 1990s with plans to save the world. Big dreams without a whole lot of money, she says. I was 21 years old and didnt intend to stay, but I stayed 20 years!

Adjapon worked as an international affairs specialist living mostly around Washington, D.C., but moved back and forth between Ghana and the U.S. for various reasons. I was always writing plays and short stories, had an idea that I wanted to start a magazine or a newspaper. But, she notes, one has to work, and children [she has two] take up time.

In 2010, when Adjapon did finish her first novel, Daughter in Exile, about a young Ghanaian woman who comes to the U.S., she discovered that at that time, no one was interested in immigration stories and I shoved the book somewhere.

A friend suggested a mentor, which led her to email Nigerian writer (and Jesuit priest) Uwem Akpan, whose collection Say Youre One of Them she found powerful and devastating. They talked on the phone, but Adjapon did not tell him that she wrote. Im shy, she says, and didnt want to ask for anything.

Akpan, however, invited her to the New Yorker Festival in New York City. On the panel with was a gentleman wearing torn jeans, Adjapon recalls, and when the program was over she found herself standing next to him and telling him about her book. He said he would help her and gave her a piece of paper with his email. When I got back to the hotel room, she says, I threw the paper in the trash, but when I was leaving I retrieved it.

Adjapon went back to Virginia, and three days later I started thinking about this gentleman, she says. And I started thinking about superstitions, remembering one from my childhood: if a frog jumped on you, you would turn into a man. I started thinking about sex and girls and how they are raised in Ghana. I remembered a friend who when I asked why she was walking funny, told me they had put ginger in her vagina (which became a scene in The Teller of Secrets).

Adjapon says she was fortunate that these things never happened to her, because I was a bit spoiled by my father and I had a wonderful stepmother, sweet and warm. But I do remember even as a child being angry about my brothers privilege. Girls are expected to be virgins, but boys are allowed to... Sow their wild oats, I think.

Adjapon decided she wanted to write something fresh and knocked out three chapters. She sent the first three pages to the man who had given her his email. He told her it was really good and that he wanted to publish it. Only then did she Google him: Omigod was her reaction. Until then she had no idea who Dave Eggers was. He published her Of Women and Frogs as a short story in McSweeneys, and it was nominated for the Caine Prize for African writing.

But that did not ensure a clear path to a book deal. After this early success, an agent approached Adjapon and there was an interested editor, who was subsequently fired, and, she says, That was that.

Discouraged, back in Ghana, Adjapon decided to publish in Nigeria. She expanded her short story into a novel. I thought of superstitions, of how they are lies, she recalls. So when a girl realizes this, how does she grow up from here?

Of Women and Frogs (now retitled The Teller of Secrets for the U.S. market) was published in March 2019 by Farafina Books, an imprint of independent Nigerian publishing house Kachifo Limite. To Adjapons utter surprise, it was a huge hit across Africa, and a resourceful bookseller, Booknook Bookstore, made a deal with DHL to ship copies from Ghana all over the world.

Through word of mouth, it kept going and going, she says. But she wanted a wider audience, and when Sharon Bowers at Folio Literary Management in New York offered her representation, Adjapon was ready to tackle the U.S. again.

Bowers, who represents many West African novelists, was introduced to Adjapon by South African writer Zukiswa Wanner. Bowers sent out Daughter in Exile in summer 2020. Its an incredible story of a young woman who comes to America, she says. Bisis writing makes you feel as though you are talking directly to a friend.

HarperOne executive editor Rakesh Satyal grasped it immediately, Bowers notes. It was perfect for HarperOne and one of Rakeshs first acquisitions at the [HarperVia] imprint.

Bowers was focusing on Daughter in Exile because the story has a U.S. setting, but 48 hours after Satyal read Of Women and Frogs, he preempted both in a world rights deal for six figures. The Teller of Secrets will be published first, with Daughter in Exile to follow in 2022.

Bisis work is special, Satyal says. I was captivated. She conveys transgressive elements with a wry sense of humor. In coming-of-age novels you dont often see the characters intellectual development. With Bisi you see it in tandem with the other ways of growing up. She writes powerfully and beautifully; she unpacks an irreverent sense of misogyny.

Satyal adds that Adjapon voices what women feel globally and expects The Teller of Secrets will connect with readers. As much as you learn, theres nothing pedanticthe mark of a great novelist.

The book will appear simultaneously in Canada and the U.K., and Adjapon hopes she will be able to come to the U.S. from Ghana in November for the launch. We already have a date to meet in New York City, but Ive also got designs on a visit to Ghana. Shes promised therell be dancing.

Correction: This story initially stated that the publisher of Of Women and Frogs sent copies to readers around the world; those copies were sent by Booknook Bookstore.
DEAL OF THE WEEK

Yang Goes Forward with Crown Entrepreneur, presidential candidate, and New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Yang sold his next book to Crown executive editor Paul Whitlach. Set for release in October, Forward: Notes on the Future of Our Democracy will examine what it is really like to run for president, while also issuing a scathing indictment of Americas era of institutional failure, the publisher said. In the book, it added, Yang argues that a series of reforms, including data rights and fact-based governance, are the keys to jump-starting political and economic systems that are breaking down. Crown took world rights from David Larabell at CAA.

Greens Stardust Settles at Hanover

In a three-book deal, Hanover Square Press senior editor John Glynn acquired North American and audio rights to bestselling author Jane Greens novel Sister Stardust, as well as her next two books. Sister Stardust, the publisher said, will be a work of historical fiction set in the 1960s in London and Marrakesh that reimagines the glamorous and tragic life of fashion icon and socialite Talitha Getty and the opulent counter-culture scene she presided over. The deal was brokered by Wendy Sherman at Wendy Sherman Associates and Alex Glass at Glass Literary Management on behalf of Jonny Geller at Curtis Brown UK. An April 2022 publication is planned.

Davis Finds a Home at HarperOne

Judith Curr, president and publisher of HarperOne, acquired North American rights, including audio, from CAA to Finding Me, a memoir from actor and producer Viola Davis. The publisher described the book as a true heros journey that will capture the hearts and minds of Ms. Daviss legions of fans around the world. Davis has a host of credits to her name, including an Oscar-winning performance in Fences. She also picked up an Emmy for her work in How to Get Away with Murder. The memoir, set for release next April, is being published in partnership with Ebony.

Bantam Dell Tackles Jackal

In a six-figure preempt, Jenny Chen at Bantam Dell took world English rights to two novels by Erin E. Adams, a first-generation Haitian American writer and theater artist. Kerry DAgostino at Curtis Brown Ltd. brokered the deal. She said Jackal, Adamss debut novel, follows a young Black woman who, after returning to small-town Appalachia, discovers something in the nearby woods thats been taking Black girls for years, and now its taken her best friends daughter. The second novel is a mystery involving Haitian mysticism and spiritual deaths. Jackal is scheduled for a fall 2022 release.

Avery Votes for Reed

Steven Reed, who was elected the first Black mayor of Montgomery, Ala., in November 2019, sold his first book, a memoir, to Joanna Ng at Penguin Random Houses Avery imprint. In Raising Kings: Lessons in Manhood from Civil Rights Greatest Generation, written with Fagan Harris, Reed shares lessons in leadership and fatherhood that he learned from his father and hopes to pass on to the next generation, according to the publisher. Ng took North American rights from Peter McGuigan at Ultra Literary on behalf of Traci Wilkes Smith at CSE. Raising Kings is slated for fall 2022.

Agora Buys Journalists Debut

Journalist Sena Desai Gopals debut novel, The 86th Village, was acquired by Chantelle Aimee Osman at Polis Books imprint Agora Books. The novel, the publisher said, revolves around plans for a government dam that could submerge 86 villages in southern India, but when an orphan girl appears, events take a series of unexpected turns. Priya Doraswamy at Lotus Lane Literary sold world rights to Agora.
Llewellyn Worldwide, which was founded in 1901 in Portland, Ore., celebrates its 120th birthday in early September in what v-p Gabe Weschcke calls a happy, mature, successful, healthy phase of its long history as one of the largest spirituality publishers in the world.

The company was started by Llewellyn George, an astrologer who emigrated from Wales in the late 19th century and launched his publishing career with newsletters, books, and almanacs, including the Moon Sign Book, first released in 1905 and republished annually ever since. The A to Z Horoscope Maker and Delineator, released in 1910, put the publishing house on the map for the astrology community, and a revised version remains in print today.

George moved the company from Portland to Los Angeles in 1920, and he continued to run it until his death in 1954. It was briefly owned by a printing company before Carl Weschckeseeing that Llewellyn was for sale in Publishers Weeklypurchased it in 1961. He moved it to his home city of St. Paul, and today its housed in nearby Woodbury, Minn.

Weschcke, who died in 2015 at age 85, had a lifelong interest in the occult (as many subjects such as tarot and astrology were known then) and was a gifted marketer. Shortly after taking over Llewellyn, he began reestablishing its name and his efforts led to the publication of one of the biggest sellers in company history, The Complete Book of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland, based on a series of lectures the author gave. Since its 1969 publication, its sold more than one million copies.

To generate interest in Llewellyns entire list, Weschcke sponsored festivals focused on magic and paganism, and the publisher became known among authors and booksellers as the Father of the New Age, according to his obituary in Publishers Weekly.

Weschckes wife Sandra Weschcke and son Gabe Weschcke now own and operate the publishing house, and they credit his vision for its continued growth. Llewellyn became what it is because of him, said Sandra, who is Llewellyns president . Carl wasnt a trend watcher; he was a trendsetter.

Top titles on a backlist of more than 1,500 works include Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner (1989) by Scott Cunningham, with 1.25 million sold, according to Llewellyn; Animal Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small (2002) by Ted Andrews, with 750,000 sold; and Journey of Souls: Case Studies of Life Between Lives (1994) by Michael Newton, at 750,000 sold.

With 70 employees, Llewellyn now focuses primarily on witchcraft, paganism, and tarot, publishing roughly 135 titles annually. One of its top recent books is Psychic Witch: A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick & Manifestation by Mat Auryn, which has sold about 70,000 copies since its January 2020 release.

Sandra Weschcke said that over the past several decades, Llewellyn has benefitted from increased interest in its subject areas. Thirty-five years ago, not many people were interested in topics such as Wicca and tarot, she explained. Now the numbers of authors and subjects we publish has grown. Authors have gravitated to Llewellyn because we have such a strong line.

Gabe Weschcke said that though trends are important, Llewellyn has prospered because it stays true to its mission. We are where we are because of who we are and what we publish, he noted.

Our mission/vision was and is to be the leading provider of information for personal growth of body, mind, and spirit, publisher Bill Krause said. We strive for all of our titles to have a how-to component to provide readers with options and tools for exploring and expanding their consciousness and potential.

Sales increased slightly during the pandemic, and Gabe Weschcke predicts sales will remain at those higher levels, noting that over the past year and a half people have gotten back into the habit of reading. Indeed, sales and marketing director Tom Lund said sales to date are up by double digits over 2021.

Though Llewellyn offers direct-to-consumer sales via its website and its books are available in national chain stores, independent stores have been important accounts for decades. Llewellyn supports the small metaphysical stores by having books for them to sell, Sandra Weschcke said. They have experienced wonderful growth, and we are proud of our relationship with them.

In addition to its sales in the U.S., Llewellyn generates about 7% of its revenue in Canada, while other overseas markets account for another 7%.

Gabe Weschcke said the recipe for success in the future is simple: We will continue to do what we love to do: work with great authors, have great books, have fun, and keep the author and customer community strong.

Ann Byle is a freelance writer and regular contributor to PWs Religion BookLine.
Titles from pagans, shamans, and witches abound in the coming 12 months, meeting readers fascination with inexplicable powers, spells, rituals, and shields from harm. Red Wheel/Weiser associate publisher Peter Turner calls paganism the fastest-growing form of spirituality in America. Below are some examples and publishers descriptions from among scores of such titles due out in upcoming months.

Wisdom Rocks and Energy Smokes

The Art of Sacred Smoke: Energy-Balancing Rituals to Cleanse, Protect, and Empower

Neelou Malekpour (TarcherPerigee, Nov.)

This guide is intended to help readers calibrate their energy with natural ingredients such as candles, stones, and flowers.

Awakening the Crystals: The Ancient Art and Modern Magic of Gems and Stones

Sandra Mariah Wright and Leanne Marrama (TacherPerigee,May 2022)

The authors aim to show readers how stones can help them improve their lives.

Connecting with Crystals: Crystal Wisdom and Stone Healing for Body, Mind, and Spirit

Laurelle Rethke (Jan. 2022).

Energy healer Rethke details uses for 250 healing crystals.

Crystals: Complete Healing Energy for Spiritual Seekers

Sadie Kadlec (DK, Apr. 2022)

Kadlec strives to show readers how to get in touch with their energy and channel it for healing and growth.

Gem Sorcery: Energize Your Chakras and Transform Your Life with Sensory Crystal Healing

Amaris (Watkins, May 2022)

Amaris explores how to connect ones chakras to a universal consciousness.

Lighting the Wick: An Intuitive Guide to the Ancient Art and Modern Magic of Candles

Sandra Mariah Wright and Leanne Marrama (TarcherPerigee, Sept.)

The authors detail magical properties and uses of candles.

Wicca Candle Magic

Lisa Chamberlain (Sterling, Sept.).

Prolific Wicca writer Chamberlain instructs how to choose and use candles in daily magic practice.

Prayers, Rituals, and Spells

Daily Magic: Spells and Rituals for Making the Whole Year Magical

Judika Illes (HarperOne, Aug.).

Prolific witch writer and editor Illes strives to teach readers when and how to create rituals, cast spells, prepare potions, and orchestrate feasts to honor sacred beings.

Druid Path

John Michael Greer (Sterling, Jan. 2022).

Archdruid Greers latest offers lessons and occult rituals that promote Earth-conscious spirituality.

Money Magic Practical Wisdom and Empowering Rituals to Heal Your Finances

Jessie Susannah Karnatz (Chronicle, Dec.).

Money Witch Jessie Susannah Karnatz, empowers readers to take charge of their money with clarity and confidence (plus a few crystals!), according to the publisher.

Pagan Family Prayers and Rituals

Ceisiwr Serith (Weiser, May 2022).

Smith brings a background in Wicca and druidic traditions to a practical hands-on guide for pagans who wish to celebrate their religion as a living, family tradition, per the publisher.

Ritual: An Essential Grimoire

Damien Echols and Lorri Davis (Sounds True, Apr. 2022).

Echols (Angels and Archangels) and his wife Davis offer a handbook of magical practices geared toward diving energy in ones life.

Ritual as Remedy: Embodied Practices for Soul Care

Mara Branscombe (Findhorn, May 2022).

Yoga and meditation teacher Branscombe connects the pagan wheel of the year and the five elements to offer rituals, ceremonies, and practices intended to foster peace and happiness in readers lives.

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The sun, moon, and stars have always spoken to the spiritual imagination. Books that guide interpretation of the meaning and movements of heavenly bodies are a staple of the mind-body-spirit category. Below is a sampling of upcoming titles that publishers are highlighting and their descriptions.

Adams Media offers The Astrology Journal: A Celestial Guide to Recording Your Cosmic Journey (Aug.) by astrologer, teacher, and podcaster Mecca Woods. It features beginner-friendly basics for people starting or just developing their completely customized celestial grimoire.

Castle Point Books two star titles veer from serious to smart-aleck. In Astrology for Life: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Wisdom in the Stars (Nov.), the publisher says, lifestyle writer Nina Kahn offers a deep dive into star-smarts geared toward teaching how to step up your career game, find love, take better care of yourself, crush your goals, and live your most magical life. And Amelia Wooda Gemini who gets sh*t donetakes the sassy path with Whats Your F*cking Sign: Sweary Astrology for You and Me (Nov.), for readers who want to understand the behavior of the people in their life by learning their cosmic DNA.

St. Martins Essentials has two upcoming titles: The Complete Book of Astrology (Feb. 2022) by retired professional astrologer Ada Aubin and writer June Rifkin, walks newbies through the basics of the sun sign, and how the planets interaction at the moment of birth can impact ones life, character, and potential, and This Is Your Destiny Using Astrology to Manifest Your Best Life (Sept.) by Cosmopolitan resident astrologer Aliza Kelly strives to lead people from learning their horoscopes toward finding self-actualization.

Sirius, an imprint of Arcturus Publishing, launches the Arcturus Astrology Library series in January with 12 titlesone for each sign of the zodiac. Its written as a collaboration between bestselling astrology authors Marion Williamson and Pam Carruthers who provide a deep dive into all the insights on life, love, career, and more that readers can learn from their signs and birth charts.

Sterling Publishing has a novel take in Dirtbag Astrology (Mar.), by caustic online astrology guide Alberto Alby Toribo, whose @gnarlyastrology Instagram account has more than 180,000 followers. He promises a degenerate handbook full of hard truths, horrible insights, and plenty of laughs as you peruse the sun signs.

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The 32-year-old woman and two children, one of whom later died, were removed from the second floor of a burning row house by Reading firefighters Thursday morning.
American cable television network MTV is turning 40 Sunday.

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To celebrate the milestone, a large-scale Moon Person, inspired by a 2021 special edition Moon Person designed by American Artist Kehinde Wiley, will be unveiled at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida.

"Since MTV first launched at 12:01 a.m. on August 1, 1981, and debuted with footage of NASA's Apollo 11 mission, the Moon Person has symbolized the brand's spirit of adventure and foray into new worlds," a news release said.

"Wiley reimagined the iconic Moon Person for MTV's 40th anniversary and the special award will be given to the winners at the 2021 MTV VMAs. The large-scale MTV Moon Person that will live at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is inspired by his design."

Wiley is the first African American artist to paint an official portrait of a U.S. president, Barack Obama.

MTV started out as a channel that showed round-the-clock music videos, with blocks hosted by video jockeys or VJs.

The channel later morphed into a destination for reality series, game shows and scripted young-adult dramas. It also hands out annual music, film and TV awards in televised broadcasts, previously known as the Moon Man, now known as a Moon Person.

Several former MTV VJs -- including Mark Goodman, Nina Blackwood and Alan Hunter -- host programs on SiriusXM's '80son8 pop music channel. Another MTV alum, Kennedy, is now a Fox Business/Fox News personality.
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.
FILE - In this Jan. 18, 2014, file photo, a female resident orca whale breaches while swimming in Puget Sound near Bainbridge Island, Wash., as seen from a federally permitted research vessel. The National Marine Fisheries Service has finalized rules to expand the Southern Resident orca's critical habitat from the Canadian border down to Point Sur, Calif., adding 15,910 square miles, (41,207 square kilometers) of foraging areas, river mouths and migratory pathways.
As the Delta variant rises throughout the nation, questions about booster shots, hospitalizations and vaccine hesitancy leave many frustrated. As part of The Red & Blacks health news coverage, we will be launching weekly reports on news relating to COVID-19 and its recent statistics.

Major updates

This week, a leaked report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that the Delta variant, which is far more transmissible and produces more severe sickness than previous versions of the virus, spreads as easily as chickenpox.

The agency has also reversed its mask recommendations to now encourage masks in indoor spaces. It's based on a number of epidemic studies and independent examinations and shows that whether a person is vaccinated or not, their virus levels are identical and can be spread either way.

Vaccine efficacy conversations have arisen due to aggressive variants being identified.

Data Breakdown: University of Georgia

With conversations and incentives launching, the University of Georgia intends to open up campus completely in-person and focus on vaccinating individuals. No update has been given by the university on the recent CDC findings.

The lack of screening alongside the lack of a vaccine mandate is instilling frustration and worries among students and faculty as students return to Athens from different locations far and near.

UGA reported 11 COVID-19 cases over the week of July 19-25, similar to the 12 cases a week before.

The university conducted 158 surveillance tests during the week of July 19-23, a slight increase from the 148 tests last week. The positivity rate from surveillance testing was 1.3%, similar to the 1.4% the previous week. The World Health Organization and Johns Hopkins University recommend communities try to maintain a positivity rate of 5% or lower.

There is still a chance of an uptrend in COVID-19 cases as different mutations of the coronavirus are found in Georgia and as people ease public health guidelines. The Red & Black will continue to monitor all COVID-19 related information reported by UGA.

Students and faculty may book a vaccine appointment at the University Health Center Vaccine Portal or get vaccinated at any USG school. Students may also receive COVID-19 testing at the UHC upon walk-in.

From July 19-25, 97 vaccines were administered at the UHC out of the 19,039 on hand. In total, they have fully vaccinated 13,126 individuals.

Data Breakdown: Athens-Clarke County

Last week, Athens-Clarke County saw an increase of new confirmed COVID-19 cases compared to the week before.

From July 24-30, ACC reported 177 new confirmed cases, compared to 94 from July 17-23, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health. The countys seven-day average positivity rate was 11%.

This week, ACC reported zero confirmed COVID-19 deaths.

According to the Georgia Geospatial Information Office, the number of current hospitalizations in Region E  which includes ACC and several surrounding counties  increased last week. On July 30, there were 65 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, compared to the 32 on July 23.

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, about 39% of ACC is fully vaccinated. This data severely undercuts what is needed to achieve herd immunity. Previous research has shown that herd immunity is achieved in communities with at least 70% of residents being vaccinated.

Data Breakdown: Georgia

Statewide, the weekly rate of new confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased.

Georgia reported 22,410 confirmed COVID-19 cases for the week of July 24-30, a significant increase from 12,044 last week. The states seven-day average positivity rate increased to 11.9% on July 30 compared to 7.8% on July 23. The number of confirmed deaths increased  Georgia recorded 55 new confirmed COVID-19 deaths from July 24-30 compared to the 50 on July 17-23.

According to the Geospatial Information Office, the number of current COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state increased significantly from about 1,147 on July 23 to 2,044 on July 30.

The CDC measured newly-found variants of COVID-19 from July 4-17. Of cases in Region 4, which includes Georgia, the Delta variant shows to be about 77.2% of all the cases identified within this time period.

According to the DPH, Georgia has administered a total of 8,770,141 vaccines as of July 30. 4,753,282 of these have been only the first dose. Only 40% of the state has been fully vaccinated. According to 2019 estimates from the US Census Bureau, Georgia has a total population of about 10,617,423.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said double masking amid the more contagious COVID-19 mutations found in the US is likely more effective, according to a CNBC article. These strains have been found to be 30-70% more transmissible to others than the initial strain. Double-masking has been shown to block over 92% of potentially infectious particles from spreading to others, according to a study done by the CDC.

According to the CDC, fully vaccinated individuals do need to wear a mask indoors if in an area of substantial or high transmission.

The CDC has also released guidelines for vaccinated individuals to still try their best to follow social distancing, wear masks and frequently wash hands even if they have been vaccinated.
Weather Alert

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING... The Flash Flood Watch continues 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. * 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 in 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. &&
WYOMING COUNTY Virginia Bazzie passed away on Saturday July 31, 2021. Visitation will be Tuesday August 3, 2021 from 6-8pm at the Evans-Calfee Funeral Service in Pineville. Graveside service will be on Noon on Wednesday in the Lilly-Crews Family cemetery in Nimitz. More information can be fo
Ron Chapple / Getty Image

HARTFORD  A 19-year-old was sent to a hospital after she sustained a gunshot wound, according to city police.

Lt. Aaron Boisvert said in a release that city police responded to the 300 block of Wethersfield Avenue on a ShotSpotter activation Thursday around 8:03 p.m.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention moved three more Connecticut counties into the substantial transmission category for COVID-19, prompting the state's Department of Public Health on Friday to recommend anyone who lives, works or travels throughout Fairfield, Tolland and Windham counties to wear a mask in public indoor spaces.

The recommendation comes a day after the agency issued the same alert for New London, Hartford and New Haven counties after case levels increased. That means just two counties  Middlesex and Litchfield  have not reached that level of transmission.

This alert applies to all residents in these areas whether they are vaccinated or not," said Dr. Deidre S. Gifford, senior advisor to Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont for health and human services and the acting public health commissioner, in a statement. DPH is advising people with underlying medical conditions who are at high risk for complications from COVID-19, or residents who live with high-risk or unvaccinated individuals, including young children ineligible for vaccinations, to also consider wearing masks in indoor public spaces.

State data released Friday show 491 new confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19 have been reported since Thursday. The number of hospitalizations increased by four, to a total of 116. Of those, 41 patients were in Fairfield County hospitals.

We are seeing that the dominant delta variant can infect those who are vaccinated and that they can transmit the COVID infection to others. But I cannot stress enough that the vaccine is the safest and most effective to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID, Gifford said.

Lamont's executive order, which requires people who are not fully vaccinated to wear a facemask when indoors and when they're unable to socially distance themselves, remains in place.

In other coronavirus related news:

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REQUIRED VACCINATIONS?

Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, told The Associated Press on Friday that he's calling on the governor to take steps similar to President Joe Biden and require state and municipal employees and government contractors to be vaccinated for COVID-19 or else be tested twice weekly, wear masks and physically distance.

As we've seen with the President, governors and mayors, this is an executive function, Duff said in a text. Asked if he's calling on Lamont, a fellow Democrat, to include such a measure in an executive order, Duff responded, Yes.

Biden announced Thursday that federal workers will be required to sign forms attesting theyve been vaccinated against the coronavirus or else comply with new rules on mandatory masking, weekly testing, distancing and more. He also directed the Defense Department to look into adding the COVID-19 shot to its list of required vaccinations for members of the military.

Duff, the second-highest ranking Democrat in the Senate, issued a news release on Friday that said, given the fact federal employees will be subject to such restrictions, it would make sense to apply a similar framework to Connecticuts state and local employees. This would not be a mandate. Its a common-sense way to restrict the spread of COVID-19. Duff also said he's recommending medical offices, including doctors, dentists and other patient-facing professionals, disclose if their offices are fully vaccinated.

Duff's release did not specifically call for Lamont to issue an executive order.

Max Reiss, Lamont's communications director, said the governor continues to encourage everyone eligible, including state employees and health care professionals, to get vaccinated.

The issue has been discussed, both at the state level and with our partners and other states regarding other ways ... we can get as many people to get it, he said. But at this time, we are not mandating state employees to receive them.
NEW HAVEN  Jason Michael Crowell, a professional substance abuse counselor, who co-workers say had a gift for reaching the addicted on the streets, died last week from an accidental drug overdose.

Crowell, 46, had been clean for 10 years until recent weeks.

Maybe it was self-pressure, maybe a trigger event, but those who knew him best  his mom, his partner and a co-worker  say he would want the world to know he overdosed in case it could benefit another person struggling.

He would want people to learn from it, said Sarah Jean Hoffman, his live-in partner of more than five years.

His mother, Amy Crowell of Hamden, agreed, and said the transparency means her late son still is touching lives as he would wish.

Everything he went through  the trauma and hardship (related to addiction)  really made him sympathetic to the people who were suffering, Crowell said. Hes still touching many people

One addiction factor that Jason Crowells relapse and death exemplifies is, This can happen to someone who looks like theyre doing so well, Amy Crowell said.

He appeared to have it all at the time of his relapse  achieving success in the all the big areas of life.

You never know whats going on inside.  They can look great on the outside  no one knew he was suffering at all, Amy Crowell said.

Crowell said her son battled addiction for decades, starting with alcohol and marijuana as a young teen and moving on to heroin.

His death drives home something she learned through the years: relapse can happen anytime.

Jason Crowells partner, Sarah Jean Hoffman, never saw relapse coming, either.

Jason Crowell worked full-time as a substance abuse Counselor with Cornell-Scott Hill Health Center, where his time was shared by both Grant Street Partnership and the Greater New Haven Healthcare for the Homeless; part-time for Sex Workers and Allies Network as outreach director; and was a per diem counselor at the APT Foundation.

He had big life plans with Hoffman and he recently graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a masters degree in social work. He was to start a masters degree in public health in the fall.

Despite academic achievement, what made Crowell special, loved ones and co-workers said, was not anything he learned in a book, but rather his calm, nonjudgmental way, his compassion for the marginalized in society and his willingness to meet clients where they were in the journey  even if it was on a street. He tirelessly battled the shame and stigma associated with addiction.

Beatrice Codianni, founder and executive director of SWAN, said she asked Crowell if he wanted the outreach director job at her organization after she saw how well he handled clients at Hill Health.

She describes him as a tattooed teddy bear, whose knack for gaining trust on the streets cant be replicated.

His death hit the population hard. He couldnt tolerate the suffering of others and was driven to take every step to help them, Codianni said. He was a great listener. He was one of the gentlest, compassionate, caring people I have ever met in my life.

Noting another lesson to be learned from Crowells death, Codianni said, He broke the rule  dont use alone.

Romantic partner Hoffman, 41, said doesnt know why he started using again.

Some scars you cant see, Hoffman said.

They had plans for the future, Hoffman said, including buying a house, changing policies that treat users like criminals, and even for running an open, safe injection site, where health care workers could monitor users.

But none of it would ever be.

Hoffman, who said she has never taken any drugs, said Crowell was clean for 10 years until he overdosed at a friends house two weeks before his death. The friend administered Narcan and Crowell  who has had many brushes with overdose through the years  was taken to the hospital.

He told Hoffman he wouldnt use again and was taking pills to block brain receptors.

In his work, Crowell was all about treating addiction as a disease and moving on after relapse  so Hoffman did, too.

Hoffman doesnt believe her partner was using after that until the fatal overdose, as he didnt have the unmistakable look of being high that his family had described.

Then, July 17, she found him dead in their dining room. She tried to revive him with Narcan and did CPR while on the phone with an emergency dispatcher.

Hoffman, a junior at SCSU pursuing a clinical psychology degree, said Crowell was very Zen, like a Buddha. He was calm, welcoming, never judged anyone, no one less than.

He was so dedicated to his work that when they were leaving her cousins wedding in Atlantic City, he stopped to talk to a homeless man to ask whether he had been offered services.

I told my family, Hes not at work, but hes always working, she said.

Hoffman, who is a full-time logistics leader at IKEA and a data entry volunteer at SWAN, has now taken Jasons place working to help with SWANs overdose awareness event on the Green set for Aug. 31. The event will in part honor his life and work.

Hoffman wonders whether Crowell put too much pressure on himself with three jobs, school, committees and still always finding together-time for them. He had talked about modifying his work schedules before the fatal overdose.

Amy Crowell said her son had a thorough understanding of addiction after more than 20 years of battling it and he loved to talk about his work.

He was a loving, very gentle soul, Amy Crowell said of her only son. He struggled most of his life with addiction, but he was always a compassionate, caring person.

Crowell said her son was a typical kid, a good kid, who loved animals.

After all those years of active addiction, she believes what really worked for those 10 years was a mindset.

He wanted to turn his life around, and did that dramatically, she said.

At the same time, Amy Crowell knew after all those years that with addiction, It was always there, and relapse could come at any time.
POTTSVILLE  The Schuylkill County commissioners on Wednesday asked citizens to support a well-established charity by attending softball games.

They issued a proclamation honoring the 30th anniversary of the Moms for Make-A-Wish Softball tournament, which will be held beginning on Friday and continuing through Aug. 8 at Island Park in Schuylkill Haven.

Youre angels in disguise, Commissioner Gary J. Hess said of the group, which raises money to grant seriously or terminally ill children their fondest dream.

Commissioners Chairman Barron L. Hetherington said the group has raised more than $1 million to help it grant the wishes. He said a member of his extended family benefited from it, so it holds a special place in his heart.

Im very, very thankful, Hetherington said. Be generous to Make-A-Wish.

The commissioners also voted to spend $35,400 on a 1,000-gallon fuel tank for the county prison.

County Administrator Gary R. Bender said the tank powers the prisons emergency generator.

The commissioners also approved four purchase-of-service placement agreements on behalf of Children & Youth.

Under those agreements, each of which runs through June 30, 2022:

 Bethany Childrens Home, Womelsdorf, will be paid per diem rates of $288.40 for residential and independent living and $299.94 for intensive residential short-term and shelter care.

 Families United Network Inc., Muncy, will be paid per diem rates of $205.26 for Level 1 residential placement, $214.31 for Level 2 residential placement, $67.59 for general foster care and $101.70 for intensive foster care.

 George Junior Republic, Grove City, will be paid per diem rates of $191.74 for regular residential placement, $298.81 for special needs placement and $359.81 for intensive supervision unit placement.

 Harborcreek Youth Services Inc., Harborcreek, will be paid a per diem rate of $275 for residential placement.

In other matters, the commissioners:

 Approved a budget adjustment of $25,949 for county administration.

 Adopted a 504 grievance procedure fair housing resolution for the county Community Development Block Grant program.

 Added the parking lot at 410 N. Centre St., Pottsville, to the paving contract with Ronnie Folk Paving. It increases the cost of the contract by $37,805. Bender said work had been delayed because of the renovation of Progress Avenue.

 Extended the contract with Dallago Backhoe Services to Sept. 30 at no additional cost. Bender said the company is fixing the sidewalk around the courthouse, but the county had pulled the company off that project to work on others, thereby necessitating the extension.

 Appointed James Gustas, of Pottsville, as a per diem field appraiser in the Tax Assessment Bureau. The county Salary Board approved his hourly salary of $29.50.

 Promoted Tonya Kovach, of Butler Township, to field appraiser from clerk typist 1 in the same bureau. The Salary Board approved her hourly salary of $17.5736.

 Appointed Thomas Colihan, of Ashland, and Vanessa Whitecavage, of Girardville, as part-time corrections officers, effective Friday. Each will earn an hourly salary of $21.7486.

 Appointed Nicole Peel, of Mahanoy City, as a clerk typist 1 in the Tax Claim Bureau. She will earn an hourly salary of $13.4613.

 Promoted Pearl Robertson, of Pottsville, to case management supervisor from case management specialist in the Drug & Alcohol program. She will earn an hourly salary of $25.8079.
Kartik Aaryan's upcoming flick, Captain India has been accused of plagiarism by Operation Yemen producer, Subhash Kale, reported Bollywood Hungama. The producer has claimed that the plot of the film is similar to their project, Operation Yemen. Captain India is directed by Scam 1992 fame, Hansal Mehta. The producer stated that the poster shows that Aaryan's upcoming film is "clearly" based on the same incident they will be showing in Operation Yemen.

Kartik Aaryan's Captain India accused of plagiarism!

During a conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Operation Yemen's producer, Subhash Kale said that the idea has not been "leaked" from their side, but the city of Sana'a which is the capital of Yemen is "visible" on Captain India's poster. He highlighted that the city's architecture and landscape are such that it does not match with any other city in the world. Kale stated that the poster shows carpet-bombing happening over the city, an aeroplane that is going over Sana'a, and the title which is Captain India are "clear giveaways" that Kartik Aaryan's film is based on the same incident.

Kale also revealed that several people showed interest in his current project and that he had spoken to Paresh Rawal who has "given his nod" and thus, they moved "quite ahead" and no matter what, they will be doing the film. He said that Captain India filmmakers plan to shoot in the year 2022 and he hopes to begin filming from November- December 2021 or 2022. The lead actor (tentative) who liked the project will soon have a narration once he returns from London, and then decide if he wished to come on board. The producer added that his team spoke to veteran actors- Anil Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, and Boman Irani for the role of VK Singh. However, they are "zeroing"in on Rawal as his age is apt for the part.

Subhash Kale deemed Mehta his friend but revealed that he has not approached the director over the matter. Kale stated that even if the scripts of both films are different, the plot would be the same and thus, the films will be similar. He added that two similar films cannot be made as "it will then become a repeat of Scam 1992 (2020) and The Big Bull (2021) episode".

Operation Yemen is based on the 2015 Operation Raahat when the Indian Armed Forces under General VK Singh evacuated Indian citizens as well as foreign citizens from Yemen during the Yemen Crisis. However, Captain India's poster does not reveal that the film is based on Operation Raahat. Kartik Aaryan will be seen playing the lead role in the film. It is produced by Ronnie Screwvala and actor-turned-producer Harman Baweja.

IMAGE: KARTIK AARYAN'S INSTAGRAM

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Kiara Advani's rumoured beau and actor Sidharth Malhotra has recently taken to his official Instagram handle to wish her on her birthday. As Kiara Advani is ringing her 29th birthday today, Sidharth dropped a behind-the-scenes picture from the sets of their upcoming film, Shershaah, and penned a sweet note. The picture is a candid shot featuring Kiara and Sidharth.

Sidharth Malhotra drops BTS pic on Kiara Advani's birthday

Taking to his Instagram story, Sidharth Malhotra dropped a BTS picture where the rumoured couple can be seen in their characters' avatars from the upcoming war film. Sid and Kiara had their attention on the camera and can be seen observing a shot they just delivered. In the picture, Kiara can be seen sporting a baby pink-hued salwar suit, while Sidharth donned a blue checked shirt.

Sharing the adorable picture, Sidharth wrote, "Happy Birthday Ki. Shershaah's journey with you has been incredible. Lots of memories from this one... Stay amazing. Big love." Kiara reposted Sidharth's post on her IG story and expressed her gratitude for his birthday wishes. She responded, "Thank you Captain."

The rumoured celebrity couple are gearing up for the release of their war film, Shershaah. The film depicts the story of the celebrated Kargil War hero Captain Vikram Batra. The film marks Kiara and Sid's first film together. Helmed by Vishnu Varadhan, Shershaah was slated for a theatrical release last year but was postponed owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film has been shifted to release on Amazon Prime Video on August 12, 2021.

Kiara and Sidharth have been busy promoting their film together. Although the actors are yet to confirm their relationship officially, they have been spotted together quite a few times now. Earlier, the couple headed to the Maldives in 2021, in order to celebrate the New Year together. According to Pinkvilla, the paparazzi also spotted Kiara visiting Sidharth at his home and spending time with his family.

Meanwhile, Kiara has also received birthday wishes from other celebrity friends from the industry. These include Malaika Arora, Athiya Shetty, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Rohit Saraf, Sara Ali Khan, Ananya Pandey, Shahid Kapoor, Neha Dhupia, Tiger Shroff, Disha Patani and many more. On the work front, Kiara Advani will also be seen in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 with Kartik Aaryan. The film is helmed by Anees Bazmee.

IMAGE: SIDHARTH MALHOTRA INSTAGRAM

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The Border Security Forces (BSF) on late Friday evening shot down two Pakistani intruders along the international border in the Ferozepur sector. The BSF troops in Ferozpur took the action after they observed a suspicious movement of intruders sneaking inside the Indian territory. Meanwhile, the troops ordered them to stop but they continued their approach without paying any heed to repeated warnings from the Indian security forces. Subsequently, they were fired upon as the intruders continued to cross the border fence. The bodies have been recovered and an investigation to identify the intruders is going on.

Two Pakistani intruders were neutralized at the Indian border in Punjab's Ferozepur district on July 30. A detailed search is in progress: Border Security Force Punjab Frontier pic.twitter.com/qKamyfe8AM  ANI (@ANI) July 31, 2021

It has been suspected that the intruders were trying to smuggle arms or drugs through the Punjab border as it has become a common spot for Pakistan to conduct illegal operations. Last month, during an interview Kashmir Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Vijay Kumar had revealed that the security forces are currently focusing on bringing down the narcotics activity which is smuggled by Pakistani terrorists in Delhi and Punjab. The money that they get through this gets distributed amongst local terrorists and it is the biggest challenge for us, added IGP Vijay Kumar.

Suspected Pakistani drones shot down

Apart from the drugs, and terrorist activities from Pakistan, India is currently facing another threat which is drone attacks from the neighbouring country. A day ago, suspected Pakistani drones were spotted hovering in three locations in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir. According to BSF officials, three unidentified lights were spotted simultaneously over Bari-Brahmana, Chiladya, and Gagwal near the international border around 8.30 PM on Thursday, July 29. The alert security forces fired upon the drones after which they disappeared. Drone activity has increased after the June 27 airbase attack.

BSF shoots down Pakistani intruder

Nearly a month ago, the Border Security Force (BSF) had shot dead a Pakistani intruder in the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir and seized nearly 27 kgs of narcotics worth Rs 135 crores from the border area. The intruder who was shot by the force was said to be involved in smuggling drugs to India. Since the ceasefire, Pakistan has been shifting focus from weaponry to pushing drug activities in India.
Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria on Saturday embarked on an official goodwill visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Bhadauria will be visiting the Arab nation at the invitation from Major General Ibrahim Nasser M Al Alawi, the Commander of the UAE Air Force and Air Defence (UAE AF & AD). The visit will be to strengthen air defence cooperation between the two countries.

Major General Ibrahim Nasser invites India's Chief of Air Staff

India's Ministry of Defence said in a statement, "Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria embarked on an official goodwill visit to UAE." Bhadauria received the invitation from Major General Ibrahim Nasser who handles UAE's Air defence and Air force. The official statement further added, "Indian Air Force and UAE AF & AD have had significant professional interactions in the past few years and this visit will further strengthen the defence cooperation and Air Force level exchanges, as part of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two sides."

Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Chief of the Air Staff, embarked on an official visit to the UAE. He is visiting the UAE on an invitation from Major General Ibrahim Nasser M Al Alawi Commander UAE Air Force and Air Defence.



(File photo) pic.twitter.com/7pgtJM8NTg  ANI (@ANI) July 31, 2021

Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria visits Southern Air Command

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) visited the Southern Air Command, Thiruvananthapuram, on July 15. He instructed the Southern Air Command to remain ever-ready for fulfilling its operational mandate. He made the remarks at a commanders' conference of the SAC in Thiruvananthapuram, according to the Indian Air Force (IAF). "In his address to SAC Commanders, the CAS re-iterated the need for IAF to remain ever ready for fulfilling its operational mandate," the IAF said in a statement. It said he appreciated the efforts of the SAC in fast-tracking numerous infrastructure initiatives and undertaking tasks of operational significance within its area of responsibility. "The Chief of Air Staff also expressed his satisfaction at the swift operationalisation achieved by newly inducted assets particularly LCA Tejas and Su-30 MKI squadrons," the IAF said.

Image Credits - ANI

With inputs from ANI
India and Afghanistan will hold a bilateral cultural week scheduled for September 2 to September 5, as planned by the Afghanistan embassy in New Delhi and Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Afghanistan Ambassador to India, Farid Mamundzay on Friday told ANI. The event is aimed at strengthening the cultural ties between the Southeast Asian neighbouring countries, he said. Several key diplomats and bureaucrats from both countries are expected to attend the important event which will include cultural engagement, poetry events, food, music, etc.

"Afghanistan has learned a lot from Indian culture, young Afghans should understand and abide Indo-Afghan relations, hence we have planned this event," Mamundzay told reporters on July 30, addressing a media conference. Further, he elaborated, that Afghanistan is going through a tough time, we are struggling with terrorism and extremisms, but this cultural week would bring a news of happiness among Afghans, as he expressed concerns about the security situation in the conflict-ridden region.

Mamundzay hurls 'caution' at China

Mamundzay, further in his remarks, hurled caution at China for ignoring violence by the Taliban and cosying up to the terror faction. If these terror groups continue to operate in Afghanistan, the Afghanistan Ambassador to India warned, then it will adversely impact Beijing. Earlier yesterday, a Taliban delegation led by its chief negotiator Abdul Ghani Baradar met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to hold discussions on the rising concern over activities of the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), seeking to establish an Uyghur state in Afghanistan. A nine-member delegation has gone to China for the diplomatic talks on a two-day visit.

Taliban has claimed that it captured several strategic border crossings, including the Spin Boldak along the frontier with Pakistan. The terror group asserted that it now controls 90 percent of Afghanistan's borders with Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. As Taliban made advancements capturing key regions in the war-torn territory after the US-led coalition troops drawdown, Humvees that belonged to Afghan Special Forces were seen ablaze, and Afghan polices check posts were besieged as the offensives by the Islamic hardliners continued.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the police have inducted the Black Panther Command Control Vehicle to boost operation capabilities at Baramulla in north Kashmir. These Black Panther Command Control vehicles are equipped with modern gadgets that are meant to be extremely useful during different terrorism-related operations. Sujit Kumar, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) of North Kashmir police said that the vehicles are meant to help overcome difficulties faced during anti-terrorism operations in mountains.

Black Panther Command Control Vehicle inducted by J-K Police to boost operations at Baramulla, Kashmir

The command vehicles will be beneficial when they face network and communication problems in the mountains. The DIG added that the addition of these vehicles will be boosting the operational capabilities of Jammu and Kashmir Police in North Kashmir and that the vehicle shall act as a command centre for operational, law and order, and rescue duties for Jammu and Kashmir Police. Kumar said, "Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is mountains territory and sometimes during anti-militancy operations in mountains it is very challenging and sometimes we face network problems and for that purpose, this command vehicle will be beneficial for us so that senior officials will coordinate during live operations".

J-K Police to benefit from the vehicle during anti-terrorism operations in mountains

Vivek Sudan, an in-charge technician of Black Panther, said that the vehicles are equipped with one PTZ camera that has a pneumatic mast that can go up to 20 feet with a 360-degree rotating camera equipped with 42x optical zoom and can vertically move about 120 degrees. He added that the vehicle has 9 IP cameras and one PTZ camera which is very useful in Naka duties and operation duties. Sudan said, "We have each and every facility of accommodation in the vehicle. It is a newly inducted vehicle which is also known as a compact vehicle, shortly named as Black Panther. The vehicle is newly inducted into our JK family in north Kashmir and is already in the Jammu regions".

Sudan further stated, "The vehicle also has firing holes from where we can fire easily. If any officer wants to see what is happening at the operation site he or she can easily see what is happening by our connectivity through IPs. If any jawan or Naka party got injured in any incident can be recovered easily by our First Aid facilities. It also has Google maps and Google earth which are inducted in our PCs by which we can track".

Vehicles made bulletproof, with advanced surveillance cameras and other features

As of now, 2 Black Panther Command Control vehicles have been added to the Jammu and Kashmir police. One in is Jammu and one in Kashmir valley. The vehicles are bulletproof, have high-resolution CCTV/PTZ cameras, provide a 360-degree view of the area and are said to have a suitable comfortable stay for officers and officials during the time of operations. The vehicles have internet access and have the feature to be connected to the Headquarters of Jammu and Kashmir Police for real-time monitoring of any continuing anti-terrorism operation. The vehicles are bulletproof to protect officers observing outside activities from inside the vehicle.

(IMAGE: ANI)
After Indian Security Officials successfully neutralised a key conspirator of the 2019 Pulwama attack, Lamboo, Kashmir Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Vijay Kumar spoke exclusively to Republic and conveyed the importance of the operation. Explaining its significance, the IGP said that terrorist activities and recruiting activities will come down drastically with the killing of Lamboo. Abu Saifullah aka Lamboo was killed in an encounter on Saturday morning in Pulwama.

Adding further, IGP Kumar said that the Kashmir police was after this terrorist since January 2017.

"Since January 2017, we were trying to nab Lamboo. He has been involved in the killings of several innocents including the 2019 Pulwama attack where 40 CRPF jawans died. He has also recruited several innocents into terrorist activities and has run away from several encounters," added IGP Kashmir.

Revealing how the operation was launched, Vijay Kumar added that recently information regarding his presence in the forest area of Pulwama was received and they launched a search operation early in the morning. "Now with his killing terrorist activities and recruitment will decrease in Kashmir".

The Police head also said that one more major terrorist from the 2019 Pulwama attack was under their radar and the second terrorist who was killed in the encounter today might be him. The process to identify the second slain terrorist is currently going on.

Pulwama encounter- neutralisation of Abu Saifullah aka Lamboo

Congratulating the Army and police officials, the Kashmir Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Vijay Kumar on Saturday informed that the topmost Pakistani terrorist, Lamboo has been neutralised in the encounter that broke out in Pulwama on Saturday.

Topmost Pakistani terrorist affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) Lamboo was killed in todays encounter. Identification of second terrorist being ascertained: IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar to ANI pic.twitter.com/l94dXBZB1F  ANI (@ANI) July 31, 2021

The security officials of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday morning killed two unidentified terrorists in Pulwama after an encounter broke out. A search operation in the forest area of Nagberan-Tarsar started of Pulwama was launched after important inputs were received. The terrorists were first trapped by the forces and then killed after the encounter went on for at least an hour. Later it was learned that one of the terrorists was the key conspirator of the 2019 Pulwama attack.

The slain terrorist was about 7 feet tall and that is why Abu Saifullah became 'Lamboo'. He was one of the rare terrorists who was till now operating in South Kashmir and that is why he was majorly under the radar of Kashmir Security Officials as most of such terrorists were caught. After escaping over seven encounters, Lamboo finally ran out of his luck which resulted in major success for the Indian Army and police. The terrorist was also a close associate of Jaish-e-Mohammed head Masood Azhar who is currently residing in Pakistan. A major threat has been averted by the security officials of Kashmir as Lamboo was also involved with the Taliban terrorist organization.
Amid a thaw between India and China, the 12th round of Corps Commander level talks between India & China is currently underway on Saturday since 10:30 AM. The talks which are held at Moldo on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control pertains to disengagement of troops from friction points incl Gogra Heights & Hot Springs area, said Army sources. The two countries have been in a standoff since April-May 2020 when China attempted to unilaterally status quo at the LAC.

Indo-China talks underway

12th round of Corps Commander level talks between India & China started today at 10:30 am in Moldo on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control.



India & China discussing disengagement of troops from friction points incl Gogra Heights & Hot Springs area: Indian Army sources  ANI (@ANI) July 31, 2021

China asserts disengagement at Galwan

Recently, China asserted that both PLA and the Indian Army have disengaged in the Galwan Valley region. Speaking at a seminar in which CPI's D Raja and CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury participated on Wednesday, Weidong called for a "fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution" to the border dispute. China-India relations are significant to peace and prosperity of the region and the world at large, added Weidong.

On July 14, Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the SCO Foreign Ministers meeting. Recalling their earlier meeting in September 2020, the EAM stressed the need to follow through on the agreement reached then and finish the disengagement at the earliest. Maintaining that prolongation of the existing situation was not in the interest of either side, he admitted that it has had a negative impact on the bilateral relationship. As per the MEA, Jaishankar clearly told Wang that unilateral change in the status quo is not acceptable.

The two countries' foreign ministers have reached a five-point consensus on continuing dialogue and quickly disengage, while honouring all existing agreements and protocol on China-India boundary affairs. Over 11 rounds of military talks, the Chinese People's Liberation Army has retreated from the Finger 4 area and Patrol point 14 along the LAC, while India pre-empted PLA activity on the Southern Bank of Pangong Tso Lake capturing positions of 'strategic importance' in the Fingers area. The disengagement is yet to be completed in friction points such as Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang. 20 jawans were martyred on June 5-6 amid a violent face-off between Indo-China troops at LAC's Galwan Valley.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed probationers of the Indian Police Service (IPS) at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy on Saturday, July 31. During his address to the probationary officers of the 72nd IPS batch, the Prime Minister stated that the decision made by the officers should be in the interest of the country and in the national perspective. The interaction between PM Modi and the IPS probationers was held virtually.

Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts virtually with Indian Police Service (IPS) probationers from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy pic.twitter.com/gzcFadJt26  ANI (@ANI) July 31, 2021

PM Modi lauds IPS probationers

Addressing probationers of the IPS, PM Modi said, "The date of August 15, this year, will bring the 75th anniversary of independence. In the last 75 years, India has tried to build a better police service. The infrastructure related to police training has also improved a lot in recent years."

While interacting with the IPS probationers, the Prime Minister noted, "The tide that rose in the country between 1930 and 1947, the way the youth of the country came forward, the whole young generation got united for one goal, today the same sentiment is expected within you. At that time the people of the country fought for Swaraj. Today you have to proceed for Swaraj."

Highlighting the importance of the 72nd IPS batch, PM Modi stated, "You are starting your career at a time when India is going through a phase of transformation in every field, every level. The coming 25 years of your career are also going to be the most important 25 years of India's development. So your preparation, your mood, should be in line with this bigger goal."

PM Modi's message to IPS probationers

"Your services will be in different districts, cities of the country. So you have to remember a mantra. Whatever decisions you take while in the field, it should be in the interest of the country, there should be a national perspective. You have to always remember that you are the flag bearer of Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat too. Therefore, the spirit of Nation First, Always First - Nation First, Always First should be reflected in your every action."

PM Modi paid tribute to the police personnel who have lost their lives in the fight against COVID-19. He said, "In the fight against Coronavirus, our policemen have worked shoulder to shoulder with the countrymen. Many police personnel have had to sacrifice their lives in this effort. I pay tribute to them and on behalf of the country I extend my condolences to their families."

In his address, PM Modi also applauded India's neighbouring countries, saying, "Be it Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Mauritius, we all are not only neighbours but we also have a lot in common in our thinking and social fabric. We are all companions of happiness and sorrow. Whenever there is any crisis, calamity comes, we are the first to help each other."

Picture Credit: ANI/Twitter
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh To Reach Out To Opposition To End Parliament Logjam: Sources

In a bid to end the Parliament logjam, the Centre has tasked Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to reach out to opposition leaders, sources told Republic TV on Saturday. Amid repeated adjournments in the House, the opposition has pinned the blame for the impasse on the stubborn attitude of the treasury benches over the Pegasus 'snooping' row and the agitation against the farm laws. A former BJP president, Singh is believed to have a good rapport with leaders across the political spectrum.

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Tokyo Olympics: Atanu Das Goes Down To Japan's Furukawa, India's Archery Challenge Ends

Atanu Das has been eliminated from Tokyo Olympics after a 6-4 loss to Japan's Takaharu Furukawa in 1/8 Eliminations of Mens Individual event on Saturday. By this loss, the Indian challenge in archery has come to an end.

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Prashant Kishor To Join Congress? Rahul Gandhi Discusses With Top Party Leaders: Sources

In a massive shake-up to Congress, ex-party chief Rahul Gandhi held a meeting with top leaders Ambika Soni, KC Venugopal, and AK Antony on Friday to discuss poll strategist Prashant Kishor joining the Congress. Sources state that the ex-JDU Vice president will be inducted into the Grand old party after the Parliament's monsoon session completes in the next two weeks.

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UP Board Results 2021 Live Updates: UPMSP To Declare 10th, 12th Results Today At 3.30 pm

UP Board Results 2021: UPMSP will declare the UP Board classes 10th and 12th results 2021 today. The UP Board results 2021 will be available at upresults.nic.in from 3.30 p.m. onwards.

Check Out Live Updates Here

Indian Army Chief Rings Nepal's Chief Of Army Staff, Discusses Defense Cooperation

Indian Army Chief, General MM Naravane, on Friday held a telephonic dialogue with Nepal's Chief of Army Staff, Purna Chandra Thapa wherein the two counterparts discussed aspects of strengthening the mutual defense cooperation and the bilateral military ties to enhance the relationship between the forces of the two neighbouring countries.

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NIA Conducts Multiple Raids In J&K Including Anantnag Over Terror-funding Case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday morning formed several teams and raided multiple locations in Jammu and Kashmir over a terror-funding case. At least 12 locations of different districts of Kashmir including Shopian and Anantnag, and in Jammu are currently underway. After receiving crucial evidence, the NIA teams launched these raids to bust the Modus Operandi of the terror funding.

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Pakistan Makes Draft Law To Grant Provincial Status To Illegally Occupied Gilgit-Baltistan

The Pakistan government has finalised a draft law to grant provincial status to Gilgit-Baltistan- an illegally occupied Indian territory, a media report suggested. This comes in the wake of PTI forming the government there in November 2020 by winning 22 seats in the 33-member Assembly. As per the report, Pakistan Law Minister Farogh Naseem has prepared the legislation taking into account international regulations and the United Nations regulations.

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Pulwama: Two Unidentified Terrorists Killed, Search Operation Underway In Forest Area

The security officials of Jammu and Kashmir continue their successful operations with the latest killing of two unidentified terrorists in Pulwama. An encounter broke out on Saturday morning after security officials launched a search operation in the forest area of Nagberan-Tarsar started of Pulwama. The terrorists were first trapped by the forces and then killed after the encounter went on for at least an hour. The search operation which was going on for the past 24 hours, is still underway.

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Delhi Assembly Debates Repeal Of GNCTD Amendment; Passes Resolution Against Farm Laws

Lashing out at the BJP-ruled Centre, the Delhi Assembly passed a slew of resolutions against several Central laws. The AAP-ruled Assembly passed a resolution recommending that Modi Govt immediately repeal the 3 Farm Laws and initiate talks with the farmers. The Assembly also slammed the GNCTD Act 2021, seeking its repeal. Apart from these, the Assembly passed resolutions like giving a collective Bharat Ratna to Indian doctors and recommend doctors and health care workers for Padma awards.

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Khan Market O2 Racket: Licenses Of Navneet Kalra's 'Khan Chacha' Restaurant Cancelled

In the latest development in the Khan market oxygen racket, prime accused Navneet Kalra informed the Delhi High Court that licenses to two of his restaurants in the upscale area-- Town Hall and Khan Chacha had been cancelled. The information was shared by the accused with the court via an order of the Licensing Unit. The order by the Licensing Unit dated July 23 announced the cancellation of the 'Registration Certificate' of Khan Chacha restaurant and Town Hall, run by the businessman.

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IMAGE: Republic World
Chennai, Jul 30 (PTI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Friday paid rich tributes to the 1971 war heroes whose supreme sacrifice earned a big victory to India and said it was a "historical coincidence" that the DMK which was in power then, is now participating in the golden jubilee of the victory.

Hailing the sacrifice of the brave officers and soldiers who had fought to liberate then East Pakistan, Stalin said their families too deserved commendation as they had prepared the men to sacrifice for the country.

Participating in the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Indian armed forces' victory (Swarnim Vijay Varsh) here, the chief minister recalled that during the December 1971 war, his father and late Dravidian stalwart M Karunanidhi was the chief minister.

"Now our DMK is in power to celebrate India's victory. It is sheer historical coincidence," Stalin said.

The then chief minister abruptly wound up his official overseas trip and rushed to the state when he heard about the war with Pakistan.

"Kalaignar (as Karunanidhi is addressed) was to have attended a reception hosted for him at Kalaivanar Arangam.

But he converted the occasion into a meeting to condemn Pakistan and followed it up by piloting a resolution in the state assembly against Pakistan." "He then extended full support to the Indira Gandhi government at the Centre," Stalin said.

Apart from providing financial aid and land to the kin of the martyred soldiers from Tamil Nadu, Karunanidhi had raised a war fund of Rs six crore and handed over it to Gandhi in Chennai.

"The net collection throughout the country was only Rs 25 crore but Tamil Nadu alone under the leadership of Kalaignar donated Rs 6 crore..." he added.

Karunanidhi even passed a resolution in the assembly congratulating Bangladesh, Stalin recalled.

About 1,670 officers and soldiers from Tamil Nadu had participated in the war. While 42 of them were martyred 37 were injured.

Lieutenant General Arun, General Officer Commanding, Dakshin Bharat Area and other dignitaries participated. PTI JSP SA BN BALA BN BALA

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Hong Kong police on Friday, July 30, arrested a man after he allegedly booed the Chinese national anthem while watching an Olympics award ceremony inside a shopping mall. According to CNN, the 40-year-old man was allegedly waving colonial-era Hong Kong flags and booing. He was also caught urging others to join him in insulting the national anthem.

Now, the man has been accused of insulting the anthem when watching a live stream of an award ceremony, which showed Hong Kong fencer Edgar Cheung winning the first gold medal for the city in 25 years. The police said that when the Hong Kong flag was raised and the March of the Volunteers was played through a live stream, the man, who identified himself as a journalist, was accused of insulting the anthem. They further added that he was arrested on suspicion of breaking the National Anthem Ordinance, which came into effect in June last year.

While speaking at a press briefing, a police officer said that the arrest was made after the man allegedly booed the national anthem and chanted slogans to insult the country. Police said the man also displayed a British Hong Kong colonial flag and added that his goal was to incite hatred and politicize the Olympic Games. Further, they said that they found the man carried about 10 British Hong Kong flags of varying sizes.

The Hong Kong police will now continue to investigate if anyone present at the shopping mall violated the national security law. The cops said that there may be additional arrests. It is worth mentioning that violating the law can mean a fine of up to $6,400 (50,000 Hong Kong dollars), and up to nine years in prison.

Chinas national security law

Meanwhile, tensions in Hong Kong towards China peaked in 2019 with mass, pro-democracy protests against Beijings tightening grip on the city. Beijing later imposed national security law that critics say has seriously undermined the former British colonys autonomy and freedoms. That followed violent 2019 protests against Chinas growing influence over the former British colonys affairs.

Earlier this week, a Hong Kong waiter was sentenced to nine years in prison after becoming the first person to be convicted under a new national security rule enacted by Beijing to quell dissent in the city. Hong Kongs last remaining pro-democracy newspaper, Apple Daily, was also forced out of business last month and a court denied bail for four editors and journalists held on charges of endangering national security as part of the widening crackdown. Beijing, on the other hand, has dismissed criticisms, saying it is merely restoring order to the city and instituting the same type of national security protections found in other nations.

(Image: AP)
Police in Ukraine used tear gas to disperse far-right activists attempting to disrupt an LGBT protest outside the presidential office in Kyiv.

The National Police Press Service said 12 people were detained.

Dozens of people had gathered to call on authorities to protect LGBT rights and support legislation that will combat intolerant discrimination against vulnerable groups.

But clashes broke out after around 200 far-right counter-protesters tried to interrupt the event, throwing bottles and shouting "shame".

Police guarding the protest used tear gas to try and disperse the far-right activists.

One man was seen being tended to by medics, while journalists washed tear gas out of their eyes with bottled water.

The LGBT protest had already been delayed due to the threat of far-right action.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
In a bizarre comment, Pakistan PM Imran Khan on Friday, said that the Pakistan Army was not in control of the nation's foreign policy, as per international reports. Calling it 'Indian propaganda', he said that the Army supports his government's foreign policy steps. Currently, Pakistan isin a precarious position with the withdrawal of US troops of Afghanistan and Taliban taking over major territories.

Imran Khan: 'Military does not control Pakistan'

Addressing journalists at the Pak-Afghan Media Conclave in Islamabad, Imran Khan said, Whatever foreign policy we have has been part of our partys manifesto for the past 25 years. We do not have any favourites in Afghanistan. Our policy is that whoever the people of Afghanistan choose, Pakistan will have the best relationship with them.

Denying Pakistan's backing to Taliban he added, What Taliban are doing or not doing, has nothing to do with Pakistan. We are not responsible, nor are we spokesmen for the Taliban. All we want is peace in Afghanistan. He added that Pakistan was no longer pursuing its policy of strategic depth in Afghanistan. Khan also kicked up a furore recently, calling Taliban civilians.

In an interview with PBS NewsHour, Khan said that the Taliban are "normal civilians", saying, "Now, there are camps of 500,000 people; there are camps of 100,000 people. And the Taliban are not some military outfits, they are normal civilians. And if there are some civilians in these camps, how is Pakistan supposed to hunt these people down? How can you call them sanctuaries?"

Sharif lashes out at Generals

Incidentally, ex-Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif has accused Pakistan's top military Generals - Qamar Javed Bajwa and Faiz Hamid of stealing the 2018 elections, installing Imran Khan as PM. Lashing out at Faiz, he alleged that he was charged with the Faizabad riots and yet promoted in the Army. Maintaining that the Pakistan Army was not bad, he lashed out at these Generals for defaming it.
Afghanistan's Foreign Affairs Ministry on July 31 denounced the armed attacks by the Taliban on United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan office in Herat province in Afghanistan. On July 30, the rebel militia launched an attack on the UN compound killing an Afghan security guard and wounding several other officers as incessant armed conflict with rocket grenades, and gunfire continued to rage between the Afghan national forces and the Taliban on the outskirts of the city, to the West.

After the UN compound became the Talibans next target, the Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan issued a strong response, calling the attack deplorable.

Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry stated, "By carrying out such attacks, the Taliban have taken violence to a new phase, entailing dangerous consequences. The continuation of such crimes will seriously endanger the continuation of international organizations presence and their activities in Afghanistan." "Widespread violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, including the arbitrary killing of civilians, murdering prisoners, extrajudicial killings, public lashing of women and destruction of infrastructures, and now the attack on the United Nations, which represents the international community, are part of war crimes that the Taliban are perpetrating," statement further read.

Taliban has seized several key Afghani border areas and posts, launching a major offensive after the complete drawdown of the US-led coalition forces from the region since May, ending the 20-year cold war between war-torn Afghanistan and President Joe Biden-led State.

"The unprecedented rise in violence and the continuous perpetuation of war crimes by the Taliban demonstrate the group's non-compliance with the international laws and obligations."

President Ashraf Ghani-led government has called on the International Community and relevant international organisations to hold the Taliban accountable for war crimes and explicit non-compliance or defiance of international humanitarian laws.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan calls on the international community to exert necessary pressures on the Taliban to prevent their continued bloodshed and war crimes," Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry stated.

Attacking UNAMA 'war crime' reminds international agency

The UN, meanwhile, reminded the group that attacking UN personnel and compounds are prohibited under international law, and it amounts to war crimes.

The United Nations in Afghanistan has been carrying out peace missions and providing humanitarian and development assistance to Afghan citizens, mainly women and children. The UN extended gratitude to the Afghan Directorate of Protection Services officers, who, they said, defended the compound from the Taliban perpetrators.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the attack that resulted in the killing of an Afghan security forces guard and injuries to others. He expressed his condolences to the bereaved family. He reiterated that the attacks against UN personnel and premises are prohibited under international law and may constitute war crimes.
Countering Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's 'Taliban as normal civilians' comment, Afghanistan Ambassador to India, Farid Mamundzay on Friday said that in no way Taliban can be termed as 'normal people'. Mamundzay heavily criticized Pakistan PM's comment and further expressed his thoughts saying common people are not cruel to humankind. The Afghan Ambassador to India was speaking after the Indo-Afghan Cultural Week event at Raisina House.

The ambassador, while speaking to ANI also asserted, 'I think common people dont commit crimes that are justified'.

I think with no standards we can call the Taliban, ordinary citizens. I think common people dont commit crimes that are justified. They'll not be cruel to humankind: Afghan Ambassador to India, Farid Mamundzay on Pak PM's remark that 'Taliban are normal civilians' pic.twitter.com/Vzr1nlTizG  ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2021

Coming down heavily on Pakistan PM, Farid Mamundzay warned China of facing terrorism 'if terrorist groups remain operational in Afghanistan.'

"China also suffered from terrorism & would continue to suffer if terrorist groups remain operational in Afghanistan. We want all countries in the region, particularly major countries like China & India to give strong msg to Taliban" said Afghan Envoy at Chinese officials & Taliban meet.

The Afghan envoy clarified that currently there are no talks regarding military assistance from India as Afghanistan is receiving enough support from United Stated & several NATO member States.

Imran Khan describes Taliban as 'normal civilians'

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was recently reported giving a shocking statement on Taliban, that they are not some military outfit, but 'normal civilians'. In an interview, Khan questioned how Pakistan was supposed to hunt down the Taliban as it hosts three million Afghan refugees, the majority of whom are Pashtuns, the same ethnic group as the Taliban fighters. Imran Khan's statement comes amid a raging war between the Taliban and Afghanistan government forces. Khan had also denied claims regarding alleged Taliban safe havens on Pakistan's soil and has repeatedly shifted his argument towards the three million refugees in the country.

Taliban's increasing oppression in Afghanistan

Since the US Army started leaving Afghanistan's territory, the Taliban terrorists swept major territories across Afghanistan. Apart from the continued fight with the Afghan Army, the Taliban's intensified oppression was witnessed after it demanded a list of all girls above 15 and widows under 45 to be married as sex slaves to the groups foot soldiers. Reportedly, all the girls and women, as per the Taliban, were to be transported to the mountainous region of Waziristan in Pakistan where they would be married to the insurgents, converted into Islam, and reintegrated into the society. On Wednesday, July 28, Afghan comedian Zwan was brutally killed by the Taliban following his abduction and subsequent torture by the terrorists. A video doing rounds on social media showed that Nazar Mohammad was slapped several times before the Taliban executed him.

(With ANI inputs)
Haitian police on July 30 announced fresh accusations against a former Supreme Court judge over her links to the assassination of President Jovenel Moise earlier this month. While speaking to reporters, Inspector General Marie Michelle Verrier, the spokesperson for the National Police of Haiti, informed that Wendelle Coq-Thelot's whereabouts are still unknown. However, she added that an arrest warrant for the former SC judge, who was ousted with two other judges earlier in February when the President had alleged a coup was being planned against him, has already been issued.

Verrier further said that Colombian mercenaries and Haitian-Americans arrested in the wake of Moise's murder said they had met Coq-Thelot. The Inspector General said that several of them have indicated that they have been to the former SC judges home twice. She added that these people also gave to police the details of documents signed during the meetings at Coq-Thelot's home.

On Friday, Verrier said that police have already raided Coq-Thelot's main home as well as other residences in the countryside. Additionally, a wanted poster for the former SC judge has also been launched. Now, a total of 27 people have been arrested and others are still being sought in connection with the July 7 attack at the president's home, Verrier said.

The latest development comes after the Haitian police arrested Jean Laguel Civil, who served as general security coordinator when Moise was killed in the middle of the night at his private residence. Police are still looking for various suspects, including a former rebel leader and an ex-Haitian senator. But it remains unclear who organized and financed the plot that included recruiting former Colombian special forces soldiers and at least two Florida-based companies.

President's widow recounts assassination

Meanwhile, the wife of the slain Haitian President said the men who murdered her husband also believed they had killed her in the assassination. In her first interview since the assassination, Martine Moise told The New York Times about the terrifying moments when gunmen burst into their home, shot her and then killed the president before rifling through her husbands files looking for something. Martine revealed that the killers eventually found what they were looking for, and made cursory efforts on their way out to see if she was still alive.

Martine survived and was rushed for emergency treatment to the United States, where she spoke to the newspaper while flanked by security guards, diplomats and family. She said that she still can't grasp how people got past 30 to 50 security personnel stationed at the president's home. None of them were killed or wounded in the attack. I dont understand how nobody was shot, she said. Marine even went on to say that she wants all those responsible to be brought to justice. She believes that Haitian elites are those who couldve organised such a brazen attack.

Only the oligarchs and the system could kill him, Martine said.

(Image: AP)




The wife of slain Haitian President Jovenel Moise said the men who murdered her husband also believed they had killed her in the assassination. In her first interview since the assassination, Martine Moise told The New York Times about the terrifying moments when gunmen burst into their home, shot her and then killed the president before rifling through her husbands files looking for something. Martine revealed that the killers eventually found what they were looking for, and made cursory efforts on their way out to see if she was still alive.

In the interview, which was posted on the newspapers website, Martine described the moment her husband was gunned down next to her and said, The only thing that I saw before they killed him were their boots. Then I closed my eyes, and I didnt see anything else.

She said that after firing the fatal shots, attackers ransacked the room and looked through the presidents file, all the while speaking Spanish. 'Thats not it. Thats not it, Martine recalled them saying before one finally declared, Thats it." Martine said that she doesnt know what they were seeking or found. They were looking for something in the room, and they found it, she said.

Further, Martine added, When they left, they thought I was dead.

Martine survived and was rushed for emergency treatment to the United States, where she spoke to the newspaper while flanked by security guards, diplomats and family. She revealed that before the group of highly trained and heavily armed people reached them, they were jarred awake by gunshots outside their home, prompting Jovenel Moise to pick up a phone and call for help. She said that the president had called Dimitri Herard and Laguel Civil - the two officials in the presidents security operation.

'Only oligarchs and system could kill him'

Martine said that she still can't grasp how people got past 30 to 50 security personnel stationed at the president's home. None of them were killed or wounded in the attack. I dont understand how nobody was shot, she said. Marine even went on to say that she wants all those responsible to be brought to justice. She believes that Haitian elites are those who couldve organised such a brazen attack.

Only the oligarchs and the system could kill him, Martine said.

Meanwhile, Haitian police have arrested the head of President's security over the ongoing probe that's so far implicated Colombian mercenaries in the president's slaying. Authorities have arrested more than 20 suspects for alleged direct links to the killing. The majority of them were former Colombian soldiers, many of whom officials say were duped. It is worth mentioning that Jovenel Moise had been ruling the nation by decree, as gang violence spiked and Covid-19 spread.

(Image: AP)
Amid rising coronavirus cases, hundreds of black-clad Malaysian youth on July 31, rallied in central Kuala Lampur in a bid to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin over his handling of the pandemic. According to the Associated Press, public anger against Yassins unelected government has built up as cases jumped eightfold since January. On July 13, new daily infections crossed 10,000 for the first time and have stayed there since, despite a virus emergency and a lockdown. Total deaths have also reportedly risen to nearly 9,000.

On Saturday, protestors, wearing face masks and holding black flags and placards, chanted Fight! Fight! and Muhyiddin resign. Some even carried mock corpses wrapped in white cloth to depict the growing virus death toll. After the Malaysian police blocked them from marching to Independence Square, they sat on the street with a large banner that read The government failed.

According to reports, the demonstrators put forward three demands, including the resignation of the Prime Minister, resumption of regular parliamentary sessions and automatic loan moratorium to help those hit by the pandemic. After protesting for two hours, the crowd then dispersed peacefully.

Yassin accused of misleading Parliament

It is worth mentioning that Yassins government took power in March 2020 after forming a coalition with the opposition. Saturdays rally added pressure on the PM after his government was reprimanded by Malaysias king for misleading Parliament over the status of emergency measures. Yassin obtained royal consent to declare the emergency in January, allowing him to suspend Parliament and rule by ordinance without legislative approval until August 1.

After the emergency, critics then slammed his measures as a ruse for the PM to cling to power at a time when his thin majority in Parliament is in jeopardy. Earlier this week, Parliament had reopened for the first time this year, however, it was only to brief lawmakers on the pandemic and debates were banned. The Malaysian king then rebuked the government for misleading Parliament on the annulment of emergency ordinances, but Yassin insisted that his administration didnt violate the constitution.

However, King Sultan Abdullah reportedly said that he didnt give his consent to the annulment and had told the government to table the matter for a debate in Parliament, which may lead to a vote that could test Yassins majority. The PM, on the other hand, has said that the King has to act on the Cabinets advice. Now, Parliament has been adjourned until Monday but its unclear if a no-confidence vote against Yassin will be allowed.

(With inputs from AP)




Scientists have discovered thousands of fossils buried alive in the ocean almost 200 million years ago. Neville Hollingworth described the site located at the bottom of a quarry in Englands Cotswold Hills as a Jurassic Pompeii, which was destroyed due to Mount Vesuvius's volcanic eruption in 79 AD. According to a news statement released by the British Natural History Museum on July 21, the site has fossils of many Jurassic-era echinoderms, which include starfish and sea cucumbers. It is expected that these creatures have been killed in unknown natural calamities. The creatures did not get to escape; they were stuck and hence, perished.

Scientists classified the tragedy as a mudslide

The museums curator, Zoe Hughesduring said in an interview with BBC that the tragedy was a mudslide as there was a tremendous mudflow. Further, he also said that everything was covered with mud and preserved the victims for ages. Zoe said, "We have this lovely little ecology, and then something awful occurs." Scientists have discovered water lilies, brittle stars, feather stars, and sea urchins in addition to starfish and sea cucumbers in the ocean and they are also hoping to preserve many species among them.

Scientists discovered remains

Earlier, a study suggested that all lives in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii were lost in just 15 minutes of Mount Vesuvius's volcanic eruption in 79 AD, about 2,000 years ago. According to a study, which was published in the journal Scientific Reports, most of the residents died after inhaling toxic gasses that were released from Mount Vesuvius' eruption. Scientists believe that the toxic cloud of smoke that covered Pompeii on the day of the volcanic eruption may have killed most residents in the Roman city, contradicting the earlier claims that most people died from the lava.

According to previous studies, more than 2,000 people may have died during the volcanic eruption. People living in Herculaneum would have instantly died by the shower of volcanic rocks and other melting materials that comes along with lava. However, most people in Pompeii would have choked to death because of the fast-moving clouds of smoke containing toxic gasses, the study stated.

Earlier, at the same site, scientists excavated the skeletal remains of a wealthy man and his male slave who fell victim to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago. According to a release by the Italian culture ministry, archaeologists predicted that the temperature in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii reached higher than 500 degrees Celsius that charred the bodies. One of the men appeared to be 23 years old at the time of the calamity and the other nearly 18 years of age.

(IMAGE: UNSPLASH)
As the world continues to condemn the Taliban for its anti-government approach in Afghanistan, the so-called Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) again on Saturday launched an attack on the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) office at Guzara district in Herat province, a day after they propelled a major offensive attack at the same facility, the Defence Ministry of Afganistan said.

'Afgan forces to repel Taliban'

According to the Afganistan Ministry of Defence, Afgan forces are now on an operation to repel the Taliban attack. "Forces have been sent to Guzara district, especially to guard the UN office and to reiterate further Taliban attacks in the region," the ministry added.

On the other hand, according to the Afganistan Security Forces and the Defence Ministry, Afgan troops have successfully knocked down more than 200 Taliban terrorists while injuring several in the past 48 hours in Herat province.

UN condemns attack

Notably, the Taliban since the month of May has seized several key Afghani border areas and posts, launching a major offensive after the complete drawdown of the US-led coalition forces from the region.

On Friday, July 30, the rebel militia launched an attack on the United Nations (UN) compound in Herat, killing an Afghan security guard and wounding several other officers as deadly armed conflict with rocket grenades, and gunfire continued to rage between the Afghan national forces and the Taliban on the outskirts of the city, in the West. As the UN compound became the Talibans next target, the Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan issued a strong response on Friday, calling the attack deplorable.

Hitting out at the terrorist group, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Afghanistan on Saturday condemned in strongest terms the armed attack by Taliban on the UNAMA office.

A statement by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Afghanistan stated that the Taliban have taken violence to a new phase by carrying out such attacks, entailing 'dangerous consequences'.

Afganistan Foreign Affairs Ministry rebukes assault

Censuring the attack, the Ministry stated that the act was a display of widespread violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, including the arbitrary killing of civilians, murdering prisoners, extrajudicial killings, public lashing of women, and destruction of infrastructures. "Now the attack on the United Nations, which represents the international community, is part of war crimes that the Taliban are perpetrating," the ministry added.

The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan also called on the International Community and relevant international organisations to hold the Taliban accountable for their war crimes and non-compliance with international humanitarian law.

Urges international pressure on Taliban

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan also urged countries across the globe to exert necessary pressure on the Taliban to prevent their continued bloodshed and war crimes. Rebuking the Taliban for non-compliance with the international laws and obligations, the Afgan Ministry of Foreign Affairs charged the terrorist group for the unprecedented rise in violence and the continuous perpetuation of war crimes.

Meanwhile, the US has assured its commitment to assist the Afghanistan government in eradicating the Taliban from the region.

The United States on Friday condemned the recent attack on UN Compound in Herat, Afghanistan, and reiterated its call for an immediate reduction in violence in the country. Maintaining that attacks against civilian United Nations personnel are prohibited, the White House stressed negotiations without delay. According to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the main UN compound was attacked by "anti-government elements" on Friday.

The White House also reiterated its call for immediate negotiations so "that the Afghan people can achieve a durable and just political settlement that brings them peace and security they deserve."
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on July 30, had a telephonic conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to further enhance Ankara-Moscow ties. While both the leaders deliberated upon a range of issues including trade, energy, and economy, their primary focus stayed on the wildfires that have charred huge swathes of the Mediterranean country and claimed six lives. Later in a statement, the Turkish Presidency stated that issues that could enhance the Ankara-Moscow relationship were also brought to the table.

According to the readout of the conversation posted by the Kremlin, Putin assured his ally that Russia would continue providing comprehensive assistance to Turkeys firefighting efforts and also wished the country a speedy recovery. Erdogan, in turn, thanked the Russian leader. It is imperative to note that the Putin Administration recently sent five more Ilyushin Il-76 fire fighting helicopters to support Turkey in its battle against forest fires.

President @RTErdogan spoke by phone with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. pic.twitter.com/uEWPRB7rBC  Turkish Presidency (@trpresidency) July 31, 2021

In addendum, they positively assessed the results of a meeting of the bilateral Intergovernmental Commission held the day before. According to the Tass news agency, the meet focussed on trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. Both Putin and Erdogan expressed mutual resolve to continue working together to implement bilateral agreements in multiple fields including energy and economy inter alia.

Telephone conversation with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan https://t.co/xn0wqXR4ph  President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) July 31, 2021

Turkish wildfires

Turkey's southern Mediterranean coast is a popular destination for both local and foreign tourists. It is known for its scorching summer heat, which often causes wildfires. Turkish officials have said the latest fires are the biggest to date among the 41 wildfires in 13 of Turkey's 81 provinces since Tuesday. The current wildlife has blazed since Tuesday including the ones at Osmaniye and Kayseri.

Authorities have evacuated around 18 villages and districts in Antalya that were affected by plumes of smoke that billowed out of the burning landscape. About 16 more villages were evacuated in the neighboring provinces of Adana and Mersin. AFAD has also made incessant efforts to extinguish two separate wildfires, Pakdemirli said. Local media broadcasted footage that showed charred residential buildings and people escaping the smoke and burnt landmass while firefighters backed by helicopters struggled to extinguish the wildfires.

Image: AP
A two-storey house in Argentina collapsed into the ocean as the waves crashed against the property. Reportedly, the video of the incident shows how a house fell into the ocean in the resort town of Mar Del Tuyu in Argentina on July 28. The owners of the property were not inside the house when the accident occurred.

House collapses into ocean

The shocking moment was captured by a neighbour on camera as waves of the ocean crashed against the property. The building leans towards the ocean and cracks as the water weakened its foundations. A few moments later, the house breaks away from the garage and falls into the water. According to the reports, no one was injured in the incident as owners of the property were not present inside the house when the incident happened. The two-storey house in Mar Del Tuyu was built between the 1960s and 1970s, reported the Independent. The house broke apart from the garage and fell into the South Atlantic Ocean.

Meanwhile, a lagoon close to the southern Argentine city of Trelew has changed into a striking shade of pink. The local environmentalists have blamed the changing of colour of the lagoon on pollution from a nearby industrial park, according to Associated Press (AP). The Waterways treatment specialist Federico Restrepo told The Associated Press that the contamination was killing the chance of 'any kind of life' that was surviving in the water. Restrepo added that the pink colour of the lagoon was due to the waste of sodium sulfite used by fish farms to clean oxide stains from shrimps. Pablo Lada, an environmental activist from Argentina's Chubut province informed that it was not the first time the reservoir had changed colour, but its current state was more 'intense' than previous colours of the reservoir.

IMAGE: GRISELDO1824998/Twitter

Inputs from AP
Two crew members, a British maritime security guard and a Romanian were killed in a suspected drone attack on the Liberian flagged oil tanker linked to an Israel off Oman in the Arabian Sea, Thursday night. After the vessel Mercer Street was caught ablaze in the worlds key trade routes, the United States Naval forces rushed to the scene to escort the tanker to a safe harbour, Liberia registered Mercer Streets UK-based ship management firm said in a statement issued shortly afterwards.

The Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer-linked oil products vessel was struck in the northern Indian Ocean, Zodiac Maritime, manager firm for the vessel stated. Early Saturday morning, the firm scrambled to divert route for all its 136 other oil tankers and cargo ships to Oman rather than their stated destination of Fujairah, changing course hours after the crew was killed en route to Fujairah. While Mercer Street was managed by the Israeli billionaire Ofer, the vessel was owned by Japan.

In a statement obtained by FT, the worlds largest maritime security firm Ambrey Ltd based out of the UK confirmed the incident, stating that a maritime security guard from its team was tragically killed in a security incident, although it did not elaborate on the circumstances behind the attack. At least three eyewitnesses confirmed that it was a drone attack, while a US naval forces official was reported saying that it appears the oil tanker was attacked by a one-way UAV explosive drone, implying that it was basically loaded with the explosives, flew onto the target and blasted on maintaining close contact.

The official, on condition of anonymity, further elaborated that there were signs that the attack may have come from Iran and it appears that the so-called suicide drone was deployed for the attack. This raises speculation that a government or a militia group was behind it.

Israel blamed Iran for the brutal assault on the Israel-operated oil tanker. An Israeli security official spoke on condition of anonymity with the staff of The Associated Press, saying that the attack was perhaps the retaliatory exchange, citing similar such incidences in the past during the shadow war between Israel and Iran. Another Iranian official told Hebrew Channels 12 and 13 that the Romanian fatality was the vessels captain, while the British national was a security guard.

"With profound sadness, we understand the incident onboard the M/T Mercer Street on July 29 has resulted in the deaths of two crew members on board: a Romanian national and a UK national," the ships UK-based owner, Zodiac Maritime, said Friday. Furthermore, it informed, Mercer Street tanker was now being shadowed by a US naval escort but was sailing under the control of her crew and under her own power at 14 knots to a safe location. We continue to work closely with the UKMTO and other relevant authorities, Zodiac Maritime said.

Our statement on the situation involving the M/T Mercer Street: pic.twitter.com/V7L4fBmnEQ  Zodiac Maritime (@Zodiac_Maritime) July 30, 2021

According to Satellite tracking data, the Israeli linked vessel had been transiting routes between east Africa and the oil hub of Fujairah in the UAE in recent months. But the recent attack and the death of two European crew reveal the dangers and the escalation of the risks to the global vessels traversing the passage, where roughly the third of the worlds oil supply pass.

Israel FM calls for 'harsh response' to attack

"Iran is not just an Israeli problem but an exporter of terrorism that harms us all. The world must not be silent," Israeli Foreign MinisterYair Lapid said, adding that he told his British counterpart, Dominic Raab, that a "harsh response" was warranted for the attack on Mercer Street.

The Liberian vessel was travelling from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates when it was targeted, the vessel had no cargos, sources told the British press. The vessel was sailing in the northeast of the Omani island of Masirah, approximately 300 kilometres southeast of Oman's capital, Muscat when the drone attack happened, British Authorities reportedly said.

British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) that operates under the Ministry of Defence said in a brief statement that an investigation was underway. Earlier an initial statement from British officials had suspected a piracy attack, which was later ruled out. The attack comes as US, Iran negotiations for the revival of a 2015 Iran nuclear deal are underway.
World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday, July 30, that the Delta variant of COVID-19 is not specifically targeting children. In a press conference, the US expert said, "Let me be very clear: we are not seeing the Delta variant specifically target children". WHO's COVID-19 technical lead Maria Van Kerkhove said that the Delta variant first emerged in India and was being transmitted who were mixing socially.

As compared to the earlier variant of COVID-19, the Delta variant is more transmissible and has now been detected in a total of 132 countries. According to the UN health agency, research was underway to have the better understanding of the dynamics of Delta variant and its transmissibility. Further, she said that the variants are circulating and will infect people if they do not follow COVID appropriate behaviour. Basically, she referred to the measures like physical distancing, and avoiding gathering in poor-ventilated areas, crowded-indoor spaces. WHO has also published a plan to reopen the schools with complete safety.

WHO suggested plan for reopening of schools

WHO has prepared a multi-level coordination plan to reopen the schools due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, published on its official website. At first, National measures would be taken issued by MoH and MoE to guide school level interventions. Secondly, Subnational measures would be implemented by municipalities, local level education directorates to support school level interventions. Third, measures would be implemented by school administrations.

National Level measures

Infection-prevention measures including hygiene and daily practices at schools, environmental cleaning, etc.

MoE in collaboration with MoH to issue a national policy on wearing of masks in schools.

Update national plan on disease outbreak preparedness and response based on best practices and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Update guidance on remote education support in the eventuality of an increased number of cases and moving to an online learning environment.

Establish a continuity plan for vaccination programmes, mental health programmes and psychological support for students, teachers and school staff during school discontinuity.

Establish a committee for continuous monitoring and evaluation of the situation in schools in collaboration with the education sector.

Subnational level measures

Local public health authority to collaborate with school authorities to ensure epidemiological surveillance in schools.

Ensure that school response protocols are in accordance with the public health department recommendations or national/local policies and guidelines.

Support and sustain critical needs, including school feeding and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities; and sustain essential equipment (e.g. soap, alcohol-based hand-rub, masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff involved in cleaning and disinfection)18 to ensure they are available for students, teachers and school staff, as appropriate.

6. Local authorities to review and adapt contingency plans for disease outbreak preparedness and response for schools, and to ensure essential school-based health services during school closure.

Contingency plans are available to support schools food distribution programmes to vulnerable population groups in case of school closures and are disseminated with related standard operating procedures.

School level measures

Implementing strict COVID-19 protocols for staff and students both.

School administrators and teachers to ensure adequate ventilation, using natural ventilation in classrooms, canteens and other rooms.

To develop the guidance on protection measures through communication materials like notes, posters, etc.

Adequate supply of basic hygiene facilities in the school.

Teachers to conduct regular health awareness sessions in order to spread awareness against COVID-19.

If the cases in detected in the school, then it should be immediately isolated.

(IMAGE: PTI)
While a Colombian coastal town is dealing with the challenge of hosting migrants on their journey to the United States, the influx of people has also brought an economic boost to the area.

Necocli on the Caribbean shore has become a bottleneck for migrants from Cuba, Haiti and Africa who are heading north.

Local officials say more than 10,000 migrants have recently arrived in the town of some 20,000 people.

But Necocli resident and business owner Juan Pablo Guevara said their arrival had been a "gift from God".

Guevara explained most people in the town eke out a living doing odd jobs and day work.

"Thanks to the arrival of the migrants the people here in Necocli are working, digging out of debt of which they are tired of, drop by drop," Guevara said.

For many migrants passing through, their journey runs from the Ecuadorian border through Colombia to Necocli, where ferries carry people across the Gulf of Uraba to the even smaller town of Capurgana on the border with Panama.

But the boat crossings can only carry about 750 people a day  far fewer than have been arriving of late.

The ferries also sometimes shut down on weekends or due to bad weather.

And so the migrants wait in town.

Some renting rooms in cheap tourist accommodations, others sleeping on the beach, then lining up  sometimes with children in arms  in hopes of buying the $50 ferry ticket.

So far, at least 33,000 migrants have passed into Panama this year alone, most of them originally from Haiti, Cuba, Senegal and Ghana, according to the Colombian government's Ombudsman department.

Others from Somalia, Guinea, the Congo and Burkina Faso have passed through as well.

That's a sharp rebound from last year when pandemic restrictions reduced mobility for locals and migrants alike.

Many head first to South America, where it is easier to get a visa and sometimes try to find work there.

The trek is dangerous. Migrants are both aided and preyed upon by criminal gangs on their way from the Darien through Central America and then Mexico.

The number of Haitians reaching Mexico, the last stop before the US border, appears to have increased significantly this year.

The number requesting asylum in Mexico  one measure of their presence  was 9,327 through June, compared to annual totals of less than 6,000 the past two years.

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Peru's new President, Pedro Castillo, attended the National Independence Bicentenary Military Parade on Friday in Lima.

Castillo left before the end of the ceremony after being informed of strong earthquakes in northern Peru.

The celebration was held at the army headquarters a year after it was suspended due to the COVID-19 state of emergency.

Because of restrictions imposed by the pandemic, the ceremony was held without public attendance.

The parade was the first public activity officiated by the President after being sworn in as the highest authority of Peru.

Castillo, the Ministerial Cabinet Chief, Guido Bellido, Ministers of State and senior military officers of the three armed forces were present at the parade.

The ceremony included a minute's silence for the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the first time ever, medical personnel took part in the parade.

IMAGE: AP

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Six people were killed and eight injured after a fire broke out at a shelter for patients discharged from a psychiatric hospital in Chile, officials said on Friday.

The fire started late on Thursday in San Felipe, 90 kilometres (56 miles) northwest of capital Santiago, and also damaged four nearby homes, the Interior Ministry's emergency office, ONEMI said.

Experts from the Forensic Medical Service were working to identify the deceased due to the conditions in which the bodies were found, officials said.

San Felipe fire commander Juan Carlos Herrera told reporters that the fire was already spreading inside the home when his team arrived at the scene.

Possible causes of the fire included an overheated gas cooker or electrical system, according to officials.

The fire completely destroyed the government-run shelter.

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The British government announced on Friday part of the first batch of 9 million AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines had been flown out to Guyana and Belize.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged to send 100 million of the homemade vaccines overseas by June 2022, 80 million of which will go to the UN's COVAX initiative.

The vaccines had been expected to start leaving the UK this week, with Indonesia, Jamaica and Kenya among countries set to receive doses.

Britain has fully vaccinated 70% of its adult citizens.

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One of Robert F. Kennedys children has won custody of a decorative planter that sat outside a Virginia estate called Hickory Hill where the branch of the famed American political family once lived.

The Washington Post reported Friday that a federal judge ruled a 2010 pact by the property's new owner to give up the urn was binding.

The federal court decision means that Kerry Kennedy, a lawyer and activist who is the seventh child of RFK and Ethel Kennedy, gets back the 4-foot-tall (1.2-meter-tall) planter that she recalls from her childhood. When she was selling the estate, the late senators widow had told her children to choose one item from the property and Kerry Kennedy picked the urn.

Stemming from the 2009 sale of the estate, Kerry Kennedy last year sued the new owner in federal court for breach of contract. She and Hickory Hill owner Alan J. Dabbiere had an agreement that he would relinquish the urn after 10 years.

Dabbiere had said he'd been under the mistaken belief that Jackie Kennedy brought the urn to the property in the 1950s and changed his mind about giving up ownership after learning that it had actually been there long before the Kennedys arrived. He then claimed it was fixture of the property.

But the federal judge ruled in Kerry Kennedy's favor, bringing the dispute to a close. Kennedy, once married to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, now plans to bring the urn to the family's compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.

Hickory Hill is a designated National Historic Landmark. It was built on about 5 acres (2 hectares) of land in 1870.

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The United States on Friday condemned the recent attack on UN Compound in Herat, Afghanistan, and reiterated its call for an immediate reduction in violence in the country. Maintaining that attacks against civilian United Nations personnel are prohibited, the White House stressed on negotiations without delay. According to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the main UN compound was attacked by "anti-government elements" on Friday. In the incident, one Afghan security guard was killed and several others were injured.

"The United States strongly condemns the attack on the United Nations compound in Herat, Afghanistan that resulted in the death of an Afghan guard. The United Nations in Afghanistan is a civilian entity focused on supporting peace efforts, promoting the rights of all Afghans and providing humanitarian and development assistance. Attacks against civilian UN personnel and facilities are prohibited under international law," National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

The White House also reiterated its call for immediate negotiations so "that the Afghan people can achieve a durable and just political settlement that brings the peace and security they deserve."

Rocket-propelled grenades and gunfire were used to attack the entrance of the provincial compound, UNAMA statement said. Heavy fighting between Afghan forces and the Taliban was also seen in the UN facility.

Meanwhile, the Afghanistan government has gained control over Herat's Karokh district. During the fight, at least 152 Taliban terrorists were killed while 52 were injured, the government informed.

Since the US decided to pull out its troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban has expanded its base. Of 419 districts in the country, more than 190 districts are under the Taliban's control.

Civilian casualties in Afghanistan record high

The country has also witnessed a surge in violence. According to a UN report, civilian casualties in Afghanistan reached a record high in the first half of 2021. There is a 47% increase in civilian casualties across Afghanistan in 2021. compared to the same period last year. The surge in casualties began in May, when the US began withdrawal and the Taliban made advances to seize more territory.


The American Justice Department said on Friday that a Singapore-based oil tanker was being used to conduct illegal oil deliveries to North Korea. A federal judge in New York issued a forfeiture judgement allowing the US to take possession of the tanker M/T Courageous, which is now in Cambodia.

According to a Justice Department statement, the Singaporean national Kwek Kee Seng purchased the ship which has a huge capacity of 2,734 tonnes. Kwek and his co-conspirators participated in a comprehensive plot to evade US and UN sanctions by covertly transporting petroleum to North Korea using vessels under their control.

Tanker engaged in ship-to-ship transfer

M/T Courageous stoppped transmitting its location information unlawfully from August until December 2019. The tanker engaged in ship-to-ship transfers of more than $1.5 million worth of oil to a North Korean ship during that time, according to satellite imagery.

Kwek is accused of attempting to conceal the plot by using shell businesses, lying to foreign shipping authorities, and falsely identifying M/T Courageous in order to escape detection, according to the Justice Department. Kwek has been accused of conspiring to dodge North Korean economic restrictions as well as money laundering. On a US warrant, Cambodian police seized the tanker in March 2020, and the Courageous has been imprisoned there since.

Prosecutors allege that Kwek and his associates devised a complex strategy to circumvent sanctions by utilising vessels, including M/T Courageous, to transfer essential petroleum supplies to North Korea while other ships were prohibited from doing so. Prosecutors also claim that the deliveries and related transactions made with US currency through US institutions violated US and UN sanctions against North Korea.

Negotiations between two countries have been stalled

On April 23, the Southern District of New York's US Attorney's Office filed a civil forfeiture lawsuit against the ship. Relations between Washington and Pyongyang remain tight, with North Korea's foreign minister dismissing any negotiations with the US in June, claiming that such talks would lead them nowhere. Negotiations between the two countries have long been stalled over the international sanctions imposed on the nuclear-armed state and what North Korea should give up in return for having them lifted.

(Image: AP )
Six months after Myanmars military toppled the government of Aung San Suu Kyi, rejecting without proof her partys landslide November 2020 re-election victory as fraudulent, the country of 54 million has slid back into the darkness that the 76-year-old leaders fledgling, flawed democracy was trying to help it escape.

The State Administrative Council, the junta established by the Feb. 1 coup detat leader Min Aung Hlaing, has been met with widespread public rejection and has responded with lethal military force to crush street protests, and mass arrests to quell walkouts by white collar professionals. More than 900 civilians have been killed and more than 5,400 are in detention.

Myanmars coup crippled an already outmatched government fight against the coronavirus, just as a vicious third wave of the pandemic hit a country racked with conflict, short of food, and scattered with hundreds of thousands of refugees.

With its neglect of COVID-19, its repression of the media, and its economic mismanagement, critics liken the State Administrative Council to the State Law and Order Restoration Council, the juntas name from 1988 to 1997, a notoriously harsh period in the armys fifty-year rule that ended in 2011, when the military went partially back to the barracks for a decade.

Malign neglect of COVID-19

Yangon residents wait to fill up empty oxygen canisters outside a factory on July 14, 2021, as the number of COVID-19 cases surges. (AFP) Yangon residents wait to fill up empty oxygen canisters outside a factory on July 14, 2021, as the number of COVID-19 cases surges. (AFP)

Myanmars struggle with a third wave of COVID-19 infections is hamstrung by hospitals that turn away all but the most seriously ill, forcing many patients to treat themselves at home amid a critical shortage of medical supplies, including oxygen. The pandemic had claimed more than 8,500 lives as of July 30.

Critics say the junta is accused of making matters worse by denying entry to patients at army-run public hospitals, arresting doctors and health care workers who had protested against the regime, obstructing civil society volunteer aid workers, and restricting sales of oxygen.

Freedom of information deteriorates

A newspaper reports "1 year of State of Emergency and Acting President transferred Power to Military Chief on its front page, in Yangon on Feb. 2, 2021. (Associated Press) A newspaper reports "1 year of State of Emergency and Acting President transferred Power to Military Chief on its front page, in Yangon on Feb. 2, 2021. (Associated Press)

The military coup was followed swiftly by junta efforts to block Facebook, Twitter, and other social media, and close all independent news outlets, while journalists faced harassment, threats, arrest and torture in jail.

Many have fled the country and cover the story from Thailand, India or further away.

Between 90 and 98 journalists have been arrested, with at least 45 still in detention. Most face charges under article 505(a) of the criminal code, which punishes spreading fake news with three years in prison.

Double-digit GDP contraction

People queue up to use the ATM at a bank in Yangon on April 7, 2021, amid strained operations due to ongoing demonstrations against the coup. (AFP) People queue up to use the ATM at a bank in Yangon on April 7, 2021, amid strained operations due to ongoing demonstrations against the coup. (AFP)

Post-coup conflict, protest walkouts, and business closures have disrupted critical services, including transportation, telecommunications, and public health and education -- setting the stage for worse economic hardship and threatening to wipe out progress the country had made over the past decade.

The World Bank latest analysis expects the countrys $75 billion GDP to contract by about 18 percent in the Oct. 2020-Sept. 2021 fiscal year, leaving the economy about 30 percent smaller than it would have been without the COVID-19 pandemic and the military coup and doubling the pre-coup ranks of the poor.

Toll on students, youth

Students wait to enter school for the first time since in the coup in Sittwe on June 1, 2021. (AFP) Students wait to enter school for the first time since in the coup in Sittwe on June 1, 2021. (AFP)

The Myanmar militarys previous rule was noted for neglect of health and education spending, leaving the country ranking down near the bottom in surveys of educational attainment by UN agencies.

The junta says that more than 88 percent of schools had been reopened at the start of the school year in June this year, with about 4.7 million students enrolled.

But civil society groups say only about 20 percent of students have returned for studies, compared to the 9 million students who were enrolled in 2019-20 academic year.
The campaign is aimed at stopping news of protests and other politically sensitive information from reaching contacts outside Tibet.

Chinese authorities in Tibet are ordering Tibetan residents to turn over the names and other personal information of relatives living in exile communities outside Tibet, threatening loss of state benefits such as land and housing for noncompliance, Tibetan sources say.

Launched in Dingri county in the Tibet Autonomous Regions (TAR) Shigatse prefecture in April, the campaign quickly broke its promises to Tibetan villagers who provided the required information, a source living in the region told RFAs Tibet Service.

Families who agreed to provide the details of their relatives living abroad were interrogated again when Chinese authorities showed up after 15 days and confiscated their mobile phones, RFAs source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

And despite having given the authorities all the information they asked for, they were denied the benefits they were promised anyway, he said.

The new campaign to identify Tibetans living in exile has also been launched in other parts of Tibet, including Nagchu (in Chinese, Naqu) prefecture in the TAR and Lithang (Litang) county in Sichuans Kardze (Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, said another source in Tibet.

People with family members living outside Tibet are being forced to register their own names and then provide details about their relatives, such as their names, photos, occupation, and how long they have been living in India.

If they do not register these things at their local office, they have to go to the county to do it later on, he said.

Blocking information flows

In Kardze prefecture, the names and other details of Tibetans living abroad are being collected in order to someday lure them back to Tibet, a Tibetan living in exile told RFA, citing contacts in the region. And these policies are being authorized by higher-ups in the government, the source said.

Also speaking to RFA, Pema Gyala researcher at London-based Tibet Watchsaid that Chinese efforts to collect information on Tibetans living abroad help to stop the flow of news about protests and other politically sensitive information from within the region.

A fair amount of information leaks to the outside world from inside Tibet, so the Chinese government collects information on Tibetan communities abroad as a way of ensuring that nothing is sent to them, he said.

Formerly an independent nation, Tibet was invaded and incorporated into China by force 70 years ago.

Chinese authorities maintain a tight grip on the region, restricting Tibetans political activities and peaceful expression of cultural and religious identity, and subjecting Tibetans to persecution, torture, imprisonment, and extrajudicial killings.

Reported by Sangyal Kunchok for RFAs Tibetan Service. Translated by Tenzin Dickyi. Written in English by Richard Finney.
Most of Central Asia is experiencing an extreme drought this year, and the people there know that all too well.



They swelter in scorching heat and record temperatures amid a severe lack of rain.



But that does not stop them from looking for someone to blame -- and often there are people who should accept some responsibility for mismanagement.



Out On The Farm



The first to recognize the signs of a severe drought are the farmers and herders.



In Kazakhstan's western Mangistau Province, civic activist Zhanibek Kozhyk told RFE/RL's Kazakh Service, known locally as Azattyq, that the old people in the province say they have never seen anything like the current drought.



Kozhyk said it was obvious in early spring that a severe drought was coming, and he blamed officials for failing to heed the warning signs.



Mangistau is mostly desert, but there are areas where herding is possible so the losses in the province are often counted in sheep, cows, and horses, thousands of which have already died -- though no one is really sure how many.

There is little grass for herds to graze upon and the price of hay and grain for animal feed has skyrocketed in many parts of Kazakhstan.



There were reports in June that some herders were resorting to feeding their horses cardboard mixed with table scraps.



Kozhyk said people were bringing cardboard from the Caspian coastal city of Aqtau to feed their animals but that now, "There is a shortage of cardboard."



The Kazakh government was late in fully appreciating the magnitude of the situation, but measures have been taken to bring in hay from other parts of Kazakhstan and make it available at reasonable prices.



On July 26, the Kazakh Agriculture Ministry also imposed a six-month ban on exports of fodder and grain for animal food so that supplies could be redirected internally.

Thousands of kilometers to the southeast, in Kyrgyzstan's northern Chui Province, the farmers were among the first to appreciate the depth of the drought.



Crops sprouted but then began to wither due to insufficient water supplies.



Kyrgyz officials stated the obvious -- that there simply was not enough water -- but they also pointed to a Soviet-era canal and irrigation system that was badly in need of repair and simply insufficient to meet modern-day needs.



Kyrgyz Deputy Agricultural Minister Nurlan Sheripov pointed out in mid-June that the Soviet irrigation system in Chui was built for state farms that grew crops that did not require frequent watering.



"Today, private farmers grow cornberries and melons and other more water-intensive crops in the fields, constantly requiring water," he said.



Since the authorities seemed incapable of doing anything immediately, some farmers in Chui took matters into their own hands and took more than their share of water from canals or diverted water to their fields, usually at night, angering those whose fields were suddenly left dry.



Authorities eventually had to close off the small reservoirs that feed the canals at night and put guards around them.



Farmers in Chui then blocked the main road between Osh and Bishkek, demanding authorities resolve their water problems.



Local officials promised to repair existing canals and water-storage facilities, build new ones, and dig new wells in the province.



In Uzbekistan's eastern Namangan Province, an argument over water between a farmer in the Davlatabad district and another from the Turakurgan district ended with a fight that left the latter farmer with a deadly head injury.



A few hundred kilometers to the west, farmers in the Angor district of Surhandarya Province are in a dispute with a local cluster farm.



The private farmers in the village of Navshahar say the cluster farm is getting most of the water and blame local officials for the unfair distribution of water.

RFE/RL's Uzbek Service, known locally as Ozodlik, reported that the conflict between private farmers and those from the state cluster farm started in early July and a court is hearing the case. In the meantime, almost daily arguments break out between the two groups near the canal that is supposed to supply both of them with water, and police have been called several times to prevent violence from breaking out.



Ozodlik reported that such conflicts between farmers are common in many regions of Uzbekistan.



Life In The City



Farmers and herders might have been the first to see the water shortage coming, but it is now clear to people in the cities what the drought means for them.



RFE/RL's Tajik Service, known locally as Ozodi, reported that many residents of Kulob, Tajikistan's third-largest city, are having problems with water in their homes and are forced to bring plastic bottles and buckets to public water taps and haul them back to their apartments.



Talab Ibrohimov, a resident of Kulob's Shohin neighborhood, told Ozodi: "I am 78 years old, and now I am carrying two plastic buckets [a day]. This is my job, to carry water."

On the night of July 12, about 100 residents of the town of Besagash, outside Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty, blocked the main road to protest water cuts to their homes.



Similar problems were reported in the city of Oral in northwestern Kazakhstan.



For Turkmenistan, sweltering in the summer heat is normal, but this year temperatures around the country are often hitting 50 degrees Celsius.



In the eastern Lebap Province, the mercury climbed to 55 Celsius (131 Fahrenheit) on July 7.



People in the city of Lebap are buying water from cisterns and bottled water is being brought in from nearby settlements and sold for five manats (about $1.4) per 20 liters, reports RFE/RL's Turkmen Service, known locally as Azatlyk. It's not an exorbitant price, but for families who need the water to wash themselves and their clothes, the costs can mount quickly.



In Kyrgyzstan, where the bulk of the electricity is supplied by hydropower, officials are already warning citizens to prepare for blackouts, partially due to low levels of water in reservoirs and to repairs on the country's main hydropower plant, Toktogul

The water shortage is also leading to an increase in food prices, and with crops wilting and herds being depleted those costs will likely continue to increase into next year.



Carrots are one of the most common ingredients in a variety of Central Asian dishes, but the price for a kilogram of carrots has jumped by some 700 percent in Kazakhstan recently, and the situation is similar in the other four Central Asian countries.



The drought will end one day but the water problems are not going away.



The changing climate contributes to the extreme weather conditions and such hardships are likely to be experienced often in the future.



Central Asia's population -- which was only about 8 million people in the early 1900s and currently numbers about 75 million  will reach about 80 million by 2030 at current growth rates.



Officials across Central Asia are promising to dig more wells as one quick solution to the current water shortages.



In Mangistau, there are people calling for the oil companies to stop drilling for oil and to use their machinery to drill for water.



It's an interesting proposal if for no other reason than to remind everyone what is really the most important liquid in Central Asia.
CHISINAU -- Former Moldovan Finance Minister Natalia Gavrilita has welcomed her nomination by President Maia Sandu as prime minister-designate after her Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) won snap elections earlier this month.



In a Twitter statement posted early on July 31, Gavrilita said she was "honored and humbled" to be nominated by President Sandu, who is also a member of the pro-Western PAS.



"It is a great responsibility to fulfill expectations of Moldovan people to improve institutions, ensure rule of law, and build economic prosperity," Gavrilita said.



Gavrilita and the cabinet that she proposes is expected to be approved by parliament.



That's because PAS won a parliamentary majority with 63 of the 101 seats in the legislature as a result of the July 11 elections.



PAS had campaigned on a platform of carrying out reforms and tackling corruption. It also advocates closer ties with the European Union and the United States.



The 43-year-old Gavrilita had been Moldova's finance minister in 2019 when Sandu was briefly prime minister in a government that fell in a no-confidence vote within months.



Before that, Gavrilita worked with the British-based consultancy Oxford Policy Management and at the non-profit Global Innovation Fund.



She received her education as an economist at Harvard University in the United States and at Moldova State University in Chisinau.



"I have full confidence that the designated prime minister will put together an integrated and professional team," Sandu wrote on Facebook on July 30.



Wedged between Ukraine and EU member Romania -- with which it shares a common language -- Moldova is one of Europe's poorest states and has long been divided over whether to pursue closer ties with Brussels or maintain its Soviet-era relations with Moscow.

President Sandu defeated her Moscow-backed predecessor Igor Dodon in a presidential election last November and called the July 11 elections in a successful bid to consolidate power.



"People expect a change for the better and for that we need firm actions and competent decisions that will have the interest of our citizens at heart," Sandu wrote on Facebook.

With reporting by Reuters and unimedia.md
The U.S. Justice Department says the Russian hackers behind the massive SolarWinds cyberespionage campaign broke into the email accounts of some of the most prominent federal prosecutors' offices in the United States during 2020.



The Justice Department said 80 percent of the Microsoft e-mail accounts used by employees in the four U.S. attorney offices in New York were breached.



Altogether, the Justice Department said the e-mail account of at least one employee in 27 U.S. attorney offices were compromised during the Russian hacking campaign.



In a statement on July 30, the Justice Department said it believes the accounts were compromised from May 7 to December 27.



That time frame is notable because the SolarWinds campaign was first discovered and publicized in mid-December.



The Russian hacking scheme infiltrated dozens of private-sector companies and think tanks as well as at least nine U.S. government agencies.



In April, the administration of President Joe Biden announced sanctions in response to the SolarWinds hack and Russian efforts to interfere in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.



The punitive measures included the expulsion of Russian diplomats from the United States.



Russia has denied any wrongdoing.



The Administrative Office of U.S. Courts confirmed in January that it was also breached.



That gave the SolarWinds hackers another entry point to steal confidential information like trade secrets, espionage targets, whistle-blower reports, and arrest warrants.



The list of affected offices include several large and high-profile ones like those in Los Angeles, Miami, Washington, and the Eastern District of Virginia.



The Southern and Eastern districts of New York, where large numbers of staff were hit, handle some of the most prominent prosecutions in the country.

Based on reporting by AP
Editor's Note: This is an ongoing series which runs each Thursday morning titled the Richland Chronicles Volume 4, by author Paul Lintern. It is set in the 1830s and tells the story of Richland County through the eyes of young people. This is the fourth in a series. Volume 1 was Amelia Changes Her Tune. Volume II was Isaac and Wolf Paw Find Their Home. Volume III was Autumn Keeps Her Secret.

Esther did not notice that the ock of sheep seemed smaller when she arrived at the Fisher farm. But she was pretty shocked when she yelled for Sammy and as the door of the cabin opened, a sheep strolled out, and then another, and then another.

What in the world? Esthers jawed dropped as she started counting sheep  six, seven, eight Sammy, are you in there?

Eleven, twelve

Be out in a switch, came the familiar voice from within.

Fourteen, fteen, sixteen. Sixteen sheep!

What are you doing? Esther asked when Sammys face emerged behind the last sheep.

I was lonely last night, so I invited them in, Sammy smiled, as she adjusted her bonnet and pulled on her skirts.

Didnt your parents

Know? No, came the other voice, that of older brother Tristen, as he emerged behind Sammy. And they wont know as long as Sammy covers for me today.

Mama and Papa are down to the courthouse yesterday and today, on business for the farm. They left us in charge, Sammy said.

And you herded your sheep into the cabin? Estel asked.

It was her idea. I slept in the loft. Aint no sheep can climb a ladder, Tristen said.

Id hate to see your oor, Esther said.

Its dirt anyway, Ill gather everything up real quick, and well be o, Sammy said.

The boys started walking toward the eld on the other side of the barn.

Hey, school is this way, Esther said.

But Samarai is this way, Estel said, and they disappeared around the barn.

Esther frowned.

Now Im the one worried about being late.

A few impatient minutes later, Sammy emerged from the cabin again and said, Lets go.

But the boys arent back.

And they wont be. Tristen said they are going to the river after they take care of Samarai. Im glad they like that bull. Im scared of him.

But school

Thats what I have to cover for. I guess you do, too. Lets go.

But Estel is the one who is going to help me at school. Hes the one who loves school. And now hes not going?

Tristen says boys dont need school after they are 12. They have too many man things to do around the farm, Sammy said.

Like shing and climbing trees?

I dont know, I just gure we dont have to look after them; they can fend for themselves.

But can we fend for ourselves?

The two started for Gambles Mill along a horse path that bordered a eld of hay, then veered left and split a eld of corn. It joined a wagon trail that went south to the Black Fork at the new settlement Mr. Gamble had started.

As they stepped onto the wagon path, Sammy said, Do you think the teacher will like me?

Not if you smell like sheep, Esther joked.

Sammy rolled her eyes.

No, really. What if the teacher is mean? I think she will have enough trouble with the boys, Esther replied. I hear Tom and Jacob are both coming.

Youre right, shell probably wear out her switch on them. I hear shes a mean old lady, never been married because no one could put up with her cackling voice, Sammy said.

Where did you hear that?

Tristen. Thats why he isnt going.

This is going to be worse than I thought.

My Father says its someone from down near Manseld, works at an inn. He didnt say anything about being old, but he did say she was a Miss.

They all are if they teach, Sammy said, Unless they are a Mister.

Well, I dont plan to get switched by her if I can help it. I just hope I can answer things right.

Youll be ne, youre smart, you just dont know it yet, Sammy smiled, then she pointed. Well know soon enough. Theres the mill at the edge of those trees."
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was originally published by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

LOUDONVILLE -- Thousands of wooded acres greet visitors to the Mohican region. Mohican State Park's wild landscape offers truly stunning views from both land and water.

Clear Fork Gorge, Lyon's Falls, and the Mohican State Scenic River are just a few of the must-sees for adventurers. Overnight accommodations include a modern full-service lodge, large family campground with pool, deluxe vacation cabins, and a primitive camping area with stream-side sites.

Nearby Pleasant Hill Lake, which is managed by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, offers boating with no horsepower limits. A portion of the lake is no-wake speed, enjoyed by paddlers and anglers alike.

HISTORY

The Mohican State Park area was once the hunting grounds of the Delaware Native Americans, whose more famous warriors included Janacake, Bill Montour, Thomas Lyon, and James Smith. Smith was the first white man to come to this area after he was captured by the Native Americans and later adopted into their tribe. Several Delaware villages were also located in the Mohican vicinity.

European settlers began arriving at the turn of the 19th century, but settlement did not increase until the Native Americans were driven from the area after the War of 1812. John Chapman, immortalized as Johnny Appleseed, frequented the region during the 1800s, caring for his apple tree nurseries.

His name and the date, carved into the wall of Lyons Falls, were an attraction for years. Unfortunately, the etchings have been worn away over time.

Prior to 1949, most of the area that comprises the present state park was part of Mohican State Forest. The forest lands were administered by the Ohio Division of Forestry. In 1949, when the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) was created, Mohican and several other state parks were developed from existing state forests.

The new park was named Clear Fork State Park. Later, in 1966, the name was changed to Mohican State Park in order to alleviate confusion between Mansfields Clearfork Reservoir and the state park. Even before the official name change, visitors referred to the area as Mohican.

NATURAL FEATURES

Mohican State Parks scenic beauty and natural features can be attributed to events that occurred more than 14,000 years ago during the ice age in Ohio.

The last glaciers to enter Ohio, the Wisconsinan, ended their advance in the Mohican region, leaving behind an array of glacial deposits such as end and ground moraines, linear ridges of soil and rock, and till deposited along the edge of the ice sheet.

The erosional forces of glacial meltwaters hastened the carving of the narrow Clear Fork Gorge. This gorge cuts into sandstone bedrock, creating steep cliff walls and bedrock outcroppings. The gorge is more than 1,000 feet wide at the top and more than 300 feet deep.

The gorges towering hemlocks and stands of old-growth white pine, are of national significance. The National Park Service has dedicated the area as a Registered National Natural Landmark.

The Mohican-Memorial State Forest surrounds the park and harbors great plant and animal diversity. Ridge tops contain stands of white, red and black oaks, red maple and white pine trees. Beech, ash, and tulip trees can be found in the middle and lower slopes along with hemlock and yellow birch.

The bottomland forest contains sycamore, willow, buckeye, hawthorn and dogwood trees. The diversity of ferns in this region is astounding, with as many as 15 different species identified, including the rare walking fern.

Mohican is home to numerous mammals, including white-tailed deer, skunk, opossum and red fox. Dusky salamanders, American toads, and the gray tree frog are samples of local amphibians. Wild turkey have made a tremendous comeback in Ohio after being totally absent at one time. Now significant numbers can be found in the surrounding forest.

Additionally, bald eagles are regularly seen in the area. Birders will also enjoy the abundance of nesting warblers in the Clear Fork Gorge. More than 15 species  including northern parula, hooded, cerulean, and American redstart  nest here during spring and summer.
Rocky Mount, NC (27804)

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Cloudy with periods of rain. High 73F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a half an inch..

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Starting two weeks ago, a series of Seattle restaurants and bars posted on Instagram what has come to be a sign of a new wave of coronavirus spreading through the city: temporary closures.

Jupiter Bar, Vitos, Shortys, and Rhumba were among the nine Seattle bars that temporarily closed in the past week. Some were because of confirmed cases on staff, others, "out of an abundance of caution."

The resurgence of COVID-19 cases also hit Shelter Lounges Green Lake location, and Screwdriver Bar in Belltown. Along with places that didnt publicly announce the infection or close, people tracking estimate more than 20 Seattle restaurants have had a positive case among vaccinated staff.

Andrew J./Yelp.com

With each wave of infections, the restaurant and bar community gets hit hard  its one of the few public places where even in the depths of the mask mandate, the public gathered and removed their masks. That put the people working those restaurants, at high risk of contracting the virus  one study showed line cooks had the top risk of dying from the novel coronavirus of any profession.

But this time, when the posts went up about infections, most of the places followed up with good news  other staff tested negative, and their vaccinated staffers who tested positive had mild cases  and a policy change.

"After some thorough discussion as a team, Vito's will now require proof of full vaccination for indoor dining," the First Hill haunt posted.

Five days after posting about infected staff, Shortys also announced that proof of vaccination was required for entry. Our tests came back negative and were clear to open today, said Navy Strength, followed by We will be making a few policy changes to ensure the safety of our staff and guests.

Linda P./Yelp.com

They join a list that gets longer every day of Seattle restaurants and bars that now require vaccination proof to enter  though not all places also require staff to be vaccinated, so dont consider it a failsafe.

State officials are also now urging all residents, regardless of vaccination status, to resume wearing masks in indoor public places.
BAGHDAD (AP)  An attack on a funeral procession in northern Iraq has claimed a number of victims, Iraq's military said in a statement Friday.

The military said the terrorist attack in the province of Salahaddin resulted in a number of victims but did not provide specific figures.

An Iraqi security official said eight people had been killed, among them police and civilians, and that armed militants had opened fire on the crowd.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity said the attack had been perpetrated by the Islamic State group. The death toll could not be immediately confirmed. The military said it will provide details once an investigation is complete.

Northern Iraq has been a hotspot for IS activity since their territorial defeat in 2017 by Iraqi security forces with assistance from the U.S.-led coalition. Iraqi forces routinely carry out anti-IS operations in the rugged mountainous northern region and the deserts of western Iraq where they are known to be holed up.

IS attacks have abated in recent years but continue in these areas where security forces are often the target of ambushes, raids and IEDs.

At times, IS has managed to launch attacks in the capital. At least 30 people were killed last week in a suicide bombing in the Baghdad suburb of Sadr City. The attack was claimed by IS.
LAS VEGAS (AP)  People are mourning the death of a Nevada Highway Patrol trooper, who was struck by a vehicle police said was driven by an armed carjacking suspect trying to elude troopers on a busy freeway near the Las Vegas Strip.

Trooper Micah May, 46, died Thursday, Gov. Steve Sisolak said in a statement. His heroic actions and contributions to the State of Nevada will never be forgotten, the Democratic governor said.

U.S. and state flags will be lowered to half-staff on Monday to honor May, Sisolak said Friday.

The vehicle that struck the officer was disabled by crashes from NHP vehicles, and the driver was shot and killed by law enforcement officers who converged on the Interstate 15 crash.

Authorities identified the slain suspect as Douglas Claiborne, 60.

Claiborne, originally from Iowa, was once arrested while traveling through an airport in Texas, and lived on plentiful trust fund money in various places in and around Honolulu, said Victor Bakke, his longtime criminal defense lawyer in Hawaii. He also was sometimes homeless.

Claiborne had a severe methamphetamine addiction that became worse in recent years, Bakke said in a telephone interview. He said he was surprised by reports from authorities that Claiborne had a gun and stole a car.

The attorney said videos he saw of the chase showed the vehicle in which his client died resembled a car he used to own in Hawaii.

If I had to guess, Id say he was high out of his mind and hadnt slept for days, Bakke said. Maybe he thought it was his car."

The highway patrol said the incident began with a chase on surface streets in North Las Vegas and May was struck a little before noon Tuesday as he deployed a tire-deflating device across lanes of Interstate 15.

Las Vegas police are investigating the shooting. They have not identified officers who fired shots or released details about their police agencies. The NHP said Claiborne was armed.

May is survived by his wife and two children. During 13 years with the Highway Patrol, he received awards for apprehending impaired drivers and a departmental Medal of Valor in 2014, the state agency said in a statement.

The Dodge Charger patrol car that May drove was decorated with messages and flowers Friday, parked outside the highway patrol office in Las Vegas.

This is a time of enormous grief for our agency, his family, and our communities, the NHP statement said.

Bakke said he knew Claiborne for 20 years and characterized him as generous, likable and eccentric during periods of sobriety. His connection with Claiborne was first reported by KLAS-TV in Las Vegas.

Bakke acknowledged Claiborne was a convicted felon with arrests for robbery, assault, making a terror threat, a scuffle with a roommate and felony drug charges.

The attorney said he believed police and troopers had to respond to Claiborne as a threat and said he and Claibornes family wanted to help May and his family, possibly through a fund.

Bakke recalled representing Claiborne in April 2015 when he pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Hawaii to conspiracy to commit bribery in a prison smuggling case.

Claiborne admitted his involvement in smuggling methamphetamine, cigarettes and other items into a Hawaii state prison where he had been serving a sentence for a conviction on a probation violation in an attempted assault case.

Bakke said Claiborne served more than two years in prison and he became erratic and his physical and mental condition deteriorated following his release from federal custody in October 2019.

Once that structure ended, thats when he really started to go downhill, Bakke said, adding that he had not heard from Claiborne for several months.
HARRISONBURG, Va. (AP)  Its been 53 years since Larry Ritchie, 76, fought as a U.S. Army private during the Vietnam War. But the experiences he recalled while sitting in his living room were as fresh as the day he endured them.

He remembered the lights and sounds of gunfire on a pitch-black night.

He remembered how hot Vietnam was; his clothes going from soaking wet to bone-dry within minutes after washing.

He remembered the expression on the face of the first soldier he recovered from the depths of the Vietnam jungle.

He remembered the pain he endured after being shot in his right hand, and the feeling of being lucky he didnt lose his hand completely.

Ritchie, a disabled Vietnam veteran, understands the challenges of living with the horrors of war and the lingering disabilities.

He doesnt do so alone.

He does it with a companion he refers to as Pappy, but others know him as Beverly Salyards  a 97-year-old World War II veteran who survived the Normandy invasion at Omaha Beach.

We share the connection of being in war and being wounded, Ritchie said.

Underneath a shade tree, Ritchie, of Harrisonburg, and Salyards, of Cross Keys, shared a swinging bench as they told the story of how they met and how they wished their paths could have crossed sooner.

I wish it could have been 40 years earlier, Ritchie said.

It was more than 20 years ago, and Ritchie was attending a Disabled American Veterans meeting when Salyards walked in.

During the meetings they attended, Ritchie and Salyards always found themselves sitting next to each other  a coincidence Ritchie credits to Salyards frequently asking him to sign his name into the meeting log.

He always had me sign his name, Ritchie said.

Ritchie and Salyards share similar disabilities. Both had their arms and hands injured while fighting during wars.

In Salyards case, his injury left him with extensive damage to his dominant left arm and hand.

Salyards spoke softly when recounting how he was injured during World War II, and Ritchie, sitting beside him, listened to every word.

Ritchie wanted Salyards story to be told over his.

At the age of 19, Salyards was drafted into the U.S. Army and received his assignment as a private in F Company of the 2nd Battalion of the 17th Infantry, 29th Division  the reserve forces assigned to support the 116th Infantry.

At the age of 20, Salyards was running across the sands of Omaha Beach, Normandy, in an attempt to seize the nearby village of Isigny before crossing the Vire River.

They said to clear the beach as quickly as I could, Salyards said. Well, I did that.

At the time, he didnt know what lay ahead of him, Salyards said.

It had been two or three days since the 116th Infantry had invaded the beach and Salyards was aboard a landing craft with dozens of men ordered to get to Isigny. Salyards remembered seeing the landing craft in front of his drop its ramp early, and the men were left wading in 3 feet of water.

When the ramp of his landing craft dropped, he stepped onto dry sand. Salyards feet never got wet.

He was in the first group of men to exit the craft and enter what he called no mans land. In groups of twos and threes, Salyards said, they scattered off across the beach to clear the sand.

We werent under fire when we hit the beach, he said. I got on the beach and crossed the sand without being fired upon. I was on the beach for 15 minutes before we went further inland on route to St. Lo, but I didnt make it to St. Lo.

More than a month after the invasion in Normandy, and one week after being promoted to communications sergeant, Salyards was hit by a German mortar.

I was probably less than 4 miles to St. Lo when I caught a mortar, he said.

What happened next is still a blur to Salyards, who said his next memories were being carried onto an airplane and then waking up at the 116th General Hospital in Harrogate, England, with two nurses next to him.

He was in the hospital for three months, maybe four, he said.

He remembers how he flinched when a doctor began removing pieces of shrapnel from his arm and hand, and what happened next.

Instead of throwing it in the trash, he put it in his pocket, Salyards said. A few months later, he pulled it out and gave it to me.

With the extent of his injuries, Salyards said he was given a choice  return to his home in New Market with an honorable discharge or stay and be assigned to a limited duty service role.

Salyards chose reassignment.

I stayed because it was the thing you should do, he said.

Salyards served as a supply sergeant with the 9th Army Air Force in France until the end of the war.

During those years, Salyards said he met a few prisoners from Poland held at his base who worked at a machine shop.

They were just on the wrong side, he said.

The prisoners gave him an unforgettable gift.

They said they could put the shrapnel into my dog tags, he said.

The prisoners drilled a hole into his dog tags large enough to weld pieces of shrapnel  the shrapnel once in his arm and removed by a doctor  into the tags.

And I still have it, he said.

Two years, five months and 30 days after he was drafted into the Army, Salyards returned home.

Decades later, Salyards found himself attending a Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Company Lawn Party, where someone he was speaking with invited him to attend a local Veterans of Foreign Wars meeting.

Not long after, Salyards was driving to a local Disabled American Veterans meeting, where he met Ritchie.

Ive enjoyed Larrys company, he said. A lot of precious memories run in the same channel.

Ritchie and Salyards share numerous similarities.

Both served their country overseas. Both were injured, and both sought companionship at veteran organizations.

What the two didnt expect was discovering they were distant cousins  forming a new connection.

Their sharing of memories are far from over and as Ritchies wife, JoAnn Ritchie, said, Weve had some pretty good times together.
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The ongoing movement to reconsider, and sometimes remove, some public monuments and artworks has taken aim at what many agree are outdated and problematic symbols: Confederate generals, Christopher Columbus and Junipero Serra, to name a few.

But Gilbert Bakers rainbow Gay Pride Flag?

The present-day legitimacy of the 43-year-old flag, intended to represent LGBTQ inclusion and liberation, is being questioned by some in San Franciscos Castro neighborhood  and in the wider LGBTQ community. With so many different flags now being raised to represent the LGBTQ community, is the original, San Francisco-created rainbow symbol still a banner to unite all, or is it an outdated emblem favored by primarily white, cisgender queer people in need of an update?

Theres a lot of passion about the flag, and theres a lot of passion about inclusivity and exclusivity in the queer community, says District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who represents the Castro. Gilberts flag flying on Market and Castro is iconic and has been an inspiration to people around the world for decades. And I also think that the other flags that our community has produced are important and worthy and need to be celebrated appropriately.

For months, a discussion about just what flag should fly from the pole located at Harvey Milk Plaza at Castro and Market streets has provoked strong feelings. Several people contacted by The Chronicle for this story declined to be interviewed, saying they found the discourse around the issue toxic and they feared getting involved. One longtime Castro resident and business owner, who asked to remain anonymous, described the situation as the left eating its own.

The public debate over the flag began in earnest in August 2020, when LGBTQ newspaper the Bay Area Reporter suggested the Castro Merchants Association, which oversees and maintains the flagpole, should install a more inclusive version of the rainbow flag. Its editorial came after a town hall meeting held by the Bay Area Queer Nightlife Coalition about racism and bias in the Castro, and said that flying a contemporary variation would send a strong symbolic message of the values that the community strives to uphold.

The editorial noted that Oakland Pride organizers had updated its logo to include the colors brown and black for racial inclusion, along with the pink, white and blue of the Transgender Flag. Sacramento Pride, it pointed out, had flown the Progress Pride Flag, a rainbow designed by Daniel Quasar in 2018 that includes the Transgender Flag colors and black and brown stripes. Earlier in 2020, a Change.org petition urging that the Castro flagpole fly the Pride Progress Flag attracted nearly 500 signatures.

This month, leadership at the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District, one of the eight city-designated cultural districts in San Francisco, said it, too, was in favor of seeing a contemporary flag flown from the pole and that it is time for us to show our Black, Brown, and Trans siblings how much representation matters to us on this board.

Flying colors Created by Gilbert Baker in 1978 at the former Gay Community Center on Grove Street, the Gay Pride rainbow flag is seen by some as a progenitor of all LGBTQ community flags. Each of the colors carries a specific meaning. Red: life Orange: healing Yellow: sunlight Green: nature Blue: serenity Purple: spirit Todd Trumbull / The Chronicle See More Collapse

Just this week, the district initiated a survey asking residents and visitors about their experiences in the Castro. It includes a section asking people to evaluate whether Bakers flag represents all of who I am as an LGBTQ+ person and whether the flag is a historic symbol that has stood the test of time. A town hall on the topic is being planned by the district in late September.

Meanwhile, the Castro Merchants Association has proposed installing a second flagpole to fly the Pride Progress Flag, while keeping Bakers flag where it is. At the beginning of this years LGBTQ Pride Month in June, the group hung the flag off the Bank of America Building at the Hibernia Beach corner at 18th and Castro streets.

We believe wholeheartedly that representation matters, so both flags (historical and contemporary) are the right balance for our community today, the merchants group said in an email. In the future, there may be other flags and symbols that represent our dynamic community, and as Harvey (Milk) would have wanted, we would encourage the community to also embrace those, as well.

The Gilbert Baker Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating the late artist and his flag, has started a Change.org petition of its own calling for the landmark designation of the pole, which was erected in 1997 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Milks historic victory as the first openly gay elected official in California history. It argues that the pole and the flag constitute a piece of installation art created by Baker that deserves to be protected. Cultural institutions including the Museum of Modern Art in New York have examples of Bakers flag in their collections. The petition currently has more than 1,500 signatures.

In response to the survey, Charles Beal, president of the Gilbert Baker Foundation, posted on the Cultural Districts Facebook page: If the CCD really wants to fill the sky with the other wonderful flags mentioned in their survey they should erect more flagpoles. That is what Gilbert Baker did.

Baker designed the Gay Pride Flag in San Francisco in 1978 for the Gay Freedom Day Parade (now San Francisco Pride). Originally featuring eight colors but simplified to six for easier reproduction, each stripe represents a value, including red for life, blue for harmony and peace and purple for spirit. Baker never trademarked the flag, believing it would flourish as a symbol for the community only if it were free to reproduce.

In the mid-1970s there were various flags and ideas to represent the gay community, says vexillologist (flag expert) Ted Kaye, secretary of the North American Vexillological Association. Gilbert Bakers was the first and the only one that was broadly embraced and spread like wildfire. It was the community that took that flag and adopted it.

The flag has since become a global LGBTQ signifier. Rainbow motifs appear prominently in LGBTQ-identified neighborhoods like the Castro and New Yorks West Village. During LGBTQ Pride Month each June, rainbow banners fly on Market Street and businesses feature rainbows as a kind of seasonal decor. This year, when a piece of Bakers original Pride Flag from 1978 was donated to the San Franciscos GLBT Historical Society Museum, executive director Terry Beswick termed it the gay Shroud of Turin.

While it has been a symbol for many of inclusion and hope, for others Bakers rainbow is not enough.

The flag for some Black and brown people, they dont feel it represents them, says Carnell Freeman, executive co-chair of the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District. But I think it depends on who youre talking to. For many white gays, theyll say they think the Progress Flag is not attractive and that theyd keep it as it is, as a rainbow. If you talk to most people of color or allies, they will say, you know, its time for a change.

Freeman says that he and other members of the Cultural District board dont see the Progress Flag being flown from the pole as an erasure of Bakers flag, but as an evolution of it. Some have criticized the idea of removing the flag as counter to the organizations mission of historic and cultural preservation.

Freeman says that following the racial reckonings of 2020, it felt like the appropriate time to re-evaluate whom the flag represents. He says the notion of two flag poles is akin to the separate but equal attitude of racial segregation.

Jupiter Peraza, the director of social justice initiatives for San Franciscos Transgender District, says she personally doesnt object to the current flag but understands the desire to see a more contemporary one flown. In recent years, she says, she feels the message of Bakers flag has been co-opted by both commercialism and some conservative gay groups that aligned themselves with the Trump administration, which backed significant anti-transgender legislation.

I cant believe this is even a question  the Progress Flag should go up, period, says activist and drag king Alex U. Inn. For Inn, the Progress Flag would be a symbol that more diverse groups of people beyond cisgender, white gay men have a place in the community. If that flag flies on a second pole, Inn says, its important that there be language stating that the Progress Flag is not a token or an afterthought. The original flag made a statement thats now known around the world. The Progress Flag is a statement about our future.

Dave Karraker, co-owner of MX3 Fitness and a member of the Castro Merchants Association, says its important that the history of Bakers flag be recognized.

The flag has been the banner under which people fought for their rights and fought for AIDS relief from the government, says Karraker. Theres a lot of pride in the fact that the Gilbert Baker flag is a gay icon globally and that it was created here in San Francisco by men and women who were San Franciscans.

Karraker supports creating a second pole that would fly the Progress Flag or other community flags, and says theres no reason to stop there. In a neighborhood with so much LGBTQ history and a community with so many flags and symbols associated with it, why shouldnt the Castro be filled with different flags?

I think what we can do is create a space or spaces within the Castro that effectively honor a very wide range of the members of our community, says Karraker.

But while Mandelman believes a win-win compromise should be possible, its difficult to imagine what that might be.

The Castro Cultural District is hoping that its survey and town hall will illuminate more of the communitys feelings. Both the district and the merchants say this will likely not be the last time the flag and other symbols representing LGBTQ people come up for discussion.

Gage Lennox, who started last years petition to change the flag, suggests that answer might not be a new flag, but an evolving digital installation.

Heres the thing about gay and alternative sexual community people: were great artists, Lennox says. If we get the right people, we can think of something we can all get behind.

But as the LGBTQ community continues to evolve, one wonders how long that symbol might last.

Tony Bravo is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tbravo@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TonyBravoSF
Its a deceptively simple idea: Harvest surplus food and clothing for the needy.

Pleasant Hills White Pony Express has spun that Robin Hood-esque concept into a thriving nonprofit serving Contra Costa County. Numerous grocery stores and clothing manufacturers give it their extras, which it distributes through a network of 80 local agencies that serve vulnerable residents.

We step in as a connector between abundance and need, said Eve Birge, who became executive director 18 months ago after many years as a volunteer.

Now White Pony is adding a new twist: an app to let its 400 volunteers pick up leftovers from caterers and small restaurants and bring them to pre-selected groups that could use them. The app, which is being tested now, will be rolled out in the late summer.

Its like Uber for food rescue, Birge said. A volunteer gets a ping, and can claim (the delivery) and get all the details for pickup and dropoff. The volunteer food runners will have coolers to keep in their vehicle and get trained on food safety.

White Pony Express originated in a garage. In 2013, its founder, Dr. Carol Weyland Conner, and a few volunteers, all followers of Sufism Reoriented, launched it with $800 and a desire to bridge the gaping chasm between the Bay Areas prosperity and the many people in need.

The name is a mashup of the Pony Express, which innovated getting items to their destination quickly, and the white horse, a symbol of unity in Sufism.

Food can go to waste because of excess inventory, sell-by dates or its appearance. White Pony rescues 15,000 pounds a day from grocery stores, farmers markets, restaurants and others. Its food partners include Imperfect Foods, Whole Foods, Safeway, Trader Joes, Starbucks and Sprouts.

Our partnership with White Pony Express embodies the importance of building a better, kind food system, said Reilly Brock, associate creative director of online grocer Imperfect Foods, which itself addresses food waste by sourcing items that dont look perfect  asymmetrical, scarred, too big, too small. Its donated over 1.6 million pounds of food to White Pony in the pasts two years.

Attacking hunger is obviously a really complex issue, Brock said. Theyve taken a holistic, whole-person approach that we respect.

Nina Riggio/The Chronicle

White Pony also recovers clothing  unsold, brand-new overstock, out-of-season and returns that might otherwise end up in landfill  as well as diapers, back-to-school supplies, jewelry and high-end makeup.

We just received 70 pallets from Ralph Lauren, Birge said. Two months ago we got 52 pallets from Bombas socks. Were trying to get the word out: Please dont put it in a dumpster; give it to us.

Prior to the pandemic, White Pony both donated clothes to nonprofits and ran a general store that hosted free pop-up boutiques to distribute the clothing, educational toys and books.

Now for in-person distribution, it offers drive-through events where clients of a nonprofit can arrive in their car, tell a White Pony runner their familys sizes and ages, and have bundles of appropriate apparel waiting for them at the other end of the line. For Fathers Day, it hosted a drive-through at a Bay Point recreation center that drew about 200 dads referred by local social services agencies, who had their cars loaded with food, chocolate and right-sized clothing.

Cindy Holland, program coordinator for Black Infant Health in Contra Costa, said White Pony supports her groups purpose of trying to bridge health disparities for Black mothers. Her county program has a tight budget, so donations from White Pony allow them to offer participating moms essential items and some fun things.

They make lovely care packages with backpacks for the infants, she said. They give so many nice baby essentials: diaper bag/baby backpack, diapers, wipes, baby toiletries, several outfits, blankets, books, bibs, bottles. It has been such a godsend, because a lot of our moms have to choose between, Am I going to buy diapers or pay the PG&E bill?

Nina Riggio/The Chronicle

For Mothers Day, White Pony sponsored a day in Hidden Valley Park in Martinez to celebrate and nourish mothers in Black Infant Health, with stations for yoga, bubble blowing and journaling. It curated gift bags for moms and their families with jewelry, makeup, skin-care products and clothing.

Antioch resident Deja Gibson, who has a 4-month old and three older children, attended the Mothers Day event and said it was uplifting. She had to leave her job as a hospice-certified nursing assistant to watch the kids during COVID, so she has her hands full.

Not only are they welcoming, they make you feel so important, she said. Me and my kids had a ball. It was emotional. I felt pampered. I felt almost like a celebrity.

Carolyn Said is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: csaid@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @csaid
A renewed search for a missing Berkeley father of two yielded no new information Saturday, three weeks after the ultramarathon athlete disappeared while on a run in the East Bay hills.

Search and rescue teams rappelled into steep ravines and cut through tough terrain Saturday, hoping a renewed search would provide closure for Philip Kreyciks family and friends.

No luck today, Pleasanton police Lt. Chris Niederhaus said as searchers filed back to the search command center at a local high school midafternoon. No new leads today, no new evidence today.

Using GPS data from the grid search conducted by search and rescue teams, officials would determine whether there are others areas to search, Niederhaus said. As of Saturday afternoon, authorities had scheduled no additional searches.

Kreycik, 37, has not been seen since the morning of July 10, the day he left home for what would have been a 6- to 8-mile workout in 100-degree-plus heat in the Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park. He didnt return home.

His wife, Jen Yao, reported Kreycik missing that day, and the search began within hours. His car was found in a cul-de-sac at the trailhead, with his wallet and phone inside.

Law enforcement search teams, family members and friends scoured the trail area and surrounding terrain but failed to find any clue, and the official search was scaled back. The investigation shifted to interviewing people who know him, including colleagues at Clean Energy Solutions Center, a government-sponsored agency.

On Saturday, 125 certified search and rescuers from across Northern California gathered again at Foothill High School to resume the search after an analysis of previously searched areas and interviews with experienced runners to assess what Kreycik might have done on the extremely hot day he went for the run.

Kreyciks father, Keith Kreycik, sat with community volunteers coordinating search efforts Saturday morning in the parking lot of the school, near the official command center. He declined to speak, saying only that there was still hope.

Whiteboards listed volunteer drone operators and flyer distribution plans at a local farmers market.

The search area in the Pleasanton Ridge area of the East Bay Regional Park District encompassed a region between a footprint found on a trail two weeks ago and the parking area where Kreycik left his car, Niederhaus said.

This is another theory that maybe he went in a different direction, he said.

The area had already been searched, but using GPS locators from previous efforts, officials determined that there were still parts of the Tejan Creek area where he could be.

Noah Berger/Special to The Chronicle

Local runners told authorities that it isnt uncommon for them to decide to take a shortcut back to their starting point and bushwhack through an area to get back to their cars. Its possible Kreycik did the same, veering off the train onto narrow and steep paths.

Its not out of the realm of possibility, Niederhaus said.

Alameda County search and rescue volunteer Angela Hale was out on the hill for a few hours Saturday morning with her dog, Riggs, searching steep drainages covered in slippery leaves, she said.

Riggs, trained to pick out the scent of human remains, didnt find anything in their assigned area.

We want to find him, Hale said. Were here for the family and his friends.

Noah Berger/Special to The Chronicle

Its frustrating, Niederhaus said. They have used drones, infrared imaging, boots on the ground and dozens of search dogs, and found nothing, he said. There is no evidence of foul play or a mishap on the trail, he added, noting that no mountain lions tracked by officials were in the area at the time either.

You want to give answers to the family so bad, he said. Well continue to do what we can.

Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker
Noah Berger/Associated Press

Growth of the Dixie Fire  the 13th largest wildfire in Californias history  has slowed over the last few days, though Cal Fire warned that a weather forecast calling for hot, dry conditions could quickly change that.

As of Saturday morning, the 240,795-acre fire scorching Butte and Plumas counties was 24% contained, but only grew about 200 acres overnight. Cal Fire officials were not expecting more uncontrolled growth in the next few days.
By the time June 15 rolled around and San Francisco and the rest of California emerged from the prolonged pandemic lockdown, Peter Johnston was fully vaccinated and ready to have one of the best summers of his life.

He hit bars and clubs in the Castro every Friday and Saturday, and a few weeknights in between. He rented a house in Carmel with some friends, then took a trip up to Guerneville with another group. It was definitely a Roaring Twenties kind of thing, said Johnston, 29, who said he found himself relating to the celebrations that followed the end of the 1918-19 pandemic and World War I.

But the party came to an abrupt halt two weeks ago, when Johnston woke up one Monday feeling ill. He developed a bad cough, then fever and chills and body aches. He tested positive for the coronavirus a week later.

I would definitely say I thought the pandemic was over, or at least firmly in the rear view mirror, Johnston said from his home in the Castro, where hes still recuperating. I knew there was a possibility of getting COVID after being vaccinated, but I didnt think it would happen to me.

Evidence is growing that post-vaccination breakthrough cases like Johnstons are not as rare as once previously thought, or perhaps hoped for. And the culprit appears to be the highly infectious delta variant thats now dominating San Francisco and pretty much everywhere else in the United States.

To be clear: The vaccines are holding up when it comes to preventing the most dire outcomes, in particular hospitalization, intensive care requiring ventilation, and death. Theyre also still very good at preventing infection. Vaccines remain the best protection against COVID-19 and are key to ending the pandemic.

Nick Otto/Special to The Chronicle

But delta is proving to be the first variant to test the strength of the vaccines, especially when it comes to stopping transmission. And that, in turn, has led to disheartening setbacks in the public health response as cases rise faster now than at any other time in the pandemic and health officials consider new mask mandates and other measures to stop the spread of disease.

It is COVID on steroids. In many ways this is a different virus than the virus we were dealing with earlier this year, said Dr. Grant Colfax, director of the San Francisco Department of Public Health, in a news briefing on Friday during which he implored people who are not vaccinated to get the shots now.

Experts in vaccines and immunology say the breakthrough infections, though disappointing, are not unexpected and do not mean the COVID vaccines are failing. Indeed, studies of post-vaccination cases, and better data on why they may be happening, underscore that the vaccine-induced immune response is robust and multilayered.

Mounting evidence suggests that delta is so easily transmissible in large part because it replicates much faster than previous variants and exposes people to a much higher viral load.

That larger viral dose may be overwhelming the first-strike antibody response in vaccinated people, who were better able to shake off earlier variants and remain symptom-free. It may also mean that they are infectious and able to spread the virus to others, perhaps as easily as those who are not vaccinated  an especially discouraging finding, health experts said.

But antibodies arent the only tool of the immune system to fend off the coronavirus. And so far it appears that the next-level response  namely the T cells and B cells that wipe out a virus thats able to evade antibodies  is doing its job well and preventing severe illness.

The vaccines have maintained full protection against severe and critical illness, even with delta, said Dr. Catherine Blish, an infectious disease expert at Stanford. Most of these (post-vaccination) cases were seeing are mild or sometimes moderate illness, and that means the vaccine is giving people a head start in clearing the virus but its not quite enough to prevent the infection in the first place. But at least its keeping them out of the hospital.

When the vaccines initially were rolled out, although health experts noted that breakthrough infections would happen, the understanding was that they would be rare, and in most cases cause asymptomatic or very mild illness. And that seemed to hold up for awhile, as vaccination rates skyrocketed in the spring and cases plummeted. At the time, two variants were dominating California, both of them more infectious than the original strain of virus  but each, its now believed, half as infectious as delta.

In the delta phase of the pandemic, breakthrough infections remain uncommon, but theyre hardly rare. UCSF has reported 140 coronavirus cases among its staff of 35,000 since mid June  and 80% of those infections were among full vaccinated people. Similar scenarios have played out across the country, including at a homeless shelter in Santa Rosa.

Fridays report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention focused on 469 cases associated with gatherings in one Massachusetts county; about three-quarters of the cases were in fully vaccinated people, and 79% of them had symptomatic illness. Especially concerning to health experts: The viral load was about the same between those who were vaccinated and those who were not, suggesting they may be equally able to spread the virus to others.

That report, along with other evidence worldwide, prompted the CDC to recommend even vaccinated people start wearing masks again.

This does not bode well for the concept of herd immunity in the face of delta, said Nadia Roan, an investigator at the Gladstone Institutes in San Francisco, about the CDC report. She said its possible that the vaccinated people may be carrying dead virus that isnt able to infect others  which wouldnt necessarily be apparent in the type of testing the CDC did. Nonetheless, these data are concerning, she said.

Scientists are still figuring out how much more infectious delta is, and why. Dr. Charles Chiu, who runs the UCSF-Abbott Viral Diagnostics and Discovery Center, said delta has several mutations that were already associated with increased infectiousness and resistance to vaccines  including the L452R mutation found in the so-called California variant that Chiu discovered in January.

Its like a super L452R because of the way its developed, Chiu said. Its probably the combination of these mutations thats conferring all these advantages on delta.

Its primary advantages seem to be a fast replication cycle  how quickly it can take over cells and establish an infection  and the high viral payload it delivers on exposure. People are infectious over a longer period of time with delta than with other variants, and they have much more virus in their nose and the rest of their upper respiratory tract.

A preprint paper published last week by scientists at Helix  a San Carlos genomic sequencing company that has done coronavirus testing across the U.S.  found evidence that the viral load with delta may be three times higher than with alpha. Another study out of China found a thousand-fold increase in viral load with delta compared to the original strain of the coronavirus.

The threefold difference in our data  thats probably big enough that even if you are fully vaccinated, if you get infected youre maybe not getting seriously ill, but you might still be transmitting to someone else, said William Lee, vice president for science at Helix.

The COVID vaccines induce a large antibody response  in fact, far more than whats needed to fend off infection from the original coronavirus strain and most of the variants. But antibodies wane, often within a few months of vaccination. Studies out of Israel have shown a drop in vaccine efficacy within six to 10 months, though some experts question that data.

The delta variant is probably able to overcome the antibody response to some degree. Thats why even vaccinated people may get infected and have mild to moderate illness. But vaccines also induce a cellular response, which takes longer to rally than antibodies but is more powerful. That response is probably what keeps the infection from spreading beyond the upper respiratory tract and into the lungs in vaccinated people.

The vaccine, even if it cant prevent every cell from getting infected, it can prevent the virus from getting deep and causing disease, Blish said.

Johnston, whos been battling symptoms of COVID for nearly two weeks, said this is the worst hes felt since a bout of pneumonia when he was 13. But Im extremely grateful I had the vaccine, because I figure if I hadnt, Id be in the hospital right now, he said.

Overall Im a very healthy person. I wasnt really expecting to have a rough time with COVID were I to get it, Johnston said. Two fully vaccinated friends he was with on the night he thinks he became infected also tested positive, but their symptoms were much milder, he said.

Johnston was so eager to get vaccinated that he drove four hours to Tulare County for his first shot in April, back when demand still far exceeded supply. Getting sick, even with a fairly troublesome illness, has made him more pro-vaccination.

Ive had some frustration, some anger, especially over the not-great uptake of vaccinations, he said. Vaccination is for the public good. Most of the benefit flows to other people and not yourself. But I guess In order to get people vaccinated, you basically have to mandate it.

San Francisco Chronicle staff writers Catherine Ho and Danielle Echeverria contributed to this report.

Erin Allday is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: eallday@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @erinallday
Kimberly Shu spent a year and a half scrambling to find a safe place for her 7-year-old twins while she worked outside the home during the pandemic. With news that schools would reopen full time in the fall and aftercare would resume, she thought those worries had finally come to an end. She was wrong.

The single mom supports her family by working as a nanny, and shuttered schools meant working to find available hubs, camps and other care. She figured with second grade at Lakeshore Elementary finally starting like normal in two weeks, she was set.

But because of major difficulty in hiring staff, the programs that previously provided care for Lakeshore kids as early as 7:30 a.m. and as late as 6:30 p.m. cant care for nearly as many kids as before the pandemic, a crisis hitting care programs at schools all over the city.

Shus high on the waiting list because shes low-income, but the uncertainty is agonizing.

Its the not knowing thats the frustration  the anxiety of waiting and waiting and waiting, she said, tearing up several times as we talked.

And the school district isnt offering solutions  or even communicating to families about the problem. Most families seem to have just learned about the shortage over the past couple of weeks after emailing their aftercare programs directly.

Shu said shes lost all faith in the district.

They just dont seem to care, she added.

Amy Osborne/Special to The Chronicle

The indifference feels familiar to parents. San Francisco Unified was among the last major school districts in the country to reopen, but never did welcome back the vast majority of middle school and high school students. Many kids fell into depression, and parents, especially moms, struggled to balance their kids needs and their jobs. The school board seemed to wave off those concerns and focus instead on distractions like renaming 44 schools that werent open.

The districts May decision to change school schedules  made without teacher or parent input  means many families need more care at a time when theres less of it. And the city, which stepped up last fall with its heralded community hubs to help the most vulnerable students, isnt coming to the rescue.

Instead, families are on their own. Like with pandemic pods and private tutors, wealthier families will have an easier time finding answers than lower-income ones in a school system and city that talk a lot about equity, but dont always act on it.

I didnt choose to be a single mom, Shu said. I can pay my rent. I can pay my bills. All I need is childcare and for them to be in school. Thats not too much to ask.

Jessica Ronco, the mother of two kids at Dianne Feinstein Elementary, desperately wants to go back to work full time as a state public defender for children in the foster care system and their families. But shes moved repeatedly between unemployment and working part time since March 2020 because her own kids need her.

Shes on a waiting list for aftercare, but with admission uncertain and her kids out at 12:50 p.m. every Wednesday, shes considering going back on unemployment.

Im losing sleep over it. I really want to get back to work. I want to be helping my clients, she said. I cant believe that after a year, everyones left to fend for themselves.

Part of the problem is beyond any government agencys control. Like the well-known labor shortage in restaurants, hiring for child care slots is a huge challenge.

YMCA of San Francisco served up to 12,000 kids a day in aftercare programs at 55 Bay Area schools before the pandemic. But if school started now, it could serve just 4,000, said Marissa Cowan, vice president of child and youth development.

She described many reasons for the shortage. Local colleges are finally resuming this fall after being shut for the pandemic, but students arent yet back on campus, meaning theres no easy way to recruit them. Others are reluctant to return to work because of the delta variant, while some left the pricey Bay Area during the pandemic or opted to change careers.

Shes hearing from panicked families and wishes she had a better answer for them.

They are freaking out, and rightfully so, she said. Were rebuilding everything, and unfortunately its going to take a little bit more time, which we dont really have.

At Rooftop Elementary, Leslie Einhorn has run Childrens After School Arts for 25 years. She had 30 staff before the pandemic and has only 11 now. If she cant hire more, shell be able to serve only 140 kids compared with the typical 300.

We are working so hard with very limited resources trying to meet the needs of our community, and were scared were not going to be able to, she said.

Laura Dudnick, a spokesperson for the school district, pointed out that the district doesnt run the aftercare programs. It contracts with a variety of providers with child care expertise. Staffing them is always a challenge, but particularly this year, she said.

Its very concerning as we know families rely on seamless care so they can work, she said.

School board Vice President Faauuga Moliga said hes also worried.

Its difficult to say what we can do as a district, he said. We need to focus on filling our school day vacancies as well.

Dudnick said 84% of classroom vacancies have been filled, compared with 93% this time last year.

Seven years ago, the San Francisco school board passed a resolution that every child whose family wanted it would be able to attend an after-school program and that the district would centralize the program information and application process on one website.

A lot of that hasnt happened, with aftercare still a scattershot system in which families are mostly on their own  and in which they pay wildly different amounts depending on which school their kids attend.

Youd think after the rocky past 17 months, the district would try to avoid more upheaval for families in an effort to keep them; enrollment numbers show a one-year loss of 1,700 students already, a figure expected to grow when school starts. But no. Only in late May did the district reveal it had changed the schedules at scores of schools without consulting parents or teachers. The shift will save $3 million annually in transportation costs. While the district faces a budget crisis and needs to save money, it could have waited a year to make the schedule changes to spare families even more disruption.

In addition to shifting start times, all elementary schools end earlier on Wednesdays to allow more teacher planning time, which would be great if aftercare programs could fill in the gap, but many cant.

Monina Cervone, the mother of a third-grader at Daniel Webster Elementary and the director of Ruth Asawa School of the Arts world music program, said she applied for her schools aftercare program but hasnt heard back. Webster families need more aftercare because the school day will shift to a 7:50 a.m. start and kids will get out of school earlier. Cervone said parents are so ticked off, theyre considering not showing up until the previous start time of 8:40 a.m. in protest. Many teachers, too, are livid, she said.

Its really coming down to the wire, Cervone said. This is so typical of SFUSD. They harp about being student-centered and family-centered, but there was no input.

Many families are hoping that the city will save the day.

They can send some people to go and watch our kids  this is not rocket science, said Anne Carta, the single mom of a third-grader at Alamo Elementary. Our kids dont need their diapers changed, but they do need someone to help them finish homework, do arts and crafts or watch them on the playground.

The citys Department of Children, Youth and Their Families helps fund nonprofits that provide care after school, and Maria Su, the departments director, said shes calling local colleges to try to recruit more staff. But with San Francisco reopened, there arent extra city employees to send to help. The Recreation and Park Department provides aftercare, but those programs are full.

Outside of helping them hire, there isnt more of a solution, Su said.

Asked what she would suggest for panicking parents, she said, I feel for them. Im at a loss for what to say.

San Francisco Chronicle columnist Heather Knight appears Sundays and Wednesdays. Email: hknight@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hknightsf
2021 has already been a big year for cannabis in Mexico. The government released regulations for their medical marijuana program in January, kickstarting the long-awaited process of bringing medical cannabis products to the eager market. And just weeks ago, the Mexican Supreme Court voted to decriminalize recreational cannabis use.

But cannabis law in Mexico is still hazy, and failing to understand it can put tourists at serious risk. We broke down what you need to know before using cannabis South of the Border.

RELATED: Mexico May Legalize Cannabis in 2021: Heres What it Means for You

These laws only apply to the use of cannabis inside the country. Bringing cannabis of any amount or any kind  recreational or medical  across the border into Mexico is considered international drug trafficking, and can lead to arrest.

Possession and use of up to 28 grams of recreational cannabis by persons 18 and older is not a crime

Mexico voted to decriminalize the use of up to 28 grams of cannabis this June, effectively making recreational cannabis legal for "auto-consumption" (i.e. growing and harvesting your own cannabis plants.) But dont get too excited.

Auto-consumption may be decriminalized, but recreational sales remain illegal, and the government has yet to issue guidelines for how growers are to access the requisite seeds otherwise.

Also, recreational cannabis use is only legal with a permit. If you want to grow your own weed, you must first send an application to Cofepris (Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk), Mexicos version of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

In other words, small amounts of recreational marijuana are legal in theory right now, but it may be a while before you can put that theory put into practice.

It is legal to possess and prescribe medical marijuana.

Medical marijuana has been legal in Mexico since 2017, but the government took its time setting up the regulatory framework to make it accessible. It wasnt until January, 2021, that the Secretary of Health published regulations for Mexicos medical marijuana program and legal pathways were finally established for doctors to prescribe medical marijuana to patients.

RELATED: Is it Safe to be Near Someone Vaping? What Fog Machines Taught Us About Secondhand Vape Exposure

Now, those who wish to cultivate marijuana for medical purposes or research can apply for a permit issued by SENASA (the National Service for Agrifood Health and Quality.) Doctors looking to prescribe medical cannabis can register to do so with Cofepris. You can also apply for a permit to import and export medical marijuana to and from the country.

It is legal to purchase, sell, and possess CBD.

If youre traveling to Mexico this summer, one thing you can count on finding upon arrival is CBD.

CBD products containing less than 1% THC are fully legal in Mexico, and have similar health benefits to marijuana (such as reducing stress and pain) without the psychoactive effects. CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC in most U.S. states. So, if youre looking for a healthy way to wind down on vacation, CBD may be your new best friend.

Of course, CBD law in Mexico is more complicated than it is in the U.S. Only government-approved CBD products are legal for purchase, so be sure to do your research before purchasing. Most CBD products in Mexico come in the form of supplements and can be found in special CBD stores.

HISTORY OF MARIJUANA LAW IN MEXICO

In 2018, the Mexican Supreme Court declared the prohibition of personal use, possession, and private cultivation of cannabis unconstitutional, stating that it violated the fundamental human right to the free development of the personality (think of it as the right to the pursuit of happiness enshrined in the U.S. Declaration of Independence.) So began the long battle for the full legalization of recreational cannabis in the country.

The Mexican Supreme Court ordered the Ministry of Health to publish guidelines for medicinal cannabis use within 180 days after the 2018 ruling, and Mexican legislators began creating a bill to legalize recreational cannabis production and sales soon after. But the deadline to pass the bill was pushed back several times, most recently to April 30th, 2021. As of now, no new deadline has been scheduled.

RELATED: Why You Cant Smoke Cannabis in Public (Even in States Where Marijuana is Legal)

Even so, the fact that cannabis was declared a fundamental human right in Mexico is proving hard to ignore. Ever since Mexicos Supreme Court declared prohibition unconstitutional, possession of the product has essentially been legal in effect, though not in legislation. If legalized, recreational cannabis sales would provide a significant boost to Mexico's economy and reduce drug-related crime, issues that are especially pressing as the country recovers from COVID-19.

Elissa Esher is Assistant Editor at GreenState. Her work has also appeared in The Boston Guardian, Brooklyn Paper, Religion Unplugged, and Iridescent Women. Send inquiries and tips to elli.esher@hearst.com.

This article first appeared on GreenState, a cannabis lifestyle blog owned by Hearst.
The Polk Street bar, Trade Routes, started  like most bar owner stories  with a dream. Chen-Chen Huo and Jay Ryoo have been tight friends since college, and one of the things that has always persisted in their talks together was their idea of opening a bar.

It was a dream cooked up during a trip to Vancouver, where Huo and Ryoo dreamed about leaving their day jobs behind. It started as a half-joke, Ryoo said, but during the pandemic, it turned into a much more serious reality.

"I think we just kept talking about it, and it was around last year during the pandemic when we were outdoors having a drink and I think we brought up the topic again," Ryoo recalled. "I think Chen-Chen had mentioned, 'Oh, should I look into this?' because he has connections in the restaurant industry, and I was like, sure. And I was half-joking at the time, but the very next day, he came back and said, 'Hey, I found this bar, let's go take a look at it' and that's how the ball started rolling."

It's no short order to dream about opening a bar in 2020, much less 2021, but it seemed like the time to strike, while also giving themselves a project to work on.

"I think we were both in a mindset where we've endured COVID and the pandemic and lockdown for a little bit of time, and I think both of us wanted something to sort of distract us from everything that was going on," Huo said. "... but also knowing that, and hoping that, we would absolutely come out of this and when we did come out of this, we wanted to have a space where people would be happy to celebrate and to hang out and just make up for a little bit of lost time during 2020."

They found the space for Trade Routes in the Polk Gulch neighborhood, and eventually the name of the bar came about during an outing in Sausalito, perhaps inspired by being surrounded by boats, Ryoo surmised. As Huo and Ryoo were kicking around names, Trade Routes not only stuck, but it helped inform how they wanted to approach the drink menu. Huo and Ryoo, along with their beverage consultant, Ilya Romanov (The Dorian, Beehive) helped shape a menu that packs in a lot of spices, fruits and flavors from around the world.

Courtesy Trade Routes

Among the favorites of Huo and Ryoo is the Saint Elaine cocktail, a floral take on a gin and tonic, and the bar's version of a tequila negroni, which is infused with pandan leaves, pineapple-infused Campari and a splash of coconut water. If you're looking to stop in to try something, Huo, Ryoo and bar partner Ryan McCargar are also launching an all-day Thursday happy hour on Aug. 5.

The bar had its soft opening in late June, but made a splash online when Huo took to the San Francisco subreddit to talk about the opening of Trade Routes. Unable to contain his excitement about opening his very own bar, Huo wrote about it in a refreshingly sweet post, inviting Redditors to drop in, while recounting how he grew up in San Francisco, had his first drink at Riptide, and how the team and their families worked to put the bar together by hand.

The post sits at 500-plus comments and a steady stream of Redditors now ask for Huo at the bar, and the duo remarked that it has been a nice way for the Trade Routes team to meet the locals.

Trade Routes, located at 1750 Polk St. in San Francisco, is open Wednesday - Thursday, 5-midnight; Friday - Saturday, 4 p.m.-2 a.m., and Sunday, 4-10 p.m. Closed Mondays and Tuesday.

---

Here's a curated look at other restaurants that opened in July across the Bay Area:

Jo's Modern Thai

Jo's Modern Thai is an exciting new opening in Oakland's Laurel District, from chef Intu-on Kornnawong, who has previously worked at Kin Khao in San Francisco. Kornnawaong is looking to bring her style of food to Jo's, describing it as "Thai-Californian cuisine." Read more from sf.eater.com.

Snail Bar

This Oakland natural wine bar got off to a shaky start when it first opened last fall  before quickly closing within three days  but this newest incarnation is drawing crowds in, especially with Andres Giraldo Florez at the helm, who's worked in some premier restaurants, such as WD-50 and Saison. Read more from sfchronicle.com.

Soul Slice

Soul Slice is not your traditional pizza place, and that's by design: Restaurateur Karter Louis is bringing a new style of soul food to Oakland with his latest restaurant. And while the main draw is called "pizza," Louis instead tells Berkeleyside that it's more "soul food on an open face biscuit with soul food ingredients. Read more at berkeleyside.org.

Sweet Glory

The trend of artisanal toast isn't dead in San Francisco: Sweet Glory in the Tenderloin is bringing their brand of made-to-order toasts to the (San Francisco) table, but incorporating their own spin on the "classic" with flavors such as pandan custard. Read more on Hoodline.com.

Warung Siska

It's been a long time coming for a new Indonesian restaurant to join the Bay Area, according to The Chronicle, and Warung Siska is bringing its dishes to the Peninsula, with Siska Silitonga of popup ChiliCali and Anne Le Ziblatt of Tamarine and Bong Su heading up the restaurant. Read more at sfchronicle.com.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP)  Six people have been indicted in the kidnapping and death of a man whose body was found in a wooded area southwest of Joplin last year.

Federal prosecutors announced Friday that a federal grand jury indicted Freddie L. Tilton, 48, of Joplin, in the kidnapping and shooting of 41-year-old Michael James Hall, with the help of the five other defendants, The Joplin Globe reported.
WEST ISLIP, N.Y. (AP)  A 61-year-old woman was killed in a house fire Friday on Long Island, police said.

Firefighters found Suzanne Minervini's body after extinguishing the blaze at her home on Udall Road in West Islip, police said.
ISTANBUL (AP)  Authorities said Saturday that 10 suspects have been detained over the killing of seven people from an ethnic Kurdish family in Turkey's central Konya province. Family members say the attack was ethnically motivated, while authorities blame a long-running feud between two families.

Seven people from the Dedeoglu family were killed in a brutal gun attack on Friday. A statement from the Konya prosecutors office said initial evidence pointed to an ongoing fight between two families who lived in the same area.

But the familys lawyer and the pro-Kurdish opposition party say the murders were ethnically motivated. After an attack in May, one member of the family  who was among Friday's victims  told media that they were being harassed and attacked for being Kurdish.

Lawyer Abdurrahman Karabulut said family members had been worried they will be attacked again. Officials said they had not yet apprehended the gunman.

The prosecutors office said in a statement that enmity between the two families dates back to 2010. Two fights in 2021 led to investigations, in which two people remain in custody but other suspects were released. The statement rejected the claim of a racially motivated attack.

There were few details about those arrested, but media reports said the other family was not Kurdish.

The co-leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, HDP, said the ethnic Kurdish family members were murdered because of hate speech and linked it to a rise in racist attacks. Mithat Sancar accused the government of targeting the HDP and Kurds in general.

Media reports said the familys house was set on fire after the attack.

Turkey has been fighting a Kurdish insurgency since 1984 and the conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives, including civilians targeted by car bombs in 2016 and 2017 that were blamed on the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, PKK. The decades-long conflict has also included discriminatory state policies and an ethnically charged atmosphere. Kurds are Turkeys second largest ethnic group.

Interior minister Suleyman Soylu said allegations that the murders were ethnically motivated were a provocation against the country's unity.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  Four months ago, Paul Skrak was among the New Mexico farmers who braced themselves for a bleak summer when acute drought conditions delayed the growing season by 30 days.

But the past few weeks have brought rainfall thats defying earlier doubts of a strong monsoon, which has eluded the region for several years.

Water managers welcome the downpours, saying they are boosting river flows and offering a much-needed break, however brief, in the states stubborn drought.

For farmers, this abrupt reversal of meteorological fortune has generated too much rain, too fast, creating a different set of problems.

It has damaged the chile, and damages the grass hay, and just plain kills the alfalfa, said Skrak, owner of the 55-acre (22-hectare) Hidalgo Farms near Santa Fe.

Skrak said the rains have made the fields so muddy that he cant drive a tractor on them to harvest the grass hay and alfalfa.

Weeds also proliferate in wet weather, demanding more removal. They block the sunlight, stifling the peppers, especially the habaneros, Skrak said.

Thats the problem were having right now: The habaneros are not growing very well, he said.

Skrak expects he will have only two cuts  or batches  of hay and alfalfa this season, less than the three he cultivates in a normal season.

While the spate of rainstorms is resulting in less profitable yields for growers, they are making somewhat of a dent in the water shortage  or at least preventing it from getting worse, officials say.

The rain that we did get in the river from all the various storms has helped tremendously, said Mike Hamman, chief executive and chief engineer for the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District.

The district has not had to tap the 12,000 acre-feet of irrigation water it recently received from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Hamman said. The water is stored in the Abiquiu Reservoir and will be released when needed.

An acre-foot is about 326,000 gallons (1,234 cubic meters), enough to supply an average U.S. household for a year.

Farmers are getting by with less surface water for irrigation, partly because of the rain and also because they are growing less, Hamman said.

Three months ago, it was questionable whether there would be any water for growers beyond early July, and now supply could be stretched to mid-August, depending on whether the rains continue, he said.

The storms also have filled the Rio Grandes dry stretches with water needed to sustain endangered species, such as the silvery minnow, Hamman said.

And they have enabled the state to funnel more Rio Grande water to Elephant Butte to supply Texas and meet the requirements of a multistate water-sharing agreement, Hamman said.

New Mexico came into this year owing Texas 96,000 acre-feet, he said. He wants the district to do its part to keep the debt from worsening.

The debt prevents New Mexico from drawing and storing Rio Grande water, leading to reservoirs being at their lowest levels in at least 20 years.

Three weeks or even a full season of rain wont replenish the severely depleted reservoirs, Hamman said, noting it could take years.

One downside to the storms is they caused flooding in Valencia and Eddy counties, breaching 20 ditches and clogging canals with silt.

Were just now recovering from that, Hamman said.

Northern New Mexico is about to enter the wettest period it has had yet this year, said Jennifer Shoemake, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Albuquerque. The trajectory means farmers in the Middle Rio Grande Valley could receive some unwanted torrential rain.

I know a lot of people want rain, but too much of a good thing is a bad thing, Shoemake said.

Historically, storms during the monsoon season that runs from mid-June through September drop an average of about 5.5 inches in the Santa Fe area and 4.5 inches in Albuquerque, she said.

The forecast for Sunday and Monday calls for a 50% chance of thunderstorm activity that could bring about an inch of rain per day, said meterologist Dwight Koehn.

So far, the rains have amplified river flows that the Buckman Direct Diversion relies on to supply water to the Santa Fe area, said Jesse Roach, the citys Water Division director.

Water officials recently contemplated shutting down the treatment plant temporarily if the flows in the Rio Grande dropped too much.

But the rainfall has boosted the river, and if it continues at a similar rate into September, it should eliminate any threat of a shutdown, Roach said.

About 80 percent of the water needed to meet the citys demand has come from the river, and the rest comes from groundwater wells, Roach said. The more rainfall, the less the city has to rely on groundwater.

Its really helping a lot, Roach said.
An Illinois tax agency has ruled that former President Donald Trump is due a $1 million refund on the 2011 tax bill for his downtown Chicago skyscraper, but local officials are trying to block the refund.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that at issue is the Cook County Board of Review's estimation of the value of the the Trump International Hotel & Tower's rooms and retail space. In June, the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board voted 5-0 to reduce the assessment on the building's commercial property.

The vote means that Trump is owed $1.03 million, money that would come out of the property taxes due the city of Chicago, the Chicago Public Schools and several other government agencies. The Cook County State's Attorney is disputing the refund and has filed a lawsuit with the Illinois Appellate Court in the hopes of blocking it.

The dispute is the latest chapter in a long-running legal battle over Trump's tax bills that started more than 12 years ago and has led to more than $14 million in tax breaks for Trump. It also involves not only a former president who is at the middle of a host of legal battles but a Chicago alderman whose own legal troubles had been making headlines in Chicago for months.

Alderman Edward M. Burke, whose former law firm, Klafter & Burke, won the tax breaks for Trump, has been indicted on federal charges that he blocked businesses from getting city permits unless they hired the firm. He has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.

The dispute over the tax bills on the high-rise building has it's own long history. Originally, the state agency rejected Trump's argument that the vacant stores had no value because he could not find any tenants to lease them. A hearing officer for the state agency rejected Trump's argument that the vacant stores at the building had no value because he couldn't lease them. But a staff member later wrote a report that Trump was entitled to the refund.

The agency delayed acting on the case until Trump was out of office and in June voted to reduce the assessment on the building's commercial property.
BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP)  An artifact from a steamer that sank in Lake Champlain more than 200 years ago is back on the surface where it is being studied and preserved.

Earlier this summer researchers from the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation and others recovered the 125-pound cast-iron block from the bottom of the lake.
An awards ceremony recognizing people in the arts in New Hampshire has a special category this year honoring creative and innovative solutions that were implemented during the coronavirus pandemic.

The New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, which is planning to honor individuals and organizations as recipients of the 2021 Governor's Arts Awards on Oct. 26, has created the Silver Lining Resilience Awards. The honor is going to one entity from each Executive Council district to honor ideas that came about as a way of offsetting challenges brought about by the pandemic.
MAJDAN, Serbia (AP)  At first sight, this tiny village in Serbia seems sleepy and almost abandoned, like many others across the Balkan country.

But a closer look reveals a parallel reality lived by its temporary migrant residents, who are struggling to cross from Serbia over heavily guarded borders with neighboring European Union states Romania and Hungary.

Majdan has been one of the hubs along Serbia's border with EU neighbors where migrants remain stranded, often for months, while making dozens of thwarted attempts to cross the border and move on toward Western Europe. It encapsulates their problem: they can't go forward and they can't go back.

Authorities deny it, but the migrants tell stories of being repeatedly pushed back at the border in what is an illegal anti-migrant strategy.

Here, empty or abandoned houses serve as temporary homes to people who fled their own homes in the Middle East, Africa or Asia with the aim of starting a new life somewhere else. At the moment, Majdan is hosting about 200 migrants  just slightly fewer than the village's own registered population.

Border closed, border with Romania (is) big problem, said 24-year old Palestinian Marsel Abohosein, speaking in English. He added that in the past month he has tried 20 or 30 times to cross and was pushed back every time. Police catch me and (send) back to Serbia.

Groups of migrants walking in scorching heat through corn or sunflower fields toward the border with Romania are a common sight in Majdan.

The migrants' persistence reflects both their determination and their hardship in their quest for a better future.

Because Hungary's border with Serbia is strongly fenced to prevent crossings, migrants in Majdan go toward Romania first and then Hungary from there. Thousands of others stuck in Serbia also aim for Croatia in the west, or go to Bosnia first and then Croatia, an EU member with a reputation for police brutality against migrants that authorities have denied.

Despite numerous allegations of abuse, nations along the migrant routes into Europe have rejected pushback and violence claims, which are very hard to verify independently.

Aadam Ahmed from Somalia said that police in Romania and Hungary have pushed him back to Serbia nine times in the past month. He shares a village house in Majdan with his fellow Somalis and with Syrians, including an 8-year-old boy.

I have no house in Somalia, I am a poor man. ... I want to go to Europe, he said. I come (to) this house and I wash my clothes, I cook my food, but another time I will go. Try again.

Human rights activists have repeatedly warned that pushbacks are a violation of both international and EU norms, which ban forcible returns of people to other countries without looking into their individual circumstances or allowing them to apply for asylum.

A report released in July by several organizations listed the Majdan area as one of the flashpoints that involved one or more forms of ill-treatment and violation of human rights, including physical abuse, abusive and degrading treatment and denied access to asylum procedures,

The report included incidents in April-June 2021, involving 3,403 persons in various countries and alleged also that parents are being separated from their children by different border authorities and pushed back.

The report was the work of a partnership between the Danish Refugee Council and six civil society organizations.

The numbers alone are outrageous, but behind the statistics are real children, women and men, said DRC's Secretary General Charlotte Slente. And often, these people have had not one, but multiple such experiences, at the same or different borders.

In Majdan, most migrants were reluctant to speak to The Associated Press, apparently fearing retribution or that talking to journalists could harm their efforts. Unable to cross on their own, migrants often seek help from people smugglers to guide them over the borders.

A man from Somalia, who said his name is Abdifitah Ahmed, said he left his country a year ago and has been in Serbia for the past five months. In what migrants have dubbed a game," he has tried to cross the border 14 times and failed.

(I will try) Romania to Hungary another time for good luck, he said. Police Romania catch (me) ... back to Serbia.

Meanwhile, a fellow migrant was preparing scrambled eggs in an old pot on an improvised fire in the yard. Washed clothes and sneakers could be seen drying in the sun, while a rear view mirror from a car was hanging on one of the walls, now serving as a small wall mirror.

At the other end of the village, in another house, migrants were using an old sofa to sit outside during the day. Inside, makeshift beds and personal belongings could be seen lined by the walls. An old ceiling in one of the rooms has started to crumble.

Ahmed said it was still all worth it, compared with the life he had left behind.

Somali life no good, he said. Europe life is good.
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP)  Maines bear hunters are setting out bait in advance of the annual hunt for the big animals.

Maine has a large and growing black bear population that numbers about 35,000. Most of the bear hunt, which state biologists say is important to control the population, takes place with the use of bait.
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP)  The longtime former head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany says the diocese covered up sexual abuse by priests for decades and protected clergy by sending them to private treatment instead of calling police.

Bishop Howard Hubbard, who ran the diocese in New York's Capital District from 1977 to 2014 and has himself been accused of sexual abuse, made the admission in a statement issued through his lawyer to the Albany Times-Union in response to questions from the newspaper.

The Times Union reported Hubbard's statement on Saturday.

When an allegation of sexual misconduct against a priest was received in the 1970s and 1980s, the common practice in the Albany diocese and elsewhere was to remove the priest from ministry temporarily and send him for counseling and treatment, Hubbard said.

Only when a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist determined the priest was capable of returning to ministry without reoffending did we consider placing the priest back in ministry," he added. "The professional advice we received was well-intended but flawed, and I deeply regret that we followed it.

About 300 lawsuits have been filed against the Albany diocese under a state law that allows people until Aug. 14 to sue over sexual abuse they say they endured as children, sometimes decades ago.

In the past, the 82-year-old Hubbard has denied allegations that he sexually abused minors. In an August 2019 statement, he said: I have never sexually abused anyone in my life. I have trust in the canonical and civil legal processes and believe my name will be cleared in due course.

Responding to allegations in lawsuits that he ignored, disregarded or covered up abuse by others, Hubbard told the Times Union in his statement that he was a leader on church efforts to prevent abuse, including support for background checks and compensation for victims.

Hubbard's statement was not sanctioned by the diocese, the newspaper reported.
By the end of the U.S. head count last year, the Census Bureau had no data for almost a fifth of the nation's occupied college dorms, nursing homes and prisons, requiring the statistical agency to make eleventh-hour calls to facilities in an effort to collect information or use a last-resort statistical method to fill in gaps.

Residents of 43,000 of the 227,000 occupied dorms, prisons, military barracks, homeless shelters, group homes and nursing homes remained uncounted as late as December, according to new documents and slide presentations released recently by the Census Bureau in a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit filed by a Republican redistricting advocacy group.

The documents hint at the scope of the challenges the bureau faced in conducting the massive count in the midst of a global pandemic, an effort made more difficult by wildfires, hurricanes and attempts by the Trump administration to interfere with the census.

The facilities  known collectively to the bureau as group quarters  were among the most difficult places to count people during the 2020 census because the pandemic forced colleges to shutter dorms and send students home, and nursing homes and other facilities restricted access in an effort to protect vulnerable residents from the virus.

Bureau officials are confident that they have since filled in the gaps using a statistical method they consider reliable, though they acknowledge that the challenge was formidable.

Census Bureau official Barbara LoPresti said recently that data collected from group quarters accounted for a large share of irregularities the statistical agency encountered but the data processing has not shown any critical errors in data collection that we could not fix.

Anomalies in processing arent errors, but they can turn into errors if we dont evaluate them and fix them, LoPresti told a virtual meeting of outside experts who are evaluating the quality of the 2020 census data. Our quality (check) process was therefore working."

Fixing irregularities, though, forced the Census Bureau to delay the release of numbers used for divvying up congressional seats among states in a process known as apportionment. It also pushed back by five months the release of redistricting data used for redrawing congressional and legislative districts.

Though people living in group quarters account for a small share of the overall population  under 3% of the 331 million people living in the U.S.  any inaccurate information can have a big impact on college towns or areas with a large prison population or a military base. That in turn can diminish representation in Congress and the amount of federal funding they are eligible to receive.

Individual group quarters can be huge in some areas," Connie Citro, a senior scholar at the Committee on National Statistics, said during the virtual meeting of outside experts.

The Republican advocacy group, Fair Lines America Foundation, sued the Census Bureau for information about how the group quarters count was conducted, saying it's concerned about its accuracy and wants to make sure anomalies didnt affect the state population figures used for apportionment. The apportionment numbers were released by the Census Bureau in April, and the redistricting numbers used for drawing congressional and legislative districts are being made public next month.

The group quarters count is under added scrutiny this census because the Census Bureau, for the first time, decided in the middle of crunching numbers to use a last-resort statistical technique called imputation to fill in the data gaps for the dorms, nursing homes and prisons. The method has been used for some time to fill in missing information on individual households.

If the Census Bureau is permitted to conduct these sorts of methodology changes and implementations behind closed doors ... electoral chaos may result from the states reliance on potentially defective numbers in conducting redistricting," Fair Lines said in court papers.

In addition to the 43,000 group quarter addresses that lacked data last December, another 3,500 addresses had counts that were implausible because they were listed as having zero people or were way too high, suggesting there were duplicates. Statisticians removed duplicates, such as college students who were counted at both their dorms and parents homes, the documents said.

If they didnt have any information about residents in a dorm, nursing home or prison, Census Bureau statisticians applied information they already knew about the facility, either from previous surveys, earlier contacts or administrative records, to arrive at the count.

After imputation and duplicate removal, the revised numbers appeared to artificially inflate the count for group quarters by 444,000 people. Instead of an expected 8.1 million residents living in group quarters, there were almost 8.6 million people. The group quarters count in the revised data was noticeably higher for California, New York, Florida and Washington state, the documents and slide presentations showed.

The Census Bureau said in a statement that the numbers in the documents werent the final figures and that the 444,000-person difference was addressed in later numbers-crunching. The statistical agency didn't say what the final figures were or provide details about how the difference was handled.

The Census Bureau made several improvements to its methodology after the date these slides were created," the statement said.

___

Follow Mike Schneider on Twitter at h ttps://twitter.com/MikeSchneiderAP
MIAMI (AP)  Melissa Sosa had a 6-year-old at home and a salary as a restaurant chef that hadnt changed within her sons lifetime.

Forget that she was well respected among her peers and worked in prized Miami restaurants with James Beard award honors, including Zak the Baker, Pubbelly, Sugarcane and, lastly, Balloo.

She had accepted she would be broke, making $15 an hour, working 10- and 12-hour days at a 2-Michelin star restaurant in Brooklyn last year  when the coronavirus forced restaurants to close.

Thats when a Miami friend called with an offer: Would she consider coming back to be a personal chef?

A private plane flew her from Miami to the Bahamas, where she cooked in an island vacation home for 15 people over seven days around New Years Day. As a private chef, she says she commands $60 an hour.

What I made in a week, I would make in a month in a restaurant, sweating my bum off working on a line, said Sosa, a 12-year restaurant veteran.

Sosa, 29, has not returned to restaurants after restrictions were eased. And shes not alone.

More restaurant chefs, from line cooks to the second in command in well-respected kitchens, are making the decision to work as personal chefs after the pandemic exposed their industrys fragility. Some are moonlighting on their off days. Others left restaurants altogether. Its another dent to a big Miami hospitality industry struggling to staff up in the pandemic.

But for chefs who have turned years of restaurant experience into cooking in private homes, it has been a revelation.

I didnt feel like I was a success as a mom and wasnt a success in my professional life. Now Im succeeding at both in a way I never have, she said. Its been really life changing, and people need to know its possible to do this.

CHEFS FOR HIRE

Demand for private chefs has been skyrocketing.

Larry Lynch, president of the Orlando-based U.S. Personal Chef Association, said his group has about 1,000 members  including 260 who joined last year during the pandemic, most out-of-work restaurant chefs.

The work behind the line is hard, and a lot think, Theres got to be something better out there. Thats what we heard: We just dont want to go back to the line again, Lynch said.

As part of a chefs dues, the organization not only helps place chefs, but also ensures they have all the appropriate business licenses, food handling and food safety certifications, liability insurance, even continuing education.

Miami-area chef David Melendez decided to focus on being a private chef two years ago, before the pandemic. His company, Soflo Chefs, is busier than ever.

In 2019, he worked 90 events. In 2020 that number nearly doubled to 170. Halfway through this year, hes already hosted 240. He and his team make between $25-$100 an hour, he said.

Its better than standing on your feet all day on a hot line, he said.

Some chefs have signed on with companies that pair them with this kind of work.

Besides opening a new restaurant in Miami Beach and preparing to open two others, Michael Kaplan was a private chef who started New Wave Hospitality to place chefs with private cooking jobs on the side. Kaplan learned to appreciate the work early on as the private chef for the billionaire Nelson Peltz.

During the start of the pandemic, Kaplan had wealthy clients who were looking for big dinner parties, but not in restaurants. Count David and Victoria Beckham among them. And there were restaurant chefs out of work as governments closed indoor dining to slow the spread of COVID-19 cases.

People still had to eat and they were craving the restaurant experience, Kaplan said. We found an insane amount of talent out there, people ready to get back to work and people willing to pay to have that experience at home. We married the two together.

New Wave has amassed a roster of more than 15 chefs that he helps place in everything from one-off events to part-time cooking in homes to full live-in chefs. Chefs are vetted with private tastings, lengthy interviews and matching a chefs personality to the job.

An experienced chef can make anywhere between $100,000-$150,000 a year as a personal chef  to start. Thats not counting the use of a car, living quarters and, often, health benefits, Kaplan said.

NOT JUST FOR THE RICH

Those turning to private chefs are not just the ultra-rich.

Melendez said he has seen more people eschewing restaurants for chef-prepared dinner parties at home.

Its not for the rich and famous anymore, he said. They want to Instagram every dish, and capture every milestone. It became cool to have a personal chef.

He said his company has packages for as little as $65 a person  and most of the dinners he has served in private homes in the last year had fewer than 15 people. For comparison, Miami Spice  the annual, summer dining promotion at more than 200 Miami-Dade county restaurants  charges fixed-price dinners for $42 a person.

Melendez compared his rates to a dinner for two at a steakhouse like Ruths Chris, $200-$240.

Thats about what wed charge but we bring the event to you, he said.

Andy Bates, a television chef for Food Network UK based near Miami Beach, has worked almost exclusively as a private chef. In Miami, he has had out-of-towners stay at Airbnbs, and he brings everything for the blowout event, from silverware and plates to table decorations. And, of course, they handle all the dishes.

Its all about you that evening, he said. All youve got to do is sit down and eat, and its all done.

ITS AN EYE OPENER

For most chefs turning to private work, its about being in control.

Sasha Ariel Ullman, 31, has worked at some of Miamis best restaurants, including 27 Restaurant in Miami Beach and Coral Gables Madruga Bakery; and she worked as a chef for Michelle Bernstein. But she has worked exclusively as a private chef since November of last year. It was a big change for someone who has been cooking in restaurants since she was 14, working at the Boca Resort dining room.

I love being a chef in a restaurant kitchen but its also taken a huge toll. Its a really stressful, really hard job, she said.

Ullman met two families during lockdown in Miami and is spending the summer in the Hamptons, where she is living with one and cooking for another. Its another world from making $18 an hour in an independent, 50-seat restaurant.

I always told myself Im not in this for the money. Its what I love. But this has shown me I can save for my future and do what I love, she said. This whole thing has been an eye opener.

Still, it has been an adjustment, she said. Working directly for a client means learning about making corporations, paying taxes, building a client base, things she never had to think about in a restaurant.

You have to learn to be a server, a bartender, a nanny sometimes, Ullman said. It takes someone multifaceted to succeed at this You have to have a lot of confidence in yourself.

That variety is what appeals to some chefs. In the last year, Sosa has cooked one-off dinners, served a 10-course tasting menu, made a taco night for a supermodel and her family, and now she spends most of her days meal-prepping for a family. She does this from her home.

You enjoy your work more and you can see your bank account benefiting from it, Sosa said. Its the most beautiful thing thats happened in my career.

Sosa, a Key West native, is spending this week cooking for a family at a resort home in Islamorada, shopping for fresh ingredients and writing a different menu every day of the week. Then, shes taking a month off. And thats not something she ever imagined she could do as a chef.

Wow, I can take a four-week holiday! Can you believe it? she said.
LYNNWOOD, Wash. (AP)  Officials in the Seattle suburb of Lynnwood said Friday that a person who attended a crowded city council meeting on Monday has tested positive for COVID-19.

Anyone who attended the meeting should monitor for virus symptoms and consider getting tested for COVID-19, Lynnwood officials said in a news release.
DOVER, Del. (AP)  Authorities in Delaware are searching for an inmate who escaped from a prison work crew, officials said.

Philip Jester, 31, left a Plummer Community Corrections Center work crew that was assigned to the Riverview Cemetery in Wilmington on Friday afternoon, the Department of Correction said in a news release. Jester was wearing a red sweat suit and black shoes.
LAS VEGAS (AP)  A few miles off a Nevada state highway west of Las Vegas, about 10 miles south of Pahrump, lies a 3,000-acre solar farm under development.

As you approach, bundles of metal fencing are prepped to soon become 10 miles (16.1 kilometers) of temporary desert tortoise exclusion fencing.

A team of biologists relocated 139 tortoises from their habitat to make way for the solar panels in the Yellow Pine Solar Project, one of four large solar energy developments initiated in Southern Nevada.

The tortoises were moved across state Route 160 to Stump Springs in May.

In a span of a few weeks, 30 tortoises were killed, possibly by badgers. Conservationists believe relocation stress made the reptiles vulnerable and drought caused badgers to look for new sources of prey.

Wildlife experts are still looking into the exact cause.

The loss of the tortoises, a threatened species in Nevada since 1990, illustrates the challenges of bringing alternative energy sources to the Mojave Desert while still protecting its biodiversity.

Conservationists say the state should modify desert relocation protocols under the current drought. Laura Cunningham, biologist and co-founder of Basin and Range Watch, said the tortoises get lost and confused when moved from their home range.

Were not even surprised that badgers discovered these tortoises, Cunningham told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. When you move them to a different area, they tend to start wandering around and try to get back to their home range, and thats when theyre taken by predators.

Cunningham founded the nonprofit Basin and Range Watch with partner Kevin Emmerich 12 years ago. They were field biologists for state and federal wildlife agencies before shifting their work to help conserve the deserts of Nevada and California while advocating for sustainable, renewable energy alternatives.

Both are concerned about the large solar project and its impact on the desert landscape.

During the drought, there are less rodents, less lizards, and so they (predators) are going after everything. And so we think this was predictable enough that it shouldnt have been done, especially during a drought, said Cunningham.

Steven Stengel, a representative of NextEra Energy Resources, declined immediate comment.

THE SOLAR PROJECT

Through the Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act, the federal government is incentivizing wind, solar, and geothermal energy developments on public lands.

In November 2020, the Bureau of Land Management accepted the Yellow Pine Solar Project application, developed by a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources. The project is expected to generate 500 megawatts of electricity using photovoltaic solar panels, enough for up to 100,000 households, by the end of 2022.

The solar arrays absorb energy from the sun and generate electricity, which is stored in a lithium-ion-based battery, gathered by an internal electrical collection system and transformed to transmission voltage before reaching homes.

The developers say the solar farm will provide 300 construction jobs and approximately $23 million in additional tax revenue for Clark County within a decade.

Before development, the company first surveyed wildlife, vegetation, cultural and tribal resources, and endangered species. BLM then issued a right-of-way in January 2021, granting the developers approval to begin clearing the area of tortoises and putting up fencing to keep the tortoises from reentering the project site.

TORTOISE MIGRATION

There are strict guidelines and standardized protocols in place, set by the Fish and Wildlife Service, for each phase of handling the tortoises to mitigate risks and prevent further endangering the species.

The desert tortoise has been listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act because of population decline due to predation, collection by humans, off-highway vehicles and upper respiratory tract disease.

In addition, urban developments, agriculture, road construction and military activities have fragmented tortoise habitats, reducing the tortoise population below the level necessary to maintain a minimum viable population.

After 30 years of study, Todd Esque, a U.S. Geological Survey research ecologist, said data shows the populations are not quite stable.

We knew when they got listed that it would take decades to get them turned around, he said. But we have to be able to do all the things that that requires, to turn them around; you cant just wish they would start repopulating.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service monitors tortoise populations in designated conservation areas throughout a range including Southern Nevada, Southern California, southwestern Utah and northwestern Arizona.

However, tortoises outside designated conservation areas are not monitored and mostly inhabit land renewable energy developers are interested in.

During the survey, the number of adults, juveniles and hatchlings is counted in three areas by qualified consultants: the project area, the relocation area and a reference site in a conservation area.

Consultants check the health status of the tortoises in the project and relocation site to prevent disease spread and finally, the relocated tortoises are paired with a tracking device. The developers report back to both BLM and state wildlife officials throughout the process.

Despite mitigation measures, within weeks of relocating the tortoises from the project site to their new home in Stump Springs, dozens died.

I think most of those were thought to be from or had signs of badger predation, said Roy Averill-Murray, Fish and Wildlife Service desert tortoise recovery coordinator. Others could have also included a small handful of other natural causes, but it seemed to be mostly this kind of localized focus badger attention on the translocated tortoises.

The tortoise deaths from badgers accounted for roughly one-third of the relocated adults. No more deaths have been reported since mid-July.

Badgers arent typically known to prey on desert tortoises. Instead, their main prey is desert rodents, but they are also known to eat ground-nesting birds, lizards and insects.

They also arent the only desert animals with a history of switching prey.

OTHER TORTOISE RELOCATION

Esque and Averill-Murray were part of a 2008 study that looked into the relocation of 2,000 tortoises from Fort Irwin in Southern California, where hundreds of square kilometers of habitat were cleared for Army tank training.

In their research, 600 tortoises were radioed from three subpopulations: one group nowhere near any of the animals that got moved, one group living in the area where the tortoises got moved, and the group that got moved.

Coyotes attacked all three tortoise populations near the area. According to Esque, its difficult for a coyote to eat tortoises because they require more energy to eat than the rabbits that coyotes typically prey on. But during drought, if rabbits die out, coyotes will resort to eating tortoises, which is what happened in Fort Irwin.

So the story was not that theres one thing happened, and they moved tortoises, and they all got whacked, said Esque. Its that, the whole desert ... there are patches where its a higher risk to be a tortoise when youre near a town. And thats the bad news. For tortoises, it was much bigger (risk) than just an incident of moving the tortoises in one time.

For their Fort Irwin study, it was not the act of translocating tortoises that led to their death, but how much more residential areas are blending into wildlife where many predators reside. It was difficult to compare badgers and coyotes changing their prey toward tortoises.

If it was related to the drought, why arent coyotes eating tortoises in Stump Springs? said Averill-Murray. Its just very strange and its not quite as simple as, Oh, its drought and the predators automatically eat translocated tortoises. Or translocated tortoises are more susceptible to being eaten by predators in a drought. Its just that has not been the case over the last 10-15 years.

TORTOISE vs SOLAR

Cunningham and Emmerich propose that developers instead build solar arrays on the tops of parking garages, or push back the development of solar projects when there isnt an extreme drought.

Were asking the tortoise to make a sacrifice here for climate change. Maybe we the people, in the city and towns, should really try to conserve more and make our structures more energy-efficient and less wasteful, said Cunningham.

Developers of the Yellow Pine Solar Project need to finish setting up the tortoise exclusion fence before moving on to the next stage of development later this year.

For now, they are responsible for keeping track of all three populations of the desert tortoise for a year. After that, according to Averill-Murray, the developers will hand off the project to the Fish and Wildlife Service, which will most likely contract out the U.S. Geological Survey to continue monitoring the tortoises.

BLM is having them (developers) pay a fee to support monitoring into the future. I think its a $1 amount per acre that theyre ... putting into a bank account that will support the future monitoring down the line, he said.

The Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partnering with the U.S. Geological Survey allows for the long-term monitoring of translocated desert tortoises to inform future mitigation protocols.

Judging by the number of applications we have for solar plants, basically, the next area will be between Las Vegas and Beatty, Nevada -- a giant flat valley up there thats all perfect for solar, said Esque.

But thats also one of the few north-south corridors for desert tortoises to respond to climate change if they need to if we can think in those terms, which is really long terms, he said. So what should the strategy be for that? Not just for our backyard here, but the whole range of desert tortoises.
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. (AP)  The nonprofit restoring a historic Black church in Massachusetts where civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois once attended services has received a grant worth almost $500,000.

The National Park Service grant announced by the Upper Housatonic Valley Natural Heritage Area on Thursday will help toward the rehabilitation of the Clinton A.M.E. Zion Church in Great Barrington, The Berkshire Eagle reported.
BOSTON (AP)  A former Boston Police Department auto repair technician has agreed to plead guilty to a scheme to embezzle more than $260,000 from the department in auto parts and supplies, federal prosecutors said.

Bahram Gharony bought parts and supplies, claiming they were for the police department, and then turned around and sold them to others, prosecutors said. He tried to cover his tracks by submitting bogus invoices to the police department, falsely claiming the items were ordered for the fleet, prosecutors said.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP)  The state of Florida has distributed only 2% of the $870 million in federal funds it has received so far to keep renters in their homes during the pandemic by paying their landlords, even though a nationwide eviction moratorium is ending on Sunday.

Housing advocates fear the end of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention moratorium could result in hundreds of thousands of Florida renters being evicted in the coming weeks, forcing some to become homeless just as the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus is rapidly spreading.

Congress passed two rounds of rental assistance totaling about $46.5 billion, with state and local governments given the responsibilities for sifting through applications and distributing the money.

As of Friday, Florida's Department of Children and Families, which is overseeing the program, had distributed only $18.3 million to about 4,300 applicants, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Agency spokeswoman Mallory McManus told the Times that it has received more than 30,000 applications, and most that havent been approved are awaiting action by the tenant to provide additional information or documentation.

Critics said people who need the money that has been set aside to help them aren't getting it quickly enough.

Its pretty terrifying and highly concerning. I dont think theres a quick fix, said Rajni Shankar-Brown, professor of social justice education at Stetson University and the vice president for the National Coalition for the Homeless.

One reason the distribution of funds has been so slow is an online application process that requires landlords to create a new account and re-apply for every tenant if theyre applying on behalf of multiple people, said Kody Glazer, legal director of the Florida Housing Coalition.

People without computer also may have trouble applying online.

At this point we need a big ground game, knocking on doors of people getting evicted, getting money out like its an emergency management problem, Glazer said.

Florida is not alone in its slow distribution. Nationally, only about 6.5 percent of the approximately $46.5 billion set aside for the program, or 12% of its initial stage of funding, had been distributed by the end of June, according to a recent report by the U.S. Treasury Department.

The moratorium, put in place by the CDC in September to try to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, is credited with keeping 2 million people in their homes over the past year as the pandemic battered the economy, according to the Princeton Universitys Eviction Lab. Eviction moratoriums will remain in place in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Illinois, California and Washington, D.C., until they expire later this year.
BELLEVILLE, Ill. (AP)  A nursing home in southern Illinois where a nurse allegedly sexually assaulted an elderly resident last year during the pandemic has been fined more than $200,000 by a state regulatory agency, according to a published report.

According to the Belleville News-Democra t, the fine levied by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Richard P. Kuklinski, 61, was charged this week with felony aggravated criminal sexual assault of a victim who was 60 years old or older.
BATH, Maine (AP)  A historic schooner owned by the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath capsized on the Kennebec River Friday evening. All 18 on board were rescued.

Coast Guard Sector Northern New England said it received a report that the schooner Mary E had capsized near Doubling Point.

The Coast Guard said it sent a boat crew to aid in the rescue. The Bath Fire Department and Sea Tow had arrived at the scene first and rescued all 18 people from the water and transported them to emergency medical services personnel, the Coast Guard said.

The partially submerged vessel was towed to shallow water near the Maine Maritime Museum. The vessel no longer represents a hazard to navigation in the area, according to the Coast Guard.

We commend our partners in the Bath community for their prompt and effective response which saved the lives of 18 people, Capt. Amy Florentine, Coast Guard Sector Northern New England Commander, said in a written statement Friday. We will ensure a full and thorough investigation is conducted in order to determine what caused the incident.

Katie Spiridakis, communications manager for the Maine Maritime Museum, said the museum was grateful for the rapid response of the crew and the agencies that assisted in bringing those aboard to safety.

At this time we are working to determine what factors may have contributed, Spiridakis said. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP)  Hong Kong police have arrested a man accused of booing the Chinese national anthem while watching an Olympic event at a mall.

The 40-year-old man was allegedly waving colonial-era Hong Kong flags and booing, while urging others to join him in insulting the national anthem, according to a police statement posted on Facebook.
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)  Several thousand health care workers and their supporters gathered in Hungarys capital, Budapest, on Saturday to demand wage increases and better conditions for those working in the country's ailing public health system.

The crowd, which included supporters from several of Hungary's largest trade unions, said the COVID-19 pandemic had only worsened the already precarious situation of health care workers while their demands for pay hikes and reduced working hours had gone unheeded by the government.

The past period has been very difficult for us. The COVID pandemic has turned our lives upside down, said Kata Gornicsak, who has worked as a chief nurse for 26 years at a hospital in Budapest. The reason we are here is not because of hope but desperation. We want respect, which we are not getting at all.

The Hungarian Chamber of Health Care Professionals, which called for the demonstration, said the government had not consulted with them before passing an overhaul of the health care system in March that increased wages for doctors but not for many others working in hospitals, like nurses and orderlies.

The doctors earn very well, while the nurses who are feeding and dressing the patients while working double shifts, including nights, arent paid well at all, said Marika Bognar, a nurse who traveled to the demonstration from Bacs-Kiskun county in southern Hungary.

Hungary's health care system has struggled to cope with the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, which ravaged the country in fall and winter, giving it one of the highest per-capita death rates in the world.

A government decree in November, issued as part of Hungary's pandemic state of emergency, stripped health care professionals of their rights to resign in an effort to prevent an outflow of overburdened doctors and nurses.

While the new agreement on wages and benefits was signed by some 95% of those working in Hungary's public health care sector, as many as 5,000 refused to sign the new required contracts.

A survey released in June by the Independent Health Care Union found that nearly half of health care professionals in Hungary planned either to leave the sector or retire as soon as legal conditions allow it.

Gornicsak, the Budapest nurse, said that while some workers had received increased benefits, they were not enough to offset poor pay and intense demands arising from the pandemic.

"Most of us received 10 extra vacation days, which we are very happy with, but we probably wont be able to use them because we constantly have to work, she said.

In attendance at the protest was Budapest's liberal mayor Gergely Karacsony, who plans to run against Hungary's right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban in closely watched elections next spring.

Karacsony told The Associated Press that Hungary's health care system needs increased funding, and that "putting (it) back on its feet must be one of the most important tasks of the next government.

The government should not be in a state of war with health care workers, but should jointly develop a system of wages and conditions which can keep health care professionals and doctors in the system, Karacsony said.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  Indiana motorists caught using handheld cellphones while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle now face increased penalties for breaking state law.

A law banning cellphone use took effect in July 2020 to combat distracted driving. That law allowed tickets of up to $500 against violators but delayed by a year any state Bureau of Motor Vehicles points toward a drivers license suspension.

Violations will now result in four points against a drivers license, BMV officials said. License suspensions start once a driver has accumulated 20 points within a two-year period.

Texting and other handheld cellphone use is a frequent cause of crashes, officials said. State law allows cellphone use by drivers only with hands-free or voice-operated technology, except in emergencies.

Drivers also face additional points for speeding in school or construction zones. Those violations will now result in four to eight points against a license, depending on how fast the driver was going.

Traveling Indiana roads is a shared endeavor that is only made safer when we are aware of the law and making good decisions behind the wheel, Bureau of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Peter Lacy said during a Thursday news conference.

Police officers across Indiana issued nearly 5,500 tickets and about 10,500 warnings during the first year of the handheld cellphone ban, state officials said.

State Police Capt. Ron Galaviz said many officers have tried to educate drivers about the new law but will from now on be issuing more tickets than warnings.
OPELIKA, Ala. (AP)  An Alabama county has a new top prosecutor.

Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday appointed Jessica Ventiere as Lee Countys new district attorney after its last district attorney, Brandon Hughes, pleaded guilty to two felonies, The Opelika-Auburn News reported.

I am humbled by this opportunity, and I look forward to continuing to serve the citizens in Lee County, Ventiere said in a statement.

Ventiere formerly served as the chief assistant district attorney under Hughes before becoming the countys district attorney pro tem following Hughes indictment Nov. 6, 2020, on multiple felony charges, which included five counts of using a position for personal gain, one count of conspiracy to commit theft and one count of first-degree perjury.

After a two-day trial in which Ventiere testified, Hughes pleaded guilty to first-degree perjury and using his public office for personal gain and agreed to a three-year sentence for both counts and is expected to spend 10 months in jail according to his plea agreement.

In the governors letter to Ventiere, she asked her to be a good steward of the taxpayers money and work to instill trust in government.

I have made honesty and integrity a priority in my Administration, and I know that you will embody these two virtues while serving the people of Alabama, Ivey said. The responsibility that comes with this appointment is not to be taken lightly. I trust that you will rise to the occasion and set a standard for others to follow.

Barry Matson, executive director of the Alabama District Attorneys Association, said Ivy made a stellar choice.

Jessica has proven her (mettle) by keeping that office focused on its mission of seeking justice and public safety during a very difficult period. I appreciate Gov. Ivey choosing such an honest, dedicated and hard working district attorney, he said.
AMERICUS, Kan. (AP)  A Kansas school district plans to offer anti-discrimination training to staff and teachers in response to complaints about how an eighth-grade student was treated after she said she was a lesbian.

North Lyon County officials notified the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas that it plans to provide the training, particularly as it relates to the LGBTQ community, The Emporia Gazette reported.
PASCAGOULA, Miss. (AP)  A shipbuilding company on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is getting a $41 million contract to build another barge for U.S. Navy crews to live aboard.

The Navy awarded VT Halter Marine a contract to build a fifth Auxiliary Personnel Lighter berthing and messing barge, the company said in a news release Friday. The vessel will include offices, classrooms, medical treatment areas, a barbershop and a fitness center and will be able to accommodate 611 people.
CHICAGO (AP)  Morton Salt has cut 40% of the staff at the 173-year-old company's downtown Chicago headquarters following its recent purchase by a California investment firm.

The company laid off about 120 of the roughly 300 employees at its Chicago offices this past week, the Chicago Tribune reported. The laid off workers worked primarily in administrative roles.
MUSCATINE, Iowa (AP)  A Muscatine man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the shooting death of his girlfriend.

During sentencing on Friday, David J.S. Hatfield, 24, was also ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution to the estate of 18-year-old Kaitlyn Palmer.
ATLANTA (AP)  A new member joined Georgia's highest court this week.

Verda Colvin was sworn in Thursday as a justice of the Georgia Supreme Court by Gov. Brian Kemp, who appointed her to the high court earlier this month and had previously appointed her to the Georgia Court of Appeals.

She is the first African American woman to be named to either court by a Republican governor. On the high court, she fills the seat vacated by former Chief Justice Harold Melton, who retired July 1.

I vow to each Justice and every citizen of Georgia to be an avid student of the law, open and ready to continually learn from my colleagues, Colvin said in a news release from the court. Equally as important, I will always remember that embodying the law must be tempered with remembering that people and businesses alike are the centerpiece of every opinion authored by the highest court in our state.

Before joining the Court of Appeals, Colvin was a superior court judge in the Macon Judicial Circuit for almost six years. Colvin also previously served as a state and federal prosecutor.

We are delighted to have Verda Colvin join the Supreme Court as our newest Justice, Supreme Court Chief Justice David Nahmias said. Justice Colvin brings us great experience and perspective, and she is a wonderful person as well. We look forward to working together to uphold the rule of law and administer the justice system in our state.
LEWES, Del. (AP)  A Wilmington man was charged with drunken driving and weapons offenses after an alleged road rage incident early Friday in Lewes, Delaware State Police said.

Troopers responded to the parking lot of a Home Depot after a man called 911 to report that an aggressive driver followed him on Coastal Highway and into the parking lot, where he threw a lock at the man's vehicle and screamed at him, police said in a news release.
AIKEN, S.C. (AP)  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 Wahls 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 years Olympics due to the COVID-19 pandemic postponing last years Games.

Its 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.
LAKE PARK, Iowa (AP)  A second suspect has been charged in the death of a Lake Park woman in December.

Justice Berntson, 23, was charged Thursday with first-degree murder in the death of 25-year-old Angel Bastman. He was arrested at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility and his bond was set at $1 million.
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP)  Separate traffic accidents in eastern Afghanistan left at least 20 people dead and 18 others injured, a provincial official said Saturday.

Both accidents took place in Laghman province on the main highway linking the Afghan capital of Kabul and eastern Nangarhar province, said Asadullah Dawlatzai, spokesman for the Laghman provincial governor.
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP)  The Spokane school district has released the findings of an investigation into an early May incident at a middle school when Black twin sisters were asked to clean cotton along with other students in a social studies class exploring the industrial revolution and the impact of the cotton gin.

The eighth-grade students at Sacajawea Middle School said they were humiliated by the lesson. Their mother, Brandi Feazell, removed the girls from the school and went public with her complaint to Spokane Public Schools officials.

The Spokesman-Review reported the third-party investigator the district hired, Onika Gilliam-Cathcart, who specializes in discrimination and retaliation claims, determined that the teacher did not intend to harm the girls with her social studies lesson.

Feazell stated that instead of addressing her concerns of racism in the classroom, a school official offered to remove the girls from the class if they were uncomfortable.

Through interviews conducted with other students in the classroom, the investigation concluded that two students made comments that they would have hated to be slaves and would have killed themselves around one of the twins.

Nevertheless, the reality is that the lesson was extremely hard for these 13-year-old Black students to process without warning and with the added element of insensitive classmates and lack of attunement, the report states.

Gilliam-Cathcart did not provide further comment beyond the investigation.

The school district acknowledged that changes are necessary to avoid similar incidents.

We will need to be willing to engage in conversations that may be uncomfortable at times, but are necessary to reach our mission of excellence for everyone,  the district stated in a letter released with the report. The United States history regarding race is a difficult subjective and a divisive issue in our country.

The school district said it is creating new training that will be embedded in the professional development modules and staff trainings that will highlight anti-racism and cultural awareness in classrooms.

The ACLU of Washington criticized the school districts handling of the investigation.

While we appreciate the Spokane School Districts expressed desire to work with and solicit input from community, it is irresponsible of the district to release the independent investigators report without a plan to address the specific harmful experiences the girls endured, said Kendrick Washington II of the ACLU of Washington.

Asking youth, especially Black students, to clean cotton as a way to understand what slavery was like was an unnecessary part of the lesson plan, he said.

While I understand theres a desire to put youth in historys shoes, we dont give female students nooses to see what it was like right before accused witches were hung in the Salem Witch Trials, nor do we tell kids to get under a guillotine to reenact emotions (from the French Revolution), Washington said.
CAIRO (AP)  The U.S. official who wrote a Pulitzer Prize-winning book on genocide landed Saturday in Sudan, aiming to support the country's fragile transition to democracy before travelling to Ethiopia to press the government there to allow humanitarian aid to the war-torn Tigray region.

Samantha Power, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, is set to meet in Khartoum with top Sudanese officials including Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, head of the ruling sovereign council, and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, the civilian face of Sudans transitional government.

She travelled Saturday to the western region of Darfur where she said she investigated atrocities in the its civil war in the 2000s, according to Sudan's state-run SUNA news agency.

I first visited Sudan in 2004investigating a genocide in Darfur perpetrated by a regime whose grip on power seemed unshakeable. I couldnt imagine Sudan would one day be an inspiring example to the world that no leader is ever permanently immune from the will of their people, Power wrote on Twitter upon her arrival in Khartoum.

Powers visit to Khartoum is meant to strengthen the U.S. Governments partnership with Sudans transitional leaders and citizens, explore how to expand USAIDs support for Sudans transition to a civilian-led democracy, USAID said.

Sudan is now on a fragile path to democracy and is ruled by a military-civilian government after a popular uprising led to the military's ouster of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir in 2019. The Khartoum government, which seeks better ties with the U.S. and the West after nearly three decades of international isolation, faces towering economic and security challenges that threaten to derail its transition into chaos.

The U.S. official would also meet with Ethiopian refugees in Sudan who recently fled the conflict and atrocities in the Tigray region which borders Sudan.

Since the Tigray war began in November, tens of thousands of Ethiopians have crossed into Sudan, adding to the countrys economic and security challenges.

Power's five-day trip will also take her to Ethiopia as part of international efforts to prevent a looming famine in Tigray, a region of some 6 million people that has been devastated by the months-long war.

Power will meet with Ethiopian officials to press for unimpeded humanitarian access to prevent famine in Tigray and meet urgent needs in other conflict-affected regions of the country, USAID said.

The worlds worst hunger crisis in a decade is unfolding in Tigray, where the U.S. says up to 900,000 people now face famine conditions and international food security experts say the crucial planting season has largely been missed because of the war.

Ethiopias government has blamed the aid blockade on the resurgent Tigray forces who have retaken much of the region and crossed into the neighboring Amhara and Afar regions, but a senior official with the U.S. Agency for International Development this week told the AP that is 100% not the case.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP)  Lawmakers are set to meet in Richmond for a short special session to elect judges and allocate Virginia's $4.3 billion share of the latest federal coronavirus relief bill.

Here's a look at what's expected at the Capitol this week, with work getting underway Monday:

BUDGET BUSINESS

Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam announced in June that he was calling lawmakers to Richmond to fill judicial vacancies and pass an updated budget bill to reflect the infusion of money coming to Virginia from the federal American Rescue Plan.

The sweeping relief bill President Joe Biden signed into law in March directed $350 billion in aid to state, local and tribal governments. It also extended unemployment benefits, sent direct payments to millions of Americans, increased the child tax credit and contained aid for schools and businesses.

No Republicans in Congress supported the bill, though some have promoted it since. Many said the measure was too expensive and not focused directly enough on the pandemic.

The aid to states is intended to help meet pandemic response needs and bolster the economy. It has some restrictions on how it can be used, though the plan lawmakers will be considering is wide-ranging.

Northam announced his budget proposal piece by piece leading up to the session and has indicated it has the support needed from Democratic leaders to pass. The plan calls for spending on all kinds of initiatives, including: increasing broadband access, supporting small businesses and tourism, paying for air quality improvements in public schools, boosting mental health and substance-abuse treatment, and backfilling the state's unemployment trust fund. It also contains provisions that would offer some protections against evictions and utility disconnections.

The text of the budget bill did not become publicly available to view until Friday afternoon.

A PARTISAN DIVIDE

Democratic lawmakers, General Assembly staff and officials from the Northam administration worked together to craft the budget bill lawmakers will take up at the session, Clark Mercer, Northam's chief of staff, has said.

That's drawn the ire of House Republicans, who say Democrats shouldn't have been working behind closed doors to decide how to spend such a massive amount of money. The minority party has also taken issue with guidance from House Appropriations Committee Chairman Luke Torian, who wrote in a memo sent to lawmakers in July that neither the House nor Senate money committees would be accepting amendment requests to the bill as introduced.

In response to the criticism, Torian said in a statement that it would be impossible to thoroughly evaluate amendment submissions in the short time frame of the session.

Our priority is expediency in getting relief funds where theyre needed, he said.

The special session comes at a sensitive time for members of the House. Every seat in that chamber is on the ballot in November.

Meanwhile, GOP gubernatorial nominee Glenn Youngkin, a former private equity executive and political newcomer, laid out his vision Thursday for how the money should be used. His suggestions included tax refunds, money for a school choice initiative and extra pay for law enforcement officers.

Youngkin is facing Democratic nominee Terry McAuliffe, who is seeking a second, nonconsecutive term. Northam cannot seek re-election this year under state law.

JUDICIAL ELECTIONS

Judges in Virginia are elected by lawmakers, and the General Assembly has extra work to do this year because of legislation passed in March that expanded the Court of Appeals.

That bill, which that took effect in July, added six judges to the intermediate court and will provide criminal defendants and civil litigants an automatic right of appeal, something Democratic proponents of the measure said every state but Virginia previously offered.

Sen. John Edwards, a Democrat from Roanoke and chairman of his chamber's judiciary committee, said lawmakers will also be filling a Court of Appeals vacancy from last year as well as a recently announced retirement, for a total of eight spots.

Edwards and his House counterpart, Majority Leader and House Courts of Justice Committee chairwoman Charniele Herring, asked a number of statewide bar associations to conduct vetting of dozens of applicants. Edwards said Wednesday the committees were working to create a short list.

There will be a public hearing at some point, he said. Some things are up in the air.

Lawmakers will also be electing judges to other lower court positions, according to Edwards.

LOGISTICS AND COVID PROTOCOLS

Lawmakers will be meeting in person at the Capitol for the first time since the 2020 regular session. Meetings since then have taken place virtually or in special event centers.

Lawmakers will not be required to wear masks, undergo testing or show proof of vaccination status, according to the House and Senate clerks.

In the Senate, plexiglass was being installed between members desks, Clerk Susan Clarke Schaar wrote in an email.

It was not clear how many of the lawmakers have chosen to be vaccinated against the virus. They were offered vaccinations early in the year, at a time when access was limited for the general public.

Both chambers convene at noon Monday. The Capitol is open to the public, and the session can also be livestreamed online.

Legislative leaders haven't said exactly how long the session's business will take to complete. Lawmakers were preparing for a relatively short week or two.
CORONA, Calif. (AP)  A young man who had been on life support after being shot inside a Southern California movie theater has died, police and his family said Saturday.

Anthony Barajas, 19, was watching The Forever Purge at a theater in Corona with Rylee Goodrich, 18, on Monday when they were shot in the head. They were found by an employee after the last showing of the night.

Goodrich died at the scene. Barajas was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was placed on life support.

Police said the shooting appeared to be random and unprovoked. They were working with Riverside County prosecutors to add a second murder count against the suspected shooter, Joseph Jimenez.

Jimenez, 20, appeared in Riverside County Superior Court on Friday after being charged with murder in the death of Goodrich and attempted murder of Barajas. But he didnt enter a plea, and his arraignment was postponed to next week.

Prosecutors also had charged Jimenez with a special circumstance of lying in wait that makes him eligible for the death penalty if convicted as charged.

Jimenez has been jailed since his arrest. Its not clear whether he has retained an attorney who can speak for him.

Barajas was a high school honor student and had hundreds of thousands of followers on his TikTok social media account, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reported.

From his quick smile to his compassionate heart, Anthonys presence was a gift to all who knew him, his family said in a statement.
By Eli Walsh

Bay City News Foundation

School superintendents in six counties and the city of Berkeley jointly announced their support Friday for full in-person classes for the entirety of the 2021-2022 school year.

The announcement came from superintendents in Santa Clara, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Alameda counties in addition to the city of Berkeley and aligns with guidance from the California Department of Public Health that encourages schools across the state to reopen with modifications.

The officials also advised all students age 12 and up to get vaccinated against COVID-19 if they have yet to do so. Under state public health guidelines, students will be required to wear a face covering when indoors regardless of their vaccination status.

"We highly encourage our students to take advantage of vaccination opportunities and universally wearing their masks," Contra Costa County Superintendent Lynn Mackey said in a statement. "These strategies are proven to be the most effective way to prevent in-school transmission of the COVID-19 virus and its variants."

State public health and education officials have yet to mandate that eligible students get vaccinated against COVID-19 before they return to school.

They have, however, hinted that such a mandate will be considered once the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issues its full approval of the three available vaccines.

Similar vaccination mandates already exist for communicable illnesses like measles and whooping cough unless a child has a documented exemption from a doctor.

"It is important for all students to have access to a safe learning environment, and universal mask-wearing and the COVID-19 vaccine are proven to be the two most effective mitigation strategies in preventing in-school transmission of the coronavirus and its variants," Santa Clara County Superintendent Mary Ann Dewan said.

Parents and students can view a set of frequently asked questions about the state's K-12 guidance at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Schools-FAQ.aspx.

Parents and students can also find a vaccination location at https://myturn.ca.gov.

Copyright  2021 Bay City News, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication, rebroadcast or redistribution without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Bay City News is a 24/7 news service covering the greater Bay Area.

Copyright  2021 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
Courtesy of Dyllon Watson

Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of our favorites over here at SFGATE. When we looked into the effects of the Dixie Fire on the park and its visitor experience, we learned something surprising: even though the park has been shrouded in smoke, visitation levels havent dropped much.

We tracked down several groups that opted to explore the park despite the poor air quality and yellow sky, and asked them about their experiences.
Santa Rosa homes on sprawling acreage with pools aren't exactly unique in North Bay real estate, but when the buyer can pay for them in Bitcoin, things get interesting.

The property at 2600 Warrington Road in Santa Rosa offers over 17 acres. It includes a custom-built main home with a wine cellar, an outdoor kitchen, and a pool, as well as a separate and fully equipped one bedroom cottage with an office.

Listing agent Lisa Thomas told SFGATE the decision to offer the home for both $3.3 million cash or Bitcoin came from the seller. "Our client is very knowledgeable about Bitcoin," she said. "We had to search far and wide to find an escrow and title company who could handle this, but they are starting to move with the times."

Indeed, the idea of "cash-less" transactions, in which crypto trades hands instead of American dollars is catching on in the Bay Area. Realtor.com just released a list of homes for sale that allow crypto that includes a home in San Francisco. It's also a national trend, being noticed and supported by large internet mortgage companies like Rocket Mortgage, where buyers can learn about how to buy homes with cryptocurrency.

Thomas said she is unaware of other crypto transactions to date in Sonoma County, but she expects that to change. "I think we will see a lot more of [these transactions]," Thomas said. "Those who hold digital currency need liquidity," which real estate provides.
In the latest news, vaccinated Americans can once again visit Great Britain without undergoing a quarantine, but the U.S. continues to maintain its ban on arrivals from the U.K. and Europe; United and British Airways add more flights to London as bookings are already surging; Nevada casinos impose indoor mask rules as delta variant spreads; U.S. flight attendants suggest the number of unruly passenger incidents is worse than the official numbers suggest; low-cost Avelo Airlines adds service to Monterey and three other destinations from Burbank; airline fuel shortages could disrupt flight schedules at Reno-Tahoe and Fresno; Delta extends SkyMiles Medallion status through January 2023, hires hundreds of customer service reps, and waives Basic Economy change fees; United economy customers can now preorder meals, snacks and drinks; American forms a new alliance with a South American airline; and international route news from United, Virgin Atlantic, Air Canada, Frontier and Spirit.

The United Kingdom is finally opening up to U.S. tourists  and really soon. In an unexpected announcement, U.K. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said on Twitter this week that fully vaccinated citizens of the U.S. and the European Union (except France) will be able to enter Britain starting Aug. 2 without having to go through a quarantine after arrival. The U.S. was granted entry rights even though it remains on the U.K.s amber list of countries with some COVID risk. Vaccinated American visitors will need to show proof of their inoculation status and will also have to get a negative COVID test result before their trip and again two days after arrival, but a second post-arrival test on the eighth day will no longer be required.

The Biden Administration has been in discussions with the U.K. and the E.U. about removing the U.S. ban on transatlantic travel even as most European nations have already started to admit U.S. citizens who are vaccinated and/or pre-tested. But those talks didnt work out as the Europeans had hoped. The White House said this week that considering the ongoing surge in COVID delta variant cases, the U.S. will leave its current travel restrictions in place, meaning that residents of the U.K. and Europes Schengen area (i.e., most of the countries on the continent) still cant come here, whether they are vaccinated or not. The U.S. last week raised its advisory for U.K. trips to Level 4  do not travel  and now it has done the same for Spain and Portugal based on advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Even though its only one way for now, the resumption of U.S.-U.K. tourist travel has been the subject of intense lobbying by airlines and other travel industry interests on both sides of the Atlantic for months. Great Britain is the number one European destination for U.S. travelers, and though the peak summer travel season is already half over, airlines and hotels can now start to collect some of that desperately needed revenue.

With the U.K. opening to vaccinated U.S. travelers, United Airlines said this week it is adding more capacity to London Heathrow effective Aug. 2. The carrier will add a second daily departure to LHR from its Washington Dulles hub and will increase frequencies on the Houston-London route from five a week to daily. United said its August schedule also includes a continuation of daily London flights from San Francisco, Chicago and Newark. The airline said it expects to continue operating that schedule during September, and that it looks forward to resuming additional London service in the coming months as well as launching new nonstop service between Boston and London. British Airways said its bookings from the U.S. surged by 95% within hours of the U.K. government announcement, so it is increasing transatlantic capacity. On Aug. 16, BA will boost its New York JFK-London Heathrow schedule from 17 to 21 flights a week and will increase LAX-LHR and Chicago-LHR from seven weekly flights to 10. On Aug. 23, LAX-LHR service will get an additional four weekly flights, to twice-daily operations, and Seattle-LHR will increase from four flights a week to seven. The airline said it will continue to broaden its schedule between the USA and U.K. throughout September.

The opening up of travel to London couldnt have come at a better time for JetBlue, which is scheduled to begin New York JFK-London Heathrow service on Aug. 11. The British announcement apparently caught JetBlue off guard, because just two days earlier the carrier said that because of U.K. travel restrictions, it was going to reduce frequencies on its new JFK-LHR route from daily to four flights a week in September. Theres no word yet whether the September cuts will remain in place. JetBlue also plans to add JFK-London Gatwick flights on Sept. 29.

As indoor mask mandates spread through California (including Disneyland) due to the rise of the COVID delta variant  especially among the unvaccinated  theres a new indoor mask mandate in neighboring Nevada, too, and it could affect travelers decisions on whether to visit or not. Following the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nevadas Gaming Control Board this week ordered that face masks must be worn by all casino employees and guests, effective immediately. The new rule applies at casinos in Las Vegas, Reno and Tahoe  a total of 12 counties in all (Carson, Churchill, Clark, Douglas, Elko, Esmeralda, Lincoln, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Washoe and White Pine). From early June to late July, the number of new daily COVID cases in the state shot up from 132 to 870. As more frightening news emerged this week about the transmissibility of the delta variant, travelers should expect to see mandatory mask rules popping up all over the place. Example: In New York City, The Broadway League said this week its 41 member theaters will require vaccinations and masks for all audience members through October.

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

Were all aware by now that the number of unruly passenger incidents on U.S. airlines is skyrocketing this year  but is it even worse than the official numbers weve seen? The Federal Aviation Administration says it has received more than 3,600 such incident reports from the airlines so far this year, but a new survey from the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA suggested that in-flight misbehavior is now almost commonplace, and that airlines may not be reporting all of it to the government. So whats life like for a flight attendant these days? According to AFAs survey of 5,000 members, 85% of them said they had to deal with unruly travelers so far in 2021. More than half (58%) said they did so at least five times, and 17% said they were involved in a physical incident.

And how are the airlines and the FAA treating the situation? Survey data confirmed that existing measures were failing to address the problem, the AFA said. Seventy-one percent of flight attendants who filed incident reports with airline management received no follow-up and a majority did not observe efforts to address the rise in unruly passengers by their employers. The organization said that the vitriol verbal and physical abuse from passengers is completely out of control. Asked to characterize the behavior of misbehaving passengers, flight attendants reported extensive verbal abuse, including from visibly drunk passengers, passengers yelling and swearing in response to masking directions, and often aggressively challenging flight crew working to ensure compliance with federal rules. Many respondents recounted aggressive incidents, including shoving, kicking seats, throwing trash at flight crew, defiling the restroom in response to crewmember instructions, and following flight crew through the airport to continue yelling and harassment, the AFA said.

Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Avelo Air

Californias new ultra-low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines, based at Hollywood Burbank Airport, is coming to Monterey. Thats one of four destinations Avelo will add to its route map in September and October, along with Provo and St. George, Utah, and Ft. Collins-Loveland, Colorado. All four routes will initially get two flights a week. The Monterey-Burbank service launches Sept. 30, while Provo flights begin Sept. 17, Ft. Collins Oct. 6 and St. George Oct. 7.

Are you planning to fly out of Reno-Tahoe Airport in the coming weeks? Better keep checking the schedules. A group of airlines asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to take emergency action that could help alleviate a shortage of aircraft fuel at the airport. They said that flight schedules could be disrupted unless FERC can provide the airport with an extra 541 barrels of jet fuel per day through the first week of September. Besides passenger flights, the fuel is also needed for firefighting efforts and for transporting medical workers and supplies. And apparently its not just a problem at Reno-Tahoe. According to wire service reports, American Airlines sent its pilots a memo this week urging them to conserve jet fuel supplies as much as possible, citing a problem with transportation logistics, including a shortage of fuel trucks and drivers. The Associated Press said this is causing flight delays and cancellations at other airports in the West, including Fresno, Calif., and Bozeman, Mont.

Tim Jue

Delta SkyMiles elite members got some good news from the carrier this week: It is automatically extending their 2021 Medallion status by another year, to Jan. 31, 2023 (that includes members of the airlines super-elite, invitation-only Delta 360 program). In addition, the validity of all unused Global and Regional Upgrade certificates currently held by Diamond and Platinum Medallions has also been extended to Jan. 31, 2023. The same extension applies to unused benefits of Delta SkyMiles American Express Card members, including companion certificates (Delta Platinum and Reserve Cards), Sky Club one-time guest passes (Delta Reserve Card) and $100 Delta flight credits (Delta Gold Card). The airlines new policy of allowing members to earn status credit on award travel has been extended for another year, through Dec. 31, 2022; and all Medallion Qualification Miles in a members account balance at the end of 2021 will automatically roll over into 2022.

Meanwhile, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said this week that the airline has launched a major effort to improve its customer service levels, which have suffered greatly this year  especially its phone lines, where some customers have reportedly been on hold for hours before they could talk to a service rep. Bastian said that as flight bookings have surged this year, Delta has run into unforeseen challenges in staffing its call centers, so it is bringing back hundreds of Delta alumni to reduce wait times and hiring 1,300 new ones who will be trained and at work by September. The CEO encouraged customers who need to cancel or change flight plans to use the Fly Delta app or the airlines website rather than calling on the phone. He also announced that effective immediately, Delta is waiving change fees through Dec. 31 for passengers traveling on Basic Economy fares.

United also announced a new customer service enhancement this week. It said flyers in all classes of service, including economy, can now use the airlines mobile app to pre-order in-flight meals, snacks and beverages up to five days in advance. The new option was created as an extension of Uniteds digital payment platform that lets customers store credit card information in the apps wallet. Pre-ordering is now available on United flights from Chicago to Sacramento, Orange County, San Diego and Honolulu, and will be extended to all flights over 1,500 miles by this fall.

American Airlines network planning department seems to be focusing on the western hemisphere these days. Last year, it negotiated a new West Coast partnership with Alaska Airlines (which has since joined AAs global Oneworld alliance) and one in the Northeast with JetBlue to coordinate schedules out of New York and Boston. And now American is turning its gaze to the south, announcing this week a new South American deal with JetSMART. Thats the name of a low-cost carrier based in Chile and Argentina that operates a fleet of Airbus A320s to 33 regional destinations on the continent. American said it plans to acquire a minority stake in JetSMART and to link the two airlines route networks through connections at Santiago and Buenos Aires. The deal will create code-sharing between the two carriers and let American AAdvantage customers earn and redeem miles on JetSMART.

Chris McGinnis

In international route news, United plans to scale back its service to South Africa, trimming its Newark-Johannesburg schedule from daily flights to five a week Sept. 7-Dec. 1 and pushing back the resumption of Newark-Cape Town operations from October to Dec. 1, when it will offer three weekly flights on that route. Virgin Atlantic inked a new code-share agreement with Middle East Airlines-Air Liban that it says will accommodate U.S. travelers heading to Beirut. Customers booking through Virgin Atlantic are now able to travel between U.S. airports such as Boston, New York JFK and Los Angeles and Beirut, connecting seamlessly between the two airlines at London Heathrow Terminal 3 with a single booking reference and check in, Virgin said. Air Canada on Aug. 1 will bring back daily flights between San Diego and Vancouver. Frontiers latest route announcements included new weekly service from Denver to Belize starting Dec. 11 and new routes coming in November and December from Orlando to Montego Bay, Jamaica; Nassau, Bahamas; Antigua & Barbuda; San Salvador, El Salvador; Cozumel, Mexico; Liberia, Costa Rica; Belize; and Turks & Caicos. And Spirit Airlines on Nov. 17 will introduce service to the new Palmerola Airport at Tegucigalpa, Honduras from Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and Houston.
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.
CRANE, Texas (AP)  Rusted pipes litter the sandy fields of Ashley Williams Watts cattle ranch in windswept West Texas. The corroded skeletons are all that remain of hundreds of abandoned oil wells that were drilled long before her family owned the land. The wells, unable to produce any useful amounts of oil or gas, were plugged with cement decades ago and forgotten.

But something eerie is going on beneath the land, where Watt once played among the mesquite trees, jackrabbits and javelina and first drove the dirt roads at 10 years old. One by one, the wells seem to be unplugging themselves. Theyre leaking dangerous chemicals that are seeping into groundwater beneath her ranch.

Now 35, Watt believes the problems on her ranch, which sprawls across the oil-rich fields of the Permian Basin, are getting worse. In April, she found crude oil bubbling from an abandoned well. In June, an oil company worker called to alert her that another well was seeping pools of salty produced water, a byproduct of oil and gas extraction containing toxic chemicals.

Im watching this well literally just spew brine water into my water table, and then I have to go home at night, and Im sweaty and tired and smelly, and I get in the shower, and I turn on the shower and I look at it, and I think, is this shower going to kill me? Watt said.

____

A GROWING THREAT

The crisis unfolding on Watts 75,000-acre ranch offers a window on a growing problem for the oil industry and the communities and governments that are often left to clean up the mess. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 3.2 million abandoned oil and gas wells exist in the United States. About a third of them were plugged with cement, which is considered the proper way to prevent harmful chemical leaks. But most havent been plugged at all.

Many of the wells are releasing methane, a greenhouse gas containing about 86 times the climate-warming power of carbon dioxide over two decades. Some are leaking chemicals such as benzene, a known carcinogen, into fields and groundwater.

Regulators dont know where hundreds of thousands of abandoned wells are because many of them were drilled before modern record-keeping and plugging rules were established. They are a silent menace, threatening to explode or contaminate drinking water and leaking atmosphere-warming fumes each day that theyre unplugged. Without records of their whereabouts, its impossible to grasp the magnitude of the pollution or health problems they may be causing.

The problem isnt confined to Texas. In recent years, abandoned wells have been found under brush deep in forests and beneath driveways in suburbia. On the Navajo Nation, a hiker stumbled across wells oozing brown and black fluid that smelled like motor oil. In Colorado, a basement exploded, killing a man and his brother-in-law who were repairing a water heater, after an abandoned flowline had leaked methane into the house.

A Wyoming school shut down for more than a year after students and teachers complained of headaches for weeks. Air quality tests revealed high levels of benzene and carbon dioxide, most likely from a nearby abandoned oil well. A garage in Pennsylvania exploded  a consequence, the state suspects, of abandoned gas wells.

Experts believe the problem is getting worse. Even before the viral pandemic, producers were declaring bankruptcy and abandoning oil fields after spending more on fracking operations than they ultimately could afford. Then the coronavirus halted travel, obliterating demand for fuel and leaving less money to properly plug wells.

President Joe Biden, who has built much of his domestic policy around a transition to cleaner energy sources, wants to spend billions to put unemployed wildcatters to work plugging the wells. But Congress is unlikely to allocate enough money to seriously confront the issue.

If, all of a sudden, we could switch to all green renewable energy, thats great, but these wells dont disappear; theyre still going to be there, said Mary Kang, an assistant professor of civil engineering at McGill University in Montreal who was among the first scientists to call attention to the danger of abandoned wells.

____

TRACES OF BENZENE

After the discoveries on Watts ranch, traces of benzene showed up in the well that supplies her cattle's drinking water. Chevron, which owned at least two of the oil wells that recently came unplugged, began trucking in drinking water while its crews tried to fix the leaks. But Watt worried that her animals might have consumed contaminated water. So she had her 600 head of cattle hauled off to another part of her ranch.

At this point," she said, I cannot sell my cattle at market in good conscience, because I have no idea what is in them.

Though Chevron officials maintained that the cattle could safely return, Watt disagreed.

Shes haunted by a memory of crude oil bubbling up in a toilet bowl at her familys ranch when she was a teenager. Horrified, they turned off the well that supplied their water and switched to another well. They never found the source of the leak.

Representatives for Chevron said the company is committed to re-plugging the two wells that recently sprang leaks.

But Watt fears that dozens of other plugged and abandoned wells on her ranch might be deteriorating, and Chevron has no plans to check its other wells for problems. If Watt should inform Chevron of another leaking well, if we have to take responsibility, we will and well do the right thing by the landowner, said Catie Mathews, a company spokeswoman.

Hailing from a long line of cattle ranchers, Watt never thought shed be fighting this fight. After high school, she graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and worked in intelligence for the Marines. Even after she obtained an MBA from Harvard, she returned to the ranch.

She packs a gun, but only on her own land. Though shes passionate about protecting it, she doesnt want to be called an environmentalist  thats a dirty word out here. But she has to save her ranch.

The story of my family," Watt said, "is a story of land, if nothing else.

____

LAYERS OF CONFUSION

Dispiriting as her situation is, Watt is luckier than some. She knows Chevron bears responsibility for two wells that recently sprang leaks on her property. But not every well has a clear responsible party. Some abandoned ones are so old and records so scarce that landowners or states are left to clean up the damage.

Molly Rooke, who co-owns a family ranch near Corpus Christi, Texas, faced that predicament in 2019, when an orphaned well blew out on her property, spewing chemicals. The 15,000-acre ranch contained dozens of orphaned wells, with exposed pipes not much taller than her own frame. Some pipes stuck out of the ground. Others were hidden in brush.

We have problems finding the well head, and thats above the ground, Rooke said. Then you have all these pipes underground, and theres no record of where those go.

Her only records of these wells that were drilled in the 1920s were scattered old photos and papers. She tried to contact companies that used to pump oil from the wells. No luck. One well had already leaked into a nearby river.

Rookes father tried for years to get the state to plug them. When he died, she took over the fight. Rooke and the consumer rights group Public Citizen sued the Texas Railroad Commission over its decision during the pandemic to suspend rules requiring operators to plug abandoned wells within a year. After her lawsuit sparked attention, the state sealed her wells.

All the wells were so old, they were ticking time bombs, Rooke said.

_____

SEARCHING FOR LOST WELLS

The first successful commercial oil well in the U.S. was drilled in Pennsylvania in 1859. But few detailed records survived that early oil boom, which lasted several decades. Not until a century later would the industry develop modern plugging standards, which require filling abandoned wells with cement to prevent leaks.

These days, some abandoned wells have metal casings intact. But others were stripped of metal during World War II, making them hard to find. Still others were constructed from wood that rotted away and left only a hole in the ground.

Pennsylvania has located roughly 8,700 orphaned wells, mostly unplugged and in rural areas. Yet the problem is far larger. Based on historical photos and surveys, Pennsylvania estimates that between 100,000 and 560,000 additional unplugged wells remain scattered around the state.

Were not plugging fast enough to keep up with the wells were discovering, said Seth Pelepko, an environmental program manager in the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Our list is not getting smaller. Its getting larger.

Some states have taken to hiring well hunters who specialize in finding abandoned wells. They use metal detectors  first in helicopter surveys, then on the ground  to seek steel well casings. But metal detectors can't detect wells cased in wood. So they fly drones with laser imaging to seek depressions in the ground.

On her Texas ranch, Watt uses some of the same techniques to seek problematic aging wells. She has driven her land, looking for signs of trouble.

Sometimes, she finds a dark patch of earth using a drone. She calls one of the biggest the elephant graveyard, after a wasteland in the movie The Lion King. Rather than animal bones, her graveyard contains blackened mesquite trees.

The sand there is dark and reeks of oil. But Watts worry is the water below. Without it, she and her longtime ranch foreman, Marty White, and his wife  and their cattle  cant live here. Water is the lifeblood of this place and all of West Texas.

I told him, Ill take care of you,  Watt said of White.  Youre going to have to trust me, and I dont know what it looks like, but Ill take care of you. 

____

LEAKING CHEMICALS AND MONEY

In addition to polluting groundwater, the wells are accelerating global warming. Unplugged, abandoned wells in the U.S. leaked 5,000 times more methane than plugged wells did, according to a 2015 study cited by the EPA. Unplugged wells leak 280,000 metric tons of methane into the atmosphere each year, according to an estimate by EPA, though experts have estimated far higher totals.

That amount of methane packs roughly the same climate-warming power as the carbon dioxide emitted by all the power plants in Massachusetts in a year, according to Daniel Raimi, a fellow at Resources for the Future, a research group.

Many states require companies to plug wells that are out of production and to post bonds in case they go belly-up. But the amounts are typically far lower than whats required to plug the wells, leaving states or the federal government with hefty bills.

At the end of June, Texas reported 7,268 orphaned wells, up 17% since 2019. An additional 146,859 were considered inactive: They were no longer producing oil, but the owners hadnt yet been required to plug them. Many inactive wells may actually be orphaned wells, said David Wieland, regional organizer with the Western Organization of Resource Councils, a network of grassroots groups focused on land stewardship. Some producers will let a well sit idle for a year or two, he said, and then produce just enough oil to avoid being required to plug it.

That sort of hidden inventory is likely true in almost any state, Wieland said.

Some states, like Texas, use fees collected from the oil and gas industry for cleanups. In 2018 alone, oil-producing states spent $45 million plugging orphaned wells and $7.9 million restoring surrounding land, according to the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission.

___

CLEANING UP THE MESS

As the financial and environmental tolls of abandoned wells grow, policy makers are searching for solutions. In his initial infrastructure proposal, Biden suggested spending $16 billion to put people to work plugging old oil and gas wells and coal mines. Yet even that wouldnt be nearly enough to solve the problem.

Raimi, of Resources for the Future, estimates that a federal program to plug 62,000 wells over a decade could create 15,000 to 33,000 year-long jobs. At a per-well cost of $76,000, it would take roughly $160 billion to plug all the wells and reclaim the surrounding land, whether it's companies or governments who pay the price.

Wyoming and North Dakota channeled millions of dollars in federal coronavirus relief funds into employing workers to plug abandoned oil and gas wells over the past year.

Watts family never owned the mineral rights to the land and thus never profited from these wells, many of which were drilled in the 1950s and were plugged in the four decades that followed.

She isn't looking for a drawn-out legal battle with Chevron or any other oil company with wells on her land. She simply wants assurance that the water is safe for her cattle, and the people in her life, to drink. She wants the land to be restored. And she doesnt know if thats possible.

I do not want to sue," Watt said. All I want is everything cleaned up.

Knowing that benzene has seeped into some of her water, she has a nagging suspicion that the rare cancer that killed her mother might have been related to wells leaking toxic chemicals on her ranch. She will likely never know for sure.

More than anything, she wants justice for the land, her cattle  and the legacy her family bequeathed to her. This is where she spread the ashes of her parents.

My greatest fear when I lay down every night, even before this well became unplugged, is what if I do something to screw up the history of this ranch, thats still being written? Watt asked.

What if that history ends with me?

___

Bussewitz reported from New York. Irvine, who is based in Chicago, reported from Texas.

___

The reporters can be reached at @cbussewitz and @irvineap.
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Tel Aviv, July 31 (IANS) Israel has decided to ban its citizens from travelling to the UK, Georgia, Cyprus and Turkey over concerns of the high level of Covid-19 morbidity reported in the four countries, the Ministries of Health and Transport said in a joint statement.

According to the statement, the ban came into force on Friday, reports Xinhua news agency.
By Prof Dr. Mohd Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi



With the huge blunder created by PAS' Takiyuddin in a recent parliamentary 'briefing', the door is wide open for four parties to reset Malaysia.



At the moment, these parties are not thinking about Malaysia but their own personal gratification, their race and their own people.

The Sabahan and Sarawakian politicians, I assume, will be asking what's in it for them and their own people?

This is a fair question in politics, but I must remind these two parties that they are both part of Malaysia. If Malaysia becomes a failed state under incompetent and selfish leaders, we will all suffer.

The leadership of the present regime has shown its ability to destroy parliamentary democracy and along with it the sacred right of self-governance to all the rakyat and our children's future by replacing it with their racial-religious and self-gratification politics.

Warisan and GPS must look at the bigger picture and the far future rather than settle with immediate gratification that looks juicy and justifiable but in reality it is a slow poison towards death and destruction for the two nations.

Umno is still playing politics to be top dog in a coalition that has already gone to the dogs. Perhaps even dogs won't admit to be associated with these people.

Umno wants to be the leader of PN and justifies it by saying that they were never part of the blunders of this government ever since they agreed to cooperate.

Sorry-lah Umno...please pull the other foot. Everyone knows that the Umno minister cluster is the ones piling praises on the PN ever since day one of the Sheraton Move.

All the gravy train that came within the move has made the Umno minister-GLC group too fat to think straight or even move an inch.

They are filled to the brim of their stomach with durian fests and money from hardworking Malaysians of mostly non-Malay taxpayers.

Umno leaders like Tok Mat and Khaled Nordin must reengineer their party to be with a group that they 'so called' detest, Anwar and the DAP.

Until Umno decides to be with Anwar and the DAP, the new politics of Umno will never surface.

A new Malaysia can only be given life by different parents and not by inbreeding race-based parties like PAS, Bersatu and Umno.

If Umno remains with PN and succeeds in taking the leadership role, Malaysians will reject it and so will most Malays who are well versed with the failures of the pandemic and the Prihatin packages.

What can I say about the MCA? Will they still support this Malay and Islamic based parties so that there is some 'Chinese' presence in the government?

So noble, is it really? I don't think so.

The Malays have a saying 'seekor kerbau membawa lumpur habis semua terpalit'. If one buffalo carries shit on its body, the others in the cow pen will all stink.

MCA will need a backbone transplant if they still think with their pockets and not with their heads.

What is in it for the Chinese people, MCA will ask. Same as to the Sabahans and Sarawakians, my answer is we are all Malaysians. Tribalism of Melayu, Cina, Sabahans and Sarawakians in politics will win small battle victories but lose the war of a Malaysia for all.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has shown his integrity in his two letters. When will Umno, Warisan, GPS and MCA politicians show their letters of being a true Malaysian?

For shame! We should not have put His Majesty in this awkward position because Malaysia is and always will be our problemthe ordinary people's problem.

We should solve our own problems and not rely on others. His Majesty could have remained silent and perhaps get many benefits from PN but he did not.

On this day, I am ashamed to call myself a citizen of Malaysia because the MPs that we as citizens elected chose to think for their own self and their own race or people but not, like His Majesty, think for the future of our children in Malaysia.

I am appalled and ashamed as well as humbled to think that our sacred democracy lies at the foot of a symbol of feudalism, the Malay Sultan.

For shame, for shame and for shame.

The Agong has pried a small gap with his two letters. Let us not wait for his third one.

The fault now lies with Umno, Warisan, GPS and MCA if this opportunity passes on and we would have seen the last days of parliamentary democracy in our beloved nation.

Let us weep for our children and think what we should say to them when we have lost what should have been their right of citizenship and empowerment in their own place of birth.

(Professor Dr. Mohd Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi is Professor at a local university.)
The inaugural Olympic Triathlon Mixed Relay exceeded the promised excitement of the two men, two women teams at the sprint distance. Great Britain, the United States and France battled relentlessly to the finish on a sunny day in Tokyo.



When the chaos was over, Alex Yee of the mighty Brits jetted away to the gold medal. Morgan Pearson of the U.S. shocked commentators by passing two-time World Champion Vincent Luis of France for the silver. The Great Britain quartet finished in 1:23:41 with a 14 seconds margin over the U.S. team and 23 seconds over the three-time Mixed Relay World Champions from France.

Leadoff Great Britain competitor Jessica Learmonth (21:16) kept up with the breakaway quartet of Katie Zaferes (21:14) , Laura Lindemann (21:15) and Rachel Klamer (21:18) on the first leg as the quartet opened up a significant lead on the chasers. Jonny Brownlee (20:03) then extended the lead on Leg Two by breaking free from Kevin McDowell (20:14), Marten Van Riel (20:08) and other chasers during the two lap run. Georgia Taylor-Brown (21:54) did her best to maintain the Great Britain's lead as she out split Taylor Knibb (22:06) by 12 seconds. Knibb managed to close the gap during both the bike and run, but the margin was 9 seconds between Great Britain and the United States before the anchoring legs of Alex Yee (GBR), Morgan Pearson (U.S.), and Vincent Luis (France).



Yee maintained his gap to Pearson during the swim. However, Luis closed an eleven second margin to the U.S. and exited the swim with Pearson. On the bike, Luis attacked Pearson , while managing to close onto Yee's wheel. Luis made the catch, and then attempted to break away from Yee. While the two leaders were playing zig-zag and cat and mouse across the wide roads, Pearson rode a direct route through the apexes and soon arrived on the wheels of the leaders just as they entered transition. Luis had brought France back into the hunt for victory, but the effort on the bike would turn out to be costly.



Once the 2-kilometer run started, Yee drew away from Luis in short order. Pearson, the former cross-country champ from Colorado, took advantage of Luis extra efforts on the bike, closing the gap to the reigning ITU World Champion and passing him toward the end of lap one. Pearson continued to extend his lead on Luis throughout lap two, giving him nearly a 10 second gap on Vincent Luis at the finish line.

After years of disappointing results, Jonny Brownlee had reason to celebrate a medal that completed a career bronze (London) silver (Rio) and gold (Tokyo) full house. To be able to do that and win Olympic gold with this team after everything that has happened is so special, Brownlee told World Triathlon media. Its a whirlwind. It was hard work but so worth it. It [Tokyo with no spectators] was slightly different to the one million people in Hyde Park - but this was special in its own way. Were Olympic Champions! Its so good to have this team around me. Im too excited to think about crying!



Alex Yee was a bit calmer  after all this was his second Olympic medal of the week.



These guys had done great legs and put me in such a position that I just had to do everything to stay there, he told World Triathlon media. Its surreal. That was 2km of pain, the longest of my life. I wanted to go hard at the start because I had a little gap.



Katie Zaferes, who had the fastest first leg in the field (21:14), exulted in the camaraderie and excitement of team triathlon.



"Being able to share this with the world is really awesome," she told USA Triathlon media. "We love this event, we know how exciting it is. We know how much it takes to have four athletes show up at the same time, on the same day and be ready to go, especially after all of us racing our own individual races. Im getting chills just talking about it,"



Zaferes added, "Having the camaraderie and racing as a team just gives you so much energy and it makes it even more significant. Youre literally putting everything out there. When you race for yourself its one thing, but when other people are relying on you its a whole other feeling. It brings a pressure, but when you nail it, its absolutely incredible."



Morgan Pearson found today's silver medal offered redemption after he finished a disappointing 42nd in the men's individual race. In the Mixed Relay, Pearson's 20:21 final leg was second best to Vincent Luis's (20:18) and faster that Yee's 20:28 mark.



Pearson recounted to USA Triathlon media how he regained his confidence after his 42nd place in the individual: "It was in the back of my head. It took away my confidence. I asked the team, Can you tell me that you believe in me? Just because I needed it. They did that. Maybe they thought I was joking, but I wasnt. I needed them to reassure me and it really helped. By the time the race started, I was pretty confident," Pearson said.



Pearson, 27, also wanted to make his brother Andrew, who passed away in March, proud.



"This is for my brother and my family. Theyve been the No. 1 support for me. My mom is my No. 1 fan. Growing up, going to cross country races, shes like hiding in the woods in random places just so she can cheer for me," Pearson said. "I hope theyre proud of me. I hope my older brother is watching and proud of me, too."



Kevin McDowell had lots of reasons to be proud, including his 4th-best 20:14 Leg One split. "Back in 2010, I was hoping the Mixed Relay would one day be in the Olympic Games and if it was I wanted to be there," McDowell told USA Triathlon media. In 2011 he was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, and took six months off to complete chemotherapy. A year later, he returned to elite competition, making his senior-level World Cup debut. He recently celebrated being 10 years cancer-free.



"To share (this experience) with these people ... I have no words," he told USA Triathlon media. "These are incredible humans."



McDowell completed his leg 9 seconds behind Brownlee, who tagged Georgia Taylor-Brown, the silver medalist in the womens triathlon, who then extended Britain's lead. McDowell tagged Knibb, who used her strong bike skills to pull away from France's Cassandre Beaugrand and give Pearson a shot at chasing Britain.

Olympic Mixed Relay Triathlon

Tokyo, Japan

July 30, 2021

4 x Swim 300m / Bike 6.8 k / Run 2k



1. Team Great Britain 1:23:41

Jessica Learmonth 21:16

Jonathan Brownlee 20:03

Georgia Taylor-Brown 21:54

Alex Yee 20:28



2. Team United States 1:23:55

Katie Zaferes 21:14

Kevin McDowell 20:14

Taylor Knibb 22:06

Morgan Pearson 20:21



3. Team France 1:24:04

Leonie Periault 21:40

Dorian Coninx 20:09

Cassandre Beaugrand 21:57

Vincent Luis 20:18



4. Team Netherlands 1:24:34

Rachel Klamer 21:18

Marco Van Der Stel 20:23

Maya Kingma 22:25

Jorik Van Egdom 20:28



5. Team Belgium 1:24:36

Claire Michel 21:50

Marten Van Riel 20:08

Valerie Barthelemy 22:08

Jelle Geens 20:30



6. Team Germany 1:24:40

Laura Lindemann 21:15

Jonas Schomburg 20:27

Anabel Knoll 22:24

Justus Nieschlag 20:34



7. Team Switzerland 1:25:27

Jolanda Annen 22:00

Andreas Salvisberg 20:23

Nicola Spirig 22:24

Max Studer 20:40



8. Team Italy 1:26:23

Verena Steinhauser 21:48

Gianluca Pozzatti 20:25

Alice Betto 22:45

Delian Stateff 212:25



9. Team Australia 1:26:27

Ashleigh Gentle 22:09

Matthew Hauser 20:56

Emma Jeffcoat 22:57

Jacob Birtwhistle 20:25



10. Team Spain 1:26:31

Anna Godoy Contreras 22:08

Fernando Alarza 20:33

Miriam Casillas Garcia 23:22

Mario Mola 20:28



11. Team Hungary 1:26:43

Zsanett Bragmayer 22:04

Bence Bicsak 20:37

Zsofia Kovacs 23:06

Tamas Toth 20:56



12. Team New Zealand1:26:53

Ainsley Thorpe 22:42

Tayler Reid 20:38

Nicole Van Der Kaay 22:58

Hayden Wilde 20:35



13. Team Japan 1:27:02

Yuko Takahashi 21:57

Kenji Nener 20:30

Niina Kishimoto 22:57

Makoto Odakura 21:38



14. Team Russian Olympic Committee 1:27:13

Alexandra Razarenova 22:03

Dmitry Polyanskiy 20:47

Anastasia Gorbunova 23:29

Igor Polyanskiy 20:54



15. Team Canada 1:27:21

Amelie Kretz 22:20

Matthew Sharpe 21:31

Joanna Brown 22:40

Alexis Lepage 20:50



16. Team Mexico 1:28:53

Cecilia Perez 22:39

Crisanto Grajales 20:42

Claudia Rivas 23:54

Irving Perez 21:38



17. Team Austria DNS
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In their incisive, dramatic and masterful account of President Donald Trumps last year in office  what we read is the closest version of the truth that we could determine based on rigorous reporting  veteran Washington Post reporters Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker build on their stunning book about Trumps first years in office, A Very Stable Genius.

Trumps final year was the most consequential and for many Americans the most frightening, they say. They fully capture Trumps terrifying character deficiencies that drove the fear, chaos and instability that culminated in nothing less than a violent threat to Americas democracy itself.

Donald Trump will not forgive those such as Mike Pence and Bill Barr who refused to declare an election fraud. Credit:Jose Luis Magana

Trump cared more about himself than the country, always putting his political and personal interests over the common good. They give us this wrenching insight: Trumps self-victimisation yoked him to his supporters, who also felt disrespected by elites and wronged by the global economy. Thats who showed up at the Capitol riot on January 6.

Last year was not just a presidential election year, but an election in a once-in-a-century pandemic. Even though the early internal polling showed the Trump base as energised as ever and poised to deliver a win even bigger than in 2016, Trump was warned repeatedly, by his aides and by allies such as Israels Bibi Netanyahu, that his catastrophic mismanagement of the pandemic could cost us the election. But Trump persisted with dangerous stunts such as touting the virtues of bleach to fight COVID-19 and politicising the wearing of masks. The virus would ultimately invade him.
Up until recently, Instagram model and fashion influencer Indi Thew was the envy of every young girl with a social media account. The 24-year-old petite blonde posts photos of her travelling on private jets, holidaying at exclusive hotels and hanging out with her top model pals.

Thew is best friends with Madeleine Holtznagel, the girlfriend of hospitality mogul Justin Hemmes. This bond has seen Thew living rent-free with her bestie in Hemmes ocean-front Coogee apartment and dating one of Sydneys most eligible young bachelors, Sydney property heir Angus Onisforou.

Madeline Holtznagel (left) and best friend Indi Thew and ex Angus Onisforou Credit: Don Arnold/WireImage/Instagram

Rumours were running wild last week that Thew had been given the heave-ho from Hemmes Coogee pad. But Thews management shut down the chatter, confirming to Emerald City that the influencer is still living there.

Its not all smooth sailing for Thew, however, as 21-year-old Onisforou ended their six-month romance when he moved to Melbourne at the beginning of Sydneys latest lockdown.
None of it was a conscious decision, but I was raised by five women so Ive always felt very comfortable working with them, says Something For Kates lyricist, guitarist and famously intense singer, Paul Dempsey.

Something For Kate - Clint Hyndman (left), Paul Dempsey and Stephanie Ashworth - will perform their platinum 2001 album, Echolalia, in full at shows in September and October 2021. Credit:Daniel Boud

Echolalia, the platinum album which the Melbourne band will play in full at shows around Australia this spring, was an anomaly for a rock release by Sony in 2001 because three of its major contributors were women.

The cerebral rock of Something For Kate has always stood apart, but it wasnt just the music that distinguished their breakthrough album of 20 years ago.

Unlike most bands of the Big Day Out generation, Something For Kate has a female member in bassist Stephanie Ashworth. She joined in 1998 after Dempsey and drummer Clint Hyndman, who formed the band in 1994 straight out of school, had already gone through a couple of blokes on bottom-end duties.

The band also had a female manager at the time, Carlene Albronda. She would soon distinguish herself by hustling them the coveted support slot on David Bowies final Australian tour in 2004.

Most unusually for its era, Echolalia was also produced by a woman. Trina Shoemaker had engineered the first two albums by fellow rock-with-brains act Queens Of The Stone Age. However it was her work on Sheryl Crows albums that convinced Something For Kate to invite the American producer to Australia.

Sheryl wrote a message [in the CD liner notes] thanking Trina for letting her do what she wanted to do and trying new things, Ashworth said after Echolalias release.

That appealed to us because, not only had Trina managed to produce an incredible record, she was also willing to experiment.
Morrisons appearance was a surprise to them, too, says Henderson. Every day for about two years, every single day, weve been sending the PMs office a request to be on. It got to the point where they gave up responding and we just got met with silence, she says. In an instant that changed, overnight. When those ratings came out it was like, Scott Morrison wants to come on the show. And we were like, Oh, does he now? Someone must have said, Oh my god, theyve got all the listeners, get him on! adds Sandilands. Im just glad everyone has seen the error of their ways.

The shows current dalliance with politics may be amusing to new listeners but the duo have long had access to power, usually met with their trademark irreverence. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, a recurring guest, has endured Sandliands jibes about her romantic life and once even had a segment playing agony aunt to listeners personal gripes. But given their increased reach and attention, do the pair feel a new responsibility to how they approach these interviews? I hope not, cause I dont really plan on changing much, Sandilands says. What I like is that I can ask these people anything. Anything. And politicians should be confident being asked anything. Like, you dont want a scaredy-cat running the show. Im not the FBI, you dont have to answer. But Im gonna ask. In any case, political nuance isnt really their goal. Well never have, like, the Education Minister on doing a deep-dive into their policy; we just dont give a shit. Well leave that to those other stations, he says.

But when something as big as COVID and the lockdowns are going on, you do have to talk about it, adds Henderson. Paris Hilton is interviewed by Kyle and Jackie O in 2017. Credit:Cole Bennetts Its part of their appeal, suggests Sandilands, that - to echo Manuel the Waiter from Fawlty Towers - they know nothing. We all want to get informed, he says. I like that Jackie says what she thinks even if shes not sure. Im the same. And then weve got Brooklyn [Ross], the newsreader, who sounds like he should be the one who knows things, but he doesnt know shit either. None of us really know. An odd manifesto, perhaps, but it does make some bizarre logical sense in these loud, socially divided times.

We all know what we read but we dont know how to take it, says Sandilands. So then youll speak to someone whos got a different opinion and you go, Oh, I never thought of it like that. Loading Its an approach that promises controversy. Last week, very much against the industry trend, the show featured Pauline Hanson with anti-lockdown and anti-vaccination views that were censored by the shows producers, sparking an on-air tirade from Sandilands who called the censoring bullshit. I cracked a wobbly, he says. I went, Listen, no one knows whats true. You read one newspaper it says one thing, you watch Sky News it says another thing, you watch Channel Nine it says another thing. People are lost in the middle. They dont know what to do and everyones got their own very opinionated views, but no one really knows whats going on. The pair say theyve noticed an influx of listeners in the 49 to 89-year-old demographic to the show in recent months, listeners Sandilands suspects are ex-Alan Jones loyalists who switched from 2GB (owned by Nine, owner of this masthead) when Jones left the station last June.

The shows approach is decidedly different but between usurping Jones number one spot and his political access, it does signal a bizarre changing of the guard as far as Sydneys radio power goes. Do they hope to fill the election-making, string-pulling vacuum that Jones reputation long promised? Oh, who wouldnt want that power! laughs Henderson. Thats the ultimate, if you can somehow influence the new prime minister and theyre all sucking up. Sure, that sounds wonderful to me! The shows current success couldnt come at a more opportune time for the pair, with their three-year contract with ARN, reportedly valued at about $7 million annually, due to expire next year. We shouldve had a clause in our contract that said in the unlikely event that we go number one overall, well get Henderson adopts a Dr Evil voice, one million dollars! We really kicked ourselves there, didnt we? Might have to add that to the contract. They didnt even give us a f---ing plaque, a bottle of plonk or something, Sandilands complains. What did I get? A text from the CEO.
Many young people who are still living at home may not be shut out of private health insurance because of its perceived high cost and poor value for too much longer.

Federal government legislation was passed by Parliament in June that implements a measure contained in the 2020-21 budget to improve the affordability and access to private cover for younger people.

The change will allow young adults who are still dependent on their parents to remain on mum and dads private cover for longer.

Carrots and sticks are being used to try to get more young people covered by health insurance. Credit:Michele Mossop

Insurers will be able to increase the age at which children can remain on their parents private health insurance from 24 to 31.
For our free coronavirus pandemic coverage, learn more here.

Stage 1: Amusement Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size This is hilarious! The Australian government is transporting little old me to a hotel! I wonder where were going? Id be happy with a $50 a night Airbnb in Penrith, yet here we are at a five-star joint in central Sydney  very posh. Look at all these nice soldiers, pretending to be service industry workers. Of course you can take my bag, sir! And whats this? A room on the 33rd floor! Well just look at that view. Wynyard Park below, Darling Harbour off to the right, planes gracefully approaching the airport to the south and Botany Bay beyond. And the room: a study in restrained opulence! A mid-century modern, walnut-hued design scheme. A nice deep bathtub. A chocolate on the pillow! Can a continental breakfast be far behind? Stage 2: Bewilderment Isnt all this a bit much? I thought I tested negative? Five times in the last three weeks! Dont get me wrong, I love the view, the restrained opulence, the delicious food, but couldnt I quarantine at home? With my family? Do we really have to do the whole returning-Russian-opposition-leader charade? Stage 3: Outrage Im taking this to the Supreme Court! Nay  the United Nations! How dare they infringe on my civil rights. My great-grandfathers third cousin trekked the Kokoda Track for those rights. Hed turn in his grave if he could see what was happening here. I wont stand for it! As if losing my freedom isnt enough, I have to replace my own sheets and towels. Is there no end to this humiliation? Illustration by Simon Letch. Credit:

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Stage 4: Hyperactivity Right, quit your moaning and get busy. Im going to use this lack of distraction to achieve everything I didnt get done on the outside. Run 10,000 steps  check. Do 100 push-ups  check. Memorise pi to the one-hundredth place value  check. Create a database of everything Ive eaten in the last year and its calorific value  check. Clean these hotel windows like theyve never been cleaned before  check. Stage 5: Ennui Is this a trick? Has someone messed with this clock so that each minute takes an hour to pass? Who knew that simply existing could take so much effort? Im not sure if I have the energy to sustain my basic bodily functions. How long has it been since I shaved? Brushed my teeth? Bathed? A day? A week? Who knows? Who cares? Stage 6: Abandonment So this is how it is, Australia? I leave your hallowed shores for a few years and you treat me like a leper? Like Im the creature from the Wuhan fish markets? You leave me to rot in this festering mid-century modern flea pit. After all the taxes I paid, and that time I donated to the Childrens Hospital Appeal, this hurts, Australia, like you could never know. Stage 7: Detachment

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Look at those people walking around the city, living their lives of quiet desperation, feeling normal emotions, free to perform all the essential work that they please. I could scream and no one would hear me, much less care. Im madder than hell, and nobody cares (probably because my window wont open and Im on the 33rd floor). Look at me, dancing naked in front of this hotel window. Im like a fish frozen in a lake watching the skaters glide gracefully overhead. Stage 8: The real Stockholm Syndrome Not the one where you come to empathise with your captors, the only interaction I ever get is with a bored Irish nurse whose questions about my health and mental state cant disguise how shed rather be down at the pub  or anywhere but here. The one where I wish I was in Stockholm  or London or Los Angeles  or any city where the authorities rolled out the vaccine much earlier than they have here. Stage 9: Self-loathing Youre not really going to eat that whole pack of Tim Tams, are you? Dont leave your wet towel on the bed, you lazy mongrel. Im not the maid! Look, its 7.15am and youre still laying in bed like a beached whale. You havent brushed your teeth in three days, you pig! Illustration by Simon Letch. Credit:

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Stage 10: Fear Im never gonna make it out of here. What if they stop bringing me food? What if they forget Im here? What if I die in here? What if they read my Twitter posts and accuse me of subversive activity? Is that person pacing the halls there to make sure we dont escape? What if hes about to re-enact that scene from The Shining with the knife through the door? Stage 11: Despair I can feel the life force slipping away from me. With every minute spent in this room, Im one minute closer to death. If the boredom doesnt kill me, this crappy hotel food will: seriously, who eats chia porridge with passionfruit for breakfast? My friends were right when they asked, How will you handle two weeks in a hotel room? I wont. Stage 12: Determination I can do this! I have enormous willpower! Like Shackletons men, holding out in the Antarctic, thousands of kilometres from civilisation and warmth, I will make it through this hellish nightmare.

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Stage 13: Existential crisis Loading What if this has all been a dream? Has two weeks really almost passed? Do those people on the street exist or are they just figments of my imagination? If I dont make my bed, does that make me a bad person? Is there morality in here? Could this mozzie buzzing round my head cause a hurricane in China? Will the Chinese retaliate? Stage 14: Inadequacy Look at all those cars and people on the street barely missing each other! Look at the tradies digging holes for people to fall into! Ill never make it on the outside! Im going to fake COVID and theyll have to keep me in here forever! To read more from Good Weekend magazine, visit our page at The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times. The best of Good Weekend delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. Sign up here.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Why do we so often reach for culture to explain organisational issues? Perhaps because it is intuitive to do so. It provides a signpost for organisation-wide characteristics and matters of importance. But does it provide clarity or obscurity when it comes to really understanding a problem? Does it lead to accountability, or is it a barrier to the taking of responsibility? How do you even know when youve achieved cultural change? Should we in fact be considering other ways of analysing and addressing deeply entrenched organisational issues? In a decade of ethnographic research on organisational culture, I have learnt that the impact of senior leaders on an organisations culture is limited. Ive realised that to effect change, you need to understand how power is distributed in an organisation, and you have to dismantle the existing structures. Ive come to understand that impactful micro-changes are a surer bet than transformative change programs. In 2011, a male cadet at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra filmed himself having sex with a female cadet and broadcast the encounter to others via Skype all without the female cadets knowledge. In the wake of the Skype scandal, a major Defence review and reform program was undertaken which resulted in the culture change initiative Pathway to Change. This was designed, at least in part, as a response to a series of incidents and allegations that had brought the behaviour of ADF personnel into disrepute. Pathway to Change was the first attempt by Defence at a significant culture reform process  whats referred to in management circles as an enterprise-level solution  rather than focusing on a complementary issue, which might be surprising in light of the long history of cultural adjustments at Defence: the inclusion and promotion of females, the treatment of minorities and people with disabilities, and so on. A strong focus of Pathway to Change was the treatment of women in the ADF; allegations of abuse, including sexual abuse, and the responses to these; the use of social media and alcohol, especially by ADF personnel; and employment pathways for women as public service employees in Defence. Yet at the same time as this historic examination of Defence culture was taking place, the worst of the atrocities by Australian Special Forces soldiers were allegedly occurring in Afghanistan. In the Afghanistan Inquiry Report prepared in 2020 by the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force, and in subsequent commentary, culture featured heavily in analyses of what went wrong in Special Forces. With so much attention being paid to understanding culture within the Defence enterprise, how had there been such a significant blind spot? The broader question is: how does any organisation identify its own blind spots? I believe that refusing to just point a finger at culture ultimately allows for greater clarity and accountability. It lets you scrutinise the specifics of whats going on, and gives you an opportunity to quickly address issues through targeted interventions.

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The culture of the Defence organisation did not make those involved commit the atrocities. If that had been the case, then many more of the thousands of soldiers who deployed would surely also have committed them. It could be argued that something isnt cultural unless it is a whole-of-organisation phenomenon. A culture of misconduct can explain the average tendency of participants to commit misconduct, but it cannot explain any variance in participation. Loading Sociologist Stjepan Mestrovic extended the a few bad apples metaphor in his analysis of the trials of Abu Ghraib, the prison complex just outside Baghdad that was utilised by the United States after the Iraqi invasion. He described sources of contamination in the poisoned orchard and the culpability of the orchard keepers  the civilians and officers high in the chain of command. Instead of culture, he referred to abusive climates, abusive atmospheres and abusive relationships. While it is tempting to cut and paste one analysis of peer military crimes of war atop another, Mestrovics detailed study does not easily lend itself to comparisons with the context of Australian Special Forces misconduct. The soldiers involved in Abu Ghraib were not from an elite soldiering cadre, had relatively little social capital, and were reportedly living in squalor comparable to that of the prisoners. In contrast, the Australian Special Forces soldiers were better trained, better resourced, better fed and better equipped by a considerable factor than the Australian Regular Army, and certainly those they detained. What is analogous to Abu Ghraib, however, is that the details of the alleged atrocities in Afghanistan have now become background noise, as they were in the US trials, media and overall discourse. Already, Australian commentary on the inquiry led by Major-General Paul Brereton has shifted from details of the alleged wrongdoing, including murder, to concerns about the loss of medals, the legacies of SASR veterans from World War II, and a personal, professional and symbolic betrayal of Australias veterans, Diggers and elite dogs of war by Defences top brass. The distribution of power within and across Defence has rarely been discussed when it comes to the organisations culture. Military power is most often talked about in terms of effectiveness and capability. In contrast, so-called soft power refers to persuasion through public diplomacy, economic or political influence. Looking at power rather than culture yields very different insights and different choices in the action you can subsequently take. Mestrovic argues that it takes some magical thinking to believe that corrupt soldiers in these locations spontaneously invented remarkably similar methods of committing abuse. When misconduct spreads throughout an organisation, it can be said to characterise the organisation as a whole  sometimes, misconduct can spread between organisations via social networks.

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A cultural analysis asks questions related to beliefs, attitudes and values, whereas a network analysis examines how things like knowledge and influence operate in an organisation. Rather than looking at what incidences of misconduct occur, you examine how they spread. Academic research has demonstrated that deviations from broader norms of conduct are likely to be particularly strong in the parts of a network that are densely connected internally but relatively isolated from the rest of the network. These isolated cliques are especially capable of developing distinct norms and behaviours. Management theorist Henrich Greve summarises this as follows: internally well-connected and globally isolated parts of a network are likely to engage in misconduct. Loading This description fits SASR patrols: small groups of four to five soldiers who are part of a small Special Forces deployment, and who are physically separated from the regular army while on base. This is replicated at a different scale in the physical dislocation of Special Forces units in Perth when the majority of the Army units are situated on Australias north and east coasts. Any changes or actions that reinforce those internally well-connected and globally isolated structures will probably fail, be they geographical, philosophical or administrative. Organisational structures are the scaffolding that holds culture firmly in place. Im not referring to hierarchical, organisational or functional charts that illustrate roles and ranks, but rather the legislation, policies, standard operating procedures, remuneration models, performance management frameworks, and sometimes even the physical locations of buildings and/or parts of an organisation. Even after leaders have moved on and change programs have run their course, this scaffolding still supports the underlying power structure. Military coups can be enacted again and again because in countries with governments that are prone to being overthrown, its very difficult to dismantle the scaffolding that holds the military in a place of power: think Fiji, Myanmar, the Philippines and Pakistan, just to name a few. One of the most significant and impactful changes made in the ADF in recent times was not the implementation of recommendations from multiple reviews of the treatment of women and observations of culture, but the change in legislation that enabled part-time service. Under a little-known reform program called Plan Suakin, a small cadre of Defence intellectuals, coincidentally also led by Brereton, undertook some of the most noteworthy dismantling of structural scaffolding in the history of Defence, a framework that had been in place for more than 100 years.

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Prior to this change, no member of the ADF could legally work part-time. They could be employed in the Defence Reserves or they could be employed in the full-time force but if they wanted to reduce their hours or days, they had to apply for something called part-time leave without pay. This was because the Defence Act of 1903 stated that all members of the regular army and permanent navy and air force were bound to render continuous full-time service. This most obviously affected women who might want to work less than full-time when combining work and family commitments. Because of the stigma around being less than full-time committed, and the historical treatment of reservists as second-class citizens because of this, there was a less than 2 per cent uptake of the leave-without-pay policy. Previously, going back as far as the 1950s, there had been many reviews and debates on achieving a total force construct; that is, an ADF that used, and arguably respected, both the regular/permanent forces and the Reserves as a whole capability, rather than a relatively fragmented one. The proposed altering of the bound to render construct in the Defence Act 1903, which was tabled in Federal Parliament in early 2015, represented the most significant attempt at a total force in the ADFs history. This wasnt about reducing the liability to serve but rather establishing the flexibility to serve in different and valued ways. Defences war-fighting capability was retained  contrary to the predictions of many detractors  and indeed strengthened by increasing the ability to call on different components of the total workforce. If those who were part-time are obligated to serve when needed, then the jibes and warnings regarding a part-time commitment could, and should, erode. When a big culture problem is called out, there is pressure to announce big culture reform. This might appease many, but it may also lead to the absence of tangible change for those living the day-to-day reality of an organisation. Some decades ago, in the wake of a series of catastrophic aircraft crashes that involved a horrendous loss of life, the aviation world ushered in the Crew Resource Management model and a global system of no blame Air Safety Occurrence Reports. This allowed crew members, air traffic controllers and maintenance staff, indeed anyone working in the aviation network, to initiate an Air Safety Occurrence Report that went into a global alert system, and airlines were able to act on these warnings immediately. Blood Lust, Trust & Blame by Samantha Crompvoets. Credit: In addition, the management model ushered in a new set of behaviours, standards and expectations for conduct on the flight deck. Over time, this completely dismantled the long-standing practice of hero-worshipping the pilot, replacing it with respectful deference to the whole crew, combined with the democratisation of knowledge. Some would describe this as a culture change, but it derived from a small change that eventually flattened the power structures in aviation and introduced a new type of aviation professionalism.

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The children of a man who died of prostate cancer in 2015 made an official complaint to the regulator over his treatment by a practitioner at the National Institute of Integrative Medicine.

Graham Candy, a keen sailor and Melbourne-based senior lawyer, died of advanced prostate cancer at age 69.

In a complaint filed in 2016 with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, his children allege a practitioner at the institute  which promotes and researches complementary medicine engaged in unethical, negligent, misleading and deceptive conduct.

Graham Candy with his grandson, Jethro. Mr Candy died about two months later.

Dad died six months after my son was born, his daughter Seona Candy told The Sunday Age. We had had some issues in the past. But we had just reconnected when I was pregnant. And now my son does not have his grandfather.
I have been in many demonstrations, going back to the Vietnam war, and I agree that civil disobedience can be a necessary part of protest, when the issue warrants it. But attacking police is not OK (Police minister vows to punish selfish boofheads over anti-lockdown protest, July 25. Attacking horses is so far beyond the pale that I am speechless. But by far the greatest crime is recklessly endangering the health and safety of your own families and neighbours. Don Meharry, Guildford

Someone should urgently tell these deluded people that Sydney and Melbourne are not Tallahassee and Miami, and that Donald Trump is not their President, and never was. Kristina Vingis, Church Point

Pig ignorant

Liberal MP Kevin Conolly claims that safeguards on voluntary assisted dying which have proved more than adequate in other jurisdictions are lipstick on [a] pig (Western Sydney MPs scorn safeguards in euthanasia bill, July 28. The irony is that pigs are treated better than some of our cherished relatives, who are expected to live with intolerable suffering at the end of their lives in the absence of legislation in NSW. The safeguards in the bill are more likely to expose elder abuse than to facilitate it. Rose Birdman, Woy Woy Bay

Cheap politics
More than one million people in NSW are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 but they are unlikely to be given greater freedom of movement in Sydneys Delta outbreak.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has promised privileges for vaccinated people as part of the nations four-phase pathway out of COVID-19, but this wont kick in until vaccination rates are much higher.

Last week NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian scotched the prospect of allowing vaccinated people more freedom during the current lockdown of Greater Sydney in an interview on the Jonesy and Amanda radio show on WSFM.

Responding to a listener from Fairfield, who suggested it could be an incentive to get vaccinated if fully vaccinated people in the hotspot areas were allowed to work in other parts of Sydney, Ms Berejiklian said this would not be fair given there were people who wanted the vaccine but did not have it yet.
Australian orthodontists are raising the alarm about at-home teeth-straightening kits after seeing an increase in patients with serious unaddressed dental problems, including teeth that need to be removed.

The clear plastic aligners are a popular alternative to traditional wire braces and are promoted heavily on Instagram and Facebook using celebrities such as TV star Rob Mills. The Australian market has exploded, particularly with young people, with a value of $97 million in 2020.

Invisible aligners. Credit:istockphoto

Unlike aligners or braces prescribed by an in-person orthodontist or dentist, brands such as Smile Direct Club, Byte, Wondersmile and EZsmile send impression kits to customers, who take teeth moulds themselves.

The treatments cost between $2000 and $3000, compared to the cost of metal braces or plastic aligners fitted in person by an orthodontist, which can be up to $10,000.
Or from Norway, where the small numbers of national COVID infections are disproportionately centred in migrant communities. Or from Singapore , where outbreaks have spread in the crowded migrant worker quarters of the city state.

By now, governments should know that migrant communities, containing large households of essential workers who often speak little of the national tongue, are a critical challenge in COVID management. NSW should have learnt that from Victorias outbreak last year, which triggered the Andrews government to put nine public housing towers into snap lockdown. But it could also have learnt it from Germany, where communities with a migrant background make up more than 90 per cent of severely ill COVID patients .

Australia began the pandemic ahead of the curve, protected by decisive action and geography. We had the luxury of allowing the rest of the world to encounter the catastrophes of the pandemic before us. More shame then that we are not eagerly learning from the stumbles elsewhere, but insist on repeating others mistakes.

In unprecedented times, mistakes are excusable. In the face of the unknown, we are all just muddling through. But what if we knew what would happen next and failed to act upon that information?

The work ethic and family orientation of these communities keeps the virus in circulation; rather than punishing sections of society for these admirable qualities with a show of police and army force, governments should have spent the quiet months formulating a plan to mobilise language and workplace networks that can reach right into family homes.

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We can also learn the limits of lockdown compliance from overseas. A British study found non-compliance with lockdown rules has increased over time. While there are measures that can improve compliance, such as financial support for casual workers, time is the predominant factor. Each successive lockdown is less effective. The lesson for governments is not to rely on lockdowns that are too long or too frequent. Quite aside from the economic costs, lockdowns have diminishing disease-prevention returns.

Moreover, lockdown costs are not only economic. Protests have erupted in every country which deploys them. Europe has experienced a wave of protests much like the freedom marches in Australia, channelling a similar higgledy-piggledy set of whacky conspiracies and serious civil liberties concerns. Protests are, it seems, inevitable in any free country that locks down. Sometimes they end in looting and violence. They almost always make visible some of the dangerous internet rabbit holes that people cooped up at home can find themselves going down. Happily, as outdoor events, they have not proven to be virus spreader events, but they are evidence of our damaged social cohesion.

It might be some comfort to the federal government that Australia is not the only country to suffer from vaccine hesitancy as a result of its success in suppressing the virus and AstraZenecas bad PR. Taiwan, lauded as a poster-child of effective pandemic management, had less than 2 per cent of its population vaccinated at the end of May. A YouGov poll found the Taiwanese were even less likely to have had the vaccine or say they intended to have it than Australians until the middle of July. So much for Australian exceptionalism: there really is nothing new under the sun. Just like in Australia, now that there is an outbreak, vaccination rates are picking up.
Young foreign workers desperate to get vaccinated with AstraZeneca say confused Victorian and federal government advice is making it far too complicated for those in high-risk industries such as hospitality to get the jab.

Rideshare drivers were in May added to Victorias list of priority vaccination groups, but other public-facing jobs often done by those on temporary visas  such as hospitality, cleaning and food delivery  are left out.

There are more than 1.6 million temporary visa holders in Australia, according to Home Affairs data released in June. Nearly half a million of those are students or former students.

Brazilian Henry Macedo wanted to get vaccinated with AstraZeneca as soon as possible but says there are too many barriers in the way for visa holders. Credit:Justin McManus

The national body for international students has called for immediate clarification on how temporary visa holders can get vaccinated after the death of Adriana Midori Takara, a 38-year-old Brazilian international student and part-time cleaner in NSW last week.
Former NSW Nationals MP Michael Johnsen will not face charges over allegations he raped a sex worker, a claim that forced him out of Parliament and ended the leadership of Labors Jodi McKay.

Mr Johnsen, the former MP for Upper Hunter, released a statement on Saturday night with the heading, Innocent and said NSW Police would not pursue any further action against him.

Former NSW Nationals MP Michael Johnsen will not face charges over allegations he raped a sex worker, Credit:Louise Kennerley

NSW Police sought legal advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to these matters. Following recommendations made by the DPP, there is insufficient admissible evidence to proceed with charges, police said.

Mr Johnsens resignation from Parliament prompted a byelection in May in the marginal seat of Upper Hunter, which the Nationals narrowly held but ended Ms McKays reign.
Tens of thousands more Victorians will be allowed to get their first Pfizer vaccine dose in the coming months thanks to a shift in state policy, as Victoria surpassed the milestone of 1 million fully vaccinated residents.

Health Minister Martin Foley on Saturday announced the gap between the first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine would be stretched from three to six weeks at state clinics, allowing many tens of thousands more people to become at least partially protected against COVID-19.

Abiy Gebeyehu got vaccinated in Carlton on Saturday, the day Victoria was confirmed to have passed one million fully vaccinated residents. Credit:Luis Enrique ascui

Victoria on Saturday declared parts of south-east Queensland a red zone as they entered a snap lockdown after six local cases with the Delta variant were recorded.

The City of Brisbane, Noosa Shire Council, Sunshine Coast Regional Council and the City of Gold Coast were among the 11 local government areas declared red zones by Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton.
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...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.
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Neighborhoods, law enforcement prepare for Night to Unite

Owatonna Police Officer Valerie Satre bonds with the kids at the 2019 Night to Unite block party hosted at Associated Church. On Tuesday, 21 Owatonna neighborhoods will host community block parties for the national night out to celebrate collaboration between the public and local law enforcement. (File photo/southernminn.com) Block parties for Night to Unite typically include a variety of food and special treats in a potluck-style family dinner. (File photo/southernminn.com)

After a year of being apart, neighbors Owatonnas 14th Street area are geared up and ready to come together once again for their favorite night of the year.

The Night to Unite, also commonly referred to as the National Night Out, is held annually throughout Minnesota on the first Tuesday of August and serves as an opportunity to strengthen relationships between neighbors and local law enforcement. For years, Jen Teichroew said her 14th Street neighborhood has cherished that time as a way to be together.

We have posters from past years when other people would host the block party that we post up on every National Night Out, Teichroew said. Weve seen a lot of transition in the neighborhood with families coming in now and basically starting a new generation for the neighborhood, but everyone is pretty close and are good neighbors to each other, so we love having this night together.

In Owatonna this year, 21 neighborhoods will host Night to Unite events. Many of the community block parties take place in the parking lots of apartment complexes, in cul-de-sacs, and at churches. Other parties  such as the one Teichroew is hosting for her neighborhood  will take place right in the streets.

We hosted the party in 2019 and my kids just absolutely loved it, Teichroew said, noting that her 9-year-old son has been instrumental in this years party planning. They love being able to block off the street for the night and have all the neighbors come over. When we didnt do it last year due to COVID-19 everyone was really bummed out and my son said that we have to make sure we do it this year.

While Teichroew loves to spend time with people she has known her entire life, being that she currently lives in the home that her grandparents built in the 60s, the event truly comes full circle for this former 911 dispatcher.

I am very much a supporter of law enforcement and all they do to keep our community safe  its important and we need them, Teichroew said, adding that during the last Night to Unite the local SWAT unit stopped by their block party and let kids walk through the SWAT truck. Its also important for our police to get involved in the community and really let our kids know that officers are good and they are safe.

They are not someone you call because youre going to be in trouble, she continued. Its who you call so you can be safe.

Teichroew said the events also allow one-on-one conversations between community members and local officers and that it gives people an opportunity to ask questions. While she knows a lot about the inner workings of law enforcement, Teichroew says that there this a night for people to learn about policing and being a first responder

A program of the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association, Night to Unite is designed to educate residents about crime and drug prevention, generate support and participation in local anti-crime efforts, and strengthen partnerships between the community and local law enforcement.

Above all, though, Teichroew said it truly is about being united.

I am just excited for all of the neighbors  especially the elderly neighbors  to be able to come together again, she said. Some people have known each other for 25-30 years on this block, and I am excited for them to have the evening to come together. Im honored to host it.
Connecticut has been home to an array of artistic talent over the years, including artists creating everything from dynamic abstracts representing the natural worlds energy, to works inspired by ancient Egyptian and Roman art. Its home to art that responds to American ideals and values, works inspired by the ethos and people of Connecticut, 90s-nostalgia brands whipped into candy-colored confectionery, and paintings that re-imagine the sensations of Vietnamese refugees in America. Here are five artistic creators who should be on your radar in the coming months and years.

John Dennis/ Contributed photo

Canadian-born Conley has lived in Connecticut for more than a decade, and her work reflects her experience living in the U.S. Her bold, varicolored art has over the past few years been the story of this country; my feelings and experience of this country in response to historic imagery, she explains. Growing up in Canada with an American mother who held up patriotic notions of individualism, perseverance and ambition as a national character, Conley is particularly interested in what she calls a collective need to have these ideals and to hold up individuals to embody them.

In her work, she references historic photographs in which she explains, I can often glimpse the roots of our current moment, as parallels or connections that can act as a framework to comprehend the latest headline of chaos or hope. Conleys work has been exhibited at venues across the world, including a solo show at Skarstedt Gallery in London this June, and in the U.S. in spaces such as The Painting Center and NURTUREart in New York City, and the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield. She was an artist-in-residence at New Havens NXTHVN art space in 2019 and received several grants, including an Elizabeth Greenshields Award and, recently, a Connecticut Office of the Arts Fellowship. Through Aug. 27, Conley is part of a group exhibition, Horses?, at CHART in New York.

jaclynconley.com  @jaclynconley on Instagram

Zachary Keeting

Zachary Keeting/ Contributed photo

Keeting has had what he calls a remarkably productive year, making art so consistently that he has a studio now full of his gorgeous paintings. Currently teaching at The Educational Center for the Arts in New Haven, Keeting first moved to New Haven after earning his graduate degree in painting from Boston University to play in a rock band. He started his art career as an art handler at The Yale Center for British Art, which is also where he met the woman who would become his wife. Theyre now living and creating in Connecticut, which Keeting says is a great place to make art.

Of his recent work  abstract art rooted in what he calls direct observation, he says, I want the chaotic, dynamic energies of the natural world  all of its elemental states: the gaseous, the liquid, the solid  to course through these pictures, like coagulating blood, like spirit. Hes participated in residency programs at the Santa Fe Art Institute in New Mexico, Yaddo in Saratoga Springs, New York, and the Millay Colony for the Arts in Austerlitz, New York. Determined not just to create art but to meet more artists, and contribute to the community in ways I hadnt initially, Keeting co-founded, with artist Christopher Joy, Gorkys Granddaughter. Its a series of studio-visit conversations with more than 500 artists across the country that he calls mini-documentaries.

zacharykeeting.com  @zacharykeeting on Instagram

Thuan Vu

Courtesy of Thaun Vu

The award-winning artists work uses nature as both mirror and window  to communicate who I am, where Ive come from, and how I feel living in our world, Vu says. The New World, a series that hes made for the past 10 years, is a beautiful, abstract re-imagining of sensations felt by his parents when they fled Vietnam during the war  settling in the U.S. with seven of their eight children. These completely imaginary landscapes tap into a refugees feelings of hope, joy and confusion  but these feelings are universal, he says. Hes called Connecticut home for 22 years, living and working (as a professor at Southern Connecticut State University) between East and West Rock in New Haven. He says that the land and ethos of its people find prominence in his work.

Thuans most recent series is called Kintsugi. It utilizes the Japanese practice-slash-philosophy of repairing broken pottery by rejoining the pieces together using gold. The newly repaired piece, proudly showing its golden scars, is seen as more beautiful for showing its history, resiliency and its ability to be transformed from trauma, he says. His paintings are inspired by the loss of his father in 2018 and the state of our world and this country, where beauty, hope and decency seem tempered and hard to maintain. Its something thats reflected in the black and white flowers in his Kintsugi paintings. In 2020, he was the sole painter to receive the Artistic Excellence Award by the Connecticut Office of the Arts. In October, Vu will exhibit in the group show Arrivals at the Katonah Museum of Art.

thuanvu.com  @thuanvupainting on Instagram

Jill Sarver Rossi

Katie Settel/ Contributed photo

A native of rural Ohio, Rossi paints with a soundtrack of 90s grunge in the background and co-habits with two adorable rescue tortie cats  Maizy and Fabia. She relocated to Connecticut in 2008 for grad school and hasnt left since. Rossi and her husband Dan now live in Bridgeport, and shes spent the last decade jurying and curating independent exhibitions. Shes also taught art education in the Midwest, New York metro area, and Italy. Her journey into the art world began as early as age 5 and was cemented at 12 when she developed a love for ancient Egyptian and Roman art and archaeology.

Choosing to pursue art over archaeology, Rossi now incorporates both worlds into her work, especially in her recent painting series titled Anonymous. The series, she says, uses a single portrait as a vehicle for expression and channels different emotional responses in each painting, often reflecting the current events of todays chaotic world. From personal tragedy and distant empathies to a social and political outcry, each painting embodies a degree of ambiguity or anonymity, allowing the viewer to bring their interpretation and response to the table. The series has been exhibited in Connecticut and New York City.

jillsarver.com  @jillsarverstudio on Instagram

Olivia Bonilla

Courtesy of Olivia Bonilla

Vermont-born Bonilla grew up in Connecticut, where she says, Summers were beautiful, and winters were rough, and where she worked as a substitute teacher and did catering on the weekends to sustain herself as a young artist. Bonillas melting ice cream and confectionary-based creations draw inspiration from toy culture, classic cars and 80s/90s cartoon stills. Her candy-colored palette is lifted from the Rugrats or neon primaries from Pac-Man. The hype on nostalgia is the core of my work, says Bonilla, an admirer of brands like Hot Wheels, Barbie, Rubix cubes, neon video games, and iridescent fabrics for their impact on popular culture.
GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP)  A detention officer at a North Carolina jail was hospitalized after he was attacked by an inmate, a sheriff's office said.

The Guilford County Sheriffs Office said in a news release that the attack on the officer at the county jail occurred around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday and was unprovoked, news outlets reported. According to the sheriffs office, the officer is being treated at the hospital and his condition is stable.
STAMFORD  On Thursday, Stamfords 7-day rolling average was 18 new COVID-19 cases per day. A week earlier, it was in the single digits. And for a blissful week in late June, its rolling average was only 1 new COVID case per day, according to analysis by Hearst Connecticut Media

That is to say, the citys coronavirus numbers are marginally on the rise.

The trend is hardly a local issue. In a matter of weeks, the delta variant  a more infections strain of COVID that experts believe is the dominant viral strain nationally and in Connecticut  has dramatically altered the pandemics course in the United States. Just like their federal counterparts, Stamford officials are readjusting to the uptick in cases and hedging their bets on what comes next.

Im looking at the alarm, Mayor David Martin said this week when asked about the pandemics future in Stamford. It hasnt been triggered yet, but Im looking at it to make certain that the ringer is really working.

Most Connecticut counties, including Fairfield, are now considered to have substantial COVID transmission, meaning there have been more than 50 cases per 100,000 people over a seven-day period. People there should resume wearing masks in indoor public places under the new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The state Department of Public Health said Friday afternoon anyone over the age of 2 who lives, works or travels through the affected counties should wear a mask in indoor public settings.

Gov. Ned Lamont has so far resisted issuing a renewed mask mandate for the state. Only unvaccinated people are required to wear a mask indoors in the state. Universal masking is also required in some public settings, such as state courthouses, public transit and transportation hubs.

If (the governor) believes, with his health department, he needs to go to more aggressive restrictions, Ive got his back, Martin said. I dont want to see people die because were afraid to do what we have to do to keep people safe.

But when asked whether he had the authority to institute a city mask requirement unilaterally, the mayor was apprehensive about ruling one way or another.

I dont know anymore, he admitted.

Lamonts emergency powers declaration empowered local officials like Martin to create masking rules in their municipalities. But that was early in the pandemic, and the parameters of what the mayor can and cannot do have become unclear.

Masking rules arent the only thing that has changed since the pandemic was at a similar level locally  the very infrastructure for keeping COVID at bay has both contracted and shifted in the last two months.

COVID testing was more centralized than it is now.

The state, for over a year, set up a really remarkable testing infrastructure that allowed people to very easily, very conveniently get tested whenever they felt the need to, whether it was because they had symptoms or they were exposed or they needed to for work or for travel, Community Health Centers Vice President Amy Taylor said. CHC operated testing sites at both Cove Island Park and Scalzi Park until July 1, when the focus shifted.

While still widely available and often free, mainly through pharmacies like CVS or at urgent care facilities, it is no longer the primary defense healthcare providers have against COVID.

I think the focus had to shift to, How does the state appropriately allocate its dollars to really end the pandemic? Taylor said.

The state received $1.4 billion in coronavirus relief funds in April 2020, and $230 million went towards testing efforts throughout the state. Both she and Martin said that money was instrumental to keeping local COVID responses nimble, but by early summer, they were no longer imperative in the same way.

Vaccination is going to be the key to stopping this, Taylor said. Other health experts line up behind that same sentiment. Even with breakthrough COVID cases, or infections in fully vaccinated people, increasing, the threat still lies with the unvaccinated.

Its primarily individuals that are unvaccinated that are ending up in the hospital, said Dr. Asha Shah, a Stamford Health infectious disease specialist. The breakthrough cases that end up in the hospital continue to be quite rare. And weve seen them here and there since January, but not enough of a trend that its alarming.

About 63 percent of all Connecticut residents are considered fully vaccinated as of Thursday, according to the CDC. Of those, only about 1,000 have had breakthrough infections, according to data released by the state Thursday.

Like CHC, Stamford Health rejiggered its resources in the face a declining local caseload this summer. The hospital shuttered its South End vaccine supersite. Now, it is inoculating people at the Stamford Health Medical Group Walk-In Center, located at 292 Long Ridge Road, by appointment only.

As for altering the current pandemic strategy or re-implementing mask mandates, Shah  like Martin  said the hospital and community would have to be reactive as the situation evolves.

What weve learned from the pandemic, over the past year and a half, is that these things change very quickly, she said. Weve become very accustomed to being nimble here.

veronica.delvalle@hearstmediact.com
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Stamford, Conn. hosted a block party on Saturday, July 31, 2021. The event featured live music, games and food trucks. Were you SEEN?


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Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS) theme parks are open to the public again, everyone you know is queuing up Black Widow on Disney+, and Disney Cruise Line will finally resume sailing again from Florida in early August. Those are good signs for the Mickey Mouse company and for its shareholders.

Even so, Disney stock hasn't taken off this summer. It pulled back after gains earlier in the year, and the stock price has been hovering in the $170 to $180 range since early June. The optimistic investor with cash on hand might see this as a buying opportunity -- to get in on Disney stock now before the company fully regains its stride in a post-pandemic world.

But even investors who are strapped for cash have the opportunity to add Disney to their portfolios. The solution is fractional investing, which is just what it sounds like: Buying fractions of stock instead of whole units.

Disney for one-tenth the price
In Her Fathers Past, St. Louis writer Glenn Sartori brings back private eye Jennifer Sturgis  who turns out to be the Her of the title.

Sturgis is a 50-something woman who works in a two-detective firm. And yes, the other private eye is also a woman, one Keri ODowd. Their office sits in Liberty, Missouri, a suburb of Kansas City.

The book opens with the murder of a rake who had a thing for teenage girls. ODowd had been hired by the rakes wife to get the goods on the philanderer. Partner Sturgis gets a letter addressed to her father  but her father has been dead and gone for 35 years.

Or has he?

Sturgis starts digging and comes to suspect that her father is not only alive but is living with a dark and bloody secret. Keeping the spoiler alert silent means putting a stop to this plot summary.

That said, some readers may  like this one  find Her Fathers Past complicated and tough to keep up with. A reader who sets the book aside for a day may have to backtrack to keep things straight.
Early into Falling, and not long into a flight from Los Angeles to New York, the pilot-protagonist Bill Hoffman takes a calculated risk and confides in a hushed tone to his friend. Jo, he whispers. We have a situation. Which is something of an understatement.

For Bills tricky situation is the novels terrifying premise. His wife and children have been kidnapped by terrorists. If he wants to save their lives he must crash his plane, killing all 149 people onboard.

Phoenix-based T.J. Newman had her eureka moment for her first novel while working as a flight attendant. Unable to shake the idea, she went on to write a lot of the book on cross-country red-eye flights when passengers were sleeping. She sent it out to 41 literary agents, all of whom turned it down. The 42nd agent took her on, submitted it to an editor and secured a lucrative deal. A much-rejected manuscript has become one of the most talked-about debuts of the year.
Bill McClellan Bill McClellan is a columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Bill McClellan 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

Oh, it was good to be part of the happy crowd Monday night at the Muny escaping, if only for a couple of hours, the realities of our desperate times. I envy the people of 100 years ago who lived without television or social media. They didnt know how bad things were.

Henry Kiel was the mayor 100 years ago. He helped create the Municipal Theater in Forest Park. He believed that plays could entertain and educate the citizenry.

Mike Isaacson, artistic director and executive producer of the Muny, mentioned Kiel in his welcoming remarks. That made me wonder: Is Tishaura Jones here?

Muny heats up with memorable production of 'Smokey Joe's Cafe' Set against the backdrop of St. Louis' historic Gaslight Square, Muny season opener conjures a mood of nostalgic enchantment.

She was. Isaacson introduced her. She rose briefly from her front-row seat, which is where mayors ought to sit, and gave a wave to the crowd. We cheered heartily. I listened for even a smattering of negativity but heard none. I was not surprised. The Muny is one of the few things St. Louis does better than anybody else  frozen custard is another  and when we are at the Muny, it is hard not to feel good about us. We are special.

The positive vibes were accentuated Monday because the Muny had been shut down since August of 2019. The entire 2020 season was canceled. We were celebrating a return.
Dr. Russell Deidiker, the pathologist who performed the autopsy on Martin, testified that the 19-year-old had died of a gunshot wound to his left temple. He said that a soot ring indicated the gun was fired at near contact to Martins head.

A second autopsy, which was commissioned by Martins family, indicated the gun had been fired from a different range. Deidiker said the second autopsy had been performed after Martins body had already been cleaned and prepared. Because of this, the pathologist said it didnt change his opinion.

Toxicology results also showed drugs in Martins system, Deidiker testified.

The jury heard from other witnesses along with written statements from people who attended the birthday party. Some described Martins behavior as paranoid.

Others claimed various people at the party may have been involved in Martins death.

The party was held for the daughter of the homeowner, James Wade, who on Facebook has mocked foreign accents and defended the Confederate flag. Earlier this year, he posted a meme showing a hand flipping the middle finger. It reads: Heres my apology for being white.
No one should be treated like Dr. Khan was treated on Tuesday night, Clancy said Friday.

The health department said it was not involved in organizing the news conference, and when staff learned about it, they requested that it be held on a parcel of public property near the clinic, rather than on the grounds.

Khan said Friday that, regardless of the debate around mandates, the health departments message to the public remains the same: Please get a vaccine, and please continue to wear masks in all indoor public settings.

Missouri ranks 38th in the nation for percentage of population fully vaccinated. Statewide, 48% of people have received at least one dose of vaccine, and 41% are fully vaccinated.

Nationwide, 57% of people have received at least one dose and 49% are fully vaccinated, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance Tuesday to recommend that even vaccinated people return to wearing masks indoors in parts of the country with high or substantial transmission of COVID-19, defined by a case rate of at least 50 new cases per 100,000 residents over the past week.
But as older judges retired, the mood shifted and more work started flowing to the public defenders office. There was also an increasing caseload due to the war on drugs and the expansion of federal criminal prosecutions, he said.

By 1994, independent offices were established for eastern Missouri and southern and central Illinois.

Lawless was appointed head of the St. Louis office in 2006, after London retired.

As a federal public defender, Lawless has witnessed an expansion of his office but said hes also seen an evolution in the professionalism of the lawyers on the Criminal Justice Act panel who help out Lawless office. Lawless said that with the help of a succession of chief judges, Theres been a real interest in training and helping the practice of the panel.

Nanci McCarthy, a supervisor in Lawless office, will take over as acting head and will fully take over when all the paperwork is finished, Lawless said.
Despite the rise in county homicides, there are still significantly more killings in the city.

In St. Louis this year, police have recorded 107 criminal homicides as of Thursday  excluding 13 killings ruled justified. The city last year had 156 criminal homicides by the end of July.

St. Louis interim Public Safety Director Dan Isom said some of that dip may be connected to several new strategies launched by police in recent months.

Police in May began adding more special patrols on weekends and night shifts when crime is highest, Isom said. The department has also put a new focus on gathering and reacting to intelligence and deploying officers to prevent retaliatory violence.

Isom, who was St. Louis police chief from 2008 to 2012, said stopping a retaliation is one key in reducing homicides.

One homicide can turn into two, three or four if you dont step in and try to manage those conflicts, Isom said. And those retaliations can carry over for weeks or years.

This years total of 107 murders puts the tally slightly below the average of 112 that St. Louis saw by the end of July for the previous five years, from 2015 to 2019.
The Jones administration has proposed a plan to do that by shifting those dollars to the Affordable Housing Commission, ostensibly to fund broader community development across north St. Louis. But Reed said Friday that he has no plans to take it up when he sees the current bill as just fine.

Reeds news conference on Friday was the latest turn in what is emerging as a protracted fight with no clear resolution in sight.

On Monday, Jones broached the possibility of spending federal money via a public health order when she said she was evaluating the prospect with the city comptrollers office.

But when she took executive action Thursday to boost vaccinations and help people weather the end of an eviction ban, she offered $2.7 million in local money.

Reeds demands for Jones to change her mind before he unveiled the new legal opinion also went nowhere.
How affordable is housing in Missouris major rental markets?Like most of the Midwest, rent is less expensive in Missouri than on the coasts. However, average income also is far less. Swearingen said his tenant clients are often people living on Social Security with income of $600 to $1,000 per month: They have a hard time finding an apartment that is livable, he said.

According to research from Realtor.com, the median monthly rental cost in St. Louis in June was $1,156, which was 7.8% higher than a year ago. The average rent in Kansas City was $1,150, which was 8.9% higher than the previous year. Both costs were well below the national median monthly rent for the 50 largest metropolitan areas of $1,575, which rose 8.1% over the past year.

Will evictions create a surge in homelessness?Its possible. Lee Camp, an attorney with the legal advocacy group ArchCity Defenders, said he expects a big rise in evictions once the CDC moratorium ends. He noted that Missouri law allows for a swift removal process  tenants are often evicted within about six weeks of the eviction lawsuit being filed.

One indication of the scope of the concern is recent census data showing that nearly 60,000 Missouri residents were worried they could be evicted within two months.

Kennard Williams, a housing activist with Action St. Louis, said that with housing insecurity already alarmingly high, the eviction wave is going to overwhelm the resources and infrastructure that we have.
And then theres the recent coronavirus death of a beloved cook at a popular restaurant in the area  but that doesnt really count because, as patrons of the place told Politico, he probably had other health issues. I know what they mean because I, too, have found that Im very good at diagnosing peoples fatal illnesses without having a medical degree and without examining them or knowing anything about their condition. Call it a gift.

Unfortunately, the Politico piece also talked to some people in the region who still dont seem to understand that the pandemic is all a hoax designed to ruin everyones fun. Like the woman named Brittany, who was heckled by fellow shoppers at a local Walmart for wearing a mask. Brittany is battling cancer, but of course thats no excuse for covering part of her face with a piece of cloth, thus depriving perfect strangers of their God-given right to see her nose and mouth.

Take off your mask! two women in the Walmart demanded.

Now thats the Show-Me state.
More startling, though, is how receptive some top Trump allies have been to a candidate who, in a normal political universe, would be a permanent pariah. Greitens national campaign chair is Kimberly Guilfoyle, Donald Trump Jr.s girlfriend and a top campaign aide to the former president. Rudy Giuliani, the former Trump attorney and bottomless well of sycophantic election lies, has endorsed the former governor. Several other high-profile Trump allies have signed on.

Their support of Greitens demonstrates once again that, in TrumpWorld, no qualification matters but personal fealty to Trump and his lies. Among Greitens ring-kissing antics has been to publicly claim that the Arizona recount could lead to the removal of President Joe Biden  an undebatable falsehood that even most prominent Trump supporters regard as far-fetched.

Still, Trump himself has remained coy about the Missouri primary, no doubt waiting to see which way the political winds blow in what is, so far, a four-way race. Right now, theyre blowing against Greitens. He raised less than $360,000 in the most recent quarter, well behind Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt ($1.3 million), Rep. Vicky Hartlzer ($831,000) and personal injury lawyer-turned-gun-toting vigilante Mark McCloskey ($561,000).
They had no idea what was going on, said Joe Kath, the endangered species project manager for the Illinois natural resources department.

With some trans-Atlantic collaboration, scientists figured out the bats were suffering from a fungal disease they came to call white nose syndrome, for the distinctive bright white fungal spores that formed on the muzzles of infected bats. European scientists often saw bats with a similar white fungus, it turned out, but they were more resistant to the disease.

Scientists think European bat populations may not be as susceptible to white nose syndrome because they co-evolved with the fungus. But on this continent, bats were dying.

White nose syndrome attacks the skin, ear and wing membranes of hibernating bats. In a full-blown infection, distinctive bright white fungal spores form on their muzzles. The infection also compromises bats immune systems and metabolism. Infected bats can become active in winter  when theyre supposed to be hibernating  desperately searching for insects to eat. Essentially, theyll starve to death, Kath said.

The fungus that causes white nose syndrome thrives in caves, where the air is often humid and temperatures are cool. It spreads easily from bat to bat but cannot be transmitted to other wildlife or humans.
Argentina thought it had solved its problems with Chinese poachers five years ago when an Argentinian coast guard ship sank a Chinese trawler that was illegally fishing in coastal waters. As the trawler sank the Argentines rescued five of the crew, including the captain and arrested them. China complained but did nothing else. In fact, within weeks China publicly reaffirmed its growing economic and diplomatic ties with Argentina. Meanwhile, the owners of the lost fishing trawler were quietly compensated by China.

The Chinese did not abandon the lucrative Argentinian fishing ground after 2016 but instead planned a much larger and stealthier poaching effort. An international anti-poaching organization detected the Chinese stealth poaching by various means, the most important one involved collecting data on the location of Chinese fishing ships that turn off their mandatory AIS transponders. AIS reveals ship location to other ships, shipping companies and anyone else willing to collect this data from websites that provide it to all. A suspicious pattern was discovered involving over 800 Chinese ocean-going fishing trawlers that were scouring the waters within 36 kilometers of protected (by international law) Argentinian fishing grounds that contained one of the largest concentrations of shortfin squid in the world. Squid is particularly popular in China and the Chinese trawlers were apparently seeking as much, which was not much, of the squid as they could. This was a minor bonanza for Chinese trawlers but for Argentinian fishing boats these rare squid are was worth over half a billion dollars a year. Offshore fishing is big business in Argentina and represents 3.5 percent of GDP.

The Chinese were apparently poaching large quantities of Argentinian seafood by operating close to Argentinian waters and noting the location of Argentine fishing boats and coast guard vessels and, when the opportunity presented itself, turning off their transponders and moving into Argentine waters at night to grab all they could before getting back to international waters before dawn or any suspicious Argentine coast guard ship got too close. The transponder use analysis showed that since 2017 there were over 6,000 instances when Chinese trawlers near Argentina went dark for a total of 600,000 hours. During this period Chinese trawlers spent 900,000 hours fishing close enough to Argentine waters to regularly turn off their transponders and move into more lucrative Argentine waters, grab what they could and get out undetected. China denies doing any such thing and knows that if just turning off the transponder doesnt work anymore, they have inexpensive (and illegal) GPS spoofing devices that can cause the AIS transponder to report a trawler is still in international waters while it is actually in Argentine waters poaching. China has its own reasons for condoning the large scale poaching form of piracy their trawlers are also part of the naval militia, which is often called out to passively defend illegal Chinese claims to the South China Sea.

China will have nearly 3,000 ocean-going fishing trawlers operational by the end of 2021. China does not officially reveal much about its growing fishing fleet but more and more foreign countries, as far away as South America, report hundreds of Chinese trawlers showing up just outside, or are caught inside, the local EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone). Waters 360 kilometers from a coast are considered the EEZ of the nation controlling the nearest land. The EEZ owner can control who fishes there or extracts natural resources (mostly oil and gas) from the ocean floor. Chinese violations of foreign EEZ to obtain oil and gas get a lot of media attention but these activities are currently restricted to the South China Sea. The Chinese fishery poaching, often inside foreign EEZs, gets less notice but is a growing threat to fishing stocks worldwide. China needs these illegal catches to justify the subsidies it has provided to get more Chinese companies to get into the trawler business and stick with it.

China does not officially approve of this poaching but does little to halt it. China provides enormous, often unreported, subsidies to its fishing fleet because newly affluent Chinese want more seafood and the government seems reluctant to restrict the amount its fishing fleet is bringing in. China officially condemns poaching and supports international agreements that limit what can be taken of species that are in danger of population collapse if overfished; become too small to rebuild while moving towards extinction. Yet the Chinese poaching grows, in part because the Chinese never imposed any system of regulation on the thousands of ocean-going trawlers its subsidies have created.

The trawlers involved in these incidents are formally called "freezer trawlers." These ships are up to 100 meters (320 feet) long and have facilities onboard to store hundreds of tons of frozen fish. These ships normally stay at sea months at a time and have crews of 14-30. The number of Chinese trawlers has expanded enormously since 1985 when there were only 13. Now there are over 2,500 of them operating worldwide. China helped with this expansion by subsidizing ocean-going fishing boats. Those subsidies have since been withdrawn but meanwhile, the number of larger (more than 100 meter) freezer trawlers has grown and these are meant for use in distant waters.

These trawlers have to bring back lots of fish to stay in business and trawler captains know that their own government is the least of their worries when it comes to poaching. Poaching tactics vary. Well-guarded EEZs will often report hundreds of Chinese trawlers suddenly showing up just outside the EEZ and venturing into the EEZ in large numbers when the opportunity presents itself. Many vulnerable and valuable fisheries are not inside any EEZ, like krill in Antarctic waters. The tiny krill are at the bottom of the food chain but provide sustenance for many larger species, including whales. China admits it is taking more and more krill but says that it will not take quantities that will cause krill populations in any area to collapse. Despite the assurances Chinese trawlers in Antarctic waters appear to take more and more krill without any restrictions from their own government or the need for preventing population collapse.

Some facts about Chinese management of its commercial shipping, particularly freighters and ocean-going fishing ships have been revealed since 2015. Many of these ships are considered part of a military maritime reserve force and are expected to follow orders from Chinese navy or coast guard ships whenever called upon. Compliance is enforced by threats to withhold subsidies or prosecution of offenders. These commercial fishing ships are expected to collect intelligence and even risk damage and injuries by blocking the movement of foreign ships, including warships. In return, the Chinese navy and coast guard will come to the assistance of Chinese commercial ships in trouble with foreign navies or coast guards. But this arrangement does not always work out as it should when stealing fish is involved. And its not just aggressive nations like Indonesia.

This sort of illegal fishing is a worldwide problem. In waters closer to China, Chinese warships will often try to rescue Chinese trawlers seized for illegal fishing. This doesnt always work but it sets a scary precedent. This has happened several times in Indonesian waters, even in areas where China does not dispute ownership. China justifies its armed intervention because the Chinese trawlers were in traditional Chinese fishing grounds.

Some wealthier nations are trying to help. Japan is providing assistance to upgrade the Indonesian coast guard. This will help Indonesia to deal with aggressive Chinese illegal fishing off the Indonesian coast. The first item of Japanese aid was a used fisheries patrol ship, the Hakurei Maru. This 731-ton coast guard vessel was built in 1993 and for over two decades patrolled distant Japanese fishing grounds. Hakurei Maru has berths for up to 29 crew and passengers. It is a slow vessel and only armed with some heavy machine-guns. It can send boarding parties to suspect foreign ships but usually has to call in more heavily armed ships or aircraft to deal with troublesome, usually Chinese, intruders.

Japan has, since the 1990s, built a new class of larger (1,100 ton) vessels for fishery patrol. These new vessels carry a helicopter and more powerful sensors (radars and the like) as well as heavier armament. That means a 30mm autocannon in addition to the 12.7mm machine-guns found on older patrol vessels.

Japan installed several million dollars of upgrades to the Hakurei Maru before delivering it to Indonesia in 2020. These upgrades are also provided for other Indonesian fishing patrol ships in a $20 million dollar effort to improve the ability of Indonesian patrol vessels to spot and track trespassing Chinese fishing boats in any kind of weather conditions. With this improved detection ability, Indonesia will be able to send in small warships assigned to deal with Chinese poachers. The Indonesian warships are essential when the poachers are escorted by armed Chinese coast guard ships. This last occurred at the end of 2019 when dozens of Chinese fishing ships, escorted by Chinese coast guard vessels entered Indonesian waters to fish illegally. It was this brazen invasion that caused Indonesia to ask Japan for some help and the Japanese agreed.

Since about 2014 China and Indonesia have been unofficially, but very visibly, at war with each other over illegal fishing. Many of the victims did the math and noted that the most frequent offenders are Chinese. These are either Chinese owned fishing ships or ships from other countries that register themselves as Chinese to gain a measure of immunity from being stopped or punished by the nations being plundered. While most nations just complained, others are fighting back.

In the case of Indonesia, the fighting back consists of shooting at poachers and, since 2014, destroying (via explosives or burning) about 200 poacher ships. Indonesia calculates that this poaching costs Indonesia over $2 billion a year and that Chinas worldwide poaching operation brings in over $20 billion a year. Since China does not officially admit it is organizing and controlling this, and the Indonesians are using large warships with orders to fire on any poacher caught and refusing to surrender, the Chinese are taking most of the losses off Indonesia. For a while, China sent warships to accompany flotillas (often ten or more ocean-going fishing ships) and protect the poachers if caught and keep the police or coast guard boats busy while the poachers escaped. But Indonesia responded by sending out warships (corvettes and frigates) with orders to fire on any foreign warships caught with the poachers. China stopped sending warships but the poachers kept on coming and Indonesia kept capturing and prosecuting the crews. The poacher ships are often destroyed as media events, with local news being allowed to capture and broadcast videos of the fires and explosions.

The experience off Indonesia led other informal trawler fleets, especially those operating off South America or East Africa to develop new tactics that rely more on stealth than force. China has been actively poaching in all these foreign EEZs, especially off South America where several nations have stocks of rare and exotic species that Chinese diners will pay a premium for. China openly supports its trawlers with information of who (schools of fish or local patrol boats) is operating in these distant EEZ fisheries. China has lots of satellites and ELINT (electronic intelligence) ships operating off distant shores, always unannounced. If these Chinese methods risk causing a collapse of fishing stocks the Chinese government will plead ignorance. That may be technically true but it is willful ignorance backed by hefty financial incentives for Chinese trawlers to take all they can, but any means necessary.
BANGOR, MAINE, July 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Husson University announced today that Brien Walton, JD, EdD, director of the Richard E. Dyke Center for Family Business and assistant professor of entrepreneurship at Husson Universitys College of Business, was named the first African-American chair of the Maine Venture Fund Board of Directors. Governor Janet Mills of Maine appointed all of the board members.

I am delighted Dr. Walton has agreed to chair the Maine Venture Fund, said Governor Janet Mills. I appointed Brien to the Board because of his vast experience managing a technology-focused venture capital fund and his reputation for creating innovative business strategies for high potential companies. The depth of his knowledge and experience makes him an excellent choice to chair the Board and spearhead our efforts to help businesses grow and stay in Maine.

I want to thank Governor Mills for appointing me to the Maine Venture Fund board and for the opportunity to serve the state," said Dr. Walton. "I also want to thank my fellow directors for selecting me to chair the board. As the first African-American to serve as the chair of the Maine Venture Fund, I want to encourage entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds to start and grow businesses in Maine or to pursue careers as investment professionals in ways that stimulate regional and national economic growth.

Funded by the state as a revolving "evergreen" fund, the Maine Venture Fund (MVF) has invested over $25.2 million in small businesses since the funds inception in 1997 and has attracted over $200 million in outside investment to Maine, creating high-quality jobs across the state. The MVF has made 155 investments in over 80 companies, which has created over 900 jobs1 for Maine residents. MVF plans to further expand access to capital, especially for underrepresented founders.

For more than twenty years, the Maine Venture Fund has helped many small businesses and entrepreneurs across our state turn dreams into reality, said U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) in a joint statement. The MVFs two decades of service have spurred economic innovation, supported good jobs, and made important contributions to local communities  but there are always new chapters to be written in its story. We congratulate Dr. Brien Walton for his appointment to this important role to bolster Maines economy, and we look forward to continuing our work in the Senate to promote economic development and job creation as well.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, Maine has 147,240 small businesses.2 Thats the equivalent of one small business for every nine people in our state.3 Here in Maine, 99.2% of all companies are small businesses.4

As part of his work with the Maine Venture Fund, Walton will provide testimony to the state legislature about banking and financial ventures. He and the other 10 members of the Maine Venture Fund Board of Directors appointed by the Governor will be responsible for determining how the fund invests in businesses that have the potential for significant growth here in Maine.

Robert A. Clark, PhD, president of Husson University and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), one of the highest designations of distinction in the investment management profession, agrees in the importance of growth. Having a strong economy provides students with internship and job opportunities after they graduate, said Clark. Professional experience is an essential part of career success.

With the largest College of Business in the state, located in a brand new $17 million facility that will open in late August, Husson University is uniquely qualified to develop the business professionals of tomorrow, said Marie Hansen, JD, PhD, SHRM-SCP, dean of Husson Universitys College of Business and New England School of Communications (NESCom). Our graduates go on to jobs with Wall Street firms and get practical experience making investment decisions while they are in college. They benefit from Dr. Waltons expertise particularly in the classes he teaches in entrepreneurship and business at Husson University. We value the real-world experience our faculty can bring to students so that they too can aspire to future leadership positions.

Adding to Dean Hansens remarks, President Clark said, Thanks to generous donations from James and Carol Carlisle, and Joseph and Suzanne Cyr, students have the opportunity to manage an investment fund of over $1,000,000, with guidance from faculty, as part of their Husson education. I wouldnt be surprised at all if the next generation of Maine Venture Fund leaders were Husson University graduates.

More about Dr. Brien Walton:

This is not the first time Dr. Walton has been called upon to contribute his expertise to a government initiative. In 2020, the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reached out to Dr. Walton about a speaking opportunity. The two government organizations invited Walton to speak during the capstone portion of their Opportunity Zone webinar series called, Bolstering Growth in Opportunity Zones: Leveraging Public and Private Resources.

We're fortunate to have a leader of Dr. Waltons caliber chairing our board of directors, said Joe Powers, the Maine Venture Fund's managing director. We have developed an excellent rapport since he joined the board, and his extensive investment and business development experience make him the ideal person to help maximize the funds assets for the benefit of all Maine citizens, especially in this era of increased collaboration between state and federal government.

Waltons academic credentials are extensive. He earned his Doctorate of Education in organizational learning leadership with a concentration in leadership development from the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School of Business. In addition, Walton has a Juris Doctorate in Law from the University of the District of Columbia, a Master of Science in education with a concentration in workforce development from the University of Pennsylvania; a Master of Arts in educational technologies from Harvard University; and a Master of Laws in taxation from Georgetown University.

Dr. Walton also has extensive work experience. He is an award-winning strategic advisor on economic development and structured finance. Walton is also CEO of Acadia Capital Management, LLC, a strategic advisory firm that works directly with municipal leaders of economically distressed communities to create innovative funding pathways that eliminate poverty and facilitate sustainable growth.

Walton joined the Husson team as the director of the Richard E. Dyke Center for Family Business and as an assistant professor of entrepreneurship. The Center for Family Business (CFB) at Husson University in Bangor, Maine is dedicated to supporting and strengthening the 30,000+ family-owned businesses in Maine. It serves family business owners, managers and employees through a variety of seminars and workshops.

For more than 120 years, Husson University has shown its adaptability and strength in delivering educational programs that prepare future leaders to handle the challenges of tomorrow through innovative undergraduate and graduate degrees. With a commitment to delivering affordable classroom, online and experiential learning opportunities, Husson University has come to represent a superior value in higher education. The hallmarks of a Husson education include advanced knowledge delivered through quality educational programs. According to a recent analysis of tuition and fees by U.S. News & World Report, Husson University is one of the most affordable private colleges in New England. For more information about educational opportunities that can lead to personal and professional success, visit Husson.edu.

# # #

1 Maine Venture Fund, Our Impact https://www.maineventurefund.com/, Accessed 7/13/2021

2 Mainebiz, From the Editor: Small businesses are Maines economic backbone, Peter Van Allen, September 7, 2020, https://www.mainebiz.biz/article/from-the-editor-small-businesses-are-maines-economic-backbone, Accessed 7/13/2021.

3 Ibid

4 Ibid

Attachments

Eric B. Gordon Husson University 207.649.4647 gordoner@husson.edu

Source: Husson University
SCOTTSDALE, AZ, July 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Electromedical Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: EMED) (the "Company"), a pioneer in the development and production of bioelectronic devices designed to relieve chronic, intractable and acute pains by using frequencies and electro-modulation, is expanding its Stage I research programs in collaboration with Nazarbayev University to development an Alzheimer's disease therapy by identifying electrical frequencies with a neuroprotection potency. It is hoped that this novel research program could lead to further non-invasive bioelectronic therapy development as an alternative to current pharmaceutical therapy which has largely proven ineffective in treating this incurable, debilitating disease. Published reports suggest 44 million people worldwide suffer from Alzheimer's Disease or a related form of dementia. Thus, the global Alzheimer's Disease treatment market is expected to reach $13.3 billion in 2023, according to GlobalData.

Alzheimer's Disease is a most common form of the age-related neurodegenerative disorder causing loss of memory, dramatic changes in character and behavior progressing to inability to carry out normal daily life activities. The disease pathology is linked to accumulation of a toxic beta-amyloid peptide (A42) in brain tissues leading to a major cellular stress in brain cells associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, neuro-inflammation, and ultimately to a gradual death of neuronal cells.

Matthew Wolfson, Founder and CEO of Electromedical Technologies, comments, "So far, Alzheimer's disease remains incurable because all pharmaceutical drug development attempts to create the effective medicines have not been successful. We must explore alternative therapies for our loved ones and future generations. The various non-invasive biophysical methods such as ultrasound, laser and electromagnetic fields are actively pursued and shown promises in the recent decade. It is our core interest to develop non-invasive neuromodulation effects by identifying the effective electrical frequencies to relieve Alzheimer's Disease related stress on neurons, to promote neuroprotection and, therefore, to extend a neuronal survival with prolongation of brain functionality. We are actively expanding our programs in this area and it is a major focus of our research team led by Professor Dos D. Sarbassov, Professor of the Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities at Nazarbayev University."

Dr. Sarbassov is a prominent expert in cell signaling, who received an intensive postdoctoral research training at MIT's Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and worked for many years as a Faculty Member of the Molecular and Cellular Oncology Department at MD Anderson Cancer Center. He joined Nazarbayev University in 2019 to contribute to a scientific development of the country of his origin. In 2020, Dr. Sarbassov became a Director of the National Laboratory Astana (NLA), a leading research organization at Nazarbayev University.

Dr. Dos Sarbassov commented, "It is a great collaborative effort of academic institutions combined with the industrial sector that is instrumental for advancing development of a potent neuroprotective therapy to alleviate the AD related brain pathology. It is a challenging task and our research team is strengthened by the recent addition of an experienced neuroscientist, Dr. Sholpan Askarova to lead our neuromodulation research program. It is an exciting time for us to set up the groundbreaking research with a purpose to incite neuronal cells by an extracellular electrical wave."

Dr. Sholpan Askarova is head of the Laboratory of Bioengineering and Regenerative Medicine at NLA. Following her research training in Cell and Tissue Biology at al-Farabi Kazakh National University (Almaty, Kazakhstan), she received a PhD degree in Bioengineering in 2011 from the University of Missouri. Dr. Askarova's primary research interests are the molecular and cellular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and aging by studying cell signaling pathways and damaging effect of amyloid-beta-peptide implicated in Alzheimer's disease. In addition, she has studied the effects of a low energy electromagnetic fields on brain cells, which dovetails with the AD research program. Dr. Askarova has notably published a number of papers in this field.

"Oxidative stress induced by accumulation of amyloid-beta peptide is one of the main mechanisms leading to neuronal dysfunction in AD. Monitoring oxidative stress in neuronal and astrocytic cells is our working platform in identifying the potent electrical frequencies neutralizing the damaging impact provoked by a stressful environment. This exciting research project will be carried out by Dr. Andrey Tsoy, a most experienced and leading scientist in my laboratory," noted Dr. Sholpan Askarova.

Matthew Wolfson commented further, "Bioelectronics or "electroceuticals" is an exciting emerging category of medicine. Our flagship device, the Wellness Pro Plus, has been helping thousands of people suffering from chronic pain, live pain free and have a better quality of life. Through our research we are excited for the possibilities to one day understand the mechanisms of electrical signaling on cells in an effort to provide a solid foundation in our development of effective novel therapies and treatments of inflammation, neurodegenerative disorders and opioid addiction using frequencies. With this research program and the parameters we are putting in place, the Company and the University look forward to commencing the IDE (Investigational Device Exemption) process leading to a submission with the FDA."

About Nazarbayev University:

Nazarbayev University (NU), established on the initiative of the first President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2010, is the country's flagship academic institution with aspirations to become a global-level research university. This is the first university in Kazakhstan which is guided by the principles of autonomy and academic freedom. Located in the capital of Kazakhstan, NU is a research university with growing international renown combining education, research and innovation on a state of the art 21st-century campus. NU scholars conduct research in many fields, and seek to expand human knowledge through innovation, analysis, and collaboration. Within ten years since its inception, NU has become a leading research university in Kazakhstan. NU research is supported by the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, local and international organizations, and is carried out in the Schools, Research Centers and Institutes. Please visit Nazarbayev University website https://research.nu.edu.kz/en/ to find comprehensive information on the NU research activities and profiles of faculty and researchers.

About Electromedical Technologies

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Electromedical Technologies, Inc. is a commercial stage, FDA cleared, bioelectronic medical device manufacturing company initially focused on the treatment of various chronic, acute, intractable, and post-operative pain conditions. Through University collaboration agreements, the Company is working to develop a comprehensive research program in defining the effects of electro-modulation on the human body. By studying the impacts of electrical fields in cell signaling and effects on virus assembly and immune responses, the Company's goal is to reduce pain and improve overall human wellbeing. The Company's current FDA cleared product indications are for chronic acute post traumatic and post-operative, intractable pain relief. For more information, please visit www.electromedtech.com. Nonhuman preliminary studies that we are planning to start in the near future and their applications are not related to our current product in any way and currently not cleared in the US.

Safe Harbor Statement

This release contains forward-looking statements that are based upon current expectations or beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions about future events. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and the assumptions upon which they are based are reasonable, we can give no assurance or guarantee that such expectations and assumptions will prove to have been correct. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by the use of words like "may," "will," "should," "could," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "intend," or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as these statements are subject to numerous factors and uncertainties, including but not limited to: adverse economic conditions, competition, adverse federal, state and local government regulation, international governmental regulation, inadequate capital, inability to carry out research, development and commercialization plans, loss or retirement of key executives and other specific risks. To the extent that statements in this press release are not strictly historical, including statements as to revenue projections, business strategy, outlook, objectives, future milestones, plans, intentions, goals, future financial conditions, events conditioned on stockholder or other approval, or otherwise as to future events, such statements are forward-looking, and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made.

Corporate Contact:

Electromedical Technologies, Inc. Hanover International Tel: 1.888.880.7888 email: ir@electromedtech.com

https://electromedtech.com

Source: Electromedical Technologies, Inc.
BARCELONA, Spain, July 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nina Capital, a specialized venture capital (VC) firm focused on health technology, announced today its last five investments of its first fund and the launch of its second fund, Nina Capital Fund II FCRE, with an investment goal of EUR 40 million, or approximately USD 47.4 million.

Nina Capital was founded in 2019 with its inaugural fund, Nina Capital Fund I FCRE, which reached its maximum size of EUR 18 million (USD 21.3 million). In less than two years, Nina Capital has created an international portfolio of 23 companies in the U.S., Canada, and 11 European countries. To date, the firm has analyzed more than 2,000 health tech companies in pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages.

"This second fund is a natural continuation of our first, building on our geographical footprint and large, strategic flow of investment opportunities at the intersection of healthcare and technology," says Marta-Gaia Zanchi, PhD, founder and managing partner at Nina Capital. "We are a purpose-built team with the necessary complementary expertise in healthcare, technology, and finance, applying the principles of need-driven investing to identify the best health tech startups in their earliest stages of developmentregardless of where they are, but with strong conviction that Europe is poised as a unique foundational ground for the next wave of breakout companies."

For example, the following are the five most recent and last pre-seed and seed companies whose funding agreements closed in the first fund:

The Lowdown (United Kingdom). A pre-seed company, The Lowdown is an online platform with multiple information layers and services to facilitate access to the right reproductive contraception method, including a telemedicine service portal and a prescription process integrated with a pharmacy.

(United Kingdom). A pre-seed company, The Lowdown is an online platform with multiple information layers and services to facilitate access to the right reproductive contraception method, including a telemedicine service portal and a prescription process integrated with a pharmacy. Promptly Health (Portugal). Promptly Health is a seed-stage company that aggregates clinical and claim data and complements it with real-world evidence and analysis of outcomes to enable the transition to value-based payment contracts, all with a patient-centric vision.

(Portugal). Promptly Health is a seed-stage company that aggregates clinical and claim data and complements it with real-world evidence and analysis of outcomes to enable the transition to value-based payment contracts, all with a patient-centric vision. Zetta Genomics (United Kingdom & Spain). Zetta Genomics has created a flexible, scalable and secure platform that enables ease of accessibility and integration of genomics data, even in clinical settings, in the face of continuous advances in genomic sequencing techniques.

(United Kingdom & Spain). Zetta Genomics has created a flexible, scalable and secure platform that enables ease of accessibility and integration of genomics data, even in clinical settings, in the face of continuous advances in genomic sequencing techniques. Lena (United States). Lena, a seed-stage company born out of the Texas Medical Center, has developed a way to digitize health assistants for senior care navigation by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) in order to make personalized care navigation scalable.

(United States). Lena, a seed-stage company born out of the Texas Medical Center, has developed a way to digitize health assistants for senior care navigation by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) in order to make personalized care navigation scalable. Undisclosed (Europe). This undisclosed company is seed-stage and accelerates the clinical diagnostic pathway for atrial fibrillation by providing convenient, automated electrocardiogram interpretation to healthcare professionals.

"The quality of startups in Europe is much higher than it once was," said Marc Subirats, partner at Nina Capital, who founded a telehealth company acquired by Teladoc in 2018. "Our ambitions are international, and our network is strong in Europe, the U.S., Canada and Israel. We expect our companies to have equally broad geographical ambitions, coupled with the deep understanding of healthcare industry needs, a strong evidence-based approach, and compelling health economics."

Consistent High-Growth FocusNina Capital Fund II FCRE will maintain the firm's focus of investing in health technology companies in the pre-seed and seed investment stages with the capacity to reach Series A. As its predecessor fund, Nina Capital Fund II FCRE will target need-driven businesses that deliver innovative and highly scalable solutions built to address the pain points of providers and other healthcare organizations. The value-based process of new venture creation known as Biodesign, born at Stanford University, remains core to the firm's investment approach.

The firm expects to hold a first closing for its newly registered fund in the fall. "We have the excellent support of our existing investor base, plus new investors who have taken notice of our ability to seek, find, and serve the right design-minded and cross-disciplinary founders," said Dr. Zanchi. Nina Capital Fund II FCRE is expanding its investor base with funds from other investment firms, international family offices, as well as individual investors with finance, management, and healthcare backgrounds, she added.

"Nina Capital continues to grow by both the size of our company portfolio and the number of investor partners due to our clearly defined positioning in a fast-growing, ever-changing market," said Dr. Zanchi. "Most importantly, we have assembled the right team and right competencies to invest with strong conviction based on deep sector expertise and startup business development strategies. Our second fund will continue to demonstrate the strength of our team as well as the bright future of the entrepreneurs we fund."

About Nina CapitalNina Capital is a European, specialized venture capital firm that invests exclusively at the intersection of healthcare and technology, with a focus on pre-seed and seed investments and the capacity for follow-on at the Series A. Founded in 2019, Nina Capital manages a fully subscribed 2019 vintage with investments in over 10 countries, and is now raising its second fund, a newly registered 2021 vintage with a EUR 40 million target, with a team of six professionals based in Barcelona, Spain, and backed by a strong international network.

MEDIA CONTACTTara StultzAmendola Communications for Nina Capital440.225.9595tstultz@acmarketingpr.com

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SOURCE Nina Capital
The United States Naval Academy welcomes the incoming Midshipmen 4th Class, or plebes, of the Class of 2023 during Induction Day 2019 on June 27, 2019. (Stacy Godfrey/U.S. Navy)

(Tribune News Service)  A February halt to Department of Defense advisory boards has prevented the Naval Academy Board of Visitors from meeting since 2020.

The board was scheduled to meet in May, ahead of the Naval Academys commissioning. That meeting was scratched due to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austins Jan. 30 order that prevented any of the DOD advisory boards from meeting until his office finished a review of them.

It is not clear what would have been discussed in the meeting, although it is likely that Superintendent Vice Adm. Sean Buck would address the February COVID-19 outbreak at the academy. It is also possible he would have given an update on the inconsistencies with a physics final in the fall. The academy does not have an update on the physics situation, said academy spokesperson Cmdr. Alana Garas.

The board is next scheduled to meet in September, and chair Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, D- Md., is confident that the review will be concluded in time for the meeting to take place, he said. The January order required the Naval Academy Board of Visitors zero-based review to be finished by April 30.

The boards statute requires it to meet once a year, Ruppersberger said. Although it typically meets three times  once in May, September and December.

So we have got to meet, he said.

The halt frustrated the members of the service academy boards, Ruppersberger said. He, along with Steve Womack, chair of the U.S. Military Academy Board of Visitors, sent Austin a letter requesting a meeting about the two boards inability to meet.

While we do not make a value judgement on your prerogative to conduct the ZBR, we would like to express to you the collective frustration of our respective board members with the ZBRs impact on our ability to provide productive oversight of our service academies, the congressmen wrote. We appreciate the periodic updates by DoD staff but are facing untenable frustration from BoV members that we can no longer ignore.

The review is meant to ensure advisory committees are aligned with the National Defense Strategy, according to the January memorandum ordering the halt. For the review, each advisory board was assigned a DOD sponsor. In the Board of Visitors case, it was the secretary of the Navy.

With regard to the zero-based review, each DoD Sponsor will conduct an in-depth business case of every sponsored advisory committee, supported by fact-based evidence for continued utilization of the advisory committee, according to the order.

The Hill reported that the review was in part triggered by the Trump administration nominating several Trump loyalists to committees after the November election. Trump appointed former press secretary Sean Spicer to the board in January 2020.

Unlike some of the other committees being reviewed, the Naval Academy Board of Visitor members are not appointed by Austin, rather members of Congress and the president. Austin cannot remove or appoint members to the board.

However, the review might result in recommendations to Congress that would see the boards for all the service academies line up more closely in terms of required meetings and how long members serve, said Elliot Phaup, who works in Ruppersbergers office. For example, the Air Force board must meet twice a year, while the boards overseeing the Naval Academy and West Point must meet once.

The boards provide oversight to the academies, said Rep. Anthony Brown, D- Md., in a statement.

We have a responsibility to ensure our Navy and Marine officers receive the very best education needed to lead the next generation and keep us safe at home and abroad, Brown said in his statement. The U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors is critical to ensuring this institution receives the resources it needs and upholds our shared values of service and inclusion. This is serious work, and I applaud Secretary Austin for his commitment to reviewing the Department of Defense Advisory Boards to make sure they are meeting their established mission after the frenetic activity of the outgoing Administration last year.

The Naval Academy referred questions to the defense secretarys office.

Most of the committee review has been done, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said in a press conference. The defense secretary is now going over the recommendations and deciding the next steps.

(c)2021 The Capital (Annapolis, Md.) Visit The Capital (Annapolis, Md.) at www.hometownannapolis.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The U.S. Embassy and the National flag are seen in Moscow, Russia, on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP)

MOSCOW  The United States said Friday that it has laid off nearly 200 local staffers working for its diplomatic missions in Russia ahead of an Aug. 1 deadline set by the Kremlin for their dismissal. The move is just the latest in a series of measures taken by both sides that have strained U.S.-Russia relations.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the layoffs are regrettable and something the U.S. had hoped to avert, despite a sharp deterioration in ties between Moscow and Washington, which show few signs of improvement.

"These unfortunate measures will severely impact the U.S. mission to Russia's operations, potentially including the safety of our personnel as well as our ability to engage in diplomacy with the Russian government," Blinken said in a statement.

"Although we regret the actions of the Russian government forcing a reduction in our services and operations, the United States will follow through on our commitments while continuing to pursue a predictable and stable relationship with Russia," he said.

The Russian Foreign Ministry was silent on the matter and the Russian Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a query.

Russia earlier this year announced a ban on almost all non-American staff at the embassy in Moscow and consulates in Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok. That came in response to U.S. expulsions of Russian diplomats and tit-for-tat closures of numerous diplomatic facilities in each country.

Those expulsions and closures came in the context of U.S. sanctions imposed over Russian interference in the 2020 U.S. presidential election, the poisoning of a former Russian spy in Britain, and the arrest of opposition figure Alexei Navalny and crackdown on his supporters, as well as involvement in the SolarWind hack of U.S. federal agencies. All are activities that Russia has denied.

After the announcement of the ban, the embassy suspended routine consular services and since May has been processing immigrant visas only in the case of life-or-death emergencies.

The suspension of consular services has also left Russian businessmen, exchange students and romantic partners adrift because they are no longer able to obtain U.S. visas in Russia.

Still, the U.S. had been cautiously optimistic that the Russian decision might be reversed at last month's meeting between Presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin in Geneva. But those hopes evaporated even after the two sides resumed strategic arms control talks this week.

Thus, Friday's announcement sealed the employment fate of 182 locally employed staffers who worked as office and clerical staff, drivers and contractors at the U.S, facilities. Only security guards who work outside the gates of the compounds were exempted from the ban.

"The United States is immensely grateful for the tireless dedication and commitment of our locally employed staff and contractors at U.S. Mission Russia," Blinken said. "We thank them for their contributions to the overall operations and their work to improve relations between our two countries. Their dedication, expertise and friendship have been a mainstay of Mission Russia for decades."

"We value our deep connection to the Russian people," Blinken added. "Our people-to-people relationships are the bedrock of our bilateral relations."
Members of the Afghan special forces check the perimeter of Kunduz prison. The security services received information signaling that the Taliban might attack the prison during the night to free the prisoners. (Lorenzo Tugnoli/For The Washington Post)

KUNDUZ, Afghanistan  Huddled in brightly lit yards late one recent night, hundreds of inmates taunted a team of about a dozen special forces who were rounding the walls along the top of Kunduz prison.

The appearance of elite soldiers was an anomaly, a sign to the prisoners that something was happening. Whats going on? they shouted. Is tonight going to be our last night in here?

Taliban fighters planned to storm the compound that evening, according to information gathered by local intelligence officers. Government forces hoped the show of force would spur prisoners  some in possession of smuggled cellphones used to communicate with the Taliban  to wave off the attack.

Without enough fighters to hold the citys front lines and reinforce the prison, the special forces move was a gamble. But it appeared to work: The night passed without incident.

As Taliban militants close in on Afghanistans provincial capitals, they are inching closer to central prisons that house around 5,000 of their fellow fighters, leaving the government scrambling to secure the detention facilities. If just a fraction of the detainees were to escape, Afghan security officials warn, it would hand the militants a significant advantage on the battlefield, where they are already making steady gains.

Taliban leaders are telling their fighters its extremely important that we release these people because they are experts, and we need them to strengthen our forces, said a local security official in Kunduz briefed on the matter. Like other officials in this story, he spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

Securing the release of Taliban fighters is a powerful rallying cry with wide appeal among the movements rank-and-file. As the group is rapidly expanding its territorial control, Afghan government officials say the militants need more foot soldiers and commanders to hold their gains.

Afghanistans Interior Ministry and Office of Prison Administration declined to release specific numbers of Taliban fighters in government custody, but the local official in Kunduz and a senior Afghan security official in Kabul said the number is around 5,000.

The effort to guard those inmates intensified after dozens of prisoners escaped Badghis central prison when the Taliban breached that provinces capital city in early July. An investigation into the attack found the prison break had been facilitated by prison employees paid off by the Taliban, according to the provincial governor, Hasamuddin Shams.

That prison was the primary objective of the Taliban attack, Shams said, explaining that the Taliban fighters in his area needed recruits and news coverage to keep their rank-and-file motivated. We were not expecting such a high level of betrayal.

The incident at Badghis prison  similar to reports of deals made between the Taliban and government forces that have allowed the group to take districts with little to no resistance  prompted a review of prison management nationwide, the security official in Kabul said. Prison administrators in nearly a dozen provinces were fired for corruption charges and mismanagement as a result of the review, he said.

This is a big problem, said the senior security official in Kabul, who added that significant work remained to root out corruption. Hundreds of millions of dollars were wasted, he said, primarily referring to foreign investment in the detention facilities.

The official said that after the Badghis escape, prison guards in vulnerable cities were sent reinforcements, including more advanced riot gear and weaponry. In Kunduz, a provincial capital in northern Afghanistan that is surrounded by Taliban-controlled districts, a cluster of abandoned civilian homes around the prison have been transformed into an outer layer of security.

Hundreds of inmates are held inside the central prison in Kunduz, Afghanistan. (Lorenzo Tugnoli/For The Washington Post)

Similar steps were taken in Kandahar, another key city that is under siege by the Taliban in the countrys south. The perimeter around Kandahars prison is one of the most heavily reinforced in the city, with multiple checkpoints established by Afghan commando, army and police special forces units.

The Taliban have tried to break this prison many times, said a police special forces officer stationed near the compound. A few weeks ago, a team of foreign Taliban fighters moved into a base near the prison in an effort to launch a complex attack involving an armored tank suicide bomb, he said.

Other prisoners considered high value  between 200 and 300 from several different provinces  were simply moved to Kabuls central prison, the security official in Kabul said. More than 100 such detainees were transferred out of Kandahar after the Taliban pushed within a few hundred meters of the citys prison in July. Dozens of others were moved from Ghazni, Badakhshan and Takhar.

The Taliban denied targeting prisons.

Sometimes if there is fighting close to the cities, the prisoners also riot and the guards flee, said Zabiullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman. That allows the prisoners to escape.

But prisoner releases continue to be a central demand of the groups political leadership in Doha, where peace talks have been stalled for months.

We want to release our prisoners, Mujahid said, but not [through force] because it would put their lives at risk.

The Afghan government released more than 5,000 Taliban members last year ahead of peace talks but now claims the intended gesture of goodwill only strengthened the militants hand when many returned to the battlefield, according to statements from Afghanistans national security council.

I know for a fact they went straight back to fighting, said the security official in Kunduz. The official listed the names of Taliban fighters he arrested who were among the thousands released, claiming he personally recaptured around 30.

Taliban political leadership has accused the Afghan government of reimprisoning many of the Taliban members released in the lead-up to talks but said claims the men had returned to the battlefield were baseless.

Suhail Shaheen, a spokesman for the groups political office in Doha, said the prisoners rearrested were living peacefully and many were arrested from their homes during night raids. He said such actions are spoiling the opportunity for peace in Afghanistan.

The Taliban will always break their commitment, the local security official in Kunduz said, calling for a recently detained alleged Taliban member to be brought into his office.

The man was gaunt and filthy. The officials secretary handed him a plate of melon that he ate hurriedly. The official asked him if he would return to fighting if he was released, and the man pledged not to. The official laughed.

I dont expect change, he said. They are like animals from the jungle.

The Washington Posts Aziz Tassal in Kunduz and Ezzatullah Mehrdad in Kabul contributed reporting.
Members of the House select committee on the Jan. 6 attack huddle in a private meeting room moments before the start of their first hearing with Capitol Hill police witnesses on Capitol Hill on July 27, 2021 in Washington. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

WASHINGTON  The leaders of the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol are promising a vigorous inquiry into a day they have called a threat to American Democracy, which could lead to an unprecedented legal and political showdown over how to force members of Congress to take the witness stand.

Several congressional Republicans have admitted to having some contact with former president Donald Trump during the insurrection or in the days leading up to it, making their testimony potentially key to the panels stated goal of being guided solely by the facts.

The Jan. 6 panels chairman, Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., said in an interview that there is no reluctance to subpoena any member of Congress whose testimony is germane to the mission of the select committee if they resist cooperating voluntarily.

Thompson said the panel will be seeking the White House telephone and visitor logs to further scrutinize which members were in touch with the White House on Jan. 6.

I would say between noon and 6 p.m., any call that went to the White House, you assume had to be something that had to do with it, he said.

But legal experts said there is little precedent for forcing lawmakers to testify as part of a congressional inquiry if they resist a subpoena, an issue members of the Jan. 6 panel said they have yet to fully investigate or plan for as they plot out the next steps for their probe.

I dont know what the precedent is, to be honest, said Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., a member of the committee who oversaw the first impeachment trial of Trump and has one of the heftiest investigative resumes in the House. Obviously we will have to look into all those questions.

Members of the executive branch have often avoided or delayed for years appearing before Congress by asserting executive privilege. Lawmakers on the Jan. 6 panel are hoping that tactic will be less useful to former Trump administration officials after the Justice Department recently said it would break from tradition and not invoke that privilege with regard to inquires regarding the attack on the Capitol.

But while the steps are clear  if arduous  for compelling administration officials to testify, thats not the case when it comes to lawmakers.

I dont recall a case where members of Congress were subpoenaed to an oversight hearing, said Stanley Brand, an expert on congressional ethics investigations and the former House counsel from 1976 to 1983.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, have been the recent subject of questions about what members could be called to appear before the select committee.

Earlier this year, Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Wash., described what McCarthy told her about a phone call he had with Trump on Jan. 6 where he asked the president to help calm his supporters who had broken into the Capitol.

When McCarthy finally reached the president on January 6 and asked him to publicly and forcefully call off the riot, the president initially repeated the falsehood that it was antifa that had breached the Capitol, Herrera Beutler said in a statement in February, referring a to a loosely knit group of far-left activists. McCarthy refuted that and told the president that these were Trump supporters. Thats when, according to McCarthy, the president said: Well, Kevin, I guess these people are more upset about the election than you are. 

Jordan for months has seemed to indicate that he spoke to Trump that day, but would obfuscate when asked specifically if he talked to him on Jan. 6, saying he spoke to the former president all the time. But this week he confirmed to a local television reporter that he did talk to Trump while not revealing the contents of their discussion or what time the phone call occurred.

I spoke with him that day, after? Jordan said during an interview with Spectrum News, in which he was asked to clarify previous comments. I think after. I dont know if I spoke with him in the morning or not. I just dont know. ... I dont know when those conversations happened.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., walks out with other Republican members to speak about the leadership of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and President Biden from the House steps on Capitol Hill on July 29, 2021 in Washington. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., recently rejected Jordan and one other of the five members McCarthy proposed to represent the minority side on the select committee, prompting GOP leaders to boycott the panel. Jordans contacts with Trump were among the reasons Democrats cited for keeping him off the select committee, where the only Republican representation is Reps. Liz Cheney of Wyoming and Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, both appointed by Pelosi.

Cheney has said both McCarthy and Jordan could be called as witnesses.

On Thursday, McCarthy said that if the panel had included the five members he recommended, Republicans would have gladly appeared before it as witnesses. When asked later if he personally would comply with a potential subpoena, he laughed. Jordan has declined to say whether he would testify.

Other lawmakers who could be of interest to the panel include Rep. Greg Pence, R-Ind., former vice president Mike Pences older brother who was with him that day, and Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Ala., who participated in the same rally as Trump on Jan. 6. Across the Capitol, Sens. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., also spoke to Trump. The former president accidentally called Lee looking for Tuberville, who spoke with Trump for several minutes after being passed the phone by Lee and before the senators were evacuated from the chamber.

Lawmakers who spoke with the vice president or White House officials could also be potential targets.

Members of the Democratic caucus have been careful to say how the investigation is run will be up to the committee, while making clear they want any Republicans with potentially pertinent information to testify.

Its not just progressives, its the country wants to know what happened and in order to know what happened and to make sure it never happens again, said Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. We have to bring in a number of those individuals. People who are in Congress who may have been involved.

The issue could be politically tricky for Democrats. While panel members have brushed aside any concerns about setting a precedent for forcing a member to appear as a witness, its an almost certainty Republicans would look to retaliate if they were to take back control of the House after the 2022 midterms. The committee could also potentially have to rely on a vote of the full House to compel any testimony, which could be difficult if any Democratic members balk at the idea given the partys slim majority.

Some Hill aides have speculated that whether a member has to testify could wind up being an issue for the Ethics Committee, while acknowledging that too would be unchartered territory.

The House rules say that members shall reflect credibly on the House, said Brand. Im sure that somebody could formulate a theory that says youre duty bound to respond to a subpoena.

A member who exhausted their legal options and was forced to testify could invoke their right against self-incrimination, according to legal experts, but that could be a politically damaging stance to take, particularly during a public hearing.

When members have testified in the past it has been to advocate their policy views or as part of an ethics investigation involving their behavior. There are also instances in which members have voluntarily agreed to testify in complex investigations. In 2017, for instance, both Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., and then-Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Calif., agreed to be deposed in a GOP-led House Intelligence Committee investigation of Trumps alleged Russia ties.

Jessica Levinson, director of Loyola Law Schools public service institute, said the fact that there is even a discussion about whether a members role or relevance to an assault on Congress can be used to force them to testify reflects the breakdown in political norms since Trump was elected and the divisiveness that now accompanies even something as seemingly unifying as investigating a violent attack on the Capitol.

Weve never been here before  but if we had been here before, really, were in deep trouble, she said.

So far, most rank-and-file House Republicans have taken a wait-and-see approach regarding the issue of their colleagues appearing before the Jan. 6 panel.

Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., said that while its appropriate for members to question whether a subpoena is justified, if the court orders you to testify, I think youve got to follow a court order.

Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Ill., meanwhile, whom McCarthy had pitched as one of his five picks to serve on the panel, said only that he hoped any subpoena process is not just a partisan attack.

The Jan. 6 committee is looking beyond former Trump officials and Republican lawmakers for its witness list.

Thompson said he intends to press the Justice Department for access to many of the people who are presently facing federal charges for their participation in the attack  particularly those who have pleaded guilty. More than 550 people who took part in the riot or its planning have been charged with federal crimes so far, including 165 who are accused of assaulting or impeding law enforcement.

If somebodys pled guilty, and if in return theyre offering some information, that could be helpful  either to further prosecutions or to the benefit of our investigation, Thompson said in an interview. We dont want to impede the prosecutions, but we think theres a body of information that would be germane to what were doing . . . we need a process of expediting requests.

Thompson later added that discussions with Justice Department officials to put such things in motion will begin next week. He also expressed optimism that the department will abide by its recent promise to the House Oversight and Senate Judiciary committees not to prevent Justice officials from testifying in Jan. 6 probes. He added that he hoped that the Pentagon and other agencies would follow suit.

Thompson expressed confidence turf battles with other committees over witnesses would not be an issue.

The chairs of the committees have said, if were going down a path that you all see yourselves going, well get out of the way, he said.

Thompson has promised to issue quite a few subpoenas in the coming weeks and months, but will not say where he plans to start  or whether Trump will be on the list.

If we get an inkling that theres any resistance with providing the committee some of this information, boom, here comes the subpoena, he said. Were not there yet.

Nobody has said no, he added coyly, but weve not made any requests yet.

The Washington Posts Paul Kane contributed to this report.
Joann Marcus of Fort Lauderdale, left, cheers as she listens to the Broward School Board's emergency meeting, Wednesday, July 28, 2021, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. A small but vocal group spoke vehemently against masks, saying their personal rights were being eroded and their children were suffering socially. (Marta Lavandier/AP)

HARTFORD, Conn.  With U.S. health officials recommending that children mask up in school this fall, parents and policy makers across the nation have been plunged anew into a debate over whether face coverings should be optional or a mandate.

The delta variant of the coronavirus now threatens to upend normal instruction for a third consecutive school year. Some states have indicated they will probably heed the federal government's guidance and require masks. Others will leave the decision up to parents.

The controversy is unfolding at a time when many Americans are at their wits' end with pandemic restrictions and others fear their children will be put at risk by those who don't take the virus seriously enough. In a handful of Republican-led states, lawmakers made it illegal for schools to require masks.

In Connecticut, anti-mask rallies have happened outside Gov. Ned Lamont's official residence in Hartford, and lawn signs and bumper stickers call on him to "unmask our kids." The Democrat has said that he's likely to follow the latest advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC on Tuesday recommended indoor masks for all teachers, staff, students and visitors at schools nationwide, regardless of vaccination status. The agency cited the risk of spread of the highly contagious delta variant, even among vaccinated people.

Alima Bryant, 33, a mother of four who organizes anti-mask parents in Branford, Connecticut, said she's not a conspiracy theorist, but she believes scientists have overstated the dangers of COVID-19, especially for children. She said she will take her children out of school rather than subject them to wearing masks, which she believes are more likely to make them ill than the virus.

"Especially with little kids, I can imagine how often they're touching dirty things, then touching the mask," she said. "Also, in kindergarten, you have to learn social cues, and even with speech and everything, it's so important to not be wearing a mask."

But parents such as Ryan Zuimmerman, of Lenexa, Kansas, fear that approach will prolong the pandemic.

In Johnson County, Kan., the state's most populous county, five districts recommend but do not require masks. A sixth district has not yet decided.

Zimmerman, speaking at a recent meeting of country commissioners, said that if masks are only recommended and not required, "95% of kids won't be wearing them."

"This isn't about comfort or control or obedience or your rights. It is not conspiracy or child abuse. It is about doing unto others as you want them to do unto you," he said.

"I ask you this: If it was your kid who was high risk, what if you had to send that kid you had spent your whole life protecting to school in this environment?"

Another public meeting, this one in Broward County, Fla., had to be postponed for a day this week after roughly two dozen mask opponents waged screaming matches with school board members and burned masks outside the building.

When the discussion resumed Wednesday, it was limited to 10 public speakers, and all but one spoke vehemently against masks, saying their personal rights were being eroded.

Vivian Hug, a Navy veteran, brought her twins with her as she addressed board members, saying she was tired of the "fear mongering" and giving up "freedoms in the name of safety."

"Please stop the insanity. You have already done damage to these kids having to wear masks," she said before putting her daughter up to the microphone, where the little girl complained that masks make it hard for her to breathe and give her headaches.

But Dr. Karyl Rattay, director of the Delaware Division of Public Health, said there is no credible evidence masks are unsafe for children. She said the science is clear that face coverings have prevented the spread of COVID-19 in schools.

"If we want to have kids in school this fall, and as many kids as we possibly can get into school, masks are a key component," she said.

Amid the debate, there is also a push to get more older kids vaccinated. President Joe Biden has asked schools to host vaccine clinics for the those 12 and older, and states are also beginning to discuss whether to mandate that school employees either be vaccinated or undergo frequent testing for the coronavirus.

"To me that seems very reasonable," said Dr. Joseph Kanter, the state health officer of the Louisiana Department of Health. "You achieve the goal of providing a safe environment. You maintain some choice in there. And clearly most people are going to look at that and say it make sense for them to get vaccinated, given that context."

The push to vaccinate children varies by country. Half of 12- to 17-year-olds in Estonia's second-largest city of Tartu have received their first vaccine shot, and local health officials are working to push the number to 70% before the school year begins. Countries such as Denmark and France also are actively encouraging vaccination of children, while others such Sweden and the United Kingdom have yet to begin mass vaccinations for those under 18.

The Pfizer shot is currently the only U.S. vaccine authorized for children 12 years and up. Moderna expects the Food and Drug Administration to rule soon on its application for children in the same age group.

Moderna said Monday that it expects to have enough data to apply for FDA authorization for younger children by late this year or early 2022. Pfizer has said it expects to apply in September for children ages 5 through 11.

But some parents, such as Bryant, say they will not get their children vaccinated, even after the kids are eligible, until they know more about potential side effects. Bryant said she knows people who have had severe reactions and others who believe it has affected their menstrual cycles.

Kanter urges families to vaccinate all eligible children. He said the argument that they rarely get severely ill from COVID-19 is becoming outdated.

"As an absolute number, we are seeing younger individuals and kids get sicker in higher numbers and get more severe numbers with delta than they have before," he said.

Young people themselves have been wrestling with misinformation and vaccine hesitancy among parents and peers.

Angelica Granados, 16, of Albuquerque, N.M., finally got permission from her mother to take a COVID-19 vaccine last month. She worried about a potential allergic reaction.

"I've always wanted to take it," Granados said, describing the shot as a choice between going "back to normal living" or risking infection.

Her mother, Erica Gonzales, stood by as she got the injection and waited with her during an extended 30-minute observation period.

"I didn't want her to take it, but I mean, that's her choice. It's her body. She knows it best," Gonzales said.

Associated Press writers Kelli Kennedy in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Cedar Attanasio in Santa Fe, N.M.; and Heather Hollingsworth in Mission, Kan., contributed to this report.
Dr. Robert Lee Swaim left this earth on Sunday, August 1, 2021, and will be greatly missed. He was born in Rensselaer, Indiana on August 7, 1935 to Maurice Lee Swaim and Viola Nina (Houston) Swaim. Bob passed away peacefully in Oklahoma City surrounded by family. Cremation will follow. "Bob"


A lucky Powerball player from Ashburton will be celebrating a life-changing win after winning $5.3 million with Powerball First Division in Saturday nights live Lotto draw.



The winning ticket was sold on MyLotto to a player from Ashburton and is made up of $5 million from Powerball First Division and $333,333 from Lotto First Division.



Last nights winner is the fourteenth Powerball winner already this year and comes just a week after a young couple from Auckland won $17.16 million with Powerball First Division. The lucky couple were having a quiet Sunday morning when they discovered the life-changing news  and immediately burst into tears of joy.



Two other lucky Lotto players from Cambridge and Christchurch will also be celebrating after each winning $333,333 with Lotto First Division in last nights live Lotto draw. The winning tickets were sold at Countdown Cambridge in Cambridge and Pak N Save Riccarton in Christchurch.

Strike Four was also won last night by a player from Waikato who took home $200,000. The winning Strike ticket was sold on MyLotto.

Ten lucky Lotto players will be enjoying a boost to their bank account after each winning $24,860 with Lotto Second Division in Saturday nights live Lotto draw.

Two lucky players also won Powerball Second Division, taking their total winnings to $32,314. The winning Powerball Second Division tickets were sold at Four Square Coopers Beach in Northland and Pak N Save Whangarei in Whangarei.

The winning Second Division tickets were sold at Four Square - Coopers Beach (+PB), Northland

Pak N Save Whangarei (+PB) - Whangarei, Xpress Mart - Auckland, MyLotto - Waikato, New World Westend - Rotorua, MyLotto - Taranaki, Kuripuni Lotto and Post Shop - Masterton, Countdown Tawa - Wellington, MyLotto - Christchurch City, and Countdown Ashburton - Ashburton.

Anyone who bought their ticket from any of the above winning stores should write their name on the back of their ticket and check it at any Lotto NZ outlet, online at MyLotto.co.nz or through the Lotto NZ App. Players can phone Lotto NZ on 0800 695 6886 if they want to enquire about the best way to claim a prize.



Due to the major sporting event coverage on TVNZ 1, Wednesdays live Lotto draw will be aired on TVNZ 2 at approximately 8.20pm.



New Zealand is currently at Alert Level 1. Lotto NZ counters across the country are open and will continue to follow the Governments health and safety guidelines. For more information, please visit: https://mylotto.co.nz/covid-19.
St. Louis County Health Director Dr. Faisal Khan answers questions posed by council members regarding the St. Louis County mask mandate during a St. Louis County Council meeting on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, in Clayton., Mo. Khan said he was called racial slurs and physically assaulted during the meeting after defending the newly imposed mask mandate to combat COVID-19.
PARK HILL [mdash] JOHN BERRY PRESLEY entered this life on April 28th, 1937, in Welling, Oklahoma and passed to his heavenly home July 29th, 2021 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. John was a long-time employee at Wal-Mart, a dedicated father and husband. He was preceded in death by his mother Geneva Wr
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports an alarming uptick in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations nationwide, especially among young adults. Floridas COVID-19 numbers are following the same trend and the transmission rate is high.
COVID-19 experts released another detail about the rising Delta variant. Their announcement could encourage more people to get vaccinated, especially since the daily infection cases in the United States and other parts of the world are still rising.

Various medical researchers claimed that unvaccinated people are putting vaccinated individuals at risk of the new strain. This could also mean that if more residents tend to reject the offered free vaccination programs, there's a high chance that Lambda, another new strain of the novel coronavirus, could be as infectious as Delta.

Dr. Alex Huffman, an aerosol scientist, and professor at the University of Denver explained that when the new Delta variant infects an individual, they will receive viral loads, which are a thousand times greater in number compared to the first strains.

This means that government must encourage more people to get vaccinated since the new variant is more efficient at spreading when the infected person coughs, sneezes, and even speaks.

Unvaccinated People Puts You at Risk

According to PBS report, COVID-19 vaccines are really essential since the global novel coronavirus is ravaging various parts of the globe. Huffman explained that government can't control the current health crisis if vaccinated people are below 30% or 50%.

Also Read: COVID-19 Denier and Flat Earther Faces Trial for 3 Counts of Breaking Quarantine Act

Right now, less than a half of the total U.S. residents have received one and two doses of Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and other vaccine products. On the other hand, CDC, WHO, and other international health agencies are now reiterating that wearing face masks and other PPEs should be conducted.

Once government officials decided to follow their instructions, this means that Americans and other people across the globe will go back to the start of the pandemic.

"Maybe we stopped wearing masks a little too soon. We don't trust the honor system. The unvaccinated are now putting the vaccinated at risk," explained Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and public health professor at George Washington University and a former public health commissioner for Baltimore.

Vaccines Are Still Not Enough

CNN Health Edition reported that COVID-19 vaccines are not enough to stop the current global pandemic completely. Medical experts reiterated that until the novel coronavirus is fully neutralized, people still need to wear masks and follow safety restrictions.

They added that if government officials decided to lift the safety measures, the rising infected cases will only get worst.

For more news updates about COVID-19 and other related stories, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: COVID-19 Delta Variant Spreads Easily Like Chickenpox: CDC Internal Document

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Written by: Griffin Davis

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Blue Origin and Jeff Bezos' challenge of SpaceX's moon mission contract from NASA has been officially denied.

The denial was handed down by the US Government Accountability Office, which said that NASA didn't violate any law when they decided to award the contract for the next Lunar lander to one company, reports CNBC. SpaceX was awarded the $2.9 billion contract early this year in a relatively surprise announcement, which prompted Blue Origin to contest the decision.

Blue Origin was among the three different companies vying to get the contract. The other one was Dynetics. But perhaps what made Bezos decide to contest the awarding was that there were initially two contracts that the three space exploration companies were vying for.

Still, the GAO didn't seem to find any irregularity in NASA's decision to give the moon mission contract to Elon Musk and SpaceX. According to a statement by managing associate general counsel Kenneth Patton, all three proposals were deemed reasonable and without any violation of any existing procurement law.

Furthermore, the GAO said that NASA reserved the right to either make multiple contract awards, a single one, or none at all, reports The Verge. This is more than enough explanation as to why the agency backpedaled on its initial announcement to award two contracts.

And of course, in typical Elon Musk fashion, the SpaceX CEO responded to the junking of Blue Origin's contest with a tweet:

GAO   Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 30, 2021

Read also: Blue Origin Is Launching 'Project Jarvis' To Counter SpaceX

Blue Origin Wasn't the Only One

Since it also lost its bid for the moon contract, Dynetics also initially contested NASA's decision alongside Blue Origin.

Both companies, especially Bezos', claimed the decision was flawed, with Blue Origin even saying in a statement that the agency "moved the goalposts at the last minute." In other words, they were accusing the latter of cheating on the contract, though the GAO didn't exactly see it this way.

Originally, Blue Origin was going to split the entire contract with the two other companies. Bezos' firm will get $579 million, Dynetics gets the next biggest share at $253 million, and Musk's will get the smallest cut of the pie at $153 million. Also, it's been revealed that Blue Origin's first proposal for the lunar lander contract was double that of SpaceX's at almost $6 billion, which likely added more fuel to the fire.

Bezos Not Giving Up

Given that this is more or less a multi-billionaire space race, Blue Origin is still laying down its chips on the table. For the upcoming moon mission, the company offered NASA $2 billion "to cover any financial shortcomings from SpaceX." This was likely an attempt to fully secure the contract and give Blue Origin a major cut of the pie, which is one of Jeff Bezos' plans all along.

The lunar mission, called Artemis, is due for a 2024 launch. As a fully manned mission, it will be the first time in almost 50 years that humans will return to the moon. SpaceX's job is to build the lunar lander craft that will help the astronauts touch down on the surface.

But considering how Musk's company has had considerably more success at manned missions than Blue Origin (the company's first successful manned launch was only a few weeks ago), then perhaps NASA was right to give the contract to SpaceX.

Related: Blue Origin vs. Virgin Galactic: Differences of New Shepard and Unity-22 Spacecrafts from Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson

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Written by RJ Pierce

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Elon Musk was recently accused of demanding to be the next Apple CEO, replacing Tim Cook. Various unbelievable rumors support this idea which made the speculation more serious than ever.

However, Elon Musk now denies this claim. On the other hand, Mark Gurman, an award-winning journalist and news reporter, also supported Elon Musk with his latest statement.

"And another perspective: Tim Cook said he has never actually spoken to Elon Musk: 'You know, I've never spoken to Elon, although I have great admiration and respect for the company he's built,'" said the journalist via his latest tweet.

The current Tesla and SpaceX CEO also replied to the media practitioner's Twitter post.

Higgins managed to make his book both false *and* boring   Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 30, 2021

"Cook & I have never spoken or written to each other ever. There was a point where I requested to meet with Cook to talk about Apple buying Tesla. There were no conditions of acquisition proposed whatsoever," said Musk via his official Twitter account.

Elon Musk Says He Didn't Want To Replace Tim Cook

As of the moment, Elon Musk's latest statement regarding the Apple CEO replacement rumor was able to generate more than 3,500 likes, 160 quote tweets, and 457 retweets.

Also Read: Elon Musk Says Nuclear Power Could Possible Be 'Extremely Safe'-Here's How He Plans to Do it

When the accusation began, the billionaire added that Tim Cook refused to meet him since Tesla was only worth 6% of its current revenue value.

According to Mac Rumors' latest report, the alleged position acquisition of Musk was stated in a book titled "Power Play: Tesla, Elon Musk and the Bet of the Century."

Because the novel's claims are pretty serious, various publishing companies decided to investigate it. These include the Los Angeles Times.

Cook & I have never spoken or written to each other ever.



There was a point where I requested to meet with Cook to talk about Apple buying Tesla. There were no conditions of acquisition proposed whatsoever.



He refused to meet. Tesla was worth about 6% of todays value.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 30, 2021

The controversial book claimed that Cook and Tesla's CEO talked together about the EV manufacturer's financial issue, especially when it was about to release the now-popular Tesla Model 3.

The novel added that the current Apple CEO proposed that the iPhone maker acquires Tesla. SpaceX's boss agreed but on one condition. He allegedly said that he should be the CEO of Apple.

Elon Musk's Neuralink Raises $205 Million From Investors

In other news, Neuralink, the brain-computer start-up company of Elon, was able to raise around $205 million in revenue from various investors.

The tech giant company announced that the budget it has acquired will be used to develop brain-machine interfaces, which could treat various brain health complications, as reported by CNBC. This just shows that the technologies of Tesla CEO focus on different industries.

For more news updates about Elon Musk and other related stories, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: Elon Musk: Tesla Cybertruck Price Hike Likely to Rack Up at a Million Dollars if Production Hurdles Persist

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Written by: Griffin Davis

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
NASA's Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter have marked the first anniversary since their launch into outer space.

The Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter are part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Mars 2020 Exploration Program that launched on July 30, 2020. The launch site was the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

The Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter touched down inside Mars' Jezero Crater last February 18.

NASA's Perseverance Rover to Collect 1st Mars Sample

As NASA's Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter mark their first anniversary since launch, Perseverance is preparing to begin collecting its first sample on Mars.

According to Space, the Perseverance rover is "scouting out targets in a geologically interesting part of Jezero that the mission team calls 'Crater Floor Fractured Rough."

The Perseverance rover will then use its different instruments to study the target it chooses. Once the study is completed, it is only then that the Perseverance rover will collect samples.

According to the report by Space, the whole process will take 11 days to complete.

Collecting samples on Mars is one of the main tasks of the Perseverance rover. Its other main task is to look for signs of life in the Jezero Crater. It was previously reported that Mars' Jezero Crater once had a lake and river delta.

Before gearing up to begin its sample collecting, the Perseverance rover was previously involved in "Ingenuity-shephering work."

Related Article: NASA Picks Ancient River Delta As Landing Site For Next Martian Rover Mission

What Will Happen to the Samples the Perseverance Collects?

The Mars samples that will be collected by the Perseverance rover will eventually be brought back to Earth thanks to a joint campaign by NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). This can take place in 2031.

Scientists will then use the samples to find answers, especially those that deal with questions about life on Mars. The samples will also be used to learn more about the history and evolution of Mars.

Ingenuity Helicopter Completes 10 Mars Flights

For its part, NASA's Ingenuity helicopter has completed 10 Mars flights since it landed on the Red Planet. Its first flight happened in April.

The Ingenuity helicopter was initially only supposed to have four flights, but NASA was so delighted with its performance that its mission was extended by the U.S. space agency.

The Ingenuity helicopter's recently-completed tenth flight also marked the first mile the helicopter has flown on Mars. According to an Instagram post by NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Ingenuity's first mile is a "new aerial record."

Prior to the latest flight, the Ingenuity's ninth flight saw the helicopter reaching an area called the Seitah Region. The Ingenuity helicopter then took over for the Perseverance rover since it was discovered that the Seitah Region was too treacherous for the rover.

Also Read: NASA Ingenuity, Perseverance to Look for 'Ancient Life' on Mars, After Moving on to a New Landing Site

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Isabella James

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
ADA [ndash] Bryan Randall Benefield, 64, of Ada, Oklahoma passed away Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021, in Ada. Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, at Estes-Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Ada, Oklahoma. Interment will follow at Holdenville Cemetery in Holdenville, Oklahom
To vaccinate or not has become the regions gravest social dilemma.

Many in the Deep South are learning how to gingerly step around all the various excuses for not being vaccinated while handling family members who refuse to be around those who refuse to inoculate against COVID-19.

Plenty of reasons are being cited: Internet-based canards  vaccinations cause infertility; COVID-19 was overblown to defeat Donald Trump  The same snakes that are selling the panic, are selling the cure; Christian family values are being undermined  only 56% of White evangelical Protestants have agreed to take the shot, according to a poll released by The Hill last week. (White Catholics have a 79% acceptance rate.)

All of this threatens to turn an ordinary crab boil into a tension-filled, super-spreader event.

But the anti-vaccination atmosphere is changing.

President Joe Biden on Thursday ordered the 4 million people who draw federal paychecks to get vaccinated or face regular testing, setting an example for private employers. Hes also floating the idea of paying Americans $100 to get vaccinated.

Gov. Kay Ivey of Alabama, a state where only 39.9% have been fully vaccinated, said in Birmingham last week: Its the unvaccinated folks who are letting us down. Her comments were praised by no less than U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, who added, There is bad advice out there, you know. Apparently, you see that all over the place: people practicing medicine without a license, giving bad advice. And that bad advice should be ignored.

+2 COVID protocols at LSU: Vaccine mandate not likely, but here's what could be required Though the final decision hasnt been made by the newly installed leadership at LSU, students returning to campus in a few weeks probably will

LSU and the other Louisiana public colleges, technical schools, and universities aren't prepared to mandate vaccinations. Health experts say the unvaccinated  and 71% of LSU students haven't taken the shot  are spreading the highly contagious delta variant to the point that Louisiana leads the nation in the rate of infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. Teachers and staffers, those most likely to suffer from an infection, are demanding students be vaccinated as a prerequisite for attendance.

New to the job, LSU President William Tates first major pronouncement next week is likely to disappoint faculty and staff. As previewed for them Thursday, Tate said LSU lawyers had told him it has become clear that there are significant challenges for a public university in Louisiana to require vaccinations.

About 500 higher education schools nationwide  public and private  have mandated student vaccinations. One key difference between Louisiana and those others is that legislatures and elected officials in states like Illinois, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, support mandating inoculations of students in their public institutions.

Louisianas politicians most definitely have not.

Gonzales Republican Rep. Kathy Edmonston, a former school board member, sponsored legislation, which passed overwhelmingly, to require equal access to state property and programs for the unvaccinated. She described her bills as bulwarks of individual freedom. Gov. John Bel Edwards, in his veto messages, described the wording as dangerous and a back door through which vaccine requirements could be put in place should the COVID-19 inoculations be fully authorized by the federal Food and Drug Administration.

Edmonston on July 13 told a group of Baton Rouge GOP activists that they must stop the move toward mandatory vaccination. The number of kids that have been vaccinated against their will, it reminds me of the Nuremberg Code, she said to applause, referring to principles concerning human medical experimentation set up after Nazi physicians were found guilty of barbaric procedures performed on prisoners.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, a Republican, wrote LSU in June that he opposed COVID-19 vaccine mandates for a variety of legal reasons and because some people held religious beliefs that generally are against taking any vaccines and specifically are against enriching companies that also sell abortion products.

Right now, given all those things, we just dont see that as a viable option, said Winston DeCuir Jr., LSU general counsel, the "that" being mandatory vaccinations at LSU. He was talking at a town hall that LSU President Tate held Thursday with university faculty, staff, and administrators.

One professor after the meeting opined, There's a lot of disappointment with Tate among faculty members who hoped that, as an outsider and an epidemiologist, he might break through LSU's timid lawyer-driven management and be a voice of reason in a state that needs more of them.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size When British actor Jodie Comer was daydreaming about packing her bags and heading to Hollywood, she signed up for elocution lessons. Because Id go into auditions and people would be thinking I couldnt change my accent, says Jodie, who hails from Liverpool. So I thought, Well, I have to have a different accent. And then I remembered working with Stephen Graham, and him saying to me, Dont you dare do anything to your accent.  Graham, an actors actor, had worked with Jodie on the BBC series Good Cop in 2012. Impressed with her talent, he persuaded his agent, Jane Epstein, to put Jodie on her books. Their careers would diverge: Stephen largely remains a hometown actor, starring in UK television dramas like The Virtues and Line of Duty, while Jodie beat a path to Hollywood and will soon have her first leading role in Free Guy. But Jodie, seemingly an industry veteran at just 28, is walking, talking proof that you can take the girl out of Liverpool but you cant take Liverpool out of the girl. As she sits down to talk to Sunday Life, we bond over our shared experience of her home town: the Royal Albert Dock, the renovation of Merseyside, and her childhood in Childwall, in the citys south-east. I have a big family that Im very close with, and always have been, Jodie says. They very much keep me on an even keel. Scousers, people from Liverpool, were a very specific breed. Theres something in the water, I dont know where it comes from, but everyones very personable and got a very kind of wicked, naughty sense of humour. Its something I really miss when I leave. Jodie stepped into the global spotlight in 2018 as the star of the spy thriller series Killing Eve. She plays Villanelle, a Russian assassin obsessed with MI6 agent Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh), who has been tasked with her capture. The role won Jodie an Emmy and a Bafta. If you overlook a brief cameo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Jodie is about to make her feature-film debut in Free Guy, an action-comedy in which the real and virtual worlds become enmeshed. Shell follow that with two Ridley Scott films, The Last Duel, co-starring with Matt Damon, and Kitbag, in which shell play Napoleon Bonapartes wife, Josephine, opposite Joaquin Phoenix. As movie careers go, its not a bad start.

But the first cab off the rank is Free Guy, directed by Shawn Levy. It stars Ryan Reynolds as Guy, a bank teller in a virtual-world computer game who, thanks to a programming glitch, becomes aware that his world is a fictional construct.

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Jodie plays Millie  online avatar Molotov Girl  a programmer who realises a sinister, code-stealing Silicon Valley fast-talker, Antoine (Taika Waititi), is going to cover his tracks by wiping this virtual world and restarting it, kicking off a race against time to save the self-aware Guy from erasure. I think whats really interesting, and especially about Millie and Molotov Girl, is that the gaming world is also a very male-dominated industry, says Jodie. The film explores that through Millies experiences and the kind of obstacles she faces. The heart of this film [Free Guy] is essentially about realising your worth, and that you have agency. And that, if we all come together as a community, the things we can create and change are incredible. Credit:AP Things are not so different, Jodie adds candidly, in Hollywood. This is also a very heavily male-dominated industry. I love the idea that Molotov could be a role model for a younger generation of women. Theres a lot of innocence and life and humour there that I hope a lot of young women can relate to. Jodie understands the importance of role models, in turn acknowledging the women who have played an inspiring role in her life, from Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who wrote Killing Eve, to the much less known Vanessa Caswill, who directed Jodies episode of Snatches, a 2018 series of monologues inspired by real women in history (she played a secretary exploring her sexuality in 1960s Liverpool). I love the idea that Molotov could be a role model for a younger generation of women. Theres a lot of innocence and life and humour there that I hope a lot of young women can relate to. They play a huge part, says Jodie. Its probably something that is more subconscious, something that filters through without me recognising it. What Ive always admired about these women is they know who they are, and theyre so free in that expression.

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There could be an instance where a male director may lose his temper and shout and tell people what to do, and everyone will just go, Okay, its the way he is. And if a woman was to do that, it would be, Who does she think she is? So I think seeing these women in this space, and coming at it with such humility, is what inspires me. They do a brilliant job. One of the most difficult things about being an actor is that everyone has an opinion about your success or failure. The great thing for Jodie is that so many of those opinions are complimentary. The New Yorker, for example, describes Jodie as a woman of mercurial, unassailable charisma. Loading Im going to be honest, [the opinion of strangers] definitely used to hit a lot harder than it does now, Jodie says candidly. Its very surreal, because youre out there, youre accessible to people through your work, and people form ideas of you. Plus the media is a very powerful thing, and people believe what they read. I think also that as you get older, you worry about these things less. We all go through these years of feeling a bit lost and not really knowing who we are. And I feel like I know who I am now. I honestly think that the trick is to just not pay attention to [what other people think]. Jodie recalls a conversation with Phoebe Waller-Bridge during the early days of Killing Eve which shifted her perspective. We were talking about reviews, opinions, whatever, and I said to Phoebe, I think if you read the good stuff, youve got to read the bad stuff. And she was like, No you fing dont. And then, obviously, I just fell in love with her even more, which I didnt think was possible. You grow up as a child, and you question everything, you want to know everything, everythings so brand new and youre seeking out so much. Then, as we get older, we lose that curiosity. Credit:Claudia & Ralf Pulmanns/Trunk Archive/Snapper Images

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Jodie is notably private, even by Hollywoods gatekeeper-driven gold standard. She does not talk about her personal life in interviews, which leaves the media to speculate. (She has been romantically linked to American lacrosse player James Burke, but has never discussed the relationship.) My personal life feels so sacred to me now, and its something I want to protect, she told Marie Claire magazine last year. But Jodie does have an Instagram account with 1.8 million followers. Her social media self feels authentic, but it also highlights the performative nature of social media. Its something we all get swallowed up in, she says. For me, its a public platform, and my Instagram is very much a work-focused thing. I sometimes post personal things, but that is when Im feeling very comfortable. Im constantly having that kind of see-saw of what I should do, what I feel comfortable doing. Some people are so much better at that. Some people find it so easy and dont think about it. And I probably think about it too much. Loading But of course everyone has a responsibility. You dont post the moments when youre having a mini-breakdown on the sofa. Its something that Im always trying to navigate. She pauses. I think weve become so consumed with ourselves. I was doing a yoga class the other day and my yoga teacher played a meditation, a song, at the end. And there was a guy speaking and he was like, Weve lost our curiosity.

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Climate change is strengthening this current and providing a dispersal method for tropical species to move into southern waters, including marine pests such as urchins.

About 20 kilometres from Mallacoota, Cape Howe Marine National Park interests scientists because of its proximity to the powerful East Australian Current, which travels down the eastern coast of Australia.

At the windswept eastern tip of Victoria lies a remote marine wilderness on the front line of climate change and the warming of the Australias oceans.

Keen to track these changes, scientists from Parks Victoria and Deakin University have been surveying reef life using remote underwater video cameras. Dive teams have also surveyed marine life to discover how this rich, underwater ecosystem is changing during climate change, and what this means for the rest of Victoria.

With this area being at the forefront for climate change, what we see helps us forecast what might happen further along the coast, and help us make better decisions about how to manage the biodiversity and ecological values, says Tess Hoinville, a marine diving and monitoring officer at Parks Victoria.

Simply reaching Cape Howe can be challenging: the dive survey sites sit at the edge of a vast continental shelf, buffeted by strong currents and waves.

But once divers sink below the surface, they float above rocky reef, seagrass, sponge beds and crayweed and common kelp forests. The area boasts an abundance of fish like wrasse and banded morwong, as well as octopus and Australian fur seals.
Men experience their own version of the biological clock with paternal age  especially over 45  linked to higher rates of miscarriage, conception difficulties and more cycles of IVF.

Clinicians have called for a national education campaign for men about fertility, as evidence mounts that older fathers also have higher rates of children with conditions including autism spectrum or attention deficit disorders.

Shane Kelton, had no idea his sperm was the cause of he and his wifes fertility problems. They had baby Ryder through IVF. Credit:Joe Armao

The federal government is supporting wide-ranging studies into male infertility, including one involving national fertility groups.

Melbourne IVF is preparing to release research showing sperm quality in men is reduced by 40 per cent over the age of 40.
Fitz: We both fancy we have our finger on the pulse of this city, so when do you think you will legally be able to invite me over to your house for dinner, apart from a cold day in hell? Ray: (Laughs.) So long as you bring your wife, youd be welcome. On your own, it will be a cold day in hell. But for dinner, I reckon it will be nearing Christmas. Fitz: OK. No need to put the kettle on just yet. My regards to your own wife. I like her, at least! GET HIM OFF This has been a great week for decency in this town. A couple of years ago I wrote in this space, and I meant every word, Alan Jones is a malignant tumour on the body politic of this city, this state and this country and the sooner he is excised the better. Last week, I ranted on the outrage of him continuing to spew and facilitate lethally dangerous bilge on the benign nature of the Delta strain and the dangers of getting vaccinated. Last week, as Ray Hadley has mentioned, his column was stopped in The Daily Telegraph. Half the excision is complete. The other half is his continued disgraceful presence on Sky News After Dark. Watch this space. After obliterating his COVID position a fortnight ago, I am told they will be demolishing what is left tomorrow night. Get him off.

ONE FOR THE COUNTRY We need to talk, Sydney. And I particularly want to talk to everyone who has ever been to an Anzac Day Service, who ever cited the Anzac Spirit or misted up at the same? We rightly vaunt their sacrifice, with never a better example than those who served on foreign shores in World War I, in what turned out to be a two-in-three chance of being wounded, and a one-in-five chance of dying. Still they joined up for the good of the nation. Men of the 1st Divisional Signal Company about to land at Anzac Cove. Credit:Courtesy of the Australian War Memorial So what do you think theyd make of this bloody pandemic? Heres the thing. We have the answer in our hands  the AstraZeneca vaccine, which we have in plentiful supply. We just cant get it into our arms! Facing the odds of one-in-a-million for a fatal blood clot, our current generation is declining to get it  even those proud of great-grandfathers who marched away on a two-in-three chance of stopping a bullet  preferring to wait for months, if necessary, to get their preferred Pfizer. Can I put it to you that with this thing getting out of control in Sydney, we need those who can to take one for the team. No, it shouldnt be mandatory, and yes, the government messaging on it has been all over the place, but right now the medical and political advice is aligned. In the extremity of Sydneys crisis, AstraZeneca is recommended for those over 18 years old. And we have over a million jabs sitting on the bloody shelf! Youre not being asked to storm the shores of Gallipoli or go over the top at Fromelles. Get the jab. And yes, if you care, I have had two jabs of AZ, and felt very blessed to get it.

PICTURE THIS Thats the spirit. A young woman of my acquaintance, Bridget Kelly, who has Down Syndrome, was all set to have a solo exhibition  her first at the Chrissie Cotter Gallery in Camperdown, only for the plague to stop it cold. Not to fear, if you go to www.bridgetkellyart.com you can see it all, watch the video, and support her! TWEET OF THE WEEK Could the mainstream media start asking Scott Morrison if he harbours any leadership ambitions? #auspol - @EddyJokovich WHAT THEY SAID

I have been inundated with members desperate to leave the Liberal Party. Theyve had enough. And the attempt to silence contrarian views re lockdown is terrifying. - A teary Teena Macqueen, vice-president of the Liberal Party  you know the one  to Alan Jones. I was a member of the Liberal party for 40 years, and I can say we will tear strips off the Liberals and Nationals like hammerhead sharks tearing at the carcass of a sperm whale. - Ross Cameron, announcing his membership of the latest incarnation of the disaffected, the Liberal Democrats. Dear citizens, those who refuse vaccines are endangering their health, those around them and the freedom of every Israeli citizen. They are endangering our freedom to work, the freedom of our children to learn and the freedom to hold celebrations with the family. - Prime Minister Naftali Bennett of Israel, in an address to the nation. The blood of Christ is my vaccine. - so said one of the placards carried by a woman in last weekends rally in Sydney.

Australias cultural cringe  an obsession with wanting to know what foreigners think of its country and culture  means it is happy, for instance, to allow its head of state to come exclusively from one English family residing at Buckingham Palace. From a report this week in The Irish Times, headlined, Australia makes world-class mess of its vaccine rollout. Read it and blush. Mate there, was no control going on here. I nearly had a heart attack! What an incredible comeback. We knew she would come home really, really hard. Wow, that last 25, what a racer, what guts. What determination. Boom! - Steve Titmus, father of Ariarne, in Queensland, about watching her win her second gold medal. It was a jam-packed protest and 99% had no mask . . . so we have conducted an experiment. Will there will be corpses piling up in three weeks from now from COVID! Lets see. - John Ruddick, who ran for the federal Liberal Party presidency in 2015, and is the current Liberal Democrat candidate- for the seat of Warringah, tweets, last Saturday afternoon. On Sunday he was fined $1000 for his trouble. JOKE OF THE WEEK (Dedicated to that woman holding the placard, My vaccine is the blood of Jesus. )
Lockdowns got you bored of watching Netflix? The Australian Bureau of Statistics is here to provide one night of in-home entertainment, as long as demographics and personal questions are your thing.

Census night is just around the corner, with millions of people set to log on to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) website to provide a snapshot of the countrys demographics.

Teresa Dickinson, Deputy Australian Statistician at the Australian Bureau of Statisitics. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

In years gone past, census night sometimes coincided with a dinner party or a visit from a relative. These days, the census is an online affair and can be completed when time allows.

The questions, which are posed every five years, will further illuminate Australias societal trends  such as the decline of traditional marriage and religion, as well as the shift in peoples ancestry from European to Asian.
Indeed, the most cogent arguments in support of the policies could be found in letters to media from informed, concerned voters.

Of course the ALP had to drop their policies in regards to franking credits and negative gearing. As a recipient of the former and finding the latter abhorrent, I did cringe during the last election as party leaders stumbled through explanations as to why they should find support among voters for what were in my view very worthwhile policies.

I thought the inability of the ALP leaders to properly understand the issues and articulate them totally frustrating and reflected poorly on their diligence in knowing their brief.

Graham Black, Hamilton

Things have changed ...

In the political era of underhand sports and car park rorts (not to mention Clive Palmer), it would be quite reasonable if Labor, having ditched its contentious but fair policy proposals, implemented them after being elected.

The rationale could be, Conditions have changed; we need to act in the nations best interests. And we are now in government.

Peter McCarthy, Mentone

Problem solved

There is a simple solution to the problem of cold and undelivered food by Uber Eats: get off your couch and go and collect your own food (Eateries, food going cold on Uber, The Sunday Age, 25/7).

I take an insulated supermarket bag and go early so I can be sure I get it home in hot and delicious condition. Its a great feeling to know that the restaurants I love are actually making some money on the food I buy from them. At my favourite Japanese restaurant, the main sushi chef always has lollipops to take home for my kids.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has warned Australians should not wait to be vaccinated with the Pfizer jab, as new data shows just 1 per cent of people who caught COVID in Sydneys Delta outbreak were fully vaccinated.

Mr Hunts warning came a day after the federal and state governments reached an in-principle agreement on a road map out of the pandemic.

People queue down Ninth Street in Campsie to get tested. Credit:Jessica Hromas

They agreed 70 per cent of the adult population must be vaccinated before they begin easing restrictions for people who have had the jab and cautiously re-opening borders. Once 80 per cent of Australian adults are vaccinated wide-scale lockdowns would be all but abolished.

South-east Queensland entered a snap three-day lockdown on Saturday after seven new community cases were recorded, throwing the NRL and AFL weekend games into disarray.
Fort Lauderdale: Floridas coronavirus cases jumped 50 per cent this week, the state Health Department reported on Friday (Saturday AEST), continuing a six-week surge that has seen it responsible for 1 in 5 new infections nationally, becoming the outbreaks epicentre.

The release came shortly after Governor Ron DeSantis barred school districts from requiring students to wear masks when classes resume next month.

More than 110,000 new coronavirus cases were reported statewide over the past week, up from 73,000 last week and 11 times the 10,000 reported the week of June 11, six weeks ago. Case numbers are now back to where they in January, just before vaccinations became widely available.

COVID-19 testing reaches capacity, as cars wait in line in Orlando, Florida. Credit:AP

The Florida Hospital Association also said on Friday that statewide COVID-19 hospitalisations are nearing last years peak. More than 9300 patients are hospitalised, up from 1845 a month ago and nearing the record 10,179 set on July 23, 2020. On a per capita basis, Florida now has more people hospitalised than any other state.
Regional Editor

Derek Draplin is a regional editor at The Center Square. He previously worked as an opinion producer at Forbes, as an editor at The Daily Caller, and as a reporter at Michigan Capitol Confidential and The Detroit News.
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BAINBRIDGE - John Short, 87, of Bainbridge, passed away July 30, 2021, at Cooperstown Center, following a brief illness. John was born Aug.1, 1933, to James and Alta (Palmer) Short in Sidney. After graduating high school in Otego, John served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1954. John married 
Alarmism in Journalism Reiterating Government Line Leads to Intrusion on Liberties: Veteran Journalist

Canadian journalism is undergoing an institutional shift, says a veteran in the industry, noting that this has led to a reluctance on the part of journalists to challenge talking points from the government, which he argues in some cases are meant to garner compliance from the populace through fear.

A journalistic institution that keeps journalists hustling to meet deadlines is a key factor contributing to their inability to challenge state-mandated narratives, Peter Stockland told The Epoch Times.

Stockland, a senior writer for Hamilton-based think tank Cardus, wrote in a recent commentary that this phenomenon is most evident in news reports about COVID-19 cases filled with what he characterizes as incendiary statistics. Journalists would mix raw numbers and percolating percentages in the same paragraph, rather than questioning the impacts of these fear-inducing data.

The greatest concern with the use of alarming statistics is that they are often used to serve a particular political (or regulatory) end, said Stockland, also a former vice-president of for Readers Digest Magazines Canada, and former editor-in-chief for The Gazette, a local newspaper in Montreal.

As an example, the other day my wife said theres 2,000 people a day in Tokyo who are testing positive for COVID, and I said in Tokyo theres 13.9 million people. In the context of the population, would you be worried if 2,000 people a day are getting COVID in Tokyo? Stockland said in an interview.

People just heard that datathey heard that kind of information, absolutely stripped of any kind of contextand they became afraid. And governments have used that. Governments have compounded down.

Lazy Journalism

Stockland said one of the key functions of journalism throughout the late 19th and 20th century was to question what the state wants to convince us of.

The very job of journalism is to question that stuff at every step of the way, and be rigorous in saying Just a minute here. How do we know thats true? Why should we accept that? Wheres your document to prove that? Its fading away, and thats whats most worrisome, he said.

But he said it would be an error to blame individual journalists, who are not given adequate time to study background documents and to actually challenge things.

The ways that institution has now become structured,  it doesnt give them the time. Thats what cultivates that sense of lazy journalism, Stockland said.

Youre on a tight deadline or you just got to get something cranked out. You shaved the corners.  You revert to alarmist tactics, to just cranking the thing up, so that you can get it out and get it done, and thats whats really troubling me.

The COVID-19 pandemic has speeded up the shift in journalism, he said.

Its become expressly noticeable that theres this reluctance, or inability, to challenge these mandated narratives, he said, noting that the emergence of terminologies like COVidiots has particularly led to the division of a population into those who are thinking clearly and those who are idiots or morons just because they have concerns.

Following the outbreak of the pandemic in March 2020, it became pretty obvious that the fear factor was the way that people were going to be first nudged, and then propelled, into doing what the state wanted, Stockland said.

I dont think anyone could argue on any side of the COVID issue. I dont think anyone could craft a credible argument saying governments have not manifestly made use of fear. I guess what you would get is some people saying, Well, you know what, that use of fear was a good thing.

He said his response to that would be, If the fear thats being inculcated is one that causes people to give up fundamental liberties, our rule of law, and the Charter, [then it] draws a pretty bright yellow line around that.

Forgetting Our Liberties

Stockland said his biggest concern is that the inability to challenge state-mandated narratives will lead people to forget what their actual liberties are.

What were at risk of losing is a memory of small liberties, the liberty to decide for yourself, whether you take particular medicine or not, he said.

He gave the example of being at an airport and going through security checks. Some of those checks, even when they were introduced, were recognized to be extraordinarily intrusive, and we just accept them now, he said.

Now we just shrug. Shut up. Dont worry about it. Just get on the plane if you want to go where you want to go. With what you have to give up, we take it for granted, because weve forgotten that there actually was an issue of liberty there.

Stockland said this fear-mongering creates two kinds of reactions among the populace: the stampede effect and the left-behind effect. The former would push people who are afraid, to move in a particular direction that the powers want them to be moved, whereas the latter would lead some people to hunker down and get resistant.

It works negatively both ways. Its not a healthy environment. People should be able to pause and say, OK. Does this make sense? Does this not make sense? Let me do the arithmetic here and figure it out, [and] not be pressed by government, pressed by the institutions of government, pressed by extra-governmental institutions such as journalism, to do what the dominant line of the day says, Stockland said.

A loss of liberties, thats what Im concerned about, is that we just forget that this actually was an impingement on our liberty, this was actually an intrusion, and we now just accept it as normal life.
American Treasures: Uncle Toms Cabin

You may know the story. President Lincoln, frustrated in his effort to end slavery while preserving the Union, stooped wearily from his great height to shake the ladys proffered hand. So youre the little woman, he said, who wrote the book that made this great war. The book was Uncle Toms Cabin.

Harriet Beecher Stowe was born in 1811. Her father Lyman, a fiery Calvinist pastor, instilled in his 11 children a passion for religion and social reform. All of Harriets brothers would make their mark as ministers, authors, and orators. One was Henry Ward Beecher, who, according to professor emeritus Barbara Whites The Beecher Sisters, became the most famous preacher in America. Her sister Catharine, a pioneer in womens education, founded several schools to instruct girls in subjects usually reserved for boys, like Latin, algebra, and philosophy. In 1824, Harriet became first a student and later a teacher at her sisters Hartford Female Seminary.

A portrait of Harriet Beecher Stowe. National Portrait Gallery. (Public Domain)

Slavery was, in the words of historical author Eric Metaxas, as accepted as birth and marriage and death  everywhere on the globe for 5,000 years. The abomination of man owning man blighted human history from ancient Sumeria to Greece, Rome, Africa, Asia, Arabia, and the Americas. Native Americans bought and sold slaves. There were even black slaveholders. The 1830 census lists 3,775 black masters who owned a total of 12,760 slaves.

As the 19th century dawned, more and more Americans saw the glaring contradiction between the Souths peculiar institution and our Declarations All men are created equal. Christs love thy neighbor and do unto others drew many Christians to abolitionism, even as slave owners cherry-picked Bible verses to justify themselves. By 1804, all of the Northern states had outlawed slavery, setting up a North and South conflict that would lead to war.

Slavery Becomes Personal

In 1832, Harriets father was appointed president of Lane Theological Seminary and moved the family from Boston to Cincinnati. The Beechers had always opposed slavery but now it became personal. Escaping slaves forded the nearby Ohio River in desperate attempts to reach safety in Canada. Harriets Aunt Mary, horrified by the cruelty at her husbands slave plantation in the West Indies, walked out on him, a shocking act at the time. In 1836, as race riots broke out across the nation, proslavery mobs rampaged through Cincinnati, attacking abolitionists and burning the homes of free black families.

For the Beechers, the last straw was the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, which compelled even Northerners to capture escaped slaves and return them to their owners. It made slave-catching a lucrative business and put even free blacks in danger. By then, Harriet was a mother of seven and married to Calvin Stowe, a professor at Lane. She taught at Catharines new school and wrote for magazines to supplement her husbands meager income. Calvin encouraged his wifes new career, telling her that she must be a literary woman, the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center relates.

Her first published book was a geography text for children. Now, Hattie, her sister-in-law Isabella wrote to her, if I could use a pen as you can, I would write something that would make this whole nation feel what an accursed thing slavery is. Harriet set down the letter. She knew what she had to do.

The bestselling book of the entire 19th century began as weekly installments in an antislavery paper. Harriet based her novel on narratives written by ex-slaves, abolitionist literature, personal interviews, and her visit to an actual slave plantation in Kentucky. She used her own experience as well, stating later that her grief over the agonizing death of her baby Charlie taught her what a poor slave mother may feel when her child is torn away from her, as related in the article Harriet Beecher Stowe Changed History.

Uncle Toms Cabin became a very famous stage play, with the most exciting scene being Eliza escaping with her child from slavers and their dogs across a nearly frozen river. Poster for a theatrical production of Uncle Toms Cabin, 1881. Library of Congress. (Public Domain)

A Novel Divides a Nation

When Uncle Toms Cabin; or, Life Among the Lowly appeared as a book in 1852, its impact was unprecedented. Almost overnight, Harriet became the countrys most famous and controversial woman. By the end of the year, 300,000 copies had been sold in America and a million in Great Britain, according to David Reynolds in Mightier Than the Sword.

There were so many stage productions of Uncle Toms Cabin touring the country that each boasted a bigger cast and more more spectacular scenes. A crowd scene in front of a plantation house from a circa 1901 production. Library of Congress. (Public Domain)

The novel is a great read, even today. It follows Uncle Tom, a slave who is bought and sold several times, allowing Stowe to portray differing attitudes toward slavery. On a boat taking him down river to be sold, a young white girl falls overboard. When Tom saves her life, her grateful father, Augustin St. Clare, buys him. In his new home, Tom and the girlLittle Evadiscover they share a strong Christian faith and become friends. St. Clare is kindly but too weak to take a stand against slavery. His cousin Ophelia opposes it intellectually but shrinks from personal contact with its victims. An amusingly naughty girl, Topsy, provides comic relief.

But then Little Eva falls ill. Dying, she makes her father promise to set Tom and his people free. The saintly childs protracted death scene, reflecting Harriets despair at losing Charlie, may have caused more readers to sob uncontrollably than any other pages in literature. When St. Clare dies before he can keep his promise, his cruel widow sells Tom to a vicious slave master, Simon Legree.

The death of Little Eva, a beloved friend of Uncle Tom, is one of the most touching in the story. (Public Domain)

When Tom refuses to beat a fellow slave as ordered, Legree resolves to crush his trust in God. Beating after beating tests Toms faith, but visions of Christ and Eva restore his spiritual strength. Tom encourages two women to escape. When he refuses to say where theyre hiding, Legree beats him to death. Tom dies like Christ, forgiving his tormentors. The women reach safety, and the white characters commit themselves to ending slavery.

Reactions to the book were sharply divided. Praise flowed from antislavery groups and ex-slave intellectuals like Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington, who wrote that the books value to Abolition can never be justly estimated, Reynolds relates. The poet Longfellow called it one of the greatest triumphs recorded in literary history, to say nothing of the higher triumph of its moral effect. His feeling was echoed by Tolstoy, George Sand, Heine, and many others.

Apologists for slavery, on the other hand, called the book a pack of lies and Harriet loathsome, a person whose touch contaminates with its filth. She fired back with A Key to Uncle Toms Cabin, a compilation of sources and real-life testimony that proved her depiction of slavery wasnt exaggerated.

Stowe responded to criticism by writing A Key to Uncle Toms Cabin (1853), documenting the veracity of her novels depiction of slavery. (Public Domain)

Uncle Tom as Embodiment of Christianity

Ever-popular stage adaptations kept the story before the public for decades, performed at first by white actors in blackface, whose stereotypical antics coarsened the story. This, along with critics who mistook Toms Christian nonviolence for cowardly acceptance of his mistreatment, led unfairly to Uncle Tom becoming a slur applied, by Malcolm X, even to Martin Luther King Jr. But African American history professor Patricia Turner has said that she doesnt see Tom as any kind of a sell-out, according to an NPR interview. And so Ive always found myself wanting to correct people who accuse someone of being an Uncle Tom, she continued.

The novel showed many aspects of the inhumanity of slavery. An illustration of a slave auction from Uncle Toms Cabin. From an 1852 edition published by John P. Jewett, Boston. (Public Domain)

The Lincoln anecdote is probably apocryphal, but Stowes profound effect on history and literature is undeniable. She went on to write 30 books on various subjects. In her 60s, she taught herself oil painting and opened an art school. At her funeral in 1896, a simple wreath, from former slaves in Boston, was laid on her casket. The accompanying card read, according to Haugen, From the children of Uncle Tom.

Stephen Oles has worked as an inner city school teacher, a writer, actor, singer, and a playwright. His plays have been performed in London, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Long Beach, Calif. He lives in Seattle and is currently working on his second novel.
Vials labelled "Astra Zeneca COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccine" and a syringe are seen in front of a displayed AstraZeneca logo, in this illustration photo taken March 14, 2021. (Dado Ruvic/Illustration/Reuters)

AstraZeneca, Still Unsure of Need for COVID-19 Booster

Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca plc, said the company still doesnt know if a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine will be necessary to maintain protection against the virus.

Time Will Tell

Soriot told CNBC: There are two dimensions to this immunityantibodies [which] decline over time, but the second, very important dimension of vaccination is the so-called T-cells. They tend to protect people against severe disease, but they also provide durability.

With the technology we use, we have very high production of T-cells. Were hoping we can have a durable vaccine that protects for a long period of time. So whether we will need a third booster or not, is not clear yet, only time will tell.

Soriot said the company needs to track the vaccines effectiveness over time to see if a third shot would be necessary.

We know that [our vaccine] has a decline of antibodies [over time]we havent seen yet a decline of efficacy but its a bit early to judge, only time will tell, and I hope the T-cells will provide this durable, long-term protection.

Earnings Report

According to its earnings report disclosed on Thursday, AstraZeneca accrued revenue of $1.2 million from its COVID-19 vaccine during the first half of the year.

The income from the vaccine sales helped the Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical giant increase its total revenue for the first half by 23 percent to $15.5 billion.

Further, AstraZenecas earnings from the vaccine more than tripled in the second quarter in comparison to the previous three months. With the vaccine revenues out of the equation, its income during the first semester grew by 14 percent when compared to the same period last year.

The company updated its full-year guidance right after the acquisition of pharmaceutical company Alexion, predicting total revenue to increase by a low 20s percentage.

COVID-19 income was not included in the guidance, due to heightened risks and uncertainties from the effects of COVID-19, including the impact from potential new medicines for Covid-19 in clinical development.

According to Bloomberg data, nearly 4 billion shots of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered around the globe, with vaccination plans already rolling in 214 countries and territories, most of which have approved the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine for use.
This is an illustration provided by SpaceX shows the SpaceX Starship human lander design that will carry the first NASA astronauts to the surface of the Moon under the Artemis program. (SpaceX/NASA via AP)

Bezos Loses Appeal of NASAs Plans to Use Musk Moon Lander

The federal government Friday rejected an appeal by billionaire Jeff Bezos Blue Origin to get in on NASAs plans to return astronauts to the moon by using rival Elon Musks SpaceX.

NASA in April awarded the $2.9 billion contract for a lunar lander to the more established SpaceX, which also offered a cheaper price than the bids from Blue Origin and Dynetics Inc., a subsidiary of Leidos. The two losing companies appealed the contract to the Government Accountability Office on the grounds that there should have been multiple contracts and that the proposals werent evaluated correctly, but the agency rejected their request.

The decision will allow NASA and SpaceX to establish a timeline for the first crewed landing on the moon in more than 50 years, NASA said in a statement Friday, calling a moon landing a priority of the Biden administration.

Fridays ruling found that even though NASA originally said it was going to give multiple contracts, it didnt have enough money and that awarding only one contract was legal. Plus, it found NASAs evaluation of all three bids was reasonable, and consistent with applicable procurement law regulation and the announcement terms, according to a statement by GAO lawyer Kenneth Patton.

SpaceXs bid had the highest rating while the other bids were significantly higher in price with the space agency deciding it couldnt afford to give out multiple contracts as originally planned, the GAO announcement said.

Blue Origin, which has been trying to get Congress to require a second lander contract, still hopes NASA will change its mind and provide simultaneous competition, said company spokesperson Linda Mills.

In this Jan. 12, 2019 file photo, the SpaceX prototype Starship hopper stands at the Boca Chica Beach site in Texas. (Miguel Roberts/The Brownsville Herald via AP, File)

We stand firm in our belief that there were fundamental issues with NASAs decision, but the GAO wasnt able to address them due to their limited jurisdiction, Mills said in a statement. We continue to advocate for two immediate providers as we believe it is the right solution.

The lunar lander is part of the agencys beyond-Earth exploration plans, refocused on the moon by the Trump administration. The Artemis program involves a new huge rocket that would launch four astronauts aboard an Orion space capsule to the moons orbit. The lander would take two astronauts to the moons surface, where theyd explore for about a week, hook back up with Orion in lunar orbit and return to Earth.

The SpaceX lander, called Starship, includes a spacious cabin and can be expanded to a fully reusable launch system for travel to the moon, Mars, and other places, NASA said when it awarded the contract.

A test flight of the capsule, without astronauts aboard, is scheduled for this year, with a test flight by astronauts to the moonbut without a landingplanned for 2023, according to NASA.

By Seth Borenstein
A teacher speaks with students in the classroom and online as they return to in-person learning at St. Anthony Catholic High School during the COVID-19 pandemic in Long Beach, Calif., on March 24, 2021. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)

California Parents Are Pulling Children From Public Schools

Faced with contentious changes within the public school sectorincluding the introduction of ethnic studies in some districtssome California parents are searching for alternative options.

I dont want my daughter exposed to any type of sex education at any grade level, and I dont want her introduced to any type of critical race theory at any grade level, Denise Ramirez told The Epoch Times.

Ramirez is a mother of three, with two enrolled in the Tustin Unified School District and another recently enrolled in a private school.

With concerns mounting over critical race theory (CRT) being taught in classroomscoupled with mask mandates for public schools leading into the coming curricular yearRamirez began to seek other options for her children.

She enrolled her daughter at a private Christian school to attend kindergarten. The facility remained open during the pandemic and didnt require kindergarteners to wear masks.

Ramirez said her boys were exposed to comprehensive sex education in grade seven, and she wants more control over her daughters schooling.

What we want for her education to look like is that she can go in person, and there wont be any interruption, she said.

Increasing Private School Enrollments

At Aliso Christian Academy, principal Kaelyn Peterson said she is witnessing an increase in enrollments.

Before enrolling families into the school, Peterson provides them with a tour of the facility. Based on information shes gleaned on the tours shes led, parents are reaching for more in-person instruction as they see it as more suitable for their kids, she said.

She also said that more conservative families are searching for alternative education options as different ideas and agendas that go against beliefs are being pushed down into the public education spectrum.

The majority of them say is they want their kids in-person and they also want them in an environment where they feel like whats being taught to them aligns with their values, Peterson said.

The school took safety precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic but remained open.

As some families turn toward private schools, others decide to stay put and wait for their children to finish out their public education.

Jon Schank, whose son is an incoming high school senior at Tustin Unified School District (TUSD), said he disagrees with the decisions being made in public schools but doesnt intend to move his son.

I do not like the direction of education  the introduction of ethnic studies, he told The Epoch Times. I think the school board does not act in the best interest of the students.
California Union Opposes Newsoms Vaccine Order

Californias biggest public sector union has come out in opposition to Gov. Gavin Newsoms order requiring state workers to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or undergo regular testing.

Richard Louis Brown, president of SEIU Local 1000, which represents some 96,000 employees of the State of California, on Wednesday shared a letter from the union to the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) objecting to Newsoms vaccine mandate.

The new policy constitutes a unilateral change in violation of the obligation to give notice and the opportunity to meet and confer prior to implementation, reads the letter, signed by SEIU Local 1000 chief counsel Anne Giese.

Giese called on CalHR and the State of California to cease and desist enforcing this requirement or imposing an immediate deadline until the union has had the chance to meet and confer.

The move came in response to the Democrat governors order, issued on Monday, requiring all of Californias state employees, some 246,000 people, to get vaccinated starting Aug. 2 or be subjected to weekly COVID-19 testing.

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

In announcing the vaccine mandate, Newsom pointed to the spread of the Delta variant of the CCP virus, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists as a variant of concern and considers to be more transmissible and potentially more resistant to vaccines.

We are now dealing with a pandemic of the unvaccinated, and its going to take renewed efforts to protect Californians from the dangerous Delta variant, Newsom said in a statement. 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.

So far, opposition by SEIU Local 1000 marks the only union objection to Newsoms order.

On Friday, Newsoms office shared statements in support of his order issued by a number of local leaders and associations.

Newsoms new vaccine policy is a reasonable compromise that we can get behind, said Glen Stailey, president of the Correctional Peace Officers Association. It provides for regular testing at work for those who have chosen not to get vaccinatedthis will prevent the spread of the virus among correctional officers and incarcerated individuals alike.

Denise Duncan, president of the United Nurses Association of California said in a statement that, COVID-19 transmissions are high, were in a fourth surge, and we know that unvaccinated people are suffering the most. This is a forward-thinking order from Governor Newsom which will save lives by protecting patients and caregivers both.

Federal, state, and local government officials have pushed vaccinations harder as cases linked to the Delta variant have risen.

Just under half of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated, according to the CDC.

Vaccine mandates have become a hot-button issue, with advocates welcoming them as a measure to help stem the spread of the CCP virus and protect vulnerable populations, while opponents object on a range of grounds, including concerns about side effects, that the COVID-19 vaccines are currently under emergency use authorization, and that mandates infringe on personal liberties.
Security personnel stand in front an entrance to China's Banking Regulatory Commission in Beijing on Aug. 6, 2018. (Greg Baker/ AFP/via Getty Images)

Chinese Anti-America Internet Celebrity Arrested for Running P2P Lending Platform

A Chinese anti-America internet celebrity and chairman of a P2P lending platform was recently arrested for alleged online fraud, which raised a lot of eyebrows among his 3 million-strong followers.

Huang Sheng is the chairman of Chinese P2P lending platform Xitouwang. He has over 3 million fans on Chinese social media platform Weibo, and often published anti-America posts to attract like-minded followers. His posts have won him the nickname Anti-America VIP.

On July 13, he was suddenly arrested in Zhenshen on suspicion of illegal financial activities on his Xitouwang platform, reported CCP-backed Sina.com. Another shareholder and one senior manager were also arrested.

Public information shows that Xitouwang was established and went online on May 8, 2014. Huang owns 62 percent of it. On Feb. 28, 2020, Xitouwang was suspended from selling its online products. The platform still has $106 million in outstanding principal from lenders, involving more than 5,412 investors.

According to Xitouwangs own data, the platform has been in operation for 2,642 days, with a cumulative transaction volume of more than $845 million and more than 548,000 active registered users.

According to statistics reported in the Chinese Epoch Times, from 2013 to 2015, the CCPs most influential TV station, China Central Television, reported on and promoted P2P lending dozens of times, and state-level CCP leaders have spoken out in favor of P2P four times. Big cities including Beijing, Tianjin, Shenzhen, Nanjing, and Shanghai issued policies to promote the development of the internet finance industry.

Public data compiled by the Chinese Epoch Times indicates that there are 1,855 known online lending platforms in China. They have 344 million participants and a pending balance of about $145 billion. These platforms only account for 12.5 percent of the total number of online lending platforms.

A Favorite of the CCPs Media

A Chinese blogger wrote that Huang has a different way of doing business. He specializes in marketing patriotic sentiments, attracting followers by cursing the U.S. for a long time and then directing them to invest their money in his P2P platform.

In March last year, when the entire world was hit by the CCP virus pandemic and many countries started to question the CCP over its coverup of the outbreak, Huang wrote an article titled We Are Righteous and Dont Need To Be Shy. The World Should Thank China to defend the CCP.

This article was hailed by many official CCP media, including Xinhua, and was reposted en masse.

Some netizens counted the number of times Huang falsely stated in his articles that the United States collapsed or Japan failed. In three months, Huang said the United States had collapsed 20 times and Japan had failed 15 times. Although untrue, this didnt stop Huang from repeatedly claiming that the West had failed miserably. Many of his fans believed the West really was a failure.

In every article, Huang also remembered to push his patriotic marketing by recommending his own P2P platform, which he eventually cashed in on with his fans.

Dr. Zhang Tianliang, a China affairs expert and a YouTube host, said in one of his videos that many people read Huangs articles every day, and are attracted by his anti-America stance, and then become investors of his Xitouwang platform.

According to Zhang, people who can be attracted by Huangs anti-America stance and statements are more likely to fall for Huangs financial trap. So Huang was using his anti-America stance and statements to screen people who could be scammed.

Although a prisoner now, Huang has been highly sought after by the CCP media over the past few years, with special reports on him by Xinhua News Agency, CCTV2, Central Peoples Radio, Phoenix TV, Shanghai TV, Securities Times, and China Securities Journal, among others.

Support from the CCPs official media has given Huangs P2P business several endorsements.

Crackdown After Promotion

According to a netizens hot post on the internet, the numerous bad debts in Chinas state-owned banks threatened financial stability. In order to solve this problem, the CCP started to promote internet financing and allowed P2P platforms to develop in order to attract funds. Bad loans were repackaged as P2P products and sold to the public who didnt know the truth.

After the banks got rid of the non-performing assets, the authorities then cracked down on the P2P platforms by forcing them to close. In 2018, many P2P platforms started to voluntarily exit the market.

Once the P2P platforms were closed, the victims had no way to get back their investments. The government cannot be held responsible for their losses and victims who sought to recover their losses were often cracked down on by the authorities.

Xitouwang announced on Feb. 12, 2020, that it would conduct a voluntary exit under the guidance of the regulatory authorities.

On March 16, 2020, Xitouwang issued a notice that it would close on March 29, 2020. On May 6, 2020, it announced its payment plan, which showed that it had 5,634 lenders, and $129 million in unpaid principal.

On Nov. 27, 2020, Liu Fushou, chief lawyer of the China Banking Regulatory Commission, said that as of mid-November, the actual number of P2P platforms operating across China had completely gone to zero.

This means that the trillions of dollars in debts owed by P2P platforms were also zeroed out along with them.

On May 21 this year, the Shenzhen police issued a notice to ban Huang and other senior management of Xitouwang from leaving China. In that notice, the police stated that Xitouwang still had $106 million in outstanding principal from lenders, involving more than 5,412 investors.
Shen Yun Performing Arts' curtain call at Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, in Colorado Springs, July 2021. (NTD Television)

Colorado State and City Officials Welcome Shen Yun

After a year of setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing performance cancellations, Shen Yun Performing Arts was able to return to Colorado for another series of spectacular performances.

Shen Yun is a New York-based performing arts company showcasing Chinese culture before the era of communism. In welcoming the performers, seven Colorado state and city officials sent proclamations and welcome letters to celebrate the occasion.

Michael F. Bennet, United States Senator, extended his good wishes to Shen Yuns artists, producers, and staff. He also added that the magnificent production of a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture will uplift audiences across the state.

Sen. Michael F. Bennet (D-CO). (Courtesy U.S. Senate Historical Office)

In her proclamation, Colorado State Representative Leslie Herod wrote, Denver is awaiting the presence of Shen Yun and its citizens are eagerly anticipating the performance of such defined and coordinated cultural work.

House Representative Mary Young wrote in her letter, Our community is fortunate to host this acclaimed cultural performance celebrating 5,000 years of Chinese culture and history through classical Chinese dance and live orchestral performance.

Colorado State Representative Mary Young. (Colorado General Assembly)

Alec Garnett, Speaker of the Colorado House, was delighted t0 welcome Shen Yun back to Colorado, adding, After a hard year of COVID-19 and rescheduled shows, this spectacular event will finally return to Coloradans all across the state to enjoy.

Mayor John Suthers of Colorado Springs extended his greetings to Shen Yun saying, Your mission to present the rich cultural heritage of China to the Colorado Springs community enhances the multicultural and artistic atmosphere of our city that matches its surrounding natural beauty.

Mayor of Greely, John Gates, proclaimed that July 31 and Aug. 1, 2021, will be Shen Yun Performing Arts Weekend and urged all residents of Greeley to see one of Shen Yuns magical and enchanting performances.

Greeley Mayor John Gates. (City of Greeley)

The Mayor of the City of Loveland, Jacki Marsh, issued a proclamation stating the City of Loveland celebrates cultural enrichment and commends Shen Yun Performing Arts for educating audiences about authentic Chinese culture.

Shen Yun just concluded three performances at Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts in Colorado Springs and will be gracing Greeley, from July 31 to Aug. 1 at the Union Colony Civic Center.

Shen Yun will be at The Buell Theater in Denver from Nov. 4-7.

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.
Complaint Filed to Force Michigan Governor to Return Alleged Illegal Campaign Contributions

LANSING, Mich.A conservative, pro-Constitution organization based in western Michigan has asked the states Bureau of Elections to investigate what it alleges is the illegal circumvention of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act.

The group, called the Michigan Freedom Fund, points to Democrat Governor Gretchen Whitmers own recently filed campaign finance report, which shows that, since January 2021, her reelection committee accepted a total of $3.4 million via 154 donations, all of which exceeded the $7,150 statutory cap on individual donations.

In a statement, Whitmer spokesperson Mark Fisk called Michigan Freedoms allegations bogus and without merit.

The Whitmer campaign asserts that it is all perfectly legal under a decades-old determination by former Michigan Secretary of State Richard Austin. In addressing the issue in the mid-1980s, Austin recognized that, as groups seeking to recall a state elected official had no cap on the amount of money their individual contributors could donate, it was unfair that an elected official defending against a recall effort should have his donors limited by a cap, so he removed the limits.

It remains unclear why Austin did not instead impose a similar donation cap on pro-recall donors.

Whitmer has been subject to dozens of recall efforts over her use of the emergency powers of the governor to lock the state down during the pandemic, and for not abiding by her own rules. Whitmer aroused the ire of the public by her highly publicized marching in a large political demonstration, visiting a crowded tavern, and flying to Florida during the height of the lockdowns.

Through it all, Whitmers approval ratings continue to hover at around 50 percent and she is setting records for non-election year fundraising, taking full advantage of the so-called Austin loophole.

Michigan Freedom Funds executive director, Victoria Sachs, said in a statement, Gov. Whitmer is deliberately breaking the law and taking millions of dollars from Hollywood and New York elites because she believes the rules dont apply to her.

In a six-page complaint to the Bureau of Elections dated July 28, Michigan Freedom Fund asserts that the Michigan Secretary of State had no authority to amend the clear intent of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act by his decision to do away with the limits, and that any changes must be passed by the legislature.

The complaint also asserts that many of Whitmers largest donations that exceeded the $7,150 limit were accepted by the campaign after the last of the recall efforts fizzled out by failing to obtain the required 1,062,647 valid registered voter signatures within the statutory 60-day time frame. The complaint contends that, for these donations, there was no recall campaign in existence to defend against.

This is disputed by the Whitmer campaign, which asserts that several recall efforts are still wending their way through the state election bureaucracy or are being appealed in the courts.

Fisk has also insisted that the unspent campaign donations received throughout the recall process can be legally diverted to pay for regular campaign expenses, a claim that some election law experts and many Republicans disagree with.
Former President Donald Trump makes an entrance at the Rally To Protect Our Elections conference in Phoenix, Ariz., on July 24, 2021. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Grassley Says DOJ Ordering Release of Trump Tax Returns Is Dangerous Precedent

The Department of Justices (DOJ) order last week to release former President Donald Trumps tax returns to a congressional committee appears to be purely political and sets a dangerous precedent, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said.

In 2019, the department said the returns didnt have to be given to Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, because Neal was disingenuous about the true purpose of seeking the returns.

On July 31, a lawyer in the departments Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) reversed that decision, alleging the panel invoked facially valid reasons for its request.

Grassley was among those decrying the move.

The federal government closely guards private taxpayer information for a reason. It seems to me that this new opinion from the Biden Justice Department is just politics. The Office of Legal Counsel is supposed to be a source of thoughtful legal analysis, not a source of political justifications to back up partisan House investigations. Troublingly, this new OLC opinion contradicts its own very recent opinion, Grassley, top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee and a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, said in a statement.

Grassley noted that the Treasury Departments career inspector general, Richard Delmar, affirmed last year that the Treasury Department separately acted properly when deciding whether to release the returns to Neal.

Theres no legitimate legislative purpose for targeting an individuals tax information like this, even if its the former president. Its always been obvious that House Democrats wanted to get the former presidents tax returns just so they could release them to the public, and the Ways and Means Committees excuse about doing oversight on the presidential audit program is an obvious pretext that deserves no deference from the Treasury Department. It doesnt matter who it is, such a partisan and targeted abuse of private taxpayer information is a very dangerous precedent that will damage our country, Grassley said.

Other Republicans also weighed in against the decision.

Whether or not you believe President Trump should have made his tax returns public, every taxpayer should be alarmed by this politically motivated Justice Department ruling, Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas), the top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, said in a statement.

Privacy should matter. Instead, this sets a dangerous precedent that weaponizes the tax code by giving Congress the dangerous power to rummage through anyones private tax returns for purely political reasons. If politicians in Congress can demand, and ultimately make public, the Presidents private tax returns, what stops them from doing the same to others they view as a political enemy?

Neal has previously stated that he wanted to make Trumps returns public, Brady noted.

Dawn Johnsen, acting assistant attorney general for the DOJs Office of Legal Counsel, said in the July 30 legal opinion that officials cant know whether the information will be made public.

We presume the Committee will handle the tax information it receives with sensitivity to taxpayer privacy concerns, Johnsen wrote.

Trump hasnt responded to a request for comment, nor has he or his team responded to the reversal.

Democrats praised the decision.

Democrats requested former President Trumps tax returns more than two years ago. The law is on our side, but the request was blocked by the Trump Administration. I thank [Attorney General Merrick] Garland for making the right call, Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) said on Twitter.

I applaud DOJs decision directing the tax returns of Donald Trump Treasury be provided to Congress so that it can fulfill its duties, including ensuring compliance and with the Emoluments Clause. No one is above the law, not even a President of the USA, added Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas).
Facts Matter (July 30): Forensic Audit Starts in Wisconsin; County in PA Refuses to Comply; Georgia Probe

In Pennsylvania, where a forensic audit of the election was previously launched, a county informed the state Senate that they are refusing to comply.

In Georgia, the House Speaker released an official statement calling on Fulton County election officials to conduct an Independent, forensic probe of the 2020 election.

In Wisconsin, the head of the Wisconsin Assemblys election commission has launched a full and comprehensive forensic examination of Wisconsins 2020 election. We interview Governor Scott Walker about the problems currently facing the states election system.

Resources:

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Banners advertise the availability of the Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines at a vaccination site in Los Angeles, Calif., on July 22, 2021. (Damian Dovarganes/AP Photo)

FDA Extends Shelf Life of Johnson & Johnsons COVID-19 Vaccine

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has agreed to extend the shelf life on Johnson & Johnsons single-shot COVID-19 vaccine from four-and-a-half months to six months.

In a July 28 concurrence letter (pdf), the FDA said Johnson & Johnson had provided sufficient data to support the extension of the companys vaccine to six months, including for already expired batches, provided they have been stored within the required temperature range of between 3646 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius).

Johnson & Johnson said in a statement that it is pleased with the FDAs decision, adding that the pharmaceutical firm had provided the agency with data from ongoing stability assessment studies that have demonstrated the vaccine remains stable at six months if stored at the required temperature.

Health authorities in a number of states have warned that they may be forced to throw out thousands of doses of Johnson & Johnsons vaccine absent an extension.

The FDA has been reviewing expiration dates on all three COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use in the United States, as manufacturers have continued to test batches for stability following their roll-out. Pfizer and Modernas two-dose vaccines have a shelf life of six months.

Johnson & Johnsons one-and-done vaccine was highly anticipated because it could be stored at relatively high temperatures and so facilitated distribution, particularly in developing countries with patchy cold-storage infrastructure.

A single-shot vaccine that provides this level of protection represents an important tool in the global fight against COVID-19, as we strive to help end this deadly pandemic, the company said in a statement.

But use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine has been hurt by several rare potential side effects.

In April, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended states temporarily halt using the Johnson & Johnson vaccine out of caution and investigated several women who developed cerebral venous sinus thrombosis along with low blood platelets within two weeks of getting the shot. But a CDC panel later in the month voted to resume usage of vaccine and recommended adding a warning.

Earlier in July, health regulators added a new warning to the vaccine about links to a potentially dangerous neurological reaction called Guillain-Barre syndrome.

In both cases, government health advisers said that the overall benefits of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine outweigh the risks associated with potential side effects.

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.
Florida Governor Blocks School Mask Mandates in Executive Order

DeSantis says parents can decide for their children

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on July 30 issued an executive order to block mask mandates in schools.

The Republican governor said his order lets parents exercise their right to decide for their own children whether they should wear masks.

School districts in two Florida countiesBroward and Gadsdenhad previously issued mask mandates for students, effective when classes start in August. Their mandates came after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that all students, teachers, and staff wear masks indoors regardless of whether theyve been vaccinated.

But DeSantis has made his stance firm on mask requirements. In a speech in Cape Coral announcing the executive order, he said, There will be no lockdowns, there will be no school closures, there will be no restrictions and no mandates in the state of Florida.

Florida parents, students, elected officials, and community leaders attended the event.

The federal government has no right to tell parents that in order for their kids to attend school in person, they must be forced to wear a mask all day, every day, DeSantis said in a statement. Many Florida schoolchildren have suffered under forced masking policies, and it is prudent to protect the ability of parents to make decisions regarding the wearing of masks by their children.

A statement from DeSantiss office says the order is in response to several Florida school boards considering or implementing mask mandates in their schools after the Biden Administration issued unscientific and inconsistent recommendations that school-aged children wear masks.

The order directs the Florida Department of Health to enter rulemaking in collaboration with the Florida Department of Education to bar any mask mandates. DeSantiss office said the move is consistent with HB 241 (Parents Bill of Rights), signed into law on June 29, which sets out the rights parents have in their childs education, upbringing, and health.

The Florida Department of Education didnt immediately respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Former Mighty Ducks Actor Now Sober Graduates Court ProgramGets Burglary Charge Dropped

Former The Mighty Ducks child star Shaun Weiss is making strides now, having previously stumbled into addiction.

After graduating from a California drug court program, a pending burglary charge against him has been dropped.

Weiss, 42, was arrested in Marysville, California, last year for breaking into a car while under the influence of methamphetamine. In 2018, he was also arrested for public intoxication; and in 2017, was detained twice for theft and drug possessionfor which he served jail time.

On March 3, Weiss entered Yuba Countys Drug Court program, and the superior court judge presented him with his graduation certificate on July 21.

The Yuba County District Attorneys Office praised Weisss commitment to recovery in a Facebook post.

Many of those enslaved by addiction are not ready to address it, they stated. However, nonviolent offenders who are ready to walk the hard road of recovery can turn their lives around through the Yuba County Drug Court.

Weisss health fell into rapid decline at the height of his addiction. Hitting rock bottom in early 2020, he weighed little over 84 pounds, had no teeth, and was suffering from severe diabetes.

Shaun demonstrated perseverance during his recovery, complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the DAs Office said. He had to move treatment and transitional living programs on several occasions.

Typically, after time spent in a residential treatment center, participants join an outpatient support program and take part in random drug testing, with regular examinations before a judge in court.

The Yuba County DAs Office said Weiss has started working again since graduating from the program. As travel restrictions lifted, he began touring the United States, making guest appearances, signing autographs, and meeting fans who hold fond memories of his Mighty Ducks character, goalie Greg Goldberg.

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
A banner against renters eviction reading "no job, no rent" is displayed on a controlled rent building in Washington, on Aug. 9, 2020. (Eric Baradat/AFP via Getty Images)

Illinois Rental Housing Providers Welcome End of Eviction Moratorium

With the eviction moratorium set to expire at the end of August, Illinois landlords express relief.

Governor [J.B.] Pritzker is making a prudent and sensible decision in phasing out the eviction moratorium as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and our economy gets back on track, Michael Mini, executive vice president of the Chicagoland Apartment Association told The Epoch Times. Landlords and tenants have both faced unprecedented financial pressures since the spring of 2020 when the pandemic and stay-at-home order began.

Paul Arena, Director of Legislative Affairs for the Illinois Rental Property Owners Association, told The Epoch Times that the Association was pleased to see the moratoriums end, it was long overdue and that we need to get back to normal operations.

Illinois Gov. Pritzker signed an executive order on July 23 announcing that the states eviction moratorium which protected tenants unable to pay rent because of COVID-19-related income loss will expire on Aug. 21.

At the national level, the eviction moratorium issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expires Saturday after Congress failed to extend the moratorium.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June that any extension would have to be approved by Congress.

Property owners and managers have been working collaboratively with tenants to set up specialized payments plans, waive late fees, and extend grace periods to help those who were financially impacted by COVID-19, finding workable solutions to keep people in their homes, said Mini. Rent relief and additional protections adopted by the courts and state and local governments will help housing providers and residents alike.

However, Arena said that the landlords didnt receive the same protection from the government as the tenants did during the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) virus pandemic.

Landlords have not been able to recover their losses from tenants who simply moved out while owing large amounts of back rent or who are unwilling to apply for assistance, he said.

Other Reliefs Still Available to Renters

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, federal funds have been distributed locally to keep renters afloat. In the summer and fall of 2020, Illinois disbursed $300 million to residents who received a maximum of $5,000; in Chicago, $80 million was distributed in May of 2021 from federal funds to prevent mass evictions.

In May, 81,000 parties, both Illinois renters and housing providers, applied for millions in federal funds, and $500 million remains with the state, which is expected to assist 63,000 households.

For example, a grant of up to $25,000 is available through the Illinois Housing Development Authority for COVID-19 related past due rent payments funded by federal relief dollarsan amount estimated to represent rent obligations from 12 pandemic-related months with three additional months.

Rental assistance funding is available but renters need to know where to look and how to navigate the system.

My biggest concern is making sure that everyone, regardless of technology and regardless of where they live and how they get their information, can learn about these programs and how to access them, Sharon Legenza, executive director of advocacy group Housing Action Illinois, told The Center Square.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) (L), joined by Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on July 30, 2021. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

In Bipartisan Letter, Graham and Cuellar Urge Biden to Hire Jeh Johnson as Border Czar

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) penned a bipartisan letter to President Joe Biden on July 30 urging the commander-in-chief to appoint a border czar, and recommended former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, or someone with similar credentials for the job.

Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, and Cuellar, a Democrat representing a border county in Texas, said their concern about the escalating situation on the border is neither partisan nor political.

To solve the growing problem, we request a special executive appointment for border issues to ensure sufficient federal resources are allocated to overburdened U.S. border communities, and to recommend changes to our immigration policies as we work to regain control of the border, they wrote in a letter (pdf) addressed to Biden and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

The rare bipartisan petition is a sign that the border crisis has spilled across political boundaries. The letter points out that 188,829 enforcement encounters took place on the southern border in June, a six-fold increase from the same period last year.

Jeh Johnson, former secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, speaks at the 2019 Concordia Annual Summit in New York on Sept. 24, 2019. (Riccardo Savi/Getty Images for Concordia Summit)

A group of illegal immigrants crosses the Rio Grande from Acuna, Mexico, to Del Rio, Texas, on July 25, 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

The total number of migrants apprehended at the southern border has exceeded 1.2 million this fiscal year. In short, this is a humanitarian and public safety emergency, the letter states.

Upon taking office in January, Biden revoked, put on hold, or limited dozens of executive actions put in place by the Trump administration to stem the flow of illegal aliens. After illegal crossings surged, Biden tasked Vice President Kamala Harris with handling the crisis.

Cuellar and Graham wrote that in the Rio Grande sector, where immigration authorities logged more than 20,000 illegal alien encounters last week, Border Patrol agents are testing positive for the CCP virus at an alarming rate. More than 50,000 illegal aliens were released into the country without a court order because the system is overloaded, the lawmakers said.

The situation on the border will worsen unless we enact policies that will end the surge and fix our broken immigration system, the letter states.

The Epoch Times sent a request for comment to the White House and to Johnson.

Cuellar and Graham said Johnson carries an exceptional bipartisan reputation for pragmatic approaches to complex border security and immigration challenges. Johnson served as President Barack Obamas Homeland Security chief from December 2013 until January 2017; he was confirmed by the Senate in 2013 on a 7816 vote.
A nurse massages babies at the Xining Children Hospital in Xining City, Qinghai Province. Hospitals in Henan Province have been advertising the selling of unwanted babies, according to a report by China National Radio. (Getty Images)

In Major Reversal, Beijing Unveils Series of Policies Promoting Childbearing

On July 20, the State Council of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officially issued a document which not only allows three children for each family but also introduces a number of policies to encourage childbirth, indicating the regimes eagerness to get Chinese people to have more children.

Other than giving permission for parents to have a third child, the document also abolishes fines for over-birth, lifts restrictions on residency registration, school admissions, and jobs for over-born childrena term created during the one-child era, referring to the second or third child. It also actively develops inclusive kindergartens, ensures after-school childcare services; and gives child-rearing families personal income tax benefits, public rental housing, and housing support.

In addition, the Chinese Ministry of Education recently encouraged schools to open and provide childcare services during summer vacation. Some of Chinas first- and second-tier cities have cracked down on housing prices in good school districts, all suggesting that the authorities are looking for ways to push more people to have children by reducing the burden on Chinese families.

The CCP has been issuing mandatory or soft family planning policies since the founding of the regime, claiming that government-controlled family planning is an essential component of a planned economy.

In the early 1950s, couples at childbearing age were encouraged to have as many children as possible, and women who gave birth to numerous children were honored as Hero Mothers.

By 1953, census data showed that Chinas population increased 560 million in less than four years, a much higher rate than natural population growth. The authorities made the first reverse in 1957, calling on families to have fewer children.

Twenty years later, strict birth control became a national policy in 1979 when the CCP began implementing its one-child regulation to curb Chinas population growth through brutal methods such as forced abortions, forced birth control, and sterilizations.

According to a report released by the Chinese authorities in January 2007, 400 million fewer people have been born in China since the introduction of family planning, which the party calls a remarkable achievement.

However, with the disappearance of the demographic dividend and serious population aging, the CCP began to allow the birth of the second child in 2011. At the end of May 2021, the regime began allowing the birth of a third child. The CCP is now begging people to have children, yet most people do not want to do so.

The regime mouthpiece Xinhua News Agency conducted a poll about the three-child policy on its official Weibo account on May 31. The poll was originally intended to run for seven days, but was deleted after one day. A screenshot taken on day one showed that more than 31,000 people voted at one point, with about 28,000 or 90 percent saying they completely did not consider having a third child, according to screenshots posted by netizens.

Commenting on the three-child policy in late May, Yuan Tengfei, a prominent YouTuber and former history teacher in China, said some experts and scholars had been pleading recently that there are not enough people in China. Put it bluntly, (theyre saying that) there are not enough leeks (ordinary people) to cut. Its the same reason why theyre against lying flat-ism. If all you leeks lie flat, the sickle (the pattern on the CCP flag, used to refer to the communist regime) has nothing to cut, so they begin to encourage child birthing. Lying-flat is a growing trend among young people in China, it advocates against aspirations such as work, career, marriage, and child-raising, etc.

In response to the three-child policy on May 31, a Health official admitted that based on a poll, heavy economic burden (75.1 percent), lack of childcare resources (51.3 percent), and a drop in the wages of female workers after giving birth (34.3 percent) are the top three reasons for peoples declining willingness to have children in recent years.

In addition, Chinas aging population has been deepening in recent years, and the proportion of elderly people over 60 years old is expected to exceed 30 percent by 2035, the official said. Therefore, the implementation of the three-child policy and the birth support policy will be conducive to increasing the labor supply and reducing the burden of pension.

Faced with a declining birthrate and an aging population, the CCP is eager to encourage people to have a third child, in the hope of reducing the pressure from a declining population. Huang Wenzheng, a Chinese demographer, said in an interview with the Chinese media, 21st Century Business Herald in April, that between 1989 and 2019, the number of births in China fell from 24 million to 11 million. Industry experts generally believe that even if birth control is lifted, a negative growth era will be irreversible for Chinas population. China needs to fully lift all birth controls and vigorously encourage childbearing (with incentives). Lifting birth control without encouraging childbearing by means of incentives will not be able to stop the shrinking of the birth population, he said.

Everything has cause and effect, commented Walter Zhang, a China news commentator. Today the CCP has to swallow the bitter fruit of family planning, and no matter how much sugar is put in it, it cant be sweetened.
Cables and lithium-ion battery components sit on the production line at the Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) automobile manufacturing plant in Dingolfing, Germany, on Aug. 21, 2014. (Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

KORE Power Selects Arizona Site For Battery Production Facility

Idaho-based KORE Power announced on July 30 plans to build the companys first lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant in Buckeye, Arizona.

The 1 million square-foot KOREPlex facility will support up to 12 gigawatt hours (GWh) of battery cell production to ensure a reliable independent U.S. supply chain for lithion-ion battery cells that are critical to electric vehicles and domestic power grids.

Arizona is thrilled to be selected as the home of the countrys first U.S.-owned lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility, said Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey in a statement. Not only will this facility create thousands of new jobs, it will position Arizona as an anchor in the global battery manufacturing supply chain.

According to KORE Power, the new facility in Buckeye, located 40 miles west of Phoenix, will have the capacity to produce enough power for 3.2 million homes each year.

KORE Powers expansion to Arizona will bring thousands of great-paying jobs to our state and will ensure that Arizona remains at the forefront of clean energy and battery cell development for decades to come, said Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) in the statement.

As one of the nations top producers of clean energy technologies, KORE Power plays an important role in maintaining American energy independence. This investment in our electric vehicle infrastructure and climate resiliency will continue to advance Arizonas leadership in the tech sector as well as help our nation achieve its renewable energy goals, Kelly said.

Founded in 2018, KORE Power, with headquarters located in Coeur dAlene, Idaho, is the leading U.S.-based developer of battery cell technology with more than 10 million battery cells deployed to its global customer base.

The new KOREPlex facility is expected to create 3,400 new advanced manufacturing jobs as well as 10,000 direct and indirect jobs in Arizona.

Kore officials say the operation will also bolster U.S. energy security by adding a new domestic battery supply. At present, China leads the industry with about 73 percent of global battery cell manufacturing capacity.

Kore plans to start construction of the facility by the end of 2021 with the goal of beginning production in 2023. The company will operate with net-zero carbon emissions through strategic partnerships, including solar-plus and storage co-generation.

We needed a location for our factory that had a track record of supporting energy storage, a growing clean transportation sector, and a workforce that could deliver American-made battery technology that the supply chain so desperately needs, said KORE Power CEO Lindsay Gorrill in a statement.

Arizona hit a home run. Were fully committed to be a cornerstone of the states clean economy and were proud to bring advanced cell manufacturing home to the U.S., Gorrill added.

Buckeye Mayor Eric Osborn said that KORE Powers investment in Buckeye to produce clean, renewable energy aligns with the City Councils sustainability and employment goals.

This project is not just a win for Buckeye, but for the West Valley, the state of Arizona, and the clean energy industry, Osborn said.

KORE Power decided on Maricopa County after a national site search and evaluation of the energy storage, manufacturing, and electric transportation opportunities across the country.

The Arizona site offers proximity to related industries such as e-mobility, solar energy, semiconductors, utilities, workforce, and logistics capacity.
Surfers walk past a seawall built in front of a home at Victoria Beach, in the city of Laguna Beach, Calif., on Jan. 8, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Laguna Beach to Create On-Demand Neighborhood Transit Service

The city of Laguna Beach, California, is launching a new pilot program for an on-demand residential transit service in certain neighborhoods that will bring residents to downtown areas.

The shuttle will transport those living in the neighborhoods of Arch Beach Heights, Bluebird Canyon, and Top of the World downtown. Those wishing a ride can schedule one on a smartphone app.

The city council unanimously approved the program during a July 27 council meeting in response to a ridership slump on its traditional trolleys from the three neighborhoods.

Back in 2017, there were some discussions about what to do with the neighborhood transit service because we were seeing declining ridership and looking at options to hopefully boost that ridership and promote the service, Michael Litschi, Laguna Beach deputy director of public works told the council.

The city consistently observed that fewer than 10 riders per hour were boarding the trolleys, which is below the Orange County Transportation Authority mandates for minimum ridership. By comparison, the trolleys coastal routes during the summer typically record about 40 riders per hour.

It wasnt a lack of marketing, it wasnt that people didnt know that there was a trolley that served the neighborhoods, it was that for one reason or another, the service and the service design did not work for them, Litschi said. We heard from residents that they wanted more frequent service, more reliable service, and services that operated extended hours later into the evening.

With such requests in mind, city staff designed the new residential transit program. It will feature four vehicles, with three operating at one time. Instead of fixed-hour intervals, those requesting the service on the app or by calling the citys transit phone number can expect to wait 15 to 20 minutes.

Bicycle racks will be added to the vehicles, which will be owned and operated by LAZ Parking, the same contractor the city uses to manage its trolley system.

The rides will be free; children aged 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

The service will run Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with hours being extended to 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays during the summertime.

Funding for the program will come from the citys $753,000 transit fund, which was included in the 202122 fiscal year budget, although it wasnt clear how much the service will cost.
People talk before the start of a rally against "critical race theory" (CRT) being taught in schools, at the Loudoun County Government center in Leesburg, Va., on June 12, 2021. (Andrew Cballlero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

Minnesotans Take Legal Action Over Critical Race Theory

A law firm has taken legal action on behalf of Minnesotans opposed to critical race theory (CRT) who argue that theyve become victims of bullying and retaliation for speaking out against what they say is a divisive and discriminatory philosophy.

The Minnesota-based Upper Midwest Law Center (UMLC) announced on July 30 that it had filed complaints and lawsuits on behalf of clients who seek an end to the official propagandizing of CRT and the bullying and retaliation which accompany it.

CRT, a quasi-Marxist ideology that interprets society through the lens of a racial struggle, sees inherent racism in the foundations of Western societies, which it seeks to fundamentally transform to end this claimed racial oppression. An effort to incorporate CRT in U.S. schools has been pushed by progressive politicians, activists, and major teachers unions, drawing backlash from parents and conservatives.

Our clients are bravely confronting CRT-inspired bullying, indoctrination, and retaliation, which isnt training or persuasion, Doug Seaton, president of UMLC, said in a statement.

They have been insulted, lied about, threatened, demoted, and fired, simply for refusing to submit to this ideology. But the U.S. Constitution, the federal Civil Rights laws, and their Minnesota counterparts dont permit this race-based discrimination, retaliation, compelled speech, and invasion of privacy.

Acting on behalf of its clients, UMLC has announced a series of parallel Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charges and state and federal lawsuits.

One UMLC client, Dr. Tara Gustilo, a Filipino American doctor who was chairwoman of obstetrics and gynecology at Hennepin Healthcare System (HHS), was demoted essentially because of her polite opposition to the Critical Race Theory thats saturating her organization, Seaton said in a statement.

I see a racist and divisive ideology of race essentialism taking over our nation and my institution, Gustilo said. Further, there seems to be this growing intolerance for people with different opinions or ideas and it seems that this tribalistic ideology is fostering that kind of intolerance.

In her EEOC complaint, Gustilo alleged that HHS engaged in discriminatory and retaliatory behavior by demoting me on the basis of race due to my refusal, as a person of color, to subscribe to Critical Race Theory and the views of the Black Lives Matter movement and even admitting that such refusal served as the trigger for my demotion.

HHS didnt respond to a request for comment by press time.

Other UMLC clients made similar allegations, with a Native American man claiming that his employer forced him to retire early due to his opposition to CRT and the parents of a Lakeville area student alleging viewpoint discrimination at their daughters school for refusing to allow All Lives Matter signs to be displayed while letting Black Lives Matter posters to be put up.
Chicago police stand guard as demonstrators protest outside the department's 7th District station in Chicago, Illinois, on Aug. 11, 2020. The protest was held in response to the August 9 shooting and wounding of a 20-year-old man who allegedly fired at officers in the Englewood neighborhood. The protest was met with resistance from a small group of Englewood residents. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

More Chicago Police Seek Mental Health Support Under New Stresses

CHICAGOCarrie Steiners mental health clinic in Lombard, a suburban town just west of Chicago, has seen a surge of police officers from Chicago Police Department and surrounding suburban police agencies. She added five new therapists in the last 18 months, each seeing 25 to 30 clients every week.

A new source of stress for Chicago police is the prolonged working hours, Steiner said. Since last summer, they have been repeatedly asked to work 12-hour shifts with no days off to cope with the civil unrest and rising crime. Many officers she knows sleep four to five hours a daythat is, if they get to fall asleep at all.

If you are already an officer with anxiety or depression, then with sleep deprivation, you are not able to handle all the stresses. That just increases the chance of suicide, Steiner told The Epoch Times.

On July 14, 24-year-old Chicago police officer Christian Furczon shot himself and died in a car. He had been on the community safety team, a citywide unit formed last July to serve the most violent neighborhoods on the West and South Side of Chicago. He is the third Chicago police officer to commit suicide this year.

Robin Kroll, a police psychologist, has just expanded the peer support programs at her clinic in northwest Chicago to cope with the influx.

What we are seeing is a surge of exhaustion. Those who have always thought of themselves as resilient are coming in and saying that they feel broken and are in crisis, Kroll said in an email to The Epoch Times.

Another source of stress is the increasing anti-police climate since the death of George Floyd last May, Kroll said. The incident has fueled a nationwide call to defund the police and enact more legal restrictions on policing.

In January, Illinois lawmakers passed a sweeping police reform bill that will allow anonymous complaints against police officers, open the door to civil penalties for officers for pattern and practice violations, and prohibit officers from arresting offenders for Class B and C misdemeanors.

Taking a passive role as crime increases goes against everything an officer with integrity represents. This all leads to low morale and a loss of purpose, Kroll told The Epoch Times in the email.

After the police reform bill, many officers told Steiner that they felt powerless in protecting victims of crime. Steiner advised them to focus on the positive things they can still do within their power, such as informing citizens how their safety is impacted by the new reform bill.

If the citizens dont like the law, let them know that they need to contact their lawmakers to change the law, so that police can have more rights to do what citizens want them to do, Steiner said.

Chicagos largest police union, Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), is also ramping up their mental health services. The unions First Vice President Michael Mette leads the effort. He just set up a mental wellness app for members and is converting second floor union offices into private rooms for mental therapy sessions.

Its just another option for officers, especially for those who dont feel comfortable seeking help from the department, Mette told The Epoch Times. One of the biggest roadblocks with officer wellness in our department is a lot of officers dont feel like its confidential and they dont trust the process.

The Chicago Police Departments (CPD) in-house division that provides mental health services, formerly known as the Professional Counselling Division, increased the number of its staff from 11 to 17 in 2019, and to 20 in 2021.

But from 2019 to 2020, the number of services provided to employees by the division has dropped by nearly half. In 2021, the number of services provided has climbed, but still falls short of that in 2019, according to internal records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.

A recently retired Chicago police officer told The Epoch Times that he once went to the division for help with his marital problems. A few officers got news of his visit less than five minutes after his session ended. He declined to disclose his name for fear of repercussions.

Officers dont seek help because they know somebody might find out in a few minutes, he said. If their boss finds out, it might affect their ability to get promoted or go to a nice unit. Because when the boss finds out, he says, What? This guy was what? Suicidal? I dont need him here. There goes the opportunity.

The CPD did not reply to a request for comment by the time of publication.

Mette said the union will not release any officers mental health records to CPD. The union is working with CPD to enact an official union position of Officer Wellness Ombudsman in the new contract with the city.

With this new contract, its going to open the door a little bit more for the FOP and myself to have more input on how the department treats officer wellness and try to get them to take more steps forward, Mette said. The union and the department will work together to find the best route for each officer.
Health workers administer the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines to the elderly at Central Vaccination Center in Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok, Thailand, on July 13, 2021. (Sirachai Arunrugstichai/Getty Images)

More Countries Abandon Chinese COVID Shots, Signaling a Setback to Regimes Vaccine Diplomacy

More Asian countries are abandoning Chinese vaccines and a Pacific Island nation had delayed the approval of them amid concerns raised about their reduced protection levels against CCP virus infections, giving more validation to a recent suggestion that the window of opportunity is narrowing for the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) so-called vaccine diplomacy.

Millions of people have received Chinese-made Sinovac or Sinopharm vaccines across Asia, but Thailand and Indonesia in the past month decided to drop the Chinese vaccines as their main approach against COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP virus.

Thailand on July 12 said it would opt for the AstraZeneca vaccine from Britain as a second dose for people who had received the Sinovac vaccine as their first dose. Meanwhile, the Indonesian government from July 16 started to give medical workers, who had already received two shots of the Sinovac vaccine, an additional shot of the U.S.-manufactured Moderna vaccine.

The decisions by the two countries came after reports emerged about how health care workers still contracted the CCP virus, and some of them died, despite being fully vaccinated with the Chinese vaccines. For example, in Indonesia, while 95 percent Indonesian health workers have been fully vaccinated, 131 of them have died since June, including 50 in July, according to independent data group Lapor COVID-19, Reuters reported.

By choosing to switch vaccines, the Thai and Indonesian governments were essentially saying they are concerned about vaccine failure, Dale Fisher, chairman of the World Health Organizations Outbreak Alert and Response Network, told the BBC in late July.

In Thailands Bangkok, protesters took to the streets on July 18 calling for the prime minister to resign over an alleged mishandling of the CCP virus pandemic. The protesters also called for the government to buy mRNA vaccines to replace Sinovac, which is widely seen as inferior inside Thailand, reported VOA.

Vaccine Diplomacy Opportunity Closing

The recent developments with Thailand and Indonesia come after Huang Yanzhong, a senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations, told the BBC back in May that Chinas window of opportunity for so-called vaccine diplomacy might soon close amid efforts from the United States and other western nations to help supply vaccines to foreign countries.

He added that the reduced protection of the Chinese vaccines may have already dampened peoples confidence in them, thereby undermining the soft power the CCP had gained through its vaccine diplomacy.

Huangs comments came amid plans by the United States to supply 80 million doses of vaccines abroad, announced in May. The commitment includes 20 million doses of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, as well as 60 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines.

Over in the Pacific region, Papua New Guinea had received an announcement from the CCP in February that it would send over Sinopharm vaccines in response to rising CCP virus cases in the island nation.

But despite a surge in CCP virus cases, and despite the CCP having supplied data from clinical trials for the Sinopharm vaccine, PNG delayed the Chinese vaccines rollout for months until the WHO gave it an emergency approval in May. But by then, PNG had found other alternatives, including AstraZeneca vaccines via Australia or via the COVAX program led by the WHO.

Pacific public health expert Colin Tukuitonga told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that some data suggests the efficacy of the Sinopharm vaccine in preventing infections is clearly less than what is reported for Pfizer and AstraZeneca.

Clinical trials around the world suggest that Sinovac and Sinopharms inactivated virus vaccines are about 50 percent to 79 percent effective in preventing symptomatic CCP virus infections. In comparison, studies suggest the Pfizer vaccine can be 95 percent effective after two doses, and that the AstraZeneca vaccine is 76 percent effective.

Jonathan Pryke, the director of the Lowy Institutes Pacific Islands Program, told CNN late in July that despite being presented with a great opportunity to build influence without requiring large expenses, the CCP appeared to have been missing in action and its efforts had been tokenistic amid the pandemic.

Data from British analytics company Airfinity in late July per CNN showed that the CCP has so far donated 270,000 vaccines to the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatuless than half the amount donated by Australia.

In China, more than 1.62 billion doses of CCP virus vaccines have been administered, with more than 223 million people fully vaccinated. Despite high levels of vaccination in a country of 1.39 billion people, new outbreaks have recently appeared in 21 cities from seven provinces, including Nanjing, Beijing, Guangdong, Anhui, and Liaoning.

The latest round of outbreak since July 20 has seen 185 local CCP Virus cases reported in Nanjing as of Friday. A spokesperson for the Nanjing government dodged a question at a Friday press conference as to how many of the 185 infected patients had been vaccinated.

Chinese official media China News had reported that 22 out of the first 35 local cases in Nanjing were among employees of the Nanjing Lukou International Airport, which belongs to Eastern Airports Group. According to Eastern Airports, as of May 12, the total number of employees vaccinated was 9,251, representing a vaccination rate of 90.87 percent.

Mimi Nguyen Ly contributed to this report.
No Turning Back for Cuba; Perils of Overparenting

(0:57) The pictures of mass pro-democracy protests coming out of Cuba stopped cold when the communist regime shut down the internet on July 12. But the fight for freedom has been ignited and according to our three guests, theres no turning back.

Were joined by Orlando Gutierrez Boronat, coordinator of Cuban Democratic Directorate and a member of the Assembly of the Cuban Resistance; Luis Zuniga, a writer, ex-U.S. diplomat, and a former Cuban political prisoner; and Javier Larrondo, president and founder of human rights organization Prisoner Defender.

(30:06) In America Q&A we ask if people think the U.S. government should take action to support the Cuban protesters.

(32:06) Helicopter parentsparents involved in every aspect of their childs lifehas become a cultural norm. Our guest, Lenore Skenazy, is leading a movement to try to change that. Shes the author of Free-Range Kids and co-founder of an organization called Let Grow. Most recently, her work is featured in a new documentary Chasing Childhood that explores the unintended consequences of overparenting.

(52:28) In our second America Q&A, we find out if people across the country think theres a problem in America with over-parenting.

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In this undated handout a large structural crack is seen along a girder on the Hernando de Soto Bridge on Interstate 40 that spans the Mississippi River in Memphis Tenn. (Tennessee Department of Transportation via Getty Images)

Opening of I-40 Bridge Linking Arkansas, Tennessee Moved Up

MEMPHIS, Tenn.Transportation officials on Friday sped up their plans to reopen the Interstate 40 bridge linking Arkansas and Tennessee that was closed after a crack was discovered in the span.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation said the eastbound lanes of the Hernando DeSoto Bridge over the Mississippi River will reopen to limited traffic on Saturday night, moving up their original plan to partially reopen the bridge on Monday morning.

The contractor is ahead of schedule and the eastbound lanes will now reopen tomorrow night! the department said in a statement posted on its website Friday afternoon.

The department said it still planned to reopen the bridges westbound lanes on Aug. 6, though it said that could also get moved up. The opening schedule is barring any complications, the department said.

The I-40 bridge was shut down on May 11 after inspectors found a crack in one of two 900-foot horizontal steel beams critical for the bridges structural integrity. Road traffic had been diverted to the nearby Interstate 55 bridge during the I-40 bridges repairs.

An estimated $9.5 million has been spent so far on the bridges repairs, design, and inspection after the closure, an Arkansas transportation official said this week. The cost will be split between the two states.

The Arkansas Department of Transportation, which is in charge of the bridges inspection, fired an inspector who missed the crack in 2019 and 2020. But pictures from a kayaker indicate the crack was visible in 2016.

I-40 is a key artery for U.S. commerce, running from North Carolina to California. Manufacturers and shippers rely on the interstate to move products and materials across the river. About 50,000 vehicles a day typically travel across the bridge when its open, with about a quarter of those being commercial trucks, Tennessee transportation officials say.
Staff members checking a unit at a temporary "Fire Eye" laboratory used for COVID-19 testing, at an exhibition center in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China on July 28, 2021. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

Outbreak in Eastern Chinese City Spreads to Beijing

A recent COVID-19 outbreak in China, first reported in an eastern Chinese city, has spread to Beijing and at least seven provinces. The Chinese regimes strict response has placed hundreds of thousands of people in lockdown.

A cluster of infections in the city of Nanjing, linked to airport workers earlier this month, has reached the nations capital city, along with 21 other cities, as of July 30. The Delta variant has been identified in the recent CCP virus outbreak.

Health authorities in Beijing said that a couple returned to the capital city on July 28 infected with the CCP virus, which causes COVID-19. Authorities suggested that they had contracted the virus while traveling to the city of Zhangjiajie, another epicenter related to the Nanjing outbreak.

The CCP gave stay-at-home orders for the 41,000 people living in nine residential areas neighboring Beijings Changping district, where the couple lives.

The doctor of a community pharmacy in Changping District told The Epoch Times: [Were] sold out on 75 percent of medicinal alcohol and household disinfectants. The grocery shops shelves are empty.

Local state-run media Beijing Daily said that health authorities woke residents up at midnight to have nucleic acid testing.

The report quoted local residents who recounted community officials knocking on doors at roughly 2 a.m. on July 29 to make them take the tests.

A shop owner in the Second District of Longyueyuan confirmed to The Epoch Times that people were tested during the night.

People from several other provinces who recently tested positive for the CCP virus reported a similar travel history of attending a theater performance in Zhangjiajie on July 22.

The 2,000 audience members who attended the performance on the evening of July 22 are considered to be at high risk of infection, according to local authorities.

Among them were three infected people from a family who didnt show any symptoms and had traveled through Nanjing Lukou airport, where the first case was diagnosed.

Health workers wearing personal protective equipment stand at the entrance to the Legendale Hotel in the Wangfujing shopping district in Beijing on July 29, 2021, after China reported virus outbreaks in three cities, including the capital. ( Noel Celis/AFP via Getty Images)

Anxious Citizens in Lockdown

In Nanjing, the Chinese regime placed hundreds of thousands in lockdown.

Were locked at home and can go nowhere. People in my residential area received two doses of vaccines from May to June. My family and friends are all vaccinated, which was a requirement of local community staff, an area resident surnamed Wang told The Epoch Times on July 29.

But now it seems the vaccines do not work, and administered vaccines dont mean anything.

Living in a residential community where infected people have been reported, Wang and other residents are forced to stay at home and quarantine. He said there are several checkpoints in the community, and he has seen people in a neighboring building sent away to quarantine.

I am wondering whether I am infected. I am preparing for the worst, he said.

Another citizen, surnamed Chen, said there were infected cases in almost every residential area in the Lukou district. Hes unclear about the number of cases in his community.

I have a newborn baby and have some milk powder left. But I dont know what I can do if there is none left as time goes by, he told The Epoch Times on July 29. No shops in Lukou are allowed to open now.

All flights from Nanjing airport are suspended until Aug. 11, according to local media. More than 9 million citizens have gone through two rounds of mass testing.

Residents queueing to receive a nucleic acid test for COVID-19 in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China, on July 21, 2021. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

Hong Ning, Fang Xiao, Zhang Yujie contributed to this report.
The P4 laboratory (C) on the campus of the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan in China's central Hubei Province on May 27, 2020. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images)

Republicans on House Science Committee Urge Probe Into CCP Virus Origins

Republicans on a House committee urged for a bipartisan Congressional investigation into the origins of COVID-19 on July 30, citing stonewalling by Chinas communist authorities who have refused to share key information about the outbreak.

GOP members of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology sent a letter calling for the probe to Committee Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight Chairman Bill Foster.

If we expect to fully understand the origins of COVID-19, relevant committees of jurisdiction, including the Science Committee, must come together in a bipartisan manner and use our oversight powers to uncover the truth, identify lessons learned, and establish best practices for future public health challenges, the members of Congress wrote.

We owe it to the American people, and the rest of the world, to investigate its origins so that we are better prepared to prevent and respond to future pandemics.

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

In a statement, the Republican representatives commended the Science Committee for its July 14 Congressional hearing on the virus origins, but stressed that more work is needed, particularly in light of the Chinese Communist Partys refusal to share information about the origins of the outbreak.

At the hearing, two microbiologists explored a range of theories, with neither ready to dismiss the possibility of a lab-associated mechanism and one of them calling attention to the risky research being conducted by scientists at a laboratory in Wuhan, China.

A panel of public health experts recently told a Republican-sponsored congressional forum that the CCP virus likely originated in a leak from the Wuhan Institute for Virology and that it had likely been modified through dangerous gain-of-function research.

Chinese officials have rejected the notion that the virus came from a lab and have insisted it made a natural jump from animals to humans. A March report from the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded that the virus likely has a natural origin and that the lab leak hypothesis was extremely unlikely, although WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that more studies are needed, that all hypotheses remain on the table, and that we have not yet found the source of the virus.

The WHO has called for a follow-up probe into the origins of the virus, including further studies in China along with lab audits, which Chinese officials have recently rejected. Zeng Yixin, the vice minister of Chinas National Health Commission, said at a recent press conference that he was surprised by the WHOs request for a team to return to Wuhan, calling the move not scientific.

In May, President Joe Biden called on U.S. intelligence officials to investigate the origins of the CCP virus, including the possibility of a lab leak, and to report back in 90 days.
The Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas gets underway through the Government Cut shipping channel at Port Miami during the first U.S. trial cruise testing COVID-19 protocols in Miami, Fla., on June 20, 2021. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Royal Caribbean Expands COVID-19 Policy After 6 Guests Test Positive on Ship

U.S. cruise liner Royal Caribbean Group said on Friday only passengers with a negative COVID-19 test will be let aboard, after six guests on its Adventure of the Seas cruise ship tested positive during routine testing.

The rule will apply to all guests departing on cruises that are five nights or longer, irrespective of their vaccine status, the company said.

Of the passengers who tested positive, only one had mild symptoms. Four out of the rest were vaccinated and not traveling together, while two were unvaccinated minors.

The guests were immediately quarantined and their travel parties and all close contacts were traced and tested negative, the company said. The guests and their travel parties will disembark later today and travel home.

The Adventure of the Seas cruise, which set sail from Nassau in the Bahamas on July 24, required all travelers aged 16 or older to be fully vaccinated and test negative before boarding. Those ineligible for the vaccine had to show a negative test result to travel.

Cruise operators, one of the sectors hit hardest by the pandemic, have been slowly restarting operations after more than a year of being docked at ports.

By Aishwarya Venugopal
US Navy Says Drone Strike Hit Oil Tanker Off Oman, Killing 2

DUBAI, United Arab EmiratesU.S. Navy explosive experts believe a drone strike targeted an oil tanker that came under attack off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea, killing two on board, the American military said Saturday.

The strike Thursday night on the oil tanker Mercer Street marks the first-known fatal attack after years of assaults on commercial shipping in the region linked to tensions with Iran over its tattered nuclear deal. While no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, Israeli officials alleged Tehran launched the drone strike.

While Iran did not directly acknowledge the attack, the strike comes as Tehran now appears poised to take an even tougher approach with the West as the country prepares to inaugurate a protege of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as president.

The American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and the guided missile destroyer USS Mitscher were escorting the Mercer Street as it headed to a safe port, the U.S. Navys Mideast-based 5th Fleet said in a statement early Saturday.

U.S. Navy explosives experts are aboard to ensure there is no additional danger to the crew, and are prepared to support an investigation into the attack, the 5th Fleet said. Initial indications clearly point to a (drone)-style attack.

The 5th Fleet statement did not explain how it determined a drone caused the damage, although it described its explosive experts finding clear visual evidence that an attack had occurred aboard the Mercer Street. The U.S. militarys Central Command did not immediately respond to a questions on the evidence.

The drone attack blasted a hole through the top of the oil tankers bridge, where the captain and crew command the vessel, a U.S. official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as an investigation into the attack still was ongoing.

The Mercer Street is managed by London-based Zodiac Maritime, part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofers Zodiac Group. The firm said the attack killed two crew members, one from the United Kingdom and the other from Romania. It did not name them, nor did it describe what happened in the assault. It said it believed no other crew members on board were harmed.

British maritime security firm Ambrey said the attack on Mercer Street had killed one of its team members on board the vessel.

The Mercer Street, empty of cargo, had been on its way from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, at the time of the attack, Zodiac Maritime said. The attack targeted the tanker just northeast of the Omani island of Masirah, over 300 kilometers (185 miles) southeast of Omans capital, Muscat. Omans state-run news agency late Friday described the area as beyond Omani regional waters and said its forces responded to the tankers mayday call.

Zodiac Maritime described the Mercer Streets owners as Japanese, without naming them. Shipping authority Lloyds List identified the vessels ultimate owner as Taihei Kaiun Co., which belongs to the Tokyo-based Nippon Yusen Group.

Israeli officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they werent authorized to talk to the media, blamed Tehran for the attack. They offered no evidence to support their claim.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid tweeted late Friday that he spoke with British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab about the need to respond severely to the attack, although he stopped short of directly blaming Iran.

Iran is not just an Israeli problem, but an exporter of terrorism, destruction and instability that affects the whole world, Lapid wrote. We can never remain silent in the face of Iranian terrorism, which also harms freedom of navigation.

Other Israel-linked ships have been targeted in recent months as well amid a shadow war between the two nations, with Israeli officials blaming the Islamic Republic for the assaults.

Israel meanwhile has been suspected in a series of major attacks targeting Irans nuclear program. Also, Iran saw its largest warship recently sink under mysterious circumstances in the nearby Gulf of Oman.

Thursdays attack comes amid heightened tensions over Irans tattered nuclear deal and as negotiations over restoring the accord have stalled in Vienna. The series of ship attacks suspected to have been carried out by Iran began a year after then-President Donald Trump withdrew America from the accord in 2018.

The attack on the Mercer Street also came the night after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking from Kuwait, warned Iran that talks in Vienna over the nuclear deal cannot go on indefinitely.

This is the second time this month a ship tied to Ofer apparently has been targeted. In early July, the Liberian-flagged container ship CSAV Tyndall, once tied to Zodiac Maritime, suffered an unexplained explosion on board while in the northern Indian Ocean, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration.

By Jon Gambrell
File photo of a police tape in Germany, on Dec. 1, 2017. (Adam Berry/AFP via Getty Images)

Shots Fired Outside Berlin Store, Four Injured, One Arrested

BERLINShots were fired in a violent clash at a store car park in northern Berlin on Friday, leaving four people injured, the Berliner Zeitung reported.

One person was subsequently arrested, the newspaper added later.

The injured included three men and a woman, local media reported, adding that police had questioned eyewitnesses and cordoned off the area.

Of the injured, one person was stabbed with a knife, another suffered a gunshot wound, and a third suffered a head injury in a fight in the car park of a DIY store in Berlins Wedding district, the Berliner Zeitung added.
A student walks toward Royce Hall on the campus of University of CaliforniaLos Angeles (UCLA) on March 11, 2020. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images)

Students Will Pay the Price for University of Californias Financial Missteps

Commentary

The Board of Regents of the University of California (UC) recently voted to raise the tuition of students every year for the next five years.

So many of Orange Countys parents would love to see their children attend one of this systems nine excellent campuses. Our community has been blessed in many ways by having UCIrvine within its borders.

But rising tuition costs should not come as a surprise.

I served for four years on the Senates budget and fiscal review committees subcommittee one, which oversees education that the states budget funds.

Surprisingly, for all the demands that the state legislature puts on the administrators of the UC system, Sacramento only provides 39 percent of its annual budget. Tuition and fees provide for 43 percent of the UC systems budget, with 18 percent from various revenue sources, such as dormitory room rentals.

But things get more disturbing when you take a hard look at the annual audited financial statements of the UC system.

For the past five years ending June 30, the fiscal solvency trends, based on the systems unrestricted net position, are not encouraging.

Its unrestricted net deficit in 2016 was $11.04 billion; the figure rose to $19.3 billion in 2017, and was $18.9 billion in 2018. By 2019, its deficit was $20.4 billion, rising to $24.6 billion in 2020.

The major increase in the unrestricted net deficit in 2017 was due to the Governmental Accounting Standards Board requiring that the unfunded actuarial accrued liability for retiree medical, also known as other post-employment benefits (OPEBs), be included on the balance sheet.

The $4.2 billion increase in the deficit for 2020 can be explained by the addition of nearly $4 billion in OPEB liabilities and a $3.66 billion increase in unfunded pension liabilities. Overall, these two liabilities represent more than $45 billion of the UC systems $85 billion in liabilities.

Having a deficit double in five years is rather disturbing.

You can quickly see why the Board of Regents would like to have more foreign students, as they pay a much higher tuition. But it bumps out California students who have worked hard to maintain a 4.0 grade point average or higher to be admitted.

Former California governor Jerry Brown convinced former chancellor Janet Napolitano to allow new UC employees to have the option to participate in a defined contribution (DC) plan, like a 401(k), instead of the systems defined benefit (DB) pension plan. The last time I looked, four out of 10 (37 percent) new hires elected the DC plan. This is good news. But the DB liabilities continue to grow at an astounding rate, with this years increase at 20 percent.

Despite this financial hemorrhaging, the Democrats in the State Assembly have tried repeatedly to assist the public employee unions in shutting down the fiscally prudent DC alternative.

Why? The unions are unified in opposing DC pension plans because they shift the investment risk away from the taxpayers and to the employees.

It gets worse. The legislature likes to do the bidding of the unions in obstructing the UC systems management. Ill provide one example. Then-Sen. Ricardo Lara ran a bill in 2017, SB 574, that would interfere with the UC systems hiring of outside contractors.

The administrators of the UC system opposed the bill, which would have virtually eliminated this management tool, warning that SB 574 significantly undermines the universitys ability to achieve administrative cost savings that could be directed to the Universitys core missions of teaching, research, and public service.

Fortunately, Brown was the adult in the room and vetoed this bill.

With Sacramento only providing 39 percent of the UC systems revenues, it can make its expenses explode through legislative fiat to satisfy the unions demands.

The unions can also strike. This has also been disruptive to the management of the UC system.

Parents, and their children who are hoping to be students at some of the finest universities in the nation, should have their eyes wide open on the reality of rising tuition costs.

The supermajority in the legislature, the governor (who served on the Board of Regents while serving as Californias lieutenant governor), and the public employee unions are in no mood to lower the cost of an education for our high schools national honor society members.

While serving on the education budget subcommittee, I privately met with the key contact representing the systems chief financial officer. I let her know that after the County of Orange filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection, we implemented several financial tools such as results-oriented government and annual department business plans that integrated with the countys 10-year strategic financial plan.

I asked if she could produce a copy of the systems 10-year strategic financial plan for me. The answer was a firm negative.

There wasnt one, and there wasnt going to be one. Why? Because they didnt want the unions to know the true financial situation or direction of the financial trends.

Well, the trends are lousy.

And our qualified students will be paying the price for the previous fiscal mismanagement of this nine-campus system that has Californias 39.7 million residents indebted to the tune of some $620 each. This glorious university system has to climb out of a very deep fiscal hole, and neither it nor Sacramento has a plan for accomplishing that.

Unless you call increasing tuition every year a plan.

John Moorlach is a former Orange County Supervisor who most recently served as a state senator. He previously spent 12 years as Orange Countys Treasurer-Tax Collector, and led the county out of bankruptcy.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Tourists Fined $500 for Touching Hawaiian Monk Seals

HONOLULUA woman from Louisiana who was honeymooning in Hawaii has been fined $500 after a social media video showed her touching an endangered Hawaiian monk seal, U.S. authorities said.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration launched an investigation last month and found the woman violated the Endangered Species Act, said Dominic Andrews, a spokesperson for the agencys Office of Law Enforcement.

A video posted on social media showed a woman touching the seal at a Kauai beach in June. The video showed her running away after the seal snapped at her, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Thursday.

The Associated Press wasnt immediately able to reach the couple. The couple previously apologized and told the Star-Advertiser earlier this month that they love Hawaii and didnt mean to offend anyone.

There are an estimated 1,100 Hawaiian monk seals in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and 300 in the main Hawaiian Islands.

Under state and federal laws, its a felony to touch or harass a Hawaiian monk seal. Penalties can include up to five years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

Authorities warn people must remain at least 50 feet away from the animals or 150 feet away from pups with their mothers.

NOAA also fined another traveler $500 for touching a resting Hawaiian monk seal. It is unclear when that encountered occurred, but an Instagram account shows the visitor recently visited Oahu in May, the newspaper reported.
Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 board an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to the "Golden Falcons" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12, are seen on the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in response to a call for assistance from the Mercer Street, a Japanese-owned Liberian-flagged tanker managed by Israeli-owned Zodiac Maritime, in the Arabian Sea, on July 30, 2021. (U.S. Navy/Handout via Reuters)

US Military Says It Is Assisting Tanker That Was Attacked Off Oman

DUBAIThe U.S. Navy is assisting an Israeli-managed petroleum products tanker that was fatally attacked on Thursday off the coast of Oman, the U.S. military said on Saturday, adding the ship was most likely hit by a drone strike.

The Mercer Street, a Liberian-flagged, Japanese-owned vessel, is currently being escorted by the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, the U.S. Central Command said in a statement.

U.S. Navy explosives experts are aboard to ensure there is no additional danger to the crew, and are prepared to support an investigation into the attack, said the Central Command, which oversees American military operations in the Middle East and Central Asia.

Initial indications clearly point to a UAV-style (drone) attack, it added.

Israels foreign minister blamed Iran on Friday for the attack, which killed two crewmen, a British and a Romanian.

U.S. and European sources familiar with intelligence reporting said on Friday Iran was their leading suspect for the incident, which a U.S. defense official said appeared to have been carried out by a drone, but stressed their governments were seeking conclusive evidence.

An Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, prepares equipment in response to a call for assistance from the Mercer Street, a Japanese-owned Liberian-flagged tanker managed by Israeli-owned Zodiac Maritime, in the Arabian Sea, on July 30, 2021. (U.S. Navy/Handout via Reuters)

Al Alam TV, the Iranian governments Arabic-language television network, cited unnamed sources as saying the attack on the ship came in response to a suspected, unspecified Israeli attack on Dabaa airport in Syria.

There was no immediate official reaction from Iran to the accusation that it may have been responsible.

The vessel is managed by Israeli-owned Zodiac Maritime. The company said on Friday the vessel was sailing under the control of its crew and own power to a safe location with a U.S. naval escort.

Iran and Israel have traded accusations of attacking each others vessels in recent months.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which provides maritime security information, said the vessel was about 152 nautical miles northeast of the Omani port of Duqm when it was attacked.

According to Refinitiv ship tracking, the medium-size tanker was headed for Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

By Maher Chmaytelli
US State Department spokesman Ned Price speaks during a news conference at the State Department in Washington on Feb. 23, 2021. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/POOL/AFP)

US Condemns Beijings Harsh Treatment of Reporters Covering Floods in Central China

Washington expressed deep concern over the increasingly harsh surveillance, harassment, and intimidation that endangered U.S. and other foreign reporters in China, including those covering recent floods in its central territory, the State Department said on July 29.

The PRC government claims to welcome foreign media and support their work, but its actions tell a different story, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement released on Thursday.

He explained: Its [Chinese regime] harsh rhetoric, promoted through official state media, toward any news it perceives to be critical of PRC policies, has provoked negative public sentiment leading to tense, in-person confrontations and harassment.

The statement came after U.S. and other foreign journalists reporting on the floods in central Chinas Henan Province were verbally attacked by angry groups, both in person and online, while staff from the BBC and Los Angeles Times received death threats.

In one incident, the local branch of the Chinese Communist Partys Youth League had incited hostility and asked its social media followers to report the whereabouts of BBCs China correspondent Robin Brant.

Chinese netizens criticized Brant for publishing a video report about passengers who were trapped in a flooded subway in Zhengzhou city. At least 14 people died in the incident.

The BBC was slammed as a rumor broadcasting company by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

On July 24, Mathias Boelinger, a correspondent from German media outlet Deutsche Welle, was confronted by an angry crowd who mistook him for Brant and told him to Get out of China, according to a Twitter post by a Los Angeles Times journalist on the scene.

More foreign journalists are now refusing to enter or remain in China due to visa curbs, Price said in the statement, severely limiting the quantity and quality of independent reporting on important issues.

In February 2020, when COVID-19 began spreading throughout China, the Chinese regime revoked the press credentials of three Wall Street Journal reporters over an opinion article calling China the real sick man of Asiathough none of the three expelled journalists were involved in writing the article. In response, the Trump administration reduced the number of Chinese journalists allowed to work in the United States from 160 to 100. Soon after, Beijing retaliated by expelling U.S. journalists working for five newspapers, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post.

We call on PRC officials to ensure that journalists remain safe and able to report freely, Price said, urging China to welcome foreign media for the upcoming 2022 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games as a responsible nation.

The Foreign Correspondents Club of China said in a July 27 statement, [Rhetoric] endangers the physical safety of foreign journalists in China and hinders free reporting.

Steven Butler, Asia program coordinator of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), said in a report, The harassment of foreign correspondents just doing their jobin this case reporting on the tragic floods in Zhengzhouhas reached intolerable proportions.

In a December 2020 report, the CPJ ranked China as the worst jailer of journalists worldwide for detaining at least 47 journalists in the country at the time.

Brussels-based International Federation of Journalists said the recent intimidation and attacks in China undermined the safety of citizens in Zhengzhou who are seeking information about the crisis from journalists.

In the past year, Chinese authorities detained Australian journalist Cheng Lei and Haze Fan, a Chinese national working for Bloomberg News, both on suspicion of endangering national security.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman also raised the issue of press freedom in China during a meeting with Chinese officials in northern Tianjin city earlier this week.
US Sets New Cuba Sanctions as Biden Meets Cuban-Americans

WASHINGTONThe Biden administration announced new sanctions on Friday against Cubas national revolutionary police and its top two officials as the United States looks to increase pressure on the communist regime following this months protests on the island.

The Police Nacional Revolcionaria (PNR) and the agencys director and deputy director, Oscar Callejas Valcarce and Eddie Sierra Arias, were targeted in the latest sanctions announced by the Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control. The police are part of Cubas interior ministry, which was already the subject of a blanket designation by the Trump administration back in January.

We hear the cries of freedom coming from the island. The United States is taking concerted action to bolster the cause of the Cuban people, President Joe Biden said at the start of a White House meeting with Cuban Americans not long after Treasury announced the sanctions.

The administration says it is considering a wide range of additional options in response to the protests, including providing internet access to Cubans, and has created a working group to review U.S. remittance policy to ensure that more of the money that Cuban Americans send home makes it directly into the hands of their families without the regime taking a cut. Biden added that more sanctions were in the offing.

The White House meeting comes almost three weeks after unusual July 11 protests in which thousands of Cubans took to the streets in Havana and other cities to protest against the Cuban communist regime. They were the first such protests since the 1990s.

The Cuban regime deployed the PNR to attack protesters, the Treasury Department said in a statement. The police were photographed confronting and arresting protesters in Havana, including members of the Movement of July 11 Mothers, a group founded to organize families of the imprisoned and disappeared, according to Treasury.

A man is arrested during a demonstration against the Cuban communist regime, in Arroyo Naranjo Municipality, Havana, Cuba, on July 12, 2021. (Yamil Lage/AFP via Getty Images)

In Camaguey, a Catholic priest was beaten and arrested by the PNR while he was defending young protesters, according to Treasury. PNR officers also beat a group of peaceful demonstrators, including several minors, and there have also been documented instances in which the PNR used clubs to break up peaceful protests across Cuba, Treasury said.

The Treasury Department will continue to designate and call out by name those who facilitate the Cuban regimes involvement in serious human rights abuse, said Andrea Gacki, director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control. Todays action serves to further hold accountable those responsible for suppressing the Cuban peoples calls for freedom and respect for human rights.

Among the Cuban American activists meeting with Biden was Yotuel Romero, one of the authors of the song Patria y vida! which has become a kind of anthem for the protests, said an official.

Others present included L. Felice Gorordo, CEO of the company eMerge Americas; Ana Sofia Pelaez, founder of the Miami Freedom Project, and Miamis former mayor, Manny Diaz, and Sen. Robert Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

White House officials said Biden would discuss the new sanctions as well as ways to potentially establish internet access for the Cuban people.

Internet access is a sensitive issue in Cuba. In the days before the recent protests, there were calls on social media for anti-regime demonstrations. The Cuban regime said anti-Castro groups in the United States have used social media, particularly Twitter, to campaign against it and blamed Twitter for doing nothing to stop it.

Internet service was cut off at one point during the July 11 protest, though the Cuban regime has not explicitly acknowledged that they did it.

People shout slogans against the communist regime during a protest in Havana, Cuba, on July 11, 2021. (Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters)

Some U.S. leaders, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, have said the White House should do something to maintain internet service in Cuba, including using balloons as Wi-Fi access points for the population.

The Biden administration is also considering proposals put forward by U.S. advocates of trade with Cuba that would restore ways for Cuban-Americans to send money to relatives on the island.

Biden and others have rejected the outright restoration of remittances because of a percentage fee of the transaction paid to the Cuban regime. But under one proposal being considered, the transfer agents would waive that fee until the end of the year, according to proponents.

The proposal would have to be cleared by the Cuban regime, however, and it is not at all clear it would agree.

Last week, the U.S. government announced sanctions against the minister of the Cuban armed forces, Alvaro Lopez Miera, and the Special Brigade of the Ministry of the Interiorknown as the black berets for having participated in the arrest of protesters.

International organizations have harshly criticized the Cuban regime.

So far it is unclear how many people were detained, although the judicial authorities have said there have been 19 trials involving 59 people.
DARIEN  Republican candidates came out to Grove Street Plaza Saturday morning for their first official gathering with residents.

Dozens of people were on hand to see some of the partys hopefuls, including first selectman candidate Monica McNally and her Board of Selectmen running mates, Marcy Minnick and Jon Zagrodzky.

I think this is a great kickoff to what I think is going to be an exciting election cycle, said McNally, noting that the beautiful weather aided the turnout.

I truly hope that people will continue to reach out to us, she said.

McNally said she considers herself a listener, and wants to hear various peoples opinions and how they view their town, especially the many people who have moved here recently.

We are all invested in Darien, she said. I will listen to you and work to protect your investment.

McNally, an eight-year veteran of the Representative Town Meeting, was recently appointed to the Board of Selectmen.

I feel like my job as first selectman will be to keep our town safe, to protect it and to provide superior services, she said, noting how pleased she was to be running with other Republican candidates.

Zagrodzky, who currently chairs the Board of Finance, also praised the slate.

This team has got the combination of experience and dedication and connection to the voters, he said, that will add up to success.

He said his skill set from serving on the finance board will fit well with a role as selectman.

This is a fairly well-run town and I took great pride in my work on the Board of Finance to maintain that, Zagrodzky said, and Im going to bring that to the Board of Selectmen.

Like McNally, Minnick cited safety as a key issue to address, including concerns about recent car break-ins, and traffic as it relates to pedestrian and bicycle safety.

I certainly want to tackle that, said Minnick, who currently serves on the RTM.

Were excited to get out there and talk to the constituents, she said, and find out what their needs and wants are for the town.

State Rep. Terrie Wood, R-141, who was at the gathering, said the local elections were paramount because of concerns over maintaining local control in areas like zoning and education.

Hartford every day is trying to take local control out of the hands of local (agencies) ... and its not solving the issues we need to be solving, she said.

Local control is for the people, she said. Its more transparent. Transparency is one of the key words.

GOP Board of Education candidate Tara Wurm also cited that issue in relation to her candidacy.

Theres a lot of political ideology thats being brought into the classroom, she said, noting curriculum and mandates in other states being brought forward that reflect changes she doesnt favor.

I believe we need more critical-thinking skills, she said, in the classroom.

Wurm said there was great energy around the GOP ticket, and especially praised McNally.

I think shes going to be really great for Darien, she said.

Alex Davidson, chair of the Republican Town Committee, also praised the team and its possibilities.

Today is really introducing this team to the voters of Darien, he said, and it is a team because Darien works best when we work together.

The elections not about Washington. Its not about Hartford this year, he said, but about local governance in town.
Large worker camps in Thalang targetted in COVID crackdown

PHUKET: The mass inspections of migrant worker camps across Phuket continued yesterday (July 30) as officials inspected two major construction sites in Thalang.

COVID-19CoronavirushealthMyanmarconstruction

By The Phuket News

Saturday 31 July 2021, 11:52AM

Thalang District Chief Suwit Suriyawong led a host of local officials and medical staff from government health facilities in Tambon Thepkrasattri to the KMIT Construction camp in Moo 4, Thepkrasattri, which is home to 205 Myanmar nationals.

A total of 105 people at the camp were confirmed to have received their first dose of vaccination, and a further 75 people were confirmed to have received two vaccination injections, noted a report by the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket).

A total of 85 Thai workers were found to be staying at the camp, all of whom were deemed to be fully vaccinated by having received two injections of COVID vaccination.

It was noted that 20 children were staying at the camp.

The team of officials then inspected Rama 2 Civil Works construction camp in Moo 1, Thepkrasattri, which is home to 231 Myanmar nationals, including 12 children.

The officers confirmed that 138 of the Myanmar workers at the camp had received one vaccination injection, but only 12 had received two vaccination injections and 69 of the Myanmar workers had not received any vaccination injections.

In contrast, of the 30 Thai nationals at the camp, all of them had received two vaccination injections.

Further, the inspection revealed that 35 workers at the camp had not even been registered to receive state-provided COVID vaccination.

Tambon officials were to coordinate with the vaccination station set up at Phuket airport to ensure the workers were vaccinated, said the report.

Sulaimart Kaewngamdee, an Inspector assisting Thepkasattri Subdistrict Kamnan Sittichai Chantawat, said Thepkrasattri officials had been regularly checking camps in their area.

We have been doing this for a while, to bring foreign workers into the system to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to people in the area, he said.

In addition, you know by seeing many workers in a pickup truck and informal sectors [sic] in the area, he added.

Our actions will be in accordance with the policy of Phuket provincial governor, according to the measures to increase the intensity of effectively preventing the spread of the virus, he said.
MISSION SAN FRANCISCO DE ASIS, Honduras (AP)  First came Hurricane Eta. Then, Hurricane Iota, unleashing rains of biblical proportions on the hillside community of La Reina.

As Iota hammered La Reina for four days last fall, residents kept watch on the mountain above their 300 homes for signs that they should flee. Some left quickly when the downpour ceased.

Then, La Reina was gone, buried in an epic mudslide, its families among nearly half a million Central Americans displaced by the hurricanes. Bathed in tears and shaking with cold, the frightened and disoriented residents of La Reina wandered the main road at the bottom of the valley looking for help.

___

This story is part of a series, After the Deluge, produced with support from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.

___

Thats when the Rev. Leopoldo Serrano arrived in his Franciscan robes like an answer to their prayers, ready to take charge -- and ready, it would turn out, to make a deal with the devil to save the people of La Reina.

Serrano, a friar who ran a nearby drug rehabilitation center, understood they would have to act quickly if they were to keep families intact and the community from disintegrating. Something had to be done for the more than 1,000 people stranded in a valley marked by the poverty and drug violence that have driven so many Hondurans to the United States.

Serrano turned schools into shelters, looked for borrowed houses and organized a census of victims. He made hundreds of phone calls looking for help. Bags of food, clothes and medicine trickled in from relatives and churches abroad, but the Honduran government did not even give us a tent, Serrano said.

In any case, they would need more than tents. To rebuild their houses and replant their crops, the villagers needed land -- and Serrano knew that much of that land was in the hands of drug traffickers.

So, the agent of God became a broker with agents of the underworld, many of whom were fighting each other for control of the land and lucrative drug routes from South America to Mexico and the United States. The pastor of souls turned into a project manager and construction foreman for the families of La Reina, building them a new town at Mission San Francisco de Asis.

Twenty-five years ago, the powerful local cartel run by Arnulfo Valle bought the 70 acres adjacent to the mission where Father Serrano hopes to put those displaced from La Reina.

When capos are arrested, the government confiscates whatever land is in their name and holds it in a byzantine bureaucracy. Heirs fight for control over hidden assets -- land that has been put in the name of front men and women, sometimes without their knowledge. The land itself is not worth that much, but the message of who is in control is everything, Serrano explains.

Two weeks after the disaster, Serrano was publicly asking for land donations during Masses he broadcasts on Facebook. The way he tells it, Arnulfo Valles son, Jose Luis, contacted him and they arranged for a legal donation.

My responsibility was only to legalize the situation. I hired a lawyer to identify the legal owner and we got them to donate it to the National Agrarian Institute, which in turn would give houses and lots to La Reinas people and common areas to the mission, Serrano said.

But the story is a little more complicated than that. It all turned on an intermediary with Jose Luis Valle: a young friar, Oveniel Garcia.

Garcia, who ran away from home at the age of 12 and became a drug addict, is a street-smart survivor. At 16, he got a job cleaning floors in a discotheque frequented by traffickers, where he met Jose Luis Valle.

Bodyguards, women, weapons, drugs, he recalls. That same day I already knew who he was. The connection was immediate ... He paid the owner of the place so that I could dedicate myself only to him. They would spend many nights talking.

The closer they became the more Garcia learned about the Valle family business. He resisted Valles request to work for him, but eventually found himself carrying a weapon. He was well aware that almost no one gets out of the drug business alive, and he was scared.

He had heard Serranos call to drug traffickers to turn from evil to good, and he reached out. The only way they could believe that I really wanted to disassociate myself and was not going to betray them was through a conversion, he explains. Otherwise they would have killed me.

Garcia left Valles orbit and entered Serranos rehab center for seven months. Over the next few years, he became Serranos right-hand man in the mission. He largely kept his distance from Valle until December 2020.

It was then that Serrano told Garcia, We need land. Call your friend.

Valle agreed to give them the land, but he didnt have the titles. He had to put pressure on those who occupied it, they were usurpers. He would go there with weapons. There were deaths, Garcia recounted, cryptically.

The signing and official transfer of the land took place on the last day of the year. On May 7, the first measurements were taken to mark out plots for houses.

And on May 28, the new inhabitants entered the farm to find narco squatters still occupying part of the land.

To evict them, men from La Reina moved in, armed only with machetes. They moved the squatters cattle out to the main road and, bit by bit, took possession of the land where they planned to build their new houses as part of the mission.

Each morning now, Serrano goes out to inspect the mission construction sites. A few men and women from La Reina have already begun to build three new homes and a group of apartments for widows with funds donated by churches. He checks on the type of stone they are using, takes measurements and coordinates the crews.

The workers put up windows, lay bricks and make cement. Each family must send one person to work on the construction of their home. They do not receive wages and if they dont work, they must pay into a kitty about $6 a day (150 lempiras.)

Serrano soldiers on -- raising money, advocating construction over migration, training the next generation of priests. He preaches good farming over evil drug trafficking.

He shared a WhatsApp message from an army coroner who urged him to be cautious: Dont keep talking about these people, Father, they will hurt you.

Serrano was defiant. They have weapons, he replied, if they wanted to kill me they would have done it already.

And even his death would not stop the new town that was rising at Mission San Francisco de Asis, he insisted.

The friars he is training can continue my work when I die.
JACKSON, Miss. (AP)  A school board member in a Mississippi school district says he is planning to propose making COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for all employees.

Natchez Adams School District board member Phillip West told The Natchez Democrat that the rise in delta variant cases throughout the state is a public health issue that is becoming a public health crisis and that its our duty and responsibility to make sure we protect our students and employees.

School for the Natchez Adams School District begins on Monday. West said he will speak on the proposal during a board meeting on Tuesday.

Other board members told the Democrat they had no comment or did not reply to messages asking their thoughts on the idea.

Department of Education spokesperson Corie Jones told The Associated Press on Friday she had not heard of any similar proposals in other Mississippi districts.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidance this week calling all schools to require masks for students, teachers and visitors amid a surge of new coronavirus cases. Mississippi is among the least vaccinated states in the nation.

Some districts, including Moss Point and Gulfport, have announced they will require masks. Others said they will only do so if ordered by the governor.

Republican Gov. Tate Reeves said Tuesday he does not plan to issue a mask mandate for schools, even as the coronavirus vaccination rate in Mississippi remains among the lowest in the nation.

Mississippi Department of Health officials said they are recommending schools follow the CDC guidance, but they do not have the power to enforce that districts require masks.

Meanwhile, Mississippi's healthcare system is already feeling increased stress from new COVID-19 cases, in particular the highly contagious delta variant. The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Mississippi was up to 823 on Thursday, compared with 180 on July 7.

On Friday, the Clarion Ledger reported that all 92 beds in the University of Mississippi Medical Centers intensive care unit, the states largest, are full.
CARBONDALE  Concrete barriers sat on blocks of wood off Enterprise Drive  the Dundaff Street entryway to the areas major industrial park, where large trucks churn up dust and dirt as they drive up and down the rocky road.

By Sunday, those barriers will block off most of the road after the city this month informed the owner of the roads entryway, 74-year-old retired commercial contractor and Vietnam War veteran Tony Talarico, it would terminate its easement agreement with him amid now-stalemated negotiations to buy the property after years of paying him to use it.

The planned closure sets up a long detour to the park, which Talarico said Friday was going to inconvenience drivers who use the entryway to the Business Park at Carbondale Yards, something hes been loath to do.

Thats the main reason why I did not do anything to this point, thats why I never did anything because I dont want to inconvenience the people, Talarico said. But they just ... its an impasse.

A slice of Talaricos property off Dundaff Street, which includes the former Klots Throwing Co. mill, juts into Enterprise Drive. Over the last few years, the city leased the plot from him in exchange for allowing the traffic to pass through, he said.

However, he said the stretch of road remained in disrepair and the passing vehicles kicked up dust and dirt.

The lease agreement had been paid through the end of this month. Talarico declined to identify how much it is. Attempts to obtain a figure on how much the city has spent over the years were not successful Friday.

City solicitor Frank Ruggiero said for at least five years, the city has been negotiating to try to reach a deal to buy the land. Both Talarico and Ruggiero on Friday refused to identify offer and counteroffer prices.

However, Talarico said the price is a five-figure sum. Ruggiero said between $15,000 and $20,000 separate the offers.

Were currently in negotiations in an attempt to purchase the property at a fair market value, Ruggiero said.

Talarico said he received an appraisal for the property, at the citys request, which came in higher than his initial offer. Ruggiero said the city also had the property appraised, which differed from Talaricos figure.

On July 2, Talarico received a letter from Ruggiero with the citys latest offer, he said. According to the letter Talarico read, if he didnt accept, then they were at an impasse and the correspondence would serve as notice to terminate the existing easement agreement.

Talarico replied he would no longer permit use of his property as an entryway as of Sunday, when the agreement is set to expire. Talarico said he believes that emergency vehicles would still be able to access the area by going around the barriers on a nearby lot.

On Wednesday, Mayor Justin Taylor posted a letter on Facebook saying motorists should only access Enterprise Drive from the north, off of Route 171, until further notice.

Ruggiero said the resulting detour for traffic trying to enter the park will take them north a few miles into Simpson. Large trucks which entered the park from Dundaff Street would have to travel through the citys downtown area to get around the closure.

Talarico said he is hopeful for a solution.

The best way to start resolving this is (Carbondale) buying that piece of property and taking care of this road the right way, Talarico said. Fix it, pave it and control traffic.
A little school inside Pilgrim Holiness Church in Tunkhannock will have a new location.

Endless Mountains Christian Academy, a K-12 Christian school located inside the church on West Tioga Street since 1981, will move to a new building on five acres of land on Route 87 in Washington Twp.

The Rev. Joel Byer, pastor of Pilgrim Holiness Church, said the school has finally secured enough money to begin the process of preparing for the move.

I am extremely thankful through the grace of God that we have gotten this far, Byer said. We have received donations from many people that have helped the process greatly move forward and almost put us at our goal.

The planning for a new school building began five years ago when Wyoming County farmer Ernie Lesher donated the land with wishes for it to be used for a Christian school. Lesher died April 24.

Were sad he wont be around to see his wishes come true, Byer said. But I know he is going to be looking down and smiling at the progress this little school has made the past couple of years.

The school enrolls 28 students. Both Byer and Principal Bill OConnor agree it is starting to get more than a little crowded downstairs in the church, and moving to an area with more space will be beneficial for everyone.

Along with the school building, EMCA has plans for an outdoor pavilion and play area, where kids will be able to have outdoor lunches and play games during recess. Byer plans to hold some church functions at the outdoor pavilion during the summer.

Although construction on the building has not begun yet, Byer said he hopes the project begins this fall or spring 2022, with a possible opening date during the 2022-23 school year.

It is hard to 100% say when everything is going to get started up, Byer said. We have the land. We have almost all of the funding. We have the peoples support. We are now just in the process of finalizing everything.

Byer said support for the project has been overwhelming.

Its been a very positive experience going through the process, Byer said. We currently have a very good working relationship with other churches in the community, so the support hasnt just come from our congregation. Were very confident that God is going to be able to get us across the finish line.

Even in a new building, the values, traditions and atmosphere of the school will remain unchanged, he said.

Our school will continue to have a family atmosphere and to emphasize character and spiritual training, while continuing to excel in academics, Byer said.

The official address of the new property is 6122 Route 87, in Washington Twp. More information about the school can be found at www.tunkemca.org or by calling 570-836-8612.
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
FILE  Pedestrians walk past the Rhode Island Statehouse, in this Sunday, March 1, 2020 file photo, in Providence, R.I. Rhode Island has clung to enough of its population to retain both of its two seats in Congress. Thats according to the latest census count released Monday, April 26, 2021. Many had expected the Ocean State to lose a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, which would have set up a political showdown between Democratic Reps. David Cicilline and James Langevin. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)
I'm going to start with two cliches: firstly, sometimes, the best things in life are free. Not often, but sometimes. Secondly, absence really does makes the heart grow fonder.

A case in point is Parkrun. Every Saturday morning, people gather at various locations in Britain at just before 9am to chat, potentially make friends and then run 5km together, at varying degrees of expertise.

Last weekend, the events were allowed to take place in England for the first time since the start of the pandemic. Events in Scotland and Wales should kick off next month, while those in Northern Ireland restarted last month.

Back in the groove: Parkrun kicked back off in England last Saturday - it's a fantastically run event and even better, free

I have a love/hate relationship with running. I detest gyms, but often find solace in three mile runs that help declutter the mind and keep me (and my dad weight) moving.

Sometimes, I can go weeks and months enjoying a light run every other day.

Other times I can go weeks and months without lacing up my trainers and getting on with it, motivation drained.

But Parkrun can often be that jolt needed to get back into the thick of it. It is free, in around 700 locations in Britain, and fundamentally, you can be any level of runner  or non-runner  to take part, with an army of brilliant volunteers egging you on.

This week, Consumer Trends looks at the Parkrun data and how it has grown in the last 17 years to become one of the best  and biggest - exercise classes in Britain.

The average run time is slowing

Parkrun started life in 2004 as the brainchild of Paul Sinton-Hewitt CBE. That first event in Bushey Park, London had 13 runners  and was set up as a way of Paul spending more time with his friends.

It has since snowballed to having more than 2million participants in Britain, and Parkrun locations in 20 spots across the world.

It also now a registered charity, given the potential health benefits it can bring.

The typical member has run 15 Parkruns  some stick to their local ones, but a friend was telling me recently of someone they knew of running an A-to-Z of Parkruns... twice.

That is, heading to different parts of the country  and world  to tick off alphabetically locations where Parkruns are held. 'It's a good way of planning a trip,' was the second hand quote I was given.

Parkrun tourism is really a thing.

There are more than 300,000 volunteers and one incredibly exciting statistic a spokesperson tells me is this:

'Over the years our average finish time gets slower - reflecting our commitment to attracting people of all abilities.

'In 2005, the average finish time for completing a 5k parkrun was 22:17. In 2020, it was 32:30.'

This is important, as many could be put off thinking it is a club for good-level runners. It's not.

You get a little barcode that you take with you to track your time, but it's the taking part that counts.

Although, saying that, I do like to push for a personal best, partly to see if my fitness is improving, partly because when it comes to sport, I'm competitive with myself.

I also quite often bump into old school friends at my local Parkrun  and once, saw someone from my year in front of me closing in on the finish line. I burst into a sprint just to beat her it was the motivation I needed to get my current PB.

Parkrun goals: You get a free t-shirt for completing 50, 100, 250 and 500 runs

It's a great way to start your weekend

One of the main reasons I like Parkrun is the fact it gets your Saturday moving into gear. You're done by 9.30am, and can tackle the rest of the day safe in the knowledge that you've exercised.

Youngsters can take part in the Junior Parkrun too, which is on a Sunday for those aged 4-14. Maybe they've been inspired by the Olympics  especially with the track and field now starting.

Paul Sinton-Hewitt CBE, Parkrun founder says: 'We are incredibly excited to welcome back 5k Parkrun events across England.

'But there is still work to be done, and we won't stop until parkrun is back everywhere.

'There's never been a more important time for people to be physically active and social together, in the great outdoors, with their local communities.'

I love the fact it is a free event. That is, it's well organised, the volunteers are always friendly and cheering you on when you feel like stopping, and any club that stays free to entice mass adoption is great in my book.

It's also a great way to meet local people  you don't need to fear turning up solo, and often friendships can be forged over a Parkrun, ideal after the pandemic. It's also incredibly simple to sign-up.

Furthermore, I like the fact you are timed and it is all put into a database you can access to see your own profile, once the times are loaded.

Runners who complete 50, 100, 250 or 500 runs are even rewarded with a free t-shirt.

Great for kids: Junior Parkrun is on a Sunday - could it help inspire the next Paula Radcliffe or Mo Farah?

Opening weekend

Almost 100,000 walkers, joggers and runners took part in a 5k Parkrun across the UK on Saturday, supported by more than 13,000 volunteers.

Many may have embarked on a popular couch to 5k programme over lockdown, which is supported by the NHS.

Some of these could have been one of more than 6,500 first timers. Parkrun isn't a race  but 11,873 personal bests were recorded across the UK at the weekend, although, if you're a first timer, you're guaranteed a PB.

I can't wait to get back into it this weekend. By the time you've read this, I'll probably be finished with my local 5k Parkrun, which is in a beautiful woods, feeling rather smug about it.

I won't be expecting to beat my (rather slow) PB - unless there is another old school face to beat - but it's the taking part, of course, that counts.
Rolls-Royce investors could be forgiven for being nervous about the company's half-year results, which will come out next Thursday.

The engine maker  which is separate from the car brand  has had a dismal 18 months since Covid struck. It makes the bulk of its money from the number of hours flown by the engines it supplies to large planes that travel on long-distance routes.

And while budget airlines are ramping up their flight schedules to take Britons away on short-haul beach breaks, the recovery for long-haul specialists has been tepid  and is not helped by the US in particular still declining to let British and European tourists enter.

This is more than likely to have continued to hit Rolls' civil aerospace arm.

Laura Hoy, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: 'We suspect the division is still under strain as its bread and butter is producing and servicing wide-body aircraft engines  those that primarily power long-haul planes.'

To counter the downturn Rolls raised extra cash and embarked on a huge cost-cutting plan that included slashing 9,000 jobs and selling parts of the business worth 2billion.

It has had some setbacks with these sales but is still aiming to sell Spanish division, ITP Aero.

Hoy added: 'We're expecting an update on Rolls' progress on the disposal of ITP Aero and whether or not it's on track to deliver on its target of 1.3bn savings per year.'

Shares fell 2.4 per cent, or 2.47p, to 99.71p yesterday.
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) - A resurgence of coronavirus cases in West Africa is hitting the region hard, inundating cemeteries where funeral numbers are rising and hospitals where beds are becoming scarce.

Those visible shifts are also pushing a reluctant population to seek out the vaccines in larger numbers at a time when shipments of doses are arriving from multiple sources after nearly grinding to a halt in recent months.

Thousands of new COVID-19 cases have been reported in the region in the past few weeks amid low vaccination rates and the spread of the delta variant, with some countries seeing their highest numbers since the pandemic began.

Residents who were previously wary of getting shots as conspiracy theories spread online are now lining up by the thousands from Liberia to Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal.

"At the beginning, there were people who gave false information, but when people noticed an increase of contaminations and deaths, people understood that only vaccination can save them," said Bamba Fall, mayor of the Medina municipality in Senegals capital, Dakar.

Shortages and delays have caused Africa's 54 countries to fall far behind wealthier nations in their COVID-19 vaccine rollouts. Some 82 million doses have arrived on the continent to date, though that is just 10% of the number needed to vaccinate 30% of its population by the end of 2021, said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization regional director for Africa.

FILE-In this Wednesday, July 28, 2021 file photo, a health worker administers a dose of Janssen COVID-19 vaccine by Johnson & Johnson in the Medina neighborhood in Dakar, Senegal. Thousands of new coronavirus cases have been reported in West Africa in recent weeks amid low vaccination rates and the spread of the delta variant. Officials say cases have risen sharply in Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria and elsewhere. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File)

But more shipments are finally rolling in, steering the continent of 1.3 billion people into an "encouraging phase after a bleak June," Moeti said. "Theres light at the end of the tunnel on vaccine deliveries to Africa, but it must not be snuffed out again."

Nigeria, Africas most populous country with more than 210 million people, next month will receive more than 29 million Johnson & Johnson vaccines purchased by the government through the African Union. Its also expecting 4 million doses of Moderna and almost 700,000 AstraZeneca vaccines through the COVAX program and from donations by the United States and the United Kingdom, according to Health Minister Osagie Ehanire.

Nigeria's virus cumulative case count recently topped 172,200, an increase of more than 4,500 cases since July 10. Its seven-day rolling average of daily new cases more than doubled over the past two weeks, from 0.06 new cases per 100,000 people on July 15 to 0.17 new cases per 100,000 people on July 29, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Isolation centers that were closed after a previous surge are being reopened in anticipation of a large number of patients, said Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, director-general of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control.

Meanwhile, confirmed cases in Senegal, which had been ahead in the fight against the virus, leapt from only 380 on July 10 to 1,700 on July 18, the highest number since the pandemic began, according to the Ministry of Health.

Dakar's main cemetery also is seeing large numbers of funerals, many that were likely due to COVID-19 but werent recorded as such.

"I came for an uncles funeral. He died at home. Out of modesty, he did not take the tests, but everything suggests that he died of COVID-19, because he had symptoms of the disease," said Saliou Ndoye. "This situation is worrying. There are a lot of deaths."

Senegal is employing more community-focused campaigns as residents see people close to them - including those young and healthy - succumbing to the disease.

"Senegalese dont know where to turn," resident Khalifa Abbacar Diop said. "We are afraid."

The country received nearly 300,000 Johnson & Johnson doses and more than 330,000 of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine in the past week. Tens of thousands of residents are waiting for a second dose of AstraZeneca, but it is out of stock and new deliveries are not expected until August.

An increase in hospitalizations and deaths is leading many residents across West Africa to get inoculated.

"Initially, I was hesitant to take the vaccine because I saw many conspiracy theories and also the anti-vaccine media campaign appeared stronger," Harris Fomba Tarnue, principal of the Booker Washington Institute, Liberias oldest technical high school, told The Associated Press.

"But when I reflected a lot on taking vaccines in the 60s and 70s, and the (beneficial) impact vaccines now have on global health, I concluded its a must for me and my family to take," Tarnue said.

Liberia received 96,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine through the COVAX initiative, but the first consignment of about 27,000 had only a month lifespan and expired as people were reluctant to get the shots, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Francis Kateh said.

The country received more than 300,000 Johnson & Johnson doses on Sunday, about two weeks after it ran out of AstraZeneca with at least 86,000 people awaiting a second dose.

Since its vaccine drive started in March, only 9,579 people in the nation of nearly 5 million have been fully vaccinated, according to the health minister.

In Ghana, President Nana Akufo-Addo raised the alarm Sunday as new confirmed infections tripled, stretching hospitals and ICU wards to their limit.

Ghana "cannot afford to allow the recklessness of a few to endanger the lives of the majority of persons in the country," he said, announcing masks are now mandatory in public places.

Ghana is committed to vaccinating 20 million people, representing its entire adult population, by the end of this year, he said.

He pledged $25 million to start an institute that would allow Ghana to produce vaccines, and not be dependent upon foreign manufacturers. South Africa is currently the only country in sub-Saharan Africa that has the capacity to manufacture the doses.

___

AP reporters Babacar Dione in Dakar; Jonathan Paye-Layleh in Monrovia, Liberia; Francis Kokutse in Accra, Ghana; and Sam Olukoya in Lagos, Nigeria, contributed.

FILE- In this Wednesday, July 28, 2021 file photo, people wait to be vaccinated J at Leopold Sedar Senghor stadium in Dakar, Senegal. Thousands of new coronavirus cases have been reported in West Africa in recent weeks amid low vaccination rates and the spread of the delta variant. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File)

FILE- In this Wednesday, July 28, 2021 file photo, people wait to be vaccinated at Leopold Sedar Senghor stadium in Dakar, Senegal. Thousands of new coronavirus cases have been reported in West Africa in recent weeks amid low vaccination rates and the spread of the delta variant. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File)

FILE- In this Wednesday, July 28, 2021 file photo, people wait to be vaccinated J at Leopold Sedar Senghor stadium in Dakar, Senegal. Thousands of new coronavirus cases have been reported in West Africa in recent weeks amid low vaccination rates and the spread of the delta variant. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File)
This rendering shows the new Agricultural Technology Center at ABAC which will include an open-air pavilion and an enclosed space for teaching and demonstration activities for ABAC students.
Cresaptown, MD (21502)

Today

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 58F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 58F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.
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 
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  Thanks to a reworked menu and long hours, Jeannie Kim managed to keep her San Francisco restaurant alive during the coronavirus pandemic.

That makes it all the more frustrating that she fears her breakfast-focused diner could be ruined within months by new rules that could make one of her top menu items  bacon  hard to get in California.

Our number one seller is bacon, eggs and hash browns, said Kim, who for 15 years has run SAMS American Eatery on the citys busy Market Street. It could be devastating for us.

At the beginning of next year, California will begin enforcing an animal welfare proposition approved overwhelmingly by voters in 2018 that requires more space for breeding pigs, egg-laying chickens and veal calves. National veal and egg producers are optimistic they can meet the new standards, but only 4% of hog operations now comply with the new rules. Unless the courts intervene or the state temporarily allows non-compliant meat to be sold in the state, California will lose almost all of its pork supply, much of which comes from Iowa, and pork producers will face higher costs to regain a key market.

Animal welfare organizations for years have been pushing for more humane treatment of farm animals but the California rules could be a rare case of consumers clearly paying a price for their beliefs.

With little time left to build new facilities, inseminate sows and process the offspring by January, its hard to see how the pork industry can adequately supply California, which consumes roughly 15% of all pork produced in the country.

We are very concerned about the potential supply impacts and therefore cost increases, said Matt Sutton, the public policy director for the California Restaurant Association.

California's restaurants and groceries use about 255 million pounds of pork a month, but its farms produce only 45 million pounds, according to Rabobank, a global food and agriculture financial services company.

The National Pork Producers Council has asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture for federal aid to help pay for retrofitting hog facilities around the nation to fill the gap. Hog farmers said they haven't complied because of the cost and because California hasn't yet issued formal regulations on how the new standards will be administered and enforced.

Barry Goodwin, an economist at North Carolina State University, estimated the extra costs at 15% more per animal for a farm with 1,000 breeding pigs.

If half the pork supply was suddenly lost in California, bacon prices would jump 60%, meaning a $6 package would rise to about $9.60, according to a study by the Hatamiya Group, a consulting firm hired by opponents of the state proposition.

At one typical hog farm in Iowa, sows are kept in open-air crates measuring 14-square-feet when they join a herd and then for a week as part of the insemination process before moving to larger, roughly 20-square foot group pens with other hogs. Both are less than the 24 square feet required by the California law to give breeding pigs enough room to turn around and to extend their limbs. Other operations keep sows in the crates nearly all of the time so also wouldn't be in compliance.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture said that although the detailed regulations aren't finished, the key rules about space have been known for years.

It is important to note that the law itself cannot be changed by regulations and the law has been in place since the Farm Animal Confinement Proposition (Prop 12) passed by a wide margin in 2018," the agency said in response to questions from the AP.

The pork industry has filed lawsuits but so far courts have supported the California law. The National Pork Producers Council and a coalition of California restaurants and business groups have asked Gov. Gavin Newsom to delay the new requirements. The council also is holding out hope that meat already in the supply chain could be sold, potentially delaying shortages.

Josh Balk, who leads farm animal protection efforts at the Humane Society of the United States, said the pork industry should accept the overwhelming view of Californians who want animals treated more humanely.

Why are pork producers constantly trying to overturn laws relating to cruelty to animals? Balk asked. It says something about the pork industry when it seems its business operandi is to lose at the ballot when they try to defend the practices and then when animal cruelty laws are passed, to try to overturn them.

In Iowa, which raises about one-third of the nation's hogs, farmer Dwight Mogler estimates the changes would cost him $3 million and allow room for 250 pigs in a space that now holds 300.

To afford the expense, Mogler said, hed need to earn an extra $20 per pig and so far, processors are offering far less.

The question to us is, if we do these changes, what is the next change going to be in the rules two years, three years, five years ahead? Mogler asked.

The California rules also create a challenge for slaughterhouses, which now may send different cuts of a single hog to locations around the nation and to other countries. Processors will need to design new systems to track California-compliant hogs and separate those premium cuts from standard pork that can serve the rest of the country.

At least initially, analysts predict that even as California pork prices soar, customers elsewhere in the country will see little difference. Eventually, Californias new rules could become a national standard because processors cant afford to ignore the market in such a large state.

Kim, the San Francisco restaurant owner, said she survived the pandemic by paring back her menu, driving hundreds of miles herself through the Bay Area to deliver food and reducing staff.

Kim, who is Korean-American, said shes especially worried for small restaurants whose customers can't afford big price increases and that specialize in Asian and Hispanic dishes that typically include pork.

You know, I work and live with a lot of Asian and Hispanic populations in the city and their diet consists of pork. Pork is huge, Kim said. Its almost like bread and butter.

___

Associated Press writers David Pitt in Des Moines, Iowa, and Stephen Groves in Alvord, Iowa, contributed to this story.

___

Follow Scott McFetridge on Twitter: https://twitter.com/smcfetridge
JACKSON, Miss. (AP)  Its called mugicha in Japan, boricha in Korea, and damaicha in China, but a Jackson businessman calls the Asian grain-based tea opportunity.

Were the only U.S.-based company brewing and bottling barley tea, said Chat Phillips, owner of Inaka Tea Company. It has a lot of that coffee-like flavor, but not as bitter or strong. I describe it as almost between a tea and a coffee.

Inaka teas are available throughout much of Mississippi and some Memphis locations.

Phillips said his tea was initially sold in Corner Market stores, which include Jackson and Hattiesburg locations, and a few tea shops in 2020. Now it is also carried by Claiborne Hill Supermarket, with locations in Southwest Mississippi, and Kroger.

In July, expansion started into Memphis.

We sent some cases to Miss Cordelias Market, Phillips said. Its a local store. We have them in East Memphis Krogers, too.

Phillips said he anticipates more stores in Memphis will be offering Inaka products soon.

The tea, he said, sells for $2.29-$2.49 per bottle depending on the retailer.

In addition to retail locations, Inaka teas are available online. However, Phillips said thats not the same as having his products in brick and mortar stores. If expansion of a regional footprint proves successful, he wants to market his products nationally.

Thats the goal, Phillips said. We need to get our products into as many stores as we can.

A GROWING MARKET FOR LOCAL PRODUCTS

Inaka teas are currently brewed and bottled in Texas and warehoused in Gluckstadt. Phillips hopes to bring production to the Jackson area as the business grows, which he said would create a handful of jobs. Right now Phillips, and his wife when she has time to assist, he said, run the company.

Grocery distributor Robert Crouch, owner of R. B. Crouch and Associates Inc. in Pearl, said about 75% of the products he distributes are Mississippi-based like Phillips and the climate for them is good.

It just continually grows. Thats good for us. If you go into Kroger youll see Discover Local signs. Kroger really pushes that and these independents (grocery stores) are starting to push it, too.

Jeff Rent, CEO and president of the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership, said the support Inaka Tea Company is receiving is not surprising as people realize local businesses are economically important.

Jackson and the Jackson area is open for business and the community is very supportive of businesses and especially new businesses, Rent said. If we support local businesses, were going to have healthier, more vibrant communities.

That has a spillover effect. Youre creating new jobs. This one little idea that Chat got from living overseas and Chat starting it here just shows this is a place where you can succeed.

PATH TO BREWING MUGICHA TEA STARTED ON A MISSISSIPPI CATFISH FARM

So, where did Phillips get the idea to brew and bottle tea that no one else does in the U.S.? It was an unlikely path and it started on a catfish farm in rural Yazoo County where he grew up.

In many ways it was great, Phillips said. I grew up with a twin brother and a little sister.

We found ways to entertain ourselves outdoors. We were climbing trees and catching frogs. I feel like we were the last people to have that Huckleberry Finn lifestyle growing up.

Phillips, however, knew there was a bigger world out there and he wanted to experience it. He attended the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, where he majored in politics and economics with a minor in, of all things, Japanese.

I had taken French in high school and I wanted to learn something new, Phillips said. It was just sort of a pick. There was no rhyme or reason to it.

Phillips went to Japan during his college days through a study abroad program and realized that Mississippi didnt have the market cornered on blistering heat and humidity. He also learned Japanese people seek relief from the heat much like many Mississippians. They drink tea, except some is made from roasted barley.

My host family gave me some tea and I instantly fell in love with it, Phillips said.

I DECIDED TO QUIT MY JOB AND TAKE THE PLUNGE

Phillips said learning to speak Japanese drove his career in economic development and he continued to travel to Japan for business. He also began making mugicha tea at home, only he added some roasted corn kernels to the mix for a hint of sweetness, something he learned from his host family in Japan.

After brewing grain-based tea at home and letting friends try it, he decided to take the next step.

We had some money saved and I decided to quit my job and take the plunge, Phillips said. I quit my job in 2019 and started doing this full time.

He chose Inaka for the name because it is a Japanese word that roughly translates as a blend of hometown and countryside. Since he grew up in the country and first tried the tea in the countryside of Japan, it seemed like a natural fit.

Inaka Original is made from roasted barley with roasted corn added for sweetness. Phillips also created other teas based on roasted grains to create a line of offerings.

Inaka Mint is brewed from roasted corn and barley along with mint and organic cane sugar is added. Inaka Ginger is brewed with roasted corn, a traditional Korean tea, with Phillips addition of ginger for a gluten-free beverage.

The ginger and corn is not a traditional tea, but we thought it made a great pair, Phillips said.

If you want to taste the flavors of Inaka teas and you live outside Mississippi and Memphis, you might want to order it online for now. Phillips said national availability is a part of a long-term goal.

In terms of our 10-year plan and what we want to do, the hope is to get them nationwide in natural, organic grocery stores, Phillips said. Thats our primary objective.
James Franco

TROY  A gathering Saturday morning paid tribute to a Union general disowned by his Virginia family during the Civil War and marked the progress to repair surroundings at his Oakwood Cemetery gravesite.

The Col. George L. Willard Camp # 154, Department of New York, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, has led a 10-year restoration project at the final resting place of Gen. George Thomas  the Rock of Chickamauga A descriptive tablet of Gen. Thomas was also raised off the ground and fencing was reconstructed.
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (AP)  Ohio has planted a memorial grove of native trees to remember people who died of COVID-19, and governors and state lawmakers nationwide are considering their own ways to mark the toll of the virus.

Temporary memorials have sprung up across the U.S.  250,000 white flags at RFK stadium in the nations capital, a garden of hand-sculpted flowers in Florida, strings of origami cranes in Los Angeles.

The process of creating more lasting remembrances that honor the over 600,000 Americans who have died from the coronavirus, though, is fraught compared to past memorial drives because of the politics.

Last year, a bill kickstarting a national COVID-19 memorial process died in Congress as the Trump administration sought to deemphasize the ravages of the pandemic.

States are a good place to start with monuments given the complexities involved in remembering the federal governments early handling of the disease, said James Young, founding director of the University of Massachusetts Amhersts Institute for Holocaust, Genocide and Memory Studies.

We remember not just the victims, but we end up remembering kind of the U.S. administrations indifference or even neglect, malignant neglect, of the disease itself, much less the victims, he said.

Non-pandemic monuments  such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., the Oklahoma City National Memorial and the National Sept. 11 Memorial in New York  resulted from negotiations among diverse stakeholders willing to push through controversy to hash out common narratives, said Nancy Bristow, a history professor at the University of Puget Sound.

A national COVID-19 memorial wont be so clear-cut, she said.

The problem and the strength of memorials is they tell the story we want to tell, and they may not have anything to do with learning from the past or even with remembering the complexities of what weve been through, Bristow said. Commemoration and memorializing is not about nuance.

For governors who may be staking their political fortunes on the success of their virus response, however, the power to tell their own stories could be critical.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, were among the first to seize the virus narrative with their memorial proposals earlier this year.

Earlier this month, Democratic Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced a panel of experts from state government and the local art community had selected 11 artists to submit design proposals for that state's permanent memorial after a money-raising campaign this spring. A state lawmaker in Maine proposed legislation there to do the same.

The COVID-19 Pandemic Memorial Grove that DeWine dedicated in April at a state park near Chillicothe, in southern Ohio, included among its native trees the white oak, which can live for 400 years.

Maybe someone will come here and will talk about their grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother who went through the pandemic, DeWine said at the event. Maybe someone in their family died, maybe someone in their family was a nurse or doctor, someone who was there to make a difference for others. We should not forget the sacrifices that have been made.

Cuomo is regrouping after plans for a concrete state memorial to essential workers at Battery Park faced outcry from neighbors upset at the related loss of green space. He has said workers need to be remembered for their valor.

They saved the lives of New Yorkers, he said in announcing the panel to spearhead the project in April. COVID was a war and they were war heroes. They gave their lives in the midst of that war to save others.

DeWine and Cuomo are patterning their memorial language around their contrasting leadership styles, Young said.

I think DeWine did see himself as a kind of a pater familias trying to take care of everybody, and Cuomo did see himself or portray himself as a general going to war against the virus, Young said.

Bristow said the war metaphor was also used with the deadly 1918 influenza epidemic, which arose during a real war  World War I  and that conflation ultimately overwhelmed all memory of the deadly disease, which never got a national memorial.

The war was a heroic narrative, the war was a success, the war was an expression of American exceptionalism and how great we were, which is how Americans wanted and want to see themselves, she said. And the pandemic just didnt offer that kind of story line.

COVID-19 memorials also bring practical questions.

For instance, listing victims by name on a national memorial, as monuments sometimes do, could be a tricky business.

Responding to concerns about deaths being misattributed to the virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a report in March that found only about 5% of the death certificates that listed COVID-19 as a cause listed it exclusively. Instead, it was often paired with other contributing problems, including exacerbating diseases such as diabetes and simultaneous conditions such as pneumonia.

As such details are worked out, some smaller permanent memorials  a statue to sanitation workers in New York, wall murals in Detroit and a churchyard sculpture in Dover, Delaware, for instance  are already in place.

Heartfelt yet ephemeral tributes are also abundant, including bell-ringings, vigils and websites.

Kristin Urquiza, co-founder and co-executive director of the Marked by COVID organization, said she is laying the groundwork for a push later this year for a permanent national memorial.

Urquiza drew attention last year for a speech she delivered during the Democratic National Convention blaming Trumps lack of leadership for her fathers death from COVID-19, but she said the project is nonpartisan and unifying officials of both parties.

A physical memorial would be a place to acknowledge our grief, she said. A place we can unite from, to see each other as human beings, as Americans, as people, who went through this together.

U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat, a New York Democrat, also has reintroduced the bill that would begin a national COVID-19 memorial process.

Espaillat said the legislation envisions seating the memorial in the Bronx, an early COVID-19 hotspot. He refrained from addressing whether the virus politics of the Trump administration played a role in his earlier bills demise. But he said any memorial have to address some uncomfortable truths revealed by the pandemic.

As we continue our push to establish this national memorial, we must consider and reflect on the serious racial disparities that COVID-19 ravaged throughout the health systems that make Black and brown communities more susceptible, he said in a statement.

Massachusetts photographer Keith Jacobs died of COVID-19 in April 2020, only weeks into the pandemic, just has he'd made it to the top of a list to receive a kidney transplant.

His widow, Marcy Jacobs, 64, of Stoughton, Massachusetts, said she fears her late husband and other pandemic victims will be forgotten as the disease wanes and people who didnt lose a loved one move on.

Dont expect us to move on without giving us a place to grieve, she said, recalling her husband as kind, uncomplaining and simple. Is it a stone for everyone? I dont know.

President Joe Bidens inauguration-eve remembrance for COVID-19 victims was nice, she said, but more is needed.

What is the country going to do? she said.

___

Associated Press writers Jay Reeves in Birmingham, Alabama; John Seewer in Toledo; and Mark Pratt in Boston; and photographer Elise Amendola in Boston contributed to this report.
ALBANY  Late on Friday afternoon, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany announced that the Rev. John Varno had "voluntarily withdrawn" from ministry after being accused of sexual abuse in a Child Victims Act lawsuit.

There's more to the story than that. You see, some parishioners at Our Lady of Grace in Ballston Lake, one of three parishes where Varno had been serving as a sacramental minister, demanded he be removed after learning about an accusation that the diocese hadn't mentioned to them.

RELATED: Facing child sexual abuse allegations, former bishop confirms Diocese sent predators for 'treatment'

"We didn't want him to have access to our children until this is worked out," said John McIntyre, who is one of the parishioners. "They've got to protect our kids."

McIntyre is the publisher of Spotlight Newspapers. He had discovered Varno's name in a database of priests accused under the Child Victims Act, legislation that opened a window for victims of long-ago abuse cases in New York to file civil litigation. McIntyre told me he then spent about six hours searching for the lawsuit  and was dismayed when he finally read it.

In the legal complaint, a Warren County resident now in his 40s alleges that when he was a child preparing for First Communion at St. Jude the Apostle in Wynantskill, Varno got him drunk on wine and took him into a confessional for "special prayer." There, the priest allegedly stuck his hand down the boy's pants before fondling and sodomizing the child.

Varno, 82, denies the claim, according to the diocese. I was not able to reach him for comment.

McIntyre found the allegation difficult to dismiss, given the amount of detail it included. He also noted the date of its filing: Jan. 19 of this year.

Why then, he wondered, was Varno allowed to continue at Our Lady of Grace over the past seven months, conducting Mass as recently as last weekend? McIntyre's own daughter was scheduled to have her First Communion performed by Varno.

For McIntyre, it all brought back terrible memories: He and his family had attended Corpus Christi Church in Halfmoon when the Rev. Edward C. Pratt was removed for sexual misconduct involving children in 2002.

The trauma of that shock lingered, McIntyre said. And now this?

McIntyre took what he'd learned about the allegation against Varno to other parishioners at Our Lady of Grace. Together, they in recent days told the diocese, McIntyre said, that they wouldn't tolerate the priest's presence so long as the cloud of the allegation persisted.

Doing so, McIntyre said, wasn't easy. Varno was a popular priest. The congregation had embraced him.

But it was the demand from parishioners, apparently, that led Varno to withdraw from public ministry, including duties at Our Lady of Grace as well as Immaculate Conception in Glenville and St. Josephs in Scotia. Varno, also a former principal at Catholic Central High School in Lansingburgh, will not publicly officiate at sacraments, wear clerical garb or present himself as a priest, the diocese said.

"Father Varno maintains his innocence but has made the decision for the good of the parishes he serves and the diocese," said the statement issued by the diocese. "Out of an abundance of caution and sensitivity to all concerned, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger has accepted Father Varnos decision, and asks for prayers for all involved."

This isn't the first time Varno has stepped away from his duties.

In 1997, when he was still at St. Jude the Apostle in Wynantskill, Varno took a leave of absence after being arrested by state police on a public lewdness charge at a rest area in Schodack along Interstate 90.

After what the church described as counseling, Varno returned to a hospital ministry in 1998 that included Ellis Hospital in Schenectady and others. He has been a sacramental minister for Our Lady of Grace since 2005.

But back to McIntyre's question: Why was Varno allowed to continue after the January allegation? By diocese policy, accused priests are removed while an investigation proceeds  a rule designed, in part, to rebuild trust after the devastating child sexual abuse scandals of recent decades.

I put the question to Mary DeTurris Poust, spokeswoman for the diocese.

Poust said investigations are triggered when complaints are taken directly to the diocese, a process that includes a local district attorney and the Diocesan Review Board. There is no immediate investigation, or removal of the priest, when the allegation is made in a lawsuit alone.

"We encourage all survivors to report any claims to the diocese or to civil authorities directly  in addition to filing their CVA lawsuits  in order to trigger an investigation," Poust said.

But if the foremost objective is to protect children, why should it matter how the complaint is filed? I doubt parishioners in Varno's churches care about the technicalities  but they certainly had the right to know about the allegation.

"They did nothing to inform anybody at the parish," McIntyre said. "Some of my fellow parishioners are shocked by that."

McIntyre, meanwhile, is feeling angry and disillusioned, so much so that he's considering staying away from church, perhaps for good.

His faith in God is strong, he said. His faith in the diocese is not.

cchurchill@timesunion.com  518-454-5442  @chris_churchill
For his past two winters living in the woods of Allentown and Bethlehem, 61-year-old Eduardo Fernandez made it through the night by running a propane tank for two to three hours, just to get his tent warm enough so he could fall asleep
Imagine living in an apartment in an old church that houses a chandelier and pipe organ donated by Andrew Carnegie, eating at a restaurant in the lobby of a 105-year-old train station decorated with marble from Italy, or drinking beer made inside a brewery that was raided by the feds during Prohibition
Mariana Gorski-Gilbert is a volunteer firefighter with Ringtown Valley Fire and Rescue Co. and of her full-time EMT job five miles down the road at Shenandoah Community Ambulance
[July 31, 2021] AGEAGLE AERIAL INVESTIGATION INITIATED by Former Louisiana Attorney General: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Investigates the Officers and Directors of AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. - UAVS

Former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq., a partner at the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF"), announces that KSF has commenced an investigation into AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS). In September 2019, the Company announced its entry into the commercial package delivery drone market. Then, in April 2020, the Company announced that it had received its first purchase order and a subsequent follow-on order "from a major unnamed ecommerce company." Widespread public and media speculation that the unnamed partner was retail giant, Amazon.com (News - Alert) , Inc., grew over the next several months, which the Company failed to deny. In October 2020, an Amazon spokesperson denied any partnership or working arrangement with the Company in any capacity. Then, on February 18, 2021, Bonitas Research reported that the Company "was a pump & dump scheme orchestrated by . . . AgEagle founder and former chairman Bret Chilcott and other UAVS insiders to defraud US investors," and that it had found no evidence that the Company had any "major e-commerce customer." Thereafter, the Company and certain of its executives were sued in a securities class action lawsuit, charging them with ailing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws, which remains ongoing.



KSF's investigation is focusing on whether AgEagle's officers and/or directors breached their fiduciary duties to AgEagle's shareholders or otherwise violated state or federal laws. If you have information that would assist KSF in its investigation, or have been a long-term holder of AgEagle shares and would like to discuss your legal rights, you may, without obligation or cost to you, call toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or email KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-uavs/ to learn more.

About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking to recover investment losses due to corporate fraud and malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California and Louisiana. To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210731005011/en/

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[July 31, 2021] AQUADOGE- the New Cryptocurrency Listing on PancakeSwap with $15,000 giveaway every 2 Weeks

Los Angeles, California, July 31, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The DeFi altcoin space has absolutely exploded in recent months following the exponential growth of DOGECOIN. In fact, some investors still seem to be kicking themselves for missing out on what may have been the financial play of the year. However, returns like those experienced by DOGECOIN holders are commonplace in the Decentralized Finance industry, and AquaDoge has definitely risen to the top of retail investors watchlists.

AquaDoge is proud to announce its listing on PancakeSwap on August 11th, and will also host its first treasure chest giveaway shortly after. And details can be found on official telegram. Reasons why AquaDoge has set itself in best possible manner. 1. Meme, Utility, and Charity Its safe to say the power of memes or meme coins for that matter cannot be underestimated since the rise of Doge. AquaDoge brings features to the table that other Coins lacked, like utility and function. AquaDoge rewards its holders with 3% redistribution, and rewards the environment with 3% Charity taxes. This means for every transaction, AquaDoge gives a percentage to its holders, and another percentage to Oceancharities.



2. $15,000 Given Away Every 2 Weeks (or sooner) With most crypto currencies, investors can only make a return if the price increases, meaning there consistently has to be more buyers than sellers at all times. AquaDoge, however, features a unique and never seen before Treasure Chest function in its contract code. The Treasure Chest sets aside 5% of every transaction into a separate wallet. Upon reaching its capacity of 100 BNB, 50% is verifiably donated to a charity and 50% will be given away to lucky token holder. Being a community propelled token, AquaDoge will utilize voting polls to decide how many winners there will be, as well as requirements to enter the giveaways. That being said, the developers have stated that 2 weeks is a generous time frame as to when the 5% transactions would amount to 50 BNB. It could be more or less, but based on the aggressive marketing plans they have in place, they expect the treasure chest to fill up every few days. That means roughly $15,000 given away every few days!

3. Safety and Security In recent months, rug pulls and pump and dumps have tainted the name of the cryptocurrency DeFi space. While incredible returns are paramount to any investors decision to invest in any crypto-asset, safety and security are always the forefront of making any sort of return at all. AquaDoge will have its LP locked for 10 years, is in the process of receiving a verified TechRate audit, and the developers will not hold any tokens, aside from a 3% Dev wallet. While Dev wallets are often the subject of heavy scrutiny, the developers of AquaDoge have mentioned that they incentivize the developers to keep working and growing the hype and awareness around the community. Usually, the tokens that rug seem to be the ones that promise no dev wallets or involvement. All in all, this token puts the safety and security of its holding investors first, as is necessary to provide ease of mind and buyer confidence for any tradable currency. How To Invest While AquaDoge has not officially launched yet, its presale will be open soon for investors to get in early, and they expect it to fill up fast! Updates will be posted on the AquaDoge website, https://www.aquadoge.net as well as in their community Telegram, https://t.me/aquadogecommunity for investors to easily stay up to date. Social links Twitter: https://twitter.com/AquaDoge1 Telegram Group: https://t.me/aquadogecommunity Media contact Company: AquaDoge Contact Name: Kenny Johnson E-mail: aquadogecoin@gmail.com



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Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park consists of two discontiguous parcels of land along the Duck River west of the town of Manchester in Coffee County, Tennessee. Human occupation of the park dates back to at least ca. 6000 BCE, at which time the region was home to small, mobile bands of Native Americans. Over subsequent millennia the land saw the construction of ancient Native American earthworks, historic industries, and Civil War troop movements. Historic Euro-American interest in preservation of the area was piqued not only by the ancient ruins of the Old Stone Fort itself, but also by recreational opportunities afforded in waterfalls and pools along the Duck River. Together these natural and cultural features combined to attract both locals and visitors, and embed the area as a focal point within the early development of Manchester. Plans to develop the area into a State Park were formalized in April of 1966, with the purchase of 466 acres of what was by then the Chumbley estate by the Tennessee Department of Conservation.

The historic centerpiece of the park is site 40CF1, the Old Stone Fort. This ancient Native American earthwork enclosure overlooks the confluence of the Duck and Little Duck Rivers, and originates in the Middle Woodland period of regional prehistory (ca. 100 BCE  500 CE). During the eighteenth through mid-twentieth centuries the origins of the earthworks presented an enigma to scholars and visitors, leading to speculation that the site was constructed by Spanish explorers, ancient giants, Norse, Welsh, Romans, and the Lost Tribe of Israel, among others. Early interpretations of the site often focused on the possibility that the raised walls, position on the landform, and associated canal to the south presented the remnants of defensive fortifications. No archaeological evidence identified to date supports these interpretations, and today the site is understood to present an ancient Native American ritual enclosure.

For more information on the site, including activities offered and trail maps, please see the state parks page: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/old-stone-fort
Tennessee's official State Artifact is a stone statue of a kneeling man, carved by a Native American artist between approximately AD 1250 and 1350 during the Mississippian period of Tennessees prehistory. The 18.5-inch tall figure was discovered in 1939 by a tenant farmer working at what would become the Sellars Farm archaeological site in Wilson County. That site consists of a Mississippian town, with a platform mound and plaza area surrounded by a palisade embankment. Today Sellars Farm is a State Archaeological Area and satellite of Long Hunter State Park. The State Artifact is part of the collection of the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.

Carved stone statues similiar to this artifact have been found at Mississippian period sites through the mid-South. There is a wide range of stylistic variation among those statues, among which the Tennessee State Artifact is described as one of the most intricately and realistically portrayed Tennessee-Cumberland style statues discovered to date. The statues were often created as male-female pairs, and scholars believe they were associated with the veneration of important ancestors. In 2016, the McClung Museum acquired the female counterpart to the State Artfact. Both are on display at the museum in the permanent exhibition Archaeology and the Native Peoples of Tennessee.

The State Artifact has appeared in numerous publications on ancient Native American art and archaeology, including Time Magazine and the scholarly volume Visualizing the Sacred: Cosmic Visions, Regionalism, and the Art of the Mississippian World, and in 2004 appeared on a US Postage Stamp as part of the Art of the American Indian stamp series. The statue has been part of major art exhibitions, including the Art Institute of Chicagos 2004-2005 exhibit Hero, Hawk, and Open Hand, the 1992 exhibition Tresors du Nouveau Monde at the Musees Royaux dArt et dHistoire in Brussels, Belgium, and most recently in the Tennessee State Museum's 2016 Ancestors exhibition.

In 2014 the statue was designated the official State Artifact by the 108th General Assembly (Public Chapter 571, 2014). For more on the discovery and interpretation of the State Artifact, see Smith and Miller's 2009 volume, Speaking with the Ancestors: Mississippian Stone Statuary of the Tennessee-Cumberland Region.

The Tennessee State Artifact is on display at the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, located at 1327 Circle Park Drive on the University campus.
It's the last day of the CDC eviction moratorium which threatens to fundamentally change how MILLIONS of Americans regard housing.



Already home prices have endured a decline that will likely worsen.



Meanwhile, on the local level, we can expect our apartment dwelling friends to endure their neighbors doubling and tripling up as people scramble to keep a roof over their head.



Here's the www.TonysKansasCity.com link round-up . . .



Hundreds in Kansas City wait for rental assistance as eviction moratorium set to expire The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's eviction moratorium is set to expire Saturday. Hundreds of people across Kansas City are still waiting for rental assistance.Since March, Kansas City has received 7,500 applications for rental and utility assistance.

Thousands wait for emergency housing assistance in Kansas City, Missouri KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Thousands of emergency housing applications have yet to be processed in Kansas City, Missouri, which are all households who need immediate help. They could face eviction if the federal moratorium isn't extended before July 31. "We were essentially flying the plane as we built it," Becky Poitras, development director at Metro Lutheran Ministry said.

'Down the drain': Millions face eviction after Biden lets protections expire "We've been circling a drain," said KC Tenants Director Tara Raghuveer, a housing organizer in Kansas City, Mo. "On Saturday, poor and working-class tenants go down the drain in some places." The last-minute gridlock between President Joe Biden and Democrats in Congress that resulted in the demise of the eviction ban this week threatens to impose new economic burdens on state and local governments.

Representative Cori Bush sleeps outside Capitol to protest end of eviction freeze: "I know what it's like" Congresswomen Cori Bush, Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley slept outside the U.S. Capitol on Friday night in protest of the end of the eviction moratorium. The moratorium, which was enacted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is set to expire Sunday at midnight.

U.S. lawmakers fail to renew pandemic-related residential eviction ban WASHINGTON, July 30 (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives adjourned on Friday without renewing an 11-month-old pandemic-related federal moratorium on residential evictions set to expire on Saturday after a Republican congressman blocked a bid to extend it until Oct. 18.

Progressive members of Congress pen letter urging Biden, CDC chief to act on expiring eviction ban In a letter first seen by ABC News, they ask for action despite a SCOTUS ruling. In a new letter to President Joe Biden and CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, progressive members of Congress are calling for the CDC to "leverage every authority available to extend the eviction moratorium" after the House failed to take action Friday to extend the eviction ban set to expire Saturday at midnight.

Biden urges states to give renters federal cash before evictions resume President Biden on Friday urged states to pump out $46.5 billion in federal rental relief to prevent a wave of evictions as Democrats on Capitol Hill struggle to find enough votes to extend a national moratorium amid a resurgence of COVID-19 cases.

Developing . . .
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Russian hackers behind the massive SolarWinds cyberespionage campaign broke into the email accounts of some of the most prominent federal prosecutors offices around the country last year, the Justice Department said.

The department said 80% of Microsoft email accounts used by employees in the four U.S. attorney offices in New York were breached. All told, the Justice Department said 27 U.S. attorney offices had at least one employee's email account compromised during the hacking campaign.

The Justice Department said in a statement Friday that it believes the accounts were compromised from May 7 to Dec. 27, 2020. Such a timeframe is notable because the SolarWinds campaign, which infiltrated dozens of private-sector companies and think tanks as well as at least nine U.S. government agencies, was first discovered and publicized in mid-December.

The Biden administration in April announced sanctions, including the expulsion of Russian diplomats, in response to the SolarWinds hack and Russian interference in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Russia has denied wrongdoing.

Jennifer Rodgers, a lecturer at Columbia Law School, said office emails frequently contained all sorts of sensitive information, including case strategy discussions and names of confidential informants, when she was a federal prosecutor in New York.

I don't remember ever having someone bring me a document instead of emailing it to me because of security concerns, she said, noting exceptions for classified materials.

The Administrative Office of U.S. Courts confirmed in January that it was also breached, giving the SolarWinds hackers another entry point to steal confidential information like trade secrets, espionage targets, whistleblower reports and arrest warrants.

The list of affected offices include several large and high-profile ones like those in Los Angeles, Miami, Washington and the Eastern District of Virginia.

The Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, where large numbers of staff were hit, handle some of the most prominent prosecutions in the country.

New York is the financial center of the world and those districts are particularly well known for investigating and prosecuting white-collar crimes and other cases, including investigating people close to the former president, said Bruce Green, a professor at Fordham Law School and a former prosecutor in the Southern District.

The department said all victims had been notified and it is working to mitigate operational, security and privacy risks caused by the hack. The Justice Department said in January that it had no indication that any classified systems were affected.

The Justice Department did not provide additional detail about what kind of information was taken and what impact such a hack may have on ongoing cases. Members of Congress have expressed frustration with the Biden administration for not sharing more information about the impact of the SolarWinds campaign.

The Associated Press previously reported that SolarWinds hackers had gained access to email accounts belonging to the then-acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf and members of the departments cybersecurity staff, whose jobs included hunting threats from foreign countries.

___

Suderman reported from Richmond, Va.


Former Principal Ed Arriaga Is Demanding Tax Dollars Because Someone Leaked TUSD's Sex-Harassment Settlements On His Behalf. By Chris Limberis BROKE AND NO longer a Tucson Unified School District bigshot, Edward R. Arriaga is demanding $150,000 from taxpayers because confidential information about sexual harassment complaints against him was leaked to The Weekly and The Arizona Daily Star last year. Arriaga, whose 31-year TUSD career ended with a stint as interim principal at Sahuaro High School, was the target of two sexual harassment complaints that TUSD settled for $50,000 and $17,900 in 1996 and 1997. Arriaga did not return a call from The Weekly. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Settlement papers, investigative reports and attorney recommendations leaked last year touched off a flurry of media coverage sparked by TUSD's costly and failed court battle to block the Star from publishing a story on the harassment complaints and investigation details. While the Star hesitated, The Weekly published a story about complaints against Arriaga and details of the subsequent cash settlements. As a result, Arriaga's lawyer, Stephen M. Weiss, said in the claim that Arriaga, "a fifth-generation Tucsonan, suffered severe emotional distress and substantial and irreparable damage to his person and professional reputation. Additionally, TUSD's conduct caused Mary Arriaga to suffer emotional distress as she witnessed her husband's humiliation and found her name published in various periodicals in connection with items detailed in the confidential documents." It remains unclear who released the documents. They were sent by mail to the Star last summer and in the fall to The Weekly. Included in material provided to the Star was damaging information from attorneys that TUSD ignored state and federal law by failing to fully investigate the complaints against Arriaga. Arriaga was left at Sahuaro High while then-TUSD Board President Joel Tracy Ireland was able to get approval to order an investigation into who leaked the documents. But that effort also appears merely to have added to the waste of tax dollars already spent trying to conceal complaints against Arriaga and the settlements. TUSD administrative sources say the investigation did nothing to provide answers. Board President Mary Belle McCorkle said this week there is no evidence that documents were leaked by the TUSD Board or staff. Weiss, a talented and experienced defense lawyer, said the Arriagas will accept $150,000 to settle their claims of invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, intentional interference with contractual relations and breach of contract." The magnanimity ends there, according to Weiss. If the offer is rejected, Weiss said: "I do not feel bound by this figure and will seek a higher verdict from a jury." The Arriagas could use the money. They filed for bankruptcy protection on September 1, listing $380,025 in assets and $166,044 in debts. Weiss isn't their only high-priced lawyer. Arriaga and his wife, Mary Agnes, a real-estate agent, also are entangled in a Superior Court suit that alleges she mishandled assets and misspent funds from an aunt's estate. The TUSD Governing Board has one more month to decide what to do with Arriaga's claim before Weiss could file a lawsuit. The Board, with lame ducks Brenda Even and Gloria Copeland ending their terms, discussed the Arriaga claim in a closed session last month. Voters replaced Even, who did not seek re-election, and Copeland with Carolyn Kemmeries and Rosalie Lopez. Kemmeries is a retired TUSD administrator who once worked with Arriaga. DON AWERKAMP IS an employment law specialist who represents two women--Paula Morris and Sue Carda--who were paid after they filed complaints against Arriaga and TUSD. Told of Arriaga's claim for $150,000, Awerkamp said TUSD should pay Arriaga so that he could pay Morris and Carda. When Ireland and Copeland sprinted to Arriaga's defense last fall, Morris' and Carda's complaints weren't just discounted. They were trashed. Awerkamp then offered a novel solution for Morris: Ireland, who has two years remaining in his term, Copeland and Arriaga could resign or Morris would seek $150,000. Awerkamp said this week that he's preparing to resubmit an offer and added he's hopeful the addition of Kemmeries and Lopez to the Board would lead to more favorable consideration. When the Arriaga matter erupted into a campaign issue last year, Kemmeries and Lopez made it clear they would handle the case much differently. Morris, a teacher, worked for Arriaga when he was principal at Rincon High School. She filed a suit alleging Arriaga and two of his administrators harassed her and discriminated against her. TUSD paid her $50,000 to settle the claim in 1996. The settlement agreement was kept secret and the Star unsuccessfully sued for its release. The Ireland-led Board then promoted Arriaga to executive director of TUSD Human Resources. There, Arriaga allegedly sexually harassed another subordinate, according to a complaint filed by class and compensation manager Sue Carda. In another secret agreement, TUSD reached a settlement with Carda that totaled $17,900 in 1997. Arriaga resigned that year in a move that, despite his long career, was seen as abrupt. He cashed out nearly $90,000 in pay for sick time. But it wasn't long before Ireland and Copeland got TUSD administrators to lure Arriaga back, first as interim principal at Santa Rita High School. He then moved to Sahuaro to fill the vacancy created when Principal Joan Richardson was promoted to Arriaga's former job as head of TUSD Human Resources. Because of repeated delays by the Board in selecting a permanent Sahuaro principal, the Arriaga issue added to parents' complaints. Arriaga and his supporters contended last year that he was not a candidate for the permanent post. But in the claim he filed for Arriaga, Weiss says the release of information surrounding the harassment complaints came at a time when Arriaga "was actively seeking to continue employment with TUSD as principal of Sahuaro High School" and "interfered with his employment agreement with TUSD and interfered with the (settlement) agreement." Arriaga also has begun a quiet campaign to shore up community support, according to Pima County Supervisor Raul Grijalva, a Democrat who served three terms on the TUSD Board ending in 1986.


Crawdaddy-O Is A Guerrilla Jazz Band Extraordinaire By Lisa Weeks THE CRAWDADDY-O BRASS Band can play to any audience. And they do mean any audience: Downtown Saturday Nights, nursery schools, mall openings, breweries, hip downtown clubs, the Tucson Blues Festival, weddings, the Jazz Society's 20th-anniversary celebration, street corners in Austin, Jiffy Lubes...Scottsdale. That alone could set them apart from just about every other band in town, but Crawdaddy-O's singularity scarcely ends there. They're also the only marching brass band in town with a dancing sousaphone player. Crawdaddy-O, for general purposes, describe themselves as a Cajun brass band. But that's but a pale thumbnail sketch of the five-piece band's richly colored soundscape. Crawdaddy-O features Jimmy Carr on drums (and telephones--he doubles as band manager); legendary trombonist Fruitpie (flavor undisclosed), formerly of Sam Taylor's band and the Itsy Bitsy Spiders, among many other local outfits; and the Flying Rosano Brothers--Dante, Marco and Tony--on trumpet, tenor saxophone and sousaphone. Crawdaddy-O has all its bases covered: an audience spanning all demographics, a repertoire of originals uniquely combining every conceivable genre of brass-band music, and glorious mobility. Crawdaddy-O can play it straight-up and stationary or, at the drop of a hat, meander through the crowd as a marching band. Not to mention the fact that horns are currently very hip--swing and ska are all the rage in alternative markets of late. All of that, and their shows are giddy, engaging, lighthearted and just plain fun. Unconcerned with crafting a particular image or dedicating themselves faithfully to any one retro style or fad, Crawdaddy-O is supremely concerned with reaching out to and entertaining its audience. "We can go into just about any room and someone is going to have fun," remarks Carr. "Someone's going to get up and dance, and sometimes people go nuts." "We get approached by people from 3 to 70 years old with the same enthusiasm," adds Fruitpie, the straight-man of the group. "The under-8 age bracket isn't very lucrative, but we're very strong there." "Being mobile is a huge benefit," he says. "We're like a guerrilla jazz band--get in and get out before anyone gets hurt." Crawdaddy-O's mastery of a wide range of musical styles goes some way towards explaining the breadth of their audience and appeal. The band members combine their extensive and studious musical prowess to compose songs that "take this and that and twist it into something new that people will like." Give them five minutes, and you'll see Crawdaddy-O is about music and the performance, not attitude or image. The re-emergence of ska and swing at the forefront of popular music has brought horn sections back in a Big Bad Voodoo Daddy sort of way, opening the door for more eclectic bands like Crawdaddy-O to find an audience among fans of alternative music. But savvy Crawdaddy-O isn't jumping on any trendy bandwagons. "I've played in a number of Dixieland bands, and there are a number of bands out there right now taking advantage of the whole horn-prevalence in pop music, alternative and ska," says Fruitpie. But that's not what Crawdaddy-O is after. "Crawdaddy-O combines all kinds of horn and brass music and makes it edgy, almost like grunge-jazz; it has a real, new edge to it," he continues. "We're not wearing pinstriped suits or straw hats." Crawdaddy-O came together a few years ago in typical Tucson fashion, via a circuitous series of long-standing and quasi-accidental relationships converging in a moment of inspiration. Fruitpie met the Rosano triplets when their mother took her trio of fledgling sixth-grade musicians to see him play in a concert at the University of Arizona as part of a Dixieland band. He later served as their music instructor for a brief period during the brothers' high school years. As a close friend of the family, he's followed their careers with interest. Not Crawdaddy-O's original trombonist, Fruitpie joined the band well after its inception. "We had our eye on Fruitpie since day one," claims Carr, "but he was always busy in all these other bands." "What a lie! You settled for me!" the imposing trombonist exclaims with a hint of false modesty. All joking aside, Crawdaddy-O was but a gleam in Jimmy Carr's eye until his not-quite-by-chance meeting with Marco Rosano, when the two lived in the same building above the Rialto Theater. The story goes something like this: Carr got wind of the fact that his neighbor was a sax player and went knocking on his door. "I heard you playing tenor sax and, well, it's always been one of my boyhood dreams to put together a Cajun brass band. I was wondering if you'd be interested?" To which Rosano replied, "Yeah, I'd be interested. In fact, I've got a brother who plays trumpet." A surprised Carr responded, "You're kidding, that's awesome! What a stroke of luck!" and Rosano added, "...and another brother who plays sousaphone--and owns one!" Carr was incredulous. "Now I know you're making fun of me." "Yeah, and we're triplets!" Unbelievable. The rest is history, and a heap of hard work. Carr's resourcefulness as band manger has not only kept Crawdaddy-O working regular gigs, he's also been actively building the business behind the show, all the while keeping everyone else organized. "We're seeing if we can pass gum between moving vehicles, and Jimmy's the one with the map saying, 'We're getting of at the next exit, okay?' " laughs Fruitpie. Hard work pays off. The calls from Austin after from their South By Southwest performance at the Elephant Room last spring, as well as street shows like the one they put on outside the posh Driskill Hotel, still filter in. The strength of their short performance as part of Howe Gelb's showcase at the Texas Union Ballroom led to a successful engagement at the Bear Valley High Sierra Music Festival this past summer. Of late, the band averages about three shows a week, currently playing every Wednesday night at The Rock. Future plans? Just about what you'd expect: The Crawdaddy-O Brass Band is intent on keeping the momentum going and the audiences entertained, with various events scheduled to celebrate the upcoming release of their self-produced, self-titled debut CD. Also in the works is the development of a Crawdaddy-O comic strip, perhaps a band movie...and there was some talk of breaking out the brass at a karaoke bar, "just for kicks." The Crawdaddy-O Brass Band launches a series of CD release celebrations starting Friday, October 24, with special guests The X-Old Ladies at the Airport Lounge, 20 E. Pennington St. Call 882-0400 for more information.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC2) to the Paris Climate Agreement.

The relevant decision was passed with technical and legal amendments on July 30, Ukrinform reported with reference to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources.

"The document aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 35% by 2030 compared to 1990," the report says.

To achieve the said goal, a set of measures is set to be implemented within the next 10 years, including

Modernization of energy and industrial enterprises;

Development of renewable energy sources;

Energy efficiency measures in all sectors of the economy from production, transportation to consumption;

Thermal modernization of buildings;

Increasing the share of organic agriculture and resource-saving agricultural practices;

Electrification and upgrade of transport;

Introduction of a waste management hierarchy; and

Increasing forest cover and implementation of the forest management reform.

In addition, the officials note that the strategic goals of decarbonization and a consistent approach to achieving them are a logical continuation of Ukraine's European integration course.

The implementation of the document will have a positive impact on natural resources, in particular, through reducing pollution of air, water bodies, and land.

"Climate change has become one of the world's most pressing problems. In the last few years alone, the number of abnormal weather emergencies in Ukraine and around the world has increased, bringing deaths and significant economic losses. In such a situation, the scenario of doing nothing is the most dangerous one. Inaction today can have catastrophic implications tomorrow. Including in the form of insane economic losses, which will be hundreds of times greater than the amount needed to gradually reduce emissions. Therefore, Ukraine will not stay away from transformation. So defining the real goals of climate policy and achieving them is the only right way out, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Roman Abramovsky said, commenting on the Cabinets move

According to researchers, in the next 10 years, all countries should lay the foundations for the transformation of various economy sectors toward curbing emissions. Ukraine, as part of the international community, is also taking an active part in the fight against the global challenge.

The Paris Climate Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, at the United Nations Climate Conference. The document was signed by delegates of 196 countries. The agreement replaced the Kyoto Protocol, which expired in 2020. The previous document obliged only developed economies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The new commitments on climate protection were made by all states, regardless of the level of economic development. The goal of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement is to curb the negative effects of global warming. To this end, the signatory state must reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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The newly-appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valeriy Zaluzhny, considers reforming the Army in line with NATO principles and standards, as well as social protection of servicemen to be among the priority tasks in the near future.

Thats according to the press service of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.

On July 31, while introducing other newly-appointed senior officials, including Deputy Commander-in-Chief Lieutenant General Yevhen Moisyuk, Chief of the General Staff Major General Serhiy Shaptal, and Commander of the Medical Forces Colonel Tetiana Ostashchenko, Zaluzhny outlined the priority tasks for the near future.

"The general course of reforming the Armed Forces of Ukraine in accordance with NATO principles and standards remains irreversible. And the key here is the principles. Changes must take place first of all in the worldview and attitude to people. I would like you to face the people, your subordinates. My attitude to people hasnt changed throughout my time in service, the commander-in-chief emphasized.

He also stressed as priority social protection of servicemen and their families, as well as the importance of continuing the reform of monetary and personnel support.

In the context of defense reform, the commander-in-chief voiced the following tasks to be pursued by Army leadership:

Continued transformation of the system of joint leadership of defense forces and military management of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;

Acquisition by military authorities of full operational capabilities in new organizational structures (J, G, A, N, S);

Development and implementation in all areas of operations of standards and procedures adopted by NATO Allies;

Ensuring direct participation of NATO Partner countries in operational training at strategic and operational levels, including through practical events;

Raising the level of professional skills among personnel;

Ensuring that the servicemen master the English language; and

Development of the sergeant corps.

"The main tasks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in repelling and deterring Russian armed aggression are to maintain military units at appropriate levels of combat readiness, staffing them with professional and motivated personnel, equipping them with modern weapons and military hardware, clarifying basic documents for defense planning and doctrinal documents on the use of forces," the major general emphasized.

It is also important to develop a system of territorial defense and resistance within the framework of comprehensive defense, the commander-in-chief noted.

Zaluzhny also said that every effort will be made to establish effective cooperation with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine in the interests of the development of the Armed Forces.

"The whole set of measures that had been planned previously must be implemented. In particular, holding a military parade at the appropriate level on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence, as well as strategic command and staff exercise Joint Effort 2021," he added.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on July 27, President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Valeriy Zaluzhny Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, having dismissed Ruslan Khomchak from this post.

In turn, Khomchak was appointed First Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council.

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The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine has called on the Ukrainian authorities to prosecute those involved in the murder of activist Kateryna Handziuk.

This is stated in a video address by Press Attache of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, Daniel Langenkamp, posted on Twitter July 31.

Today we mark the three-year anniversary of the attack on civil rights and anti-corruption activist Kateryna Handziuk, who gave her life fighting for a democratic and prosperous Ukraine. We continue to stand with the Ukrainian people in demanding justice for #Handziuk. pic.twitter.com/WsIFoD4uQH  U.S. Embassy Kyiv (@USEmbassyKyiv) July 31, 2021

"Three years ago, Kateryna Handziuk, a prominent public activist, was brutally attacked. Kateryna Handziuk, her family, friends, and all Ukrainians fighting for a better future deserve answers. We call on the authorities to bring her killers to justice," Langenkamp said.

Read also: Kyiv court leaves Handziuk murder suspects in custody

He stressed that the memory of Handziuk will forever remain in civil society, which is an important part of "pro-active, successful, and democratic Ukraine."

"We continue to support the Ukrainian people in their demand for justice for Handziuk," the press attache said.

Handziuk murder: Background

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 were detained on suspicion of conspiracy 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 charged Manher with organizing Handziuk's murder. After initially allowing Manher to be bailed out for UAH 2,497,300, the court later ruled to remain him in custody with no right to bail.

On June 6, 2019, five immediate perpetrators of the attack were sentenced to prison terms of three to six-and-a-half years.

In January 2020, Oleksiy Levin was detained in Bulgaria for organizing the acid attack on Handziuk.

On March 16, Levin was extradited to Ukraine. According to investigators, Levin is a key figure who coordinated other co-conspirators and those who ordered the attack. He is suspected of masterminding the crime, inciting others to commit it, and providing culprits with information about Handziuk's location.

On July 28, 2020, the prosecutor's office indicted 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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Memorial services for Mr. Robert Bruce Reed Jr. will be conducted on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, at 6 p.m. in Williams Funeral Home chapel. The family will receive friends from 5 until 6 p.m. Mr. Reed, 61, passed away on July 30, 2021. He was retired from Rheem Manufacturing and had made his ho
A Celebration of Life for Mr. Lionel A. "Sam" Watson, 94, will be conducted on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at 11 a.m. in Williams Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Mac Enfinger officiating. Mr. Watson was a native of West Virginia, married, raised his son in Atlanta, and retired with his wife, 
A plane carrying a new batch of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine landed in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, on Saturday, giving another boost to the country in its vaccination drive

PHNOM PENH, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 31st Jul, 2021 ) --:A plane carrying a new batch of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine landed in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, on Saturday, giving another boost to the country in its vaccination drive.

Health ministry's secretary of state Yok Sambath, who welcomed the arrival of the vaccine at the Phnom Penh International Airport, said the jab was purchased from Chinese biopharmaceutical firm Sinovac Biotech.

China is the major vaccine supplier to the Southeast Asian nation, she said, adding that with the subsequent arrivals of the vaccines, the kingdom has enough jabs to sustain its inoculation drive.

Cambodia launched a COVID-19 vaccination drive on Feb. 10. To date, some 7.23 million people, or 72.3 percent, of the 10 million targeted adult population have received at least one dose of the vaccines, according to the health ministry.
Dar es Salaam, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 31st Jul, 2021 ) :Tanzania's main opposition party on Saturday called for protests over the arrest of its leader and said it had mounted a legal challenge to charges of terrorism filed against him.

Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe was arrested 10 days ago along with other senior party members as they were preparing to hold a public forum calling for constitutional reforms.

The nighttime police raid and subsequent charges against Mbowe have raised concern among rights groups and Western nations about the rule of law in Tanzania under new President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

At a press briefing on Saturday, Chadema secretary general John Mnyika said the party had filed a legal challenge to the case against Mbowe, saying charging him without his lawyer present was a violation of his rights.

Mnyika also urged party members and supporters to stage peaceful protests against the "fabricated" charges when Mbowe's case is due back in court on August 5.

Mbowe, 59, was charged on Monday with terrorism financing and conspiracy -- offences that do not allow for bail under Tanzanian law.

Critics have said the action against him was a throwback to the oppressive rule of Tanzania's late leader John Magufuli and showed that little had changed under Hassan.

The United States has expressed concern over Mbowe's arrest and urged Hassan, who took office in March following Magufuli's death, to ensure freedoms for all Tanzanians.

On Friday, Chadema deputy chairman Tundu Lissu described the accusations against Mbowe as a "continuation of a political war against opposition by the government".

Lissu said the government was "misusing criminal laws as a weapon to silence opposition".
(@fidahassanain)

Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhari says this letter is another demonstration of the continuing global censure of the ongoing human rights violations and humanitarian crisis in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-July 31st, 2021) Pakistan has welcomed the letter on human rights and humanitarian situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir addressed by members of the European Parliament to the President and Vice President of the European Commission.

In response to media queries regarding the letter, Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said this letter is another demonstration of the continuing global censure of the ongoing human rights violations and humanitarian crisis in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

He said despite India continuously peddling false propaganda in futile attempts to push the sham narrative of so-called normalcy in IIOJK, the global censure and condemnation of the Indian atrocities in IIOJK continue and have increased in the wake of the egregious violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in IIOJK after India's illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019.

Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said India must realize that it cannot ignore the international community's continuing calls to end its grave and systematic human rights violations of the Kashmiri people.

The Spokesperson said India will have to ultimately give in to global conscience, end its unabated human rights violations in parts of Jammu and Kashmir under its illegal occupation and take steps for peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Millions of Americans could find themselves homeless starting Sunday as a nationwide ban on evictions expires, against a backdrop of surging coronavirus cases and political finger pointing

Washington, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 31st Jul, 2021 ) :Millions of Americans could find themselves homeless starting Sunday as a nationwide ban on evictions expires, against a backdrop of surging coronavirus cases and political finger pointing.

With billions in government funds meant to help renters still untapped, President Joe Biden this week urged Congress to extend the 11-month-old moratorium, after a recent Supreme Court ruling meant the White House could not do so.

But Republicans balked at Democratic efforts to extend the eviction ban through mid October, and the House of Representatives adjourned for its summer vacation Friday without renewing it.

Several left-wing Democrats spent the night outside the Capitol in protest -- calling out their colleagues over the failure to act.

"We slept at the Capitol last night to ask them to come back and do their jobs. Today's their last chance," tweeted Congresswoman Cori Bush, who has herself experienced homelessness and was joined by fellow progressives Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley.

With the clock ticking down to Sunday, the country was braced for a heartbreaking spectacle -- families with their belongings at the curbside wondering where to go.

One of those at risk is Terriana Clark, who was living out of a car with her husband and two stepchildren for much of last year, before finding a teaching job and an apartment in Harvey, Louisiana.

Jobless again and struggling to pay rent after a bout of illness, the 27-year-old told The New Orleans Advocate she applied to a local assistance program four months ago, but is still waiting for help.

"If it comes, it comes. If it don't, it don't," she told the paper. "It's going to be too late for a lot of people. A lot of people are going to be outside." Up north in Michigan, Mary Hunt, who makes minimum wage driving a medical taxi, likewise fell behind on her rent on a mobile home because she got sick with Covid.

She was served with eviction papers, and frets over what she will do with her stuff and her five cats and one dog.

"How do I choose which cats to keep? It's not going to happen. I'm not going to leave any of them behind," Hunt told National Public Radio this week.

"If I lose this house, then they go in the car with me. And people can think I'm a crackpot, but I'm not giving up my family," Hunt said.

- Covid hot spots - Unlike other pandemic-related aid that was distributed from Washington, such as stimulus checks, it was states, counties and cities that were responsible for building programs from the ground up to dole out assistance earmarked for renters.

The Treasury Department said that as of June, only $3 billion in aid had reached households out of the $25 billion sent to states and localities in early February, less than three weeks after Biden took office.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ordered the eviction moratorium in September 2020, as the world's largest economy lost over 20 million jobs amid the pandemic shutdowns. The CDC feared homelessness would boost coronavirus infections.

Although more than half of those jobs were since recovered, many families still have not caught up on missed rent payments.

The Census Bureau's latest Household Pulse survey showed that of 51 million renters surveyed, 7.4 million were behind on rent and nearly half of those said they risked being evicted in the next two months.

Nearly 80 percent of households that are behind on their rent as of early July lived in Covid hot spots, according to a study by the Jain Family Institute.

"Putting people out on the street is probably not going to have good effects on community transmission rates," the institute's housing policy researcher Paul Williams told CBS MoneyWatch.

- 'No excuse' - Immediately after taking over, the Biden administration had eased paperwork and eligibility requirements for an emergency rental assistance program, but it has stressed that management remains in the hands of state and local officials.

"There can be no excuse for any state or locality not accelerating funds to landlords and tenants that have been hurt during this pandemic," Biden warned Friday.

The CDC eviction moratorium and other protections prevented an estimated 2.2 million eviction filings since March 2020, said Peter Hepburn, a research fellow at the Eviction Lab at Princeton University.
This week, Catholic Bishops in South Sudan paid a solidarity visit to President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA  Nairobi, Kenya.

The three prelates who represented the Sudan Catholic Bishops Conference (SCBC) at the talks with the President include Archbishop Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla of Juba Archdiocese, Bishop Stephen Nyodho Ador Majwok of Malakal Diocese, as well as the Bishop Emeritus of Torit Diocese, Paride Taban.

Bishops pledge support for the peace agreement

The Bishops pledged their support for the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) upon which the Soputh Sudanese unity government is anchored.

Since the signing of revitalised peace agreement, we as Bishops of South Sudan had not paid a visit to the President, and we thought it better to do so now and assure him of our support towards the process of peace implementation, Archbishop Ameyu told AMECEA Online in an interview, Thursday, 29 July.

Religious leaders have a stake in the peace process

Archbishop Ameyu said that religious leaders should also be involved in the national reconciliation, justice and peace process currently being implemented in South Sudan.

We asked the President to include some religious leaders in the peace process since none of us is involved and it is necessary that we too take part.

Nothing is as good as having peace and guns silenced. When there is peace, people have the opportunity to live normal lives and stay happily, Archbishop Ameyu said.

Church appreciates warm relations with the government

The South Sudanese Bishops also expressed the need of striving to have peace in the country regardless of the challenges and no matter how long it takes.

It will be good for the government to continue implementing peace. Even if it is at the slow tortoise pace, it will have some positive impact, said Archbishop Ameyu.

Appreciating Catholic Church-state relations, Archbishop Ameyu said, The government has been helpful to us, we are able to travel securely wherever we are to go, and any time when we have a new Bishop in the country they (government) have been very supportive, he said.
Despite numerous attempts by the U.S. Air Force to rid themselves of the A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft from its fleet, the U.S. Congress continues to thwart efforts to retire the aircraft.

Retiring the aircraft would free up maintenance costs for the fighters and could allow the Air Force to buy more advanced aircraft like the F-35A, which experts believe would stand a better chance of countering countries like China equipped with high-tech anti-aircraft weapons.

Via the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act  a bill that will set funding levels for the U.S. military next year  the Senate Armed Services Committee specifically prohibited the retiring of any A-10 aircraft during the fiscal year 2022.

While the House Armed Services Committee has yet to release its proposal for the 2022 NDAA, the Senates version does not bode well for the Air Force, which has been trying to retire A-10s at least as far back as 2013, Task & Purpose reported.

The aircraft is known as the Warthog or just Hog, and was designed around its 30mm GAU-8/A Gatling gun. The aircraft is known to be slow and stable and when it opens fire, it makes a sky-ripping BRRRT noise that troops have come to associate with salvation from enemy fighters, added Task & Purpose.

The U.S. Air Force has been recommending the retirement of the aircraft due to soaring maintenance costs and difficulty in procuring replacement parts. The crafts are taking longer to inspect and keep running, which is consuming resources that the Air Force could utilize to maintain other aircraft, according to a Government Accountability Office report from November 2020.

Conflict on the Senate floor

Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz) told Task and Purpose, As someone who has flown close air support in combat, I know that the A-10 is unmatched in carrying out its mission and provides an invaluable capability to protect American service members on the ground.

Removing A-10s from the fleet when there is not another aircraft capable of performing this mission takes a vital tool away from our military and is the wrong step for our national security, he added.

Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla) was not happy with the Senates plan to keep the aging fighters in the American arsenal. He believes investing in modern aircraft like the F-35A is the direction the Air Force, and the Senate needs to take.

Rubios state of Florida is slated to be the home of three new F-35A squadrons at its Tyndall Air Force Base near Panama City.

Rubio is concerned that further investment in the A-10 fighter craft could threaten resources allocated to rebuilding the Tyndall Air Force Base after it was severely damaged in October 2018, when Hurricane Michael made landfall in Floridas panhandle as a Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds in excess of 160 miles per hour.

It is my understanding that language is included in the Chairmans mark of the FY22 NDAA that would prohibit the divestment of 41 A-10 aircraft at the expense of Tyndalls F-35 squadrons, Rubio stated in a letter published online.

Rubio believes the A-10 has limited types of missions that it can fly, noting that it was designed to fly in a non-contested air warfare environment.

In his letter he asserts that should the Senate fail to divest the U.S. Air Forces fleet of A-10 Warthogs, it would have [a] significant impact on the Air Forces F-35 pilot output, our strategic capacity to field F-35s in the event of a conflict, and have grave, long-term implications for the national security of the United States.

Despite Rubios and the Air Forces concerns with maintaining the aging fleet, the U.S. Senate does not appear to be interested in retiring a fighter plane that has flown hundreds, if not thousands, of successful missions over its 45 years of service.
Burkina Faso Aid Cuts: The COVID-19 pandemic's impact has led to cuts in foreign aid from donors like Britain, which this month slashed its aid budget by $5.5 billion, hitting those on the ground in Africa. The funding loss is felt in Burkina Faso where it could possibly shut down key groups.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to cuts in foreign aid from donor nations such as Britain  which cut its aid budget by $5.5 billion  Australia, Japan and Saudi Arabia.

The funding loss is being felt in Burkina Faso, where it could shut down a group that helps thousands of survivors of gender-based violence and rape.

The largest international nonprofits say the shock waves of the cuts will be felt by people across Africa in all kinds of situations and will result in deaths.

"For countries like the [United Kingdom] and others to be cutting their aid budgets in a global pandemic is extremely shortsighted, and we know it will put the fight back against poverty by many decades," said Sam Nadel, Oxfam government relations chief. "So, the U.N. secretary general, for example, has called these cuts a death sentence, and it really is that stark for many people."

Marie Stopes, a group offering family planning to countries in crisis like Burkina Faso, is primarily supported by British aid money.

The cuts will impact large numbers of women, according to the head of Marie Stopes-Burkina Faso, Dr. Toumbi Sissoko. The group has been able to assist more than 500,000 people over two years, she said.

"Alice," whose name has been changed to protect her identity, received help from Marie Stopes after she fled her village in northern Burkina Faso, when gunmen attacked. She trekked through the bush for three days, seeking refuge, but then was seized by a group of terrorists.

She says they told her to put her daughter down, before one of them hit her with the back of his gun, knocking her to the ground. Six of them raped her, then discussed whether they should kill her, but, she says, they concluded it was useless to kill a woman. They got on their motorbikes and left.

When she reached the relative safety of Kaya the next day, she was directed to Marie Stopes-Burkina Faso.

Alice says a woman from Marie Stopes immediately gave her morning-after pills and advice. She was still traumatized and could neither eat nor breastfeed her daughter. She says that the woman at Marie Stopes encouraged her to eat and told her that her life was still worth living.

Flora Guibere, who works for Marie Stopes, fears that with the foreign aid cuts, beneficiaries will be left on their own, and many of her organization's workers will be out of a job.

For women like Alice who fall victim to gang rape, it will mean they may no longer receive emergency birth control or support.
A third man, who allegedly wanted to forcibly gain access at President Emmerson Mnangagwas official residence where he intended to share his dream with the Zimbabwean leader, has appeared in court facing charges of trespassing.

According to an online publication, ZimLive, Harare magistrate Judith Taruvinga remanded Isaac Tsuro in custody and ordered him to undergo a mental evaluation.

Tsuro allegedly tried to gain access at the State House on Tuesday claiming that he had a dream, which he wanted to share with Mnangagwa.

Two Zimbabweans, who claimed that they were members of the Central Intelligence Organization, also attempted to gain entry into the same place last week.

Nigel Rutsito and Dylan Kanyungwe were arrested and charged with trespassing.

The two were remanded in custody to September 14, according to ZimLive.

Kanyungwe demanded to see Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has extended an air quality alert until noon Tuesday for the entire state, due to what authorities are calling an unprecedented significant air quality event.

Minnesota has been dealing with smoke from Canadian wildfires that has created some of the highest particulate readings on record.

An air quality alert was set to expire Friday afternoon, but it was extended through Tuesday and includes the whole state. While the air will see some improvement on Friday night, things will get worse Saturday morning as northerly winds will bring a cold front that will carry more smoke from the wildfires, which are north of the Canadian border in Ontario and Manitoba.

The MPCA said smoke will continue pouring into the state into Sunday. High pressure will build over the area and the smoke will recirculate under that high pressure through Tuesday, leading to a prolonged period of heavy smoke.

The agency said fine particle levels are expected to reach the purple category, a level considered very unhealthy for everyone, across north central and south central Minnesota. That area includes Roseau, Hibbing, Brainerd, St. Cloud, and the Twin Cities. It also includes the tribal nations of Red Lake, Leech Lake and Mille Lacs.

Fine particle levels are expected to reach the red category, which is considered unhealthy for everyone, across northern, central, and southeast Minnesota, including East Grand Forks, Moorhead, Ely, Detroit Lakes, Alexandria, Ortonville, Mankato, Albert Lea, Rochester, and the tribal nations of Upper Sioux, Fond du Lac, and Prairie Island.

Fine particle levels are expected to reach the orange category, which is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups  such as people with asthma or heart disease, or children and older adults  in far southwestern and northeastern Minnesota, including Marshall, Duluth, Two Harbors, and the tribal nation of Grand Portage.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was part of a group of governors who held a virtual meeting with President Joe Biden on Friday to talk about wildfires in the U.S.

Minnesota and some of its neighboring states are also dealing with a worsening drought.
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Vina del Mar, Provincia de Valparaiso, Valparaiso (36.6 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : It felt like it was the beginning of a big earthquake but it was just one, probably grade 5 to 6 on richter. It was like 2 or 3 seconds of duration. | 3 users found this interesting.

Santiago (124.2 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s Lay in bed and felt it swing from side to side for a few times. Either woke me up or I just happened to be awake | One user found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Hacienda La Calera, Provincia de Quillota, Valparaiso (49.1 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s : idk i woke up thanks to the quake | 2 users found this interesting.

near Santiago (130.2 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : Long and a consistent intensity | One user found this interesting.

Villa Alemana (43.4 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Leas shaking more noise. | One user found this interesting.

near Lampa, Provincia de Chacabuco, Santiago Metropolitan (96.9 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s Very weak shacking hardly any noise | One user found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Vina Del Mar / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s : The movement made me jump out of the bed where I was sleeping, at first it was a shaken movement and then a pendulum movement was felt, I ran to my elderly mother's room. luckily it was just a waking up with movement. | One user found this interesting.

Quilpue (37.7 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Se movio el edificio muchas veces sacudidas de fuerte a mas suave | One user found this interesting.

Puchuncavi / not felt : Shaking lateral | One user found this interesting.

Santiago / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 20-30 s : Unos crujidos y balanceo normal, pero se sintio | One user found this interesting.

Maipu (118 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / vibration and rolling / 10-15 s : Fue largo el sismo y suave. | One user found this interesting.

near Santiago (130.2 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : Long and a consistent intensity

near Valparaiso (45.8 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single lateral shake / very short

La Pintana, Provincia de Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan (138.7 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

40 km of Valparaiso (8.4 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / single lateral shake / 5-10 s

Valparaiso (33.6 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 5-10 s

26 km of Vina del Mar, Provincia de Valparaiso, Valparaiso (14.2 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

near Vina del Mar, Provincia de Valparaiso, Valparaiso (23.3 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s

Quilpue, Provincia de Marga Marga, Valparaiso (38.5 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 30-60 s

Villa Alemana, Provincia de Marga Marga, Valparaiso (40.2 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

near Cartagena, San Antonio Province, Valparaiso (65.6 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake

Santiago (108.2 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

near Vina del Mar, Provincia de Valparaiso, Valparaiso (25.2 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Santiago (125.1 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s

Vina del Mar, Provincia de Valparaiso, Valparaiso (32.3 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single vertical bump / 5-10 s

La Pintana, Provincia de Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan (133.2 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Santiago (119.2 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Maitencillo Chile (25.8 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Valparaiso (34.1 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Santiago (127.4 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / very short (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) / very short

valparaiso / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Santiago / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Santiago / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s

Huechuraba, Santiago (114.9 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 20-30 s Mucho ruido y algo fuerte, se percibia bastante, era como un movimiento hacia los lados junto con un movimiento vertical que no se sentia tanto como el horizontal. Fue largo (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 20-30 s

Maitencillo (24.5 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s : Start softly and have a peak of intensity as a second wave. Pretty noisy. Its shaking regularly since that earthquake. The next ones havent been that strong anyway.

Vina del mar (32 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s

Santiago / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Papudo (34 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Zapallar / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s

Quilpue / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single vertical bump / 2-5 s

Quillota / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Vina del mar / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s

vina del mar (30.6 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 15-20 s

Concon / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s

Vina del mar / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 20-30 s

Vina del Mar / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s

Santiago / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s

Valparaiso / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 5-10 s

Colina / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s

Ibis Valparaiso (32.6 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 5-10 s

Santiago / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Concon / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Vina del Mar / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s

Santiago (124.3 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s

concon (25.6 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

concon / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 30-60 s

VALPARAISO / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 5-10 s

Santiago / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 10-15 s

Vina del mar (623.5 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s

Cachagua, zapallar / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s

santa rosa / Very weak shaking (MMI II)

Valparaiso / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Papudo / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging
An inmate from the Madison County Jail was prematurely released Saturday after posing as another inmate.

Now the sheriff's office is asking for the public's help finding him.

Darren Jermaine Chipman, 31, of Huntsville was in jail awaiting extradition to Georgia. The sheriff's office said he used another inmate's information in order to be released.

He had two outstanding warrants out of Gwinnett County, Georgia for a robbery and failure to register as a sex offender.

A spokesperson for the sheriff's office said, "We are utilizing every available resource we have to find this individual, as well as outside agencies locally and outside the state of Alabama."

An internal investigation is underway to determine how the release happened. There is also a criminal investigation.

If you see Chipman or know where he is, call 911, or the Madison County Sheriffs Office, 256-722-7181.

Darren Jermaine Chipman is a black male, 510, 130-140 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He also wears glasses.
The National Weather Service in Huntsville Alabama has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for West central Jackson County and Southeastern Madison County until 7 p.m.

At 628 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Gurley, or 9 miles east of Huntsville, moving southeast at 15 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

Locations impacted include... Owens Cross Roads, Gurley, Woodville, Paint Rock, Maysville, Lim Rock, Garth, Hampton Cove and Brownsboro.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

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
Firefighter organization is against mandates, encourages first responders to take vaccine
South and central Italy set to sizzle while north-west to be hit by storms this weekend.

Italy's health ministry has issued a 'red alert' warning for eight cities due to a heatwave sweeping the country, with temperatures set to top 40C in central areas of Sicily and parts of the southern Puglia region.

There are six cities on red alert for Saturday 31 July - Campobasso, Frosinone, Palermo, Perugia, Pescara and Trieste - with the same warning in place on Sunday 1 August for Bari and Catania.

The 'bollino rosso' alert indicates emergency conditions with possible negative effects on not just the elderly, sick or very young, but also on healthy and active people.

In addition, a lesser "code orange" warning is in place on Saturday in Bari, Bologna, Catania, Florence, Rieti, Rome and Viterbo, with the same warning for Ancona on Sunday. Temperatures in these cities are set to peak at 38C.

The health ministry recommends avoiding exposure to the sun and outdoor activity in the middle of the day, as well as advising people to drink plenty of water, eat lightly and preserve their medication properly. Dogs should be walked early in the morning and late evening.

Tourists in Rome should be aware that the city's historic fountains are off-limits, no matter how hot it gets, with fines of 450 for those caught entering the waters.

Meanwhile there are thunderstorms, intense showers and strong winds expected tonight in the northwestern regions of Lombardia, Piemonte and Trentino.

This weekend "Italy will have to deal with a real boom of heat, with temperatures over 40C, but also with strong thunderstorms, wind and hail, which between Saturday and Sunday will again sweep many regions," according to Il Meteo weather forecast website.
As of July 20, an estimated 1.73 million people in a country of 67 million were isolating. Almost 690,000 people in England and Wales were told to isolate by the app in the week ended July 21, up 11% from 620,000 the week before, though the rate of increase slowed. The peak was driven in its early stages by a combination of rising infections and increased movement of people. The weekend before most restrictions were ended, the U.K. recorded the highest increase in infections anywhere in the world, with cases topping more than 50,000 per day, although the number had fallen below 28,000 by July 28. The delta variant makes up approximately 99% of all new cases there. Infections were actually higher in the U.K. in early January, but lockdown rules were still in place in many parts of the country, so those who tested positive then likely would have come into contact with fewer people. While England ended most of its Covid restrictions on July 19, various measures still remained in place elsewhere in the U.K. Scotland was on track to remove most restrictions by Aug. 9, most Covid rules were due to be lifted in Wales on Aug. 7, and Northern Ireland has also been relaxing its rules.
Hong Kongs population fell 0.6% in 2020, the first annual decline in 18 years, and anecdotal evidence suggests departures have continued. Many head for the U.K., which opened a new pathway for residency and eventual citizenship for Hong Kong residents. Social media has been filled with pictures of long check-in lines and fully laden baggage carts for flights to London in an otherwise deserted airport. Media reports tell of a generation disillusioned with how the security law has changed the former British colony. Expats are also thinking of relocating. More than 40% of members responding to a survey in May by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong said they might leave amid concerns about the security law as well as the governments handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, including flight bans and lengthy, mandatory quarantines. Hong Kong officials have dismissed suggestions of a brain drain, saying that talented mainlanders are waiting to take the place -- and jobs -- of people who leave.
The Ito family, at the center of Naomi Hiraharas vibrant suspense novel set in World War II Los Angeles and Chicago, were four of the more than 120,000 Japanese Americans rounded up by a U.S. government gripped by racial hysteria and transported to grim internment camps. Late in the war, many of those people were relocated to cities with labor shortages. Months after smart, take-no-guff Rose Ito, 23, arrives in Chicago, she is run over by a subway train and dies. Younger sister Aki scoffs at the coroners verdict of suicide and sets out to uncover the ugly truth. Author of the Mas Arai and Ellie Rush mysteries, Hirahara has drawn a devastating picture of a family in crisis and a nations monumental blunder. (Available Aug. 3)
That doesnt mean the Friends organization is going anywhere. Like a freshman invited to a senior bash, the Friends members want the party to last  even if the host group hardly notices them. Although the organization succeeded in its primary goal of persuading Congress to create the museum, it says it still needs to build public support for the project and  most important  to pressure Congress and the Smithsonian to build it on the increasingly crowded but symbolically significant Mall.
Indeed, its possible to see parallels between Bill Bakers journey and McCarthys own. He had visited Marseille almost a dozen times on research trips, he says, before realizing in 2017 that he still hadnt been to Oklahoma. I was on a plane the next day, he says. Over the course of a week, he traveled from Oklahoma City to Tulsa and Stillwater, hanging out with oil workers and executives, embedding himself as much as he could, and reporting his impressions back to Bidegain and Debre. He was supremely self-conscious about being a filmmaker from New York dropping into what was arguably one of the reddest states in the country.
Maiden (2018) In 1989, Tracy Edwards headed the first all-female boat crew to compete in the Whitbread Round the World Race, a grueling test of physical strength, mental stamina and sailing prowess. With Maiden, filmmaker Alex Holmes plunges viewers firsthand into an experience thats simultaneously exhilarating and utterly terrifying; this will either cure you of ever wanting to go to sea or send you straight to the nearest boat dealer (remember the adage about standing in the shower and tearing up $100 bills). This movie is so immediate and immersive  and the spirit of its protagonists so winning  that the only thing missing is the sunburn on your nose and the salt on your lips.
We have a lot of folks who are just too young to be vaccinated, unfortunately, and we have a lot of vaccinated folks who live with those kids, Goodfriend said, adding that his county also plans to beef up its ranks of contact tracers. Part of the challenge is that, since the vaccine is so effective at preventing serious illness, folks who were infected and fully vaccinated never knew it because they didnt have any symptoms.
The death, which is the fourth in the 0-to-9 age group in Maryland since the pandemic began, comes as the state continues to see an increase in the number of new coronavirus cases and hospitalizations, including those in the intensive care unit. On Friday, the state reported 526 new cases, the most it has seen in a day since early May. There are 222 people hospitalized, including 58 in intensive care, which are some of the highest numbers since June 10.
We havent been operating at full capacity, the chief judge said. Its a worldwide pandemic, and all of us have had to live with restrictions that have kept us safe. And that really is the main point. We want to protect the health and safety of people were either requiring or asking to come into our building. . . . We have expert advice that were relying on at every step, from epidemiologists, from industrial hygienists.
Dachelle Johnson did not respond to requests for comment from the Baltimore Sun on Friday. She told detectives she tried numerous times to get in touch with her sister and her children but couldnt locate them, according to court documents. In March, Dachelle Johnson said she arranged to meet her sister to get her children, but they never showed up. She had been unable to contact them since, and a detective notified her of their deaths, police said.
Qayoumi, according to the indictment, told prosecutors via email that his only role was to place the issue on the agenda of a government meeting, after Ghani had demanded it be expedited. He and Sargand, both of whom no longer work for the government and now live in the United States, declined to appear in Kabul to answer the charges, citing pandemic travel restrictions. Rahmani, who also did not appear, said she provided legal authorities with a detailed explanation of consultations and documented approvals of the contract from the highest levels of the government.
The government contends that Ameen admitted to lying during his interview with Denton, which occurred without a defense attorney present and is the subject of intense debate. Ameens attorneys, who want to see the interview excluded from evidence, have said that any so-called admissions made during the interview were made under duress and after Denton suggested repeatedly that Ameens family was in danger without his cooperation.
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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
Co-living, a trendy new wave of communal housing championed by millennials, will be automatically approved in all areas where apartments are allowed in order to flood NSW with affordable developments.

Seniors will also be housed in vertical villages that could be in the middle of CBDs or on top of shopping centres under new planning changes to boost housing options amid an affordability crisis and shortages of supply.

Monica Rodriguez is the community host of UKO co-living in Glebe. Credit:Wolter Peeters

The reforms under the NSW governments new consolidated housing policy also include classing aged care homes as state significant developments to create more appropriate facilities and giving greater flexibility over the allowable size of secondary dwellings on rural-metropolitan land.

The policy, which aims to create clearer definitions for each housing type, comes as the state challenges the argument that affordability means more supply, and continues calls for the Commonwealth to ease tax burdens on the build-to-rent sector to boost the viability of building a greater diversity of living options.
A poll this week by Utting Research showed that 57 per cent of respondents are dissatisfied with Morrisons handling of the quarantine system and 62 per cent with his handling of the vaccine rollout, even though state governments share responsibility for both. Five state and territory elections have been held during the pandemic. Five state and territory governments have been returned. A time of national emergency requires careful political handling. When governments are seen to be making credible efforts, they will be returned. Oppositions that are seen to be unhelpful or vindictive will be punished. Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese during Question Time on May 26, 2021. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer Albanese appears to have judged the situation well. Public sentiment in recent weeks has moved decisively against the government in every published poll, and Labor has positioned itself to benefit from the growing disenchantment. Albaneses cautiousness frustrated many true believers anew this week when Labor dumped a five-year-old plan to curb tax concessions for negative gearing and capital gains. This policy pair had been designed to cool overheated housing price rises. Albanese Labor this week also agreed to accept the Coalitions third tranche of income tax cuts, already legislated and due to take effect in 2024.

Labor partisans complained bitterly that the party had surrendered its principles. Whitlam would be rolling in his grave, said one. Loading Albanese is unapologetic about dumping the negative gearing and capital gains tax changes. He told me this week: When Labor won under Whitlam, Hawke and Rudd, none of them was arguing for new taxes. One of my Labor principles, says Albanese, is for Labor to win elections. The Labor leader likes to say that he is determined to take Morrisons roads to victory and turn them into cul de sacs. Morrison used Labors negative gearing and capital gains tax plan under Bill Shorten as the basis for a scare campaign at the 2019 election. It would collapse the housing market, it was anti-aspiration, it was class war. He did the same with Labors plan to curb franking credits for some self-funded retirees. Albanese Labor dumped that policy months ago.

Scare campaigns are easy to prosecute, hard to defend against, and very, very effective. We are looking to the future, Albanese said this week, we dont want to re-litigate the past. One of the most potent of the traditional Coalition scare campaigns against Labor has been closed off by the Coalition itself. The time-honoured accusation that Labor cant manage the nations finances wont work coming from a government thats racked up a trillion-dollar debt. The opposition needs to do more than critique the government and close off obvious vulnerabilities. It needs to set out an alternative. Labor went to the 2019 election with 280 policies, no narrative and a leader who was distrusted by the electorate. Albanese needs to go into the 2022 election with a handful of core policies, not to spell out everything a Labor government would do but to convey the character of government it would form. He also needs a narrative and the trust of the electorate. The core of Labors offerings is visible already. Its first offering, paradoxically, perhaps, is what its just decided it wont be offering. By removing the planned increases in taxes for investors, Labor is signalling that it is not the enemy of aspiration.

This is a meta-message, beyond any particular policy. Its an indicator of political character, of world view. Its designed to reassure anyone with a mindset of aspiration, including investors, small business owners, the self-employed, sole traders, immigrant communities looking to build better lives, anyone who wants to invest and prosper. No class war here, is the subtext. Albaneses tagline: No one held back, no one left behind. Second is the more conventional set of policy commitments. In a time dominated by a pandemic, the alternative government has to demonstrate it has a better plan for dealing with it. Especially now that the NSW outbreak is proving so intractable. Albanese has sketched out a four-part plan, necessary but insufficient. The first element is establishing dedicated quarantine facilities. Second is increasing vaccine supply. Third is stepping up public information campaigns. Fourth is urgently manufacturing mRNA vaccines in Australia, the type that can be quickly gene-edited to deal with future variants. Loading But this plan is vague and not demonstrably superior to the governments. Its also likely to be leapfrogged by Morrisons next national cabinet plan, due in coming days. As the election approaches, Albanese will need to make a series of major statements to the nation developing each of his four key points, amounting to a long-term strategy for Australia to live safely and freely in a covid-saturated world.

Next are Labors priority themes beyond COVID. Again, Albanese has set out his central offerings; in a time of pandemic priority, most people will not have heard of them. First is his overarching economic theme of national reconstruction, redolent of postwar reconstruction. Albanese will talk of an economic recovery that works for everyone. It will encompass policies for secure work, higher wages, investment to make Australia a renewable energy superpower, and infrastructure. Loading The contrast will be with eight years of Coalition governments with stagnant wages and no big infrastructure projects to show for it. Universal childcare is to be a hallmark of Albaneses campaign. He presents it as an economic productivity measure, allowing more women to work, lifting output and incomes, as well as a social reform to create opportunity. The contrast will be with a Coalition government that has shown a studied indifference to the concerns of women. Fixing the aged care crisis will be another central theme, appealing to a different demographic.

One of Albaneses most resonant policy pledges will be one of his least expensive  a national anti-corruption commission. Perhaps Albaneses biggest problem is winning the trust of the electorate. Not because hes untrustworthy but because hes been largely invisible. Australia needs to get to know him a lot better in the scant time left before the next election, which Morrison needs to call by May at the latest. On the personal level, the Labor leaders greatest asset is his perceived authenticity. His personal story of growing up in public housing, raised by a single mum on an invalid pension, is part of it. His former leader and close ally Kevin Rudd has a suggestion for campaigning on it. In political leadership, authenticity is fundamental, and this is where Albo has it in spades over Scotty from Marketing, says Rudd. Look at their team affiliations. Albo has been with the Rabbitohs from the year dot, in good times and in bad. Whereas Morrison  when was it again that he jumped on board the Cronulla Sharks? Morrison is a performative loyalist of the Sharks rugby league team since moving into the Shire, Sharks territory. But hed earlier declared himself more of a rugby fan and a follower of Easts. Is this a bit of stretch? It might seem obscure, but not to footy fans in NSW or Queensland, which happen to be the main electoral battlegrounds for the next election. Diehards will consider Morrison an opportunist blow-in.
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There is now an indoor mask advisory in Chicago for everyone over 2 years old
Quincy, IL (62301)

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A mix of clouds and sun. High near 80F. Winds light and variable..

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See who became a Bat Kid for the Willmar Stingers!
Millions of people in the U.S. who haven't gotten the COVID-19 vaccine could soon have a new reason to roll up their sleeves: money in their pockets.

President Joe Biden is calling on states and local governments to join those that are already handing out dollars for shots. New York, the nation's biggest city, started doling out $100 awards on Friday.

The president, health officials and state leaders are betting that the financial incentive will spur hesitant people to get the shot just as the highly contagious delta variant sweeps through parts of the country  particularly those with low vaccination rates  and as the number of daily inoculations falls sharply from its April high.

Jay Vojno, getting his shot Friday in New York, said he figured some kind of incentive was coming, so he was willing to hold off on getting vaccinated until it did.

I knew they were going to do it, so I just waited," he said.

Bradley Sharp was among those getting a shot Friday in Times Square. The soon-to-be college student had been putting it off, but knew he would have to get vaccinated because the school he's going to attend requires it.

I thought Id come here and get it today and get my hundred dollars because Im going to get it anyway, Sharp said.

Other states are beginning programs to hand out money too. New Mexico helped pioneer cash incentives in June and is starting another $100 handout for vaccinations on Monday. Ohio is offering $100 to state employees who get vaccinated.

Minnesota's $100 incentive started Friday, although several people who showed up at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to get jabbed with the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine hadn't heard about the money.

Vidiya Sami, an office worker from the Minneapolis suburb of Richfield, went to the airport because it was the only location offering the one-and-done vaccine.

"Thats why I chose it, Sami said.

She said she delayed getting the shot because she was scared at first, especially reading about ... the side effects from other people."

And then I kind of made myself more paranoid by joining Facebook groups, and reading everybody elses symptoms after they got the shots, she said. I was basically just giving myself anxiety, but the more I researched about it, you know, the pros outweighed the cons.

Incentives are not new: States have tried lottery-like giveaways, free beer, gift cards and more. Whether they result in getting more people vaccinated is not clear, said Harald Schmidt, an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania and a research associate at the school's Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics.

Turning to such measures suggests that governments are facing a level of desperation in trying to get shots into arms, he said.

It is right to be alarmed," Schmidt said. It is right to be thinking how do we right this ship. He added that he understands the motivation for cash incentives, but questioned why they're needed in the first place.

If we just get needles into arms we havent really made any progress on the bigger picture, which is that whole communities are lacking trust in health care systems or the government," he said.

California awarded $116.5 million in gift cards and prizes  the nation's biggest pot of vaccine prize money. The spending was aimed at getting 70% of eligible people inoculated by June 15. As of Thursday, though, 62.5% of Californians 12 or older were fully vaccinated.

In Colorado, Democratic Gov. Jared Polis insists a host of prizes, including five $1 million awards and 25 $50,000 college scholarships, are critical to the vaccination campaign. The state health department sends text messages to unvaccinated residents who live near scheduled clinic locations to alert them about a $100 Walmart gift card incentive. The state says clinics have seen a 40% increase in visits since the program was announced July 21.

The Biden administration is betting the incentives will work. In a statement this week, the White House cited a grocery store chain that offered $100 to its workers to get the COVID-19 shot and then saw vaccination rates climb.

State and local governments can use federal American Rescue Plan relief funding to provide the $100, according to the statement.

___

The description of the delta variant has been edited for clarity.

___

Associated Press writers Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; David Martin in New York; Morgan Lee in Santa Fe, New Mexico; James Anderson in Denver; Olga R. Rodriguez in San Francisco and Andrew Welsh-Huggins in Columbus, Ohio, contributed to this report.
Winchester, VA (22601)

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A few clouds. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 57F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph..

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A few clouds. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 57F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)  Florida reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, the states highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic, according to federal health data released Saturday, as its theme park resorts again started asking visitors to wear masks indoors.

FILE-In this Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015 file photo, park guests relax and cool off with a water mist under the globe at Universal Studios City Walk in Orlando, Fla. Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld are the latest theme park resorts in Florida to again ask visitors to wear masks indoors, with Universal also ordering its employees to wear face coverings to protect against COVID-19, which has been surging across the state. All workers at Universal's Florida park on Saturday, July 31, 2021 started being required to wear masks while indoors as the employees returned to practicing social distancing. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)  Florida reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, the states highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic, according to federal health data released Saturday, as its theme park resorts again started asking visitors to wear masks indoors.

The state has become the new national epicenter for the virus, accounting for around a fifth of all new cases in the U.S. as the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus continues to spread.

Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has resisted mandatory mask mandates and vaccine requirements, and along with the state Legislature, has limited local officials ability to impose restrictions meant to stop the spread of COVID-19. DeSantis on Friday barred school districts from requiring students to wear masks when classes resume next month.

The latest numbers were recorded on Friday and released on Saturday on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website. The figures show how quickly the number of cases is rising in the Sunshine State: only a day earlier, Florida reported 17,093 new daily cases. The previous peak in Florida had been 19,334 cases reported on Jan. 7, before the availability of vaccinations became widespread.

The state reported 409 deaths this week, bringing the total to more than 39,000 since its first in March 2020. The states peak happened in mid-August 2020, when 1,266 people died over a seven-day period. Deaths usually follow increases in hospitalizations by a few weeks.

Cars wait in line for COVID-19 testing at Barnett Park, in Orlando, Fla., Thursday, July 29, 2021. The line stretched through the park for more than a mile to the entrance to the Central Florida Fairgrounds. Orange County is under a state of emergency as coronavirus infections skyrocket in Central Florida. The Barnett Park site is testing 1,000 people a day and has closed early in recent days due to reaching capacity. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP)

DeSantis has blamed the surge on a seasonal increase  more Floridians are indoors because of the hot weather with air conditioning circulating the virus. About 60% of Floridians 12 and older are vaccinated, ranking it about midway among the states.

The Florida Hospital Association said Friday that statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations are nearing last years peak, and one of the state's largest health care systems, AdventHealths Central Florida Division, this week advised it would no longer be conducting nonemergency surgeries in order to free up resources for COVID-19 patients.

Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld on Saturday became the latest theme park resorts in Florida to again ask visitors to wear masks indoors, with Universal also ordering its employees to wear face coverings to protect against COVID-19, which has been surging across the state.

Signage stands at the ready (foreground) in case COVID-19 testing at Barnett Park reaches capacity, as cars wait in line in Orlando, Fla., Thursday, July 29, 2021. The line stretched through the park for more than a mile out to West Colonial Drive near the Central Florida Fairgrounds. Orange County is under a state of emergency as coronavirus infections skyrocket in Central Florida. The Barnett Park site is testing 1,000 people a day and has closed early in recent days due capacity limits. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP)

All workers at Universals Florida park on Saturday started being required to wear masks while indoors as the employees returned to practicing social distancing. The home to Harry Potter and Despicable Me rides also asked visitors to follow federal and local health guidelines by voluntarily wearing face coverings indoors.

The health and safety of our guests and team members is always our top priority, Universal said in a statement.

Health officials on Friday announced that coronavirus cases in Florida had jumped 50% over the past week with COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state nearing last years peak.

Cars line up at Miami Dade College North campus' COVID-19 testing site, Thursday, July 29, 2021, in Miami. Hospital admissions of coronavirus patients continue to soar in Florida with at least two areas in the state surpassing previous peaks reached during last summer's surge. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

SeaWorld on Saturday posted on its website that it was recommending that visitors follow recently updated federal recommendations and wear face coverings while indoors.

The change in policy this week at the theme park resorts came after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that everyone wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status.

Crosstown rival Walt Disney World started requiring employees and guests older than 2 to wear masks on Friday, but it also went a step further. The Walt Disney Co. said in a statement that it will be requiring all salaried and non-union hourly employees in the U.S. who work on site to be fully vaccinated.

Disney employees who arent already vaccinated will have 60 days to do so and those still working from home will need to show proof of vaccination before returning. Disney said it was discussing the vaccine requirements with the union, and added that all new hires will be required to be fully vaccinated before starting work at the company.
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)  Several thousand health care workers and their supporters gathered in Hungarys capital, Budapest, on Saturday to demand wage increases and better conditions for those working in the country's ailing public health system.

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)  Several thousand health care workers and their supporters gathered in Hungarys capital, Budapest, on Saturday to demand wage increases and better conditions for those working in the country's ailing public health system.

The crowd, which included supporters from several of Hungary's largest trade unions, said the COVID-19 pandemic had only worsened the already precarious situation of health care workers while their demands for pay hikes and reduced working hours had gone unheeded by the government.

The past period has been very difficult for us. The COVID pandemic has turned our lives upside down, said Kata Gornicsak, who has worked as a chief nurse for 26 years at a hospital in Budapest. The reason we are here is not because of hope but desperation. We want respect, which we are not getting at all.

The Hungarian Chamber of Health Care Professionals, which called for the demonstration, said the government had not consulted with them before passing an overhaul of the health care system in March that increased wages for doctors but not for many others working in hospitals, like nurses and orderlies.

The doctors earn very well, while the nurses who are feeding and dressing the patients while working double shifts, including nights, arent paid well at all, said Marika Bognar, a nurse who traveled to the demonstration from Bacs-Kiskun county in southern Hungary.

Hungary's health care system has struggled to cope with the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, which ravaged the country in fall and winter, giving it one of the highest per-capita death rates in the world.

A government decree in November, issued as part of Hungary's pandemic state of emergency, stripped health care professionals of their rights to resign in an effort to prevent an outflow of overburdened doctors and nurses.

While the new agreement on wages and benefits was signed by some 95% of those working in Hungary's public health care sector, as many as 5,000 refused to sign the new required contracts.

A survey released in June by the Independent Health Care Union found that nearly half of health care professionals in Hungary planned either to leave the sector or retire as soon as legal conditions allow it.

Gornicsak, the Budapest nurse, said that while some workers had received increased benefits, they were not enough to offset poor pay and intense demands arising from the pandemic.

"Most of us received 10 extra vacation days, which we are very happy with, but we probably wont be able to use them because we constantly have to work, she said.

In attendance at the protest was Budapest's liberal mayor Gergely Karacsony, who plans to run against Hungary's right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban in closely watched elections next spring.

Karacsony told The Associated Press that Hungary's health care system needs increased funding, and that "putting (it) back on its feet must be one of the most important tasks of the next government.

The government should not be in a state of war with health care workers, but should jointly develop a system of wages and conditions which can keep health care professionals and doctors in the system, Karacsony said.
The development of the 2.4 acre Market Lands site just west of City Hall got a major jolt of momentum yesterday when Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) committed to a more than $27.4 million investment for a unique 10-storey housing development.

The development of the 2.4 acre Market Lands site just west of City Hall got a major jolt of momentum yesterday when Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) committed to a more than $27.4 million investment for a unique 10-storey housing development.

According to Angela Mathieson, CEO of CentreVenture, the funding announcement for the $40 million project  being developed by a partnership between CentreVenture and the University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corp.  "will drive everything else to fall in place."

The 102-unit rental tower will include two floors dedicated to non-profit arts organizations.

Mathieson said she believes what really attracted the attention of CMHC was the net-zero energy consumption design  the first of its kind for a high rise building in Canada.

The innovative design  using elements and some of the designers from the Manitoba Hydro headquarters and Red River Colleges Innovation Centre  will include a facade constructed almost entirely of solar panels and will be 100 per cent naturally ventilated eliminating the intense energy consumption required to move air throughout a multi-storey building.

CENTREVENTURE The 102-unit rental tower will include two floors dedicated to non-profit arts organizations.

It is already being referred to as the first on-site net-zero affordable residential high-rise in Canada.

"The building will operate on a net zero basis," Mathieson said. "That means the energy it consumes for its operations will be fully offset by the energy it produces on site."

The funding announcement on Friday was the culmination of a couple of years of discussion between Market Lands Inc.  the name of the company formed from the partnership between CentreVenture and the U of Ws development company  and CMHC.

The development will be on the southern third of the land that was formerly the site of the Public Safety building and a parkade. Roughly half of the 102 rental units will be affordable housing, priced on average at about 60 per cent of the median market rental rates.

So whereas one-bedroom apartments rent for about $1,300 a month in downtown Winnipeg, Market Lands suites will rent as low as $600 per month. The project is also designed to meet barrier free standards in all common areas and over 30 per cent of the suites will be accessible.

"The building will operate on a net zero basis. That means the energy it consumes for its operations will be fully offset by the energy it produces on site."  Angela Mathieson, CEO of CentreVenture

The housing development will take up the portion of the Market Lands that is limited by an historic encumbrance built into its title requiring it to be used by the public.

Market Lands Inc. also has event centre planned for that portion of the site.

Last fall CentreVenture issued a request for proposal for development concepts for the northern portion of the site.

But a decision was made not award to any of the submissions in that RFP and the northern portion remains available to development proposals.

"None of the projects that have come forward to date have really fit our requirements," she said. "This is a really critical and important site. We have our hearts set on doing something really, really important and special here."

CENTREVENTURE The development will be on the southern third of the land that was formerly the site of the Public Safety building and a parkade.

The expectation is that with much of the funding now in place  and with additional funding expected to be finalized in the following weeks  the housing piece is now much more certain to proceed which may bring more development concepts to the fore.

Mathieson said there are also other housing developments about to be queued up in the northwest part of Chinatown immediately north of Market Lands.

In addition to those announcements, Mathieson said to expect a subsequent announcement in the coming weeks on the $14 million event centre.

Earlier this year the city councils executive policy committee unanimously agreed to waive property taxes for 25 years for the project through a tax-increment financing grant and it also agreed to reduce the lease payments for the city-owned land to $1 per year.

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca

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Life hasnt been easy for Julie Gelmich. Diagnosed with epilepsy and a rare vascular disease a few years ago, the 39-year-old has been living on modest disability benefits, no longer able to work.

Life hasnt been easy for Julie Gelmich. Diagnosed with epilepsy and a rare vascular disease a few years ago, the 39-year-old has been living on modest disability benefits, no longer able to work.

Then, earlier this year, she spent two weeks in hospital after contracting COVID-19.

Yet Gelmich has been feeling a little more optimistic of late after opening up what is arguably the worlds best savings vehicle: a registered disability savings plan, or RDSP for short.

"One of the reasons I opened it is I can get grant money," says Gelmich, a former daycare worker, who lives with her parents because her disability income is not sufficient for her to live on her own.

Although she had known about the savings plan for a few years, Gelmich only decided to open an RDSP after receiving a sizable tax refund this spring and, in turn, receiving $3 in grant money for every dollar she contributes, along with a $1,000 annual bond from the federal government.

The more dollars Gelmich can sock away for the future, the better, she notes.

"My parents are seniors and theyre not going to live forever, so at some point, I will to have to live on my own and pay for everything."

Similar thinking likely crosses the minds of parents of disabled children and disabled adults ages 49 and under (the program grants and bonds are only available until the year a plan beneficiary turns 49). Then again, RDSPs arent on their minds as much as they should be.

Despite being around for more than a decade, providing a maximum of $70,000 in grants and $20,000 in bonds over the course of a beneficiarys lifetime, RDSPs largely fly under the radar of most Canadians.

"Its one of the best programs to come to the disability community yet really its still highly under-utilized," says Laura Mackenrot, disability plan advisor at the Plan Institute in Vancouver, a non-profit providing free RDSP information and assistance for disabled Canadians and their families.

Mackenrot notes one reason for its low profile is the RDSP doesnt receive the same push from financial institutions or coverage in media as RRSPs, TFSAs (tax-free savings accounts) and RESPs (registered education savings plans).

In part, thats because it applies to a smaller slice of Canadians  though still significant, given Statistics Canada data from 2017 show 22 per cent of Canadians ages 15 and older  about six million people  have a disability.

Add in children under 15 with disabilities, and its safe to assume hundreds of thousands of families could be saving in an RDSP.

Yet the latest data available show only about 145,000 Canadians have one.

That said, the financial benefit this small cohort has received so far is profound: $1.8 billion in grants and $837.5 million in bonds on about $1.24 billion in contributions, Plan Institute figures show.

All told, disabled Canadians hold more than $4 billion in RDSPs, or about $25,000 per account.

Those numbers, however, could be better. Across Canada, B.C. has the highest percentage of uptake with 37 per cent of qualified individuals owning a plan. Manitoba is middle of the pack at 29 per cent, federal statistics state.

"Awareness is relatively low among eligible Canadians," says Michael Walker, vice-president RBC in charge of the division dealing with RDSP accounts.

Walker notes many Canadians 49 and under who qualify for the disability tax credit, the key eligibility requirement for an RDSP, do not have an RDSP and are consequently missing out on a great opportunity to strengthen their financial future.

The plan has three key benefits, Walker explains. Savings grow tax-free until withdrawn. At which point, they are taxed in the hands of the beneficiary, who may be low-income, meaning taxes are often very light.

Second, RDSP contributions attract grants, a maximum of $3,500 annually.

And, third, low income families receive a $1,000 annual bond.

Whats more, the low-income threshold is fairly high, $98,040 in family adjusted net income. That income limit also affects grant size with families and individuals earning under that threshold eligible to receive $3 in grants for every dollar contributed up to $500 annually, and another $2 in grants for every dollar on the next $1,000 in contributions.

In contrast, higher-income families or individuals receive $1 in grant money per $1 contributed to a maximum of $1,000 annually.

Whats more, while the income threshold applies to family income when the beneficiary is a minor, it only applies to the disabled adults income even if individuals still live with their parents, Mackenrot says.

In turn some parents may be tempted to hold off contributing if their household income is above the threshold so their child can get more grant money after turning 18, she adds.

"But I always say, Open it now. Get what you can now, and start a habit of contributing monthly."

One key benefit of starting sooner than later is beneficiaries can start drawing on the plan earlier, she adds. While designed to help individuals in retirement, with withdrawals becoming mandatory at age 60, a beneficiary can draw income from an RDSP years earlier. But at least 10 years must elapse from the last grant or bond received, or those benefits could be clawed back.

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"So by starting early, the child could be done receiving grants around age 21, and 10 years later could be ready to make withdrawals," Mackenrot says, noting the RDSPs value by that point could easily exceed $500,000 when investment returns are factored in.

Although Gelmich got a late start, she urges others who may qualify to follow in her footsteps  only much sooner.

"Every little bit helps."

Want help opening an RDSP?

Go to the Plan Institutes website, RDSP.com.

Or call its free helpline at 1-844-311-7526.
ITS a reckless scheme that puts the lives of Canadian children in danger and increases the odds of a fourth COVID-19 wave sweeping through the country.

Opinion

ITS a reckless scheme that puts the lives of Canadian children in danger and increases the odds of a fourth COVID-19 wave sweeping through the country.

On Wednesday, Albertas chief medical officer of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, announced that close contacts of Albertans who have tested positive for COVID-19 are no longer required to quarantine.

Effective Aug. 16, Albertans who test positive for COVID-19 wont be required to quarantine at all. (Take a moment to let that sink in). Those with COVID-19 symptoms wont have to get tested.

Mandatory masking requirements will be lifted, and "testing will be available for Albertans with symptoms when it is needed to help direct patient care decisions." In other words, COVID-19 tests will only be available for Albertans who need to go to the hospital or see a doctor.

The release goes on to say that "Daycares and schools will be supported with measures that would be effective for any respiratory virus."

That means that Alberta will use the same measures to protect its children from COVID-19 as they use to protect them from the common cold. This despite the fact that children are the most vulnerable to the virus because they are not yet eligible for vaccination.

The new measures have been condemned both in and outside Alberta. Dr. Layla Asadi, an infectious diseases specialist in Edmonton, wrote on social media that "No mandatory quarantine for close contacts, no mandatory isolation after testing positive, no contact tracing, no testing for symptoms unless severely, and no masking in transit. Im embarrassed and saddened for my province."

Dr. Irfan Dhalla, a professor at the University of Toronto medical school, wrote this: "Very surprised to see the announcement out of Alberta today. We are one country, and our fates are connected. Lets hope elected and public health leaders from elsewhere are able to convince Alberta to reverse course."

What do Albertas new COVID-19 measures have to do with the rest of Canada? Why should Albertas reduced restrictions matter to us here in Manitoba?

It matters because there are likely many Manitobans in Alberta right now, with more planning to travel there in the coming weeks and months. There are also many Albertans currently in Manitoba, with more coming to work and visit. Now multiply that by every other province in the country.

It means that the relaxed measures in Alberta will dramatically increase the likelihood that Albertans and non-Albertans alike will be exposed to COVID-19  the Delta variant in particular.

While those of us who are double-vaccinated are largely protected from severe illness if exposed to the virus, that is not the case for the unvaccinated, most notably children. For them, an increased chance of exposure to the virus is an increased risk of death.

It matters because the current public-health orders in effect in Manitoba exempt asymptomatic children from the 14-day quarantine period if they enter Manitoba with one or more persons over 12 years of age who are all fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

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It is a giant loophole that makes Manitoba children even more vulnerable. Imagine a child exposed to COVID-19 in a Calgary shopping mall on Friday, then returning to daycare in Winnipeg the following Monday. Just three days after exposure, the child may still be asymptomatic yet increasingly infectious.

It matters because the Manitoba government has reduced its own COVID-19 protective measures this summer and is committed to further reductions depending on vaccination levels and other factors. Reducing protections at a time of increased external risk is a recipe for a repeat of what happened here last fall.

Finally, it matters because reduced protective measures, combined with reduced testing, dramatically increases the odds of a new COVID-19 variant emerging in Alberta and spreading throughout Canada  perhaps a variant far more resistant to the vaccines currently available.

Dr. Dhalla is right. We are one country, and our fates are connected when it comes to COVID-19. Increased risk in one province creates increased risk in all provinces.

Its not too late for Alberta to abandon its dangerous plan. The lives of Canadian children depend on it doing so.

Deveryn Ross is a political commentator living in Brandon. He is the former deputy chief of staff of Manitoba governments executive council.
Raymond Theberge, Canadas official languages commissioner, says his office has received more than 400 complaints about the appointment of Inuk leader Mary Simon as governor general. The problem is her lack of French-English bilingualism, although she is bilingual, speaking both Inuktitut and English.

Opinion

Raymond Theberge, Canadas official languages commissioner, says his office has received more than 400 complaints about the appointment of Inuk leader Mary Simon as governor general. The "problem" is her lack of French-English bilingualism, although she is bilingual, speaking both Inuktitut and English.

Canada has had an official bilingualism policy for 50 years, established to deal with a 1960s constitutional crisis regarding francophone Canadians. Today, a very different crisis presents itself: the reckoning of Canadas colonial practices towards Indigenous people. The uncomfortable clash between different minority languages is coming to a head with the appointment of Simon.

But which languages "count" in Canada? And who gets to be the "right" kind of bilingual?

Anglophones vs. francophones

In the 1960s, the Canadian government was dealing with the Revolution Tranquille (Quiet Revolution) in Quebec. This period of social unrest caused the Catholic churchs influence to decline and placed language at the forefront of Quebecois identity.

This was after a long history of economic asymmetry in Quebec. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the English made up the bulk of the governing and merchant class, while the French laboured for the English (for instance, as coureurs de bois, or unlicensed fur traders), or lived on subsistence farms. Overall, the French were more populous, but also more rural, less educated and poorer.

This pattern changed only slightly over the decades, coming to a head in the 1960s during the Laurendeau-Dunton Commission  also known as the Bilingualism and Biculturalism Commission  that revealed deep economic and social inequities between francophones and anglophones in Quebec. In order to raise the status of francophones in Canada, Pierre Trudeaus government passed the Official Languages Act in 1969 (revamped in 1985), giving French equal institutional status as English.

This set the stage for today, where most Canadians take official bilingualism as a given. It is perhaps unsurprising, then, that Simons lack of French fluency would raise some eyebrows.

Bilingualism vs. Multiculturalism

The Official Languages Act has always been at odds with Canadas claims of multiculturalism. The Canadian ideal was to promote multiple cultures while promoting only two languages, or as linguist Eve Haque has called it, "Multiculturalism within a Bilingual Framework." However, given that language is usually believed to be an essential component of culture (indeed, Quebecers argued this), this is already a tenuous policy.

When we establish "official" languages, we demote all other languages to "unofficial." Equality is only for French and English, not for Cree, or Mohawk, or Inuktitut, or even German  whose speakers have always greatly outnumbered French speakers on the Prairies. In fact, the 2016 census reports more than 66,000 German mother-tongue speakers in Manitoba, compared to 46,000 French mother-tongue speakers.

Current language policy in Canada establishes a hierarchy of French and English above all other languages that underpins how we talk about everything in this country. The census reports on French and English separately, but groups all other languages together. Being bilingual only "counts" if it is French-English.

This is why more than 400 complainants to the official languages commissioner consider Simons bilingualism inadequate, despite Inuktitut being one of three official languages of Nunavut. Although most may agree that it is always desirable to speak an Indigenous language, it is in addition to French and English, not as a replacement.

Indigenous language endangerment

Fast forward 50 years from the Official Languages Act, and there is a different crisis afoot in Canada. Today we are reckoning with decades of colonial government practices towards Indigenous people and languages. Policies such as residential schools and the '60s Scoop were the direct cause of Indigenous language loss. Removing children from their families and forcing them to learn an "official" language resulted in an abrupt end of familial language transmission for nearly all of the 70-plus Indigenous languages spoken in this country.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action include the revitalization and re-establishment of these languages. The federal government response to these recommendations led to the Indigenous Languages Act of 2019.

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Canadas Official Languages Act states that it will "advance the equality of status and use of the English and French languages within Canadian society." And the Indigenous Languages Act states that the "recognition and implementation of rights related to Indigenous languages are at the core of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and are fundamental to shaping the country."

How can Canada reconcile the two?

While French remains a minority language in Canada, many Indigenous languages are on the brink of extinction. Inuktitut is among the Indigenous languages most spoken today as a mother tongue, and even it is declining. The federal government and all Canadians have an obligation to work toward reconciliation with Indigenous people, and to implement the TRC recommendations.

Recognizing Indigenous languages as equal in status to French and English, and accepting Inuktitut-English bilingualism in a first Indigenous governor general, would be a good start.

Nicole Rosen is a professor and Canada Research Chair in language interactions at the University of Manitoba.

This article was first published at The Conversation Canada: theconversation.com/ca.
PARIS (AP)  Thousands of people protested France's special virus pass with marches through Paris and other French cities on Saturday. Most demonstrations were peaceful, but sporadic clashes with riot police marked protests in the French capital.

Protesters hold placards during a demonstration against the health pass, in Lille, northern France, Saturday, July 31, 2021. France announced mandatory COVID-19 passes for access to restaurants, bars, shopping malls and many tourist spots, as well as trains and planes, as of July 21. The passes are available to anyone fully vaccinated, recently recovered or who has a recent negative test. (AP Photo/Michel Spingler)

PARIS (AP)  Thousands of people protested France's special virus pass with marches through Paris and other French cities on Saturday. Most demonstrations were peaceful, but sporadic clashes with riot police marked protests in the French capital.

Some 3,000 security forces deployed around Paris for a third weekend of protests against the pass that will be needed soon to enter restaurants and other places. Police took up posts along the Champs-Elysees to guard against an invasion of the famed avenue.

With virus infections spiking and hospitalizations rising, French lawmakers have passed a bill requiring the pass in most places as of Aug. 9. Polls show a majority of French support the pass, but some are adamantly opposed. The pass requires a vaccination or a quick negative test or proof of a recent recovery from COVID-19 and mandates vaccine shots for all health care workers by mid-September.

Across the Alps, thousands of anti-vaccine pass demonstrators marched in Italian cities including Rome, Milan and Naples for the second consecutive week. Milan demonstrators stopped outside the citys courthouse chanting Truth! Shame! and Liberty! while in Rome they marched behind a banner reading Resistance. Those demonstrations were noisy but peaceful.

Protestors hold signs which read in French, "freedom" and 'no to the vaccine passport" as they attend a demonstration in Paris, France, Saturday, July 31, 2021. Demonstrators gathered in several cities in France on Saturday to protest against the COVID-19 pass, which grants vaccinated individuals greater ease of access to venues. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

For anti-vaccine pass demonstrators in France, Iiberty was the slogan of the day. The marches drew some 204,000 people around the country. Some 14,250 people hostile to the pass protested in Paris, several thousand more than a week ago.

Hager Ameur, a 37-year-old nurse, said she resigned from her job, accusing the government of using a form of blackmail."

I think that we mustnt be told what to do, she told The Associated Press, adding that French medical workers during the first wave of COVID-19 were quite mistreated. "And now, suddenly we are told that if we dont get vaccinated it is our fault that people are contaminated. I think it is sickening.

Tensions flared in front of the famed Moulin Rouge nightclub in northern Paris during what appeared to be the largest demonstration. Lines of police faced down protesters in up-close confrontations during the march. Police used their fists on several occasions.

As marchers headed eastward and some pelted police with objects, police fired tear gas into the crowds, plumes of smoke filling the sky. A male protester was seen with a bleeding head and a police officer was carried away by colleagues. Three officers were injured, the French press quoted police as saying. Police, again responding to rowdy crowds, also turned a water cannon on protesters as the march ended at the Bastille.

A calmer march was led by the former top lieutenant of far-right leader Marine Le Pen who left to form his own small anti-EU party. But Florian Philippot's new cause, against the virus pass, seems far more popular. His contingent of hundreds marched Saturday to the Health Ministry.

Among those not present this week was Francois Asselineau, leader of another tiny anti-EU party, the Popular Republican Union, and an ardent campaigner against the health pass, who came down with COVID-19. In a video on his partys website, Asselineau, who was not hospitalized, called on people to denounce the absurd, unjust and totally liberty-killing health pass.

French authorities are implementing the health pass because the highly contagious delta variant is making strong inroads. More than 24,000 new daily cases were confirmed Friday night  compared to just a few thousand cases a day at the start of the month.

The government announcement that the health pass would take effect on Aug. 9 has driven many unvaccinated French to sign up for inoculations so their social lives wont get shut down during the summer holiday season. Vaccinations are now available at a wide variety of places, including some beaches. More than 52% of the French population has been vaccinated.

About 112,000 people have died of the virus in France since the start of the pandemic.

Patrick Hermansen and Michel Euler in Paris contributed.

Follow all AP stories on the global pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic.
Brian graduated from Leeds High School and then attended the University of North Dakota, earning a degree in Industrial Engineering. He worked hard to put himself through school, going to work at 4:00 a.m. and then on to classes at the University. During the summer, he worked for Ton Thompson on the farm in rural Leeds, North Dakota. Brian started his career at Turtle Mountain Company in Dunseith, ND. In 1993, he was hired in Winona, MN by Benchmark Electronics where he worked over 27 years and has lived in Winona ever since. Brian worked tirelessly and was fully committed to his job. It was not unusual for him to work on weekends to complete tasks or conduct experiments. He had become a primary contact for audits, at both Rochester and Winona sites. Brian was a very respected and genuine boss. He was both witty and kind. He helped many people out over the years and would not stand for someone putting another person down.
Ronald Leonard expects the sheriff to arrive at the door of his Daytona Beach, Florida, home any day after the federal ban on evictions expires on Saturday.

"I'm kind of a wreck," said Leonard, a retiree who lives on a fixed income. "If I end up on the street, I'll never survive."

Like many of the 11.4 million people currently behind on their rent, Leonard was able to remain in his home after his landlord filed for an eviction because of the federal eviction moratorium. Put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last September to stop the spread of coronavirus, the order banned the eviction of renters for nonpayment of rent.

The CDC moratorium -- controversial and confusing from the start, and continually up against a moving expiration deadline -- was always a "Band-Aid on a wound that needed to be healed," said David Dworkin, president and CEO of the National Housing Conference.

The White House announced Thursday that it would not ask the CDC to again extend the protection, which expires on July 31, and called on Congress to take action. The Biden administration would have liked to extend it (it has been extended four times already) given the rise in the spread of Covid cases due to the Delta variant, but White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki cited the Supreme Court's ruling that, "clear and specific congressional authorization" -- new legislation -- would be needed for the CDC to extend the moratorium past its current deadline.

The House Rules Committee met on Friday to consider a bill to extend the federal eviction moratorium through December. But there isn't wide bipartisan support and it faces an uncertain future in the Senate.

The Biden administration also asked government agencies to extend their respective bans on evictions, also set to expire July 31. On Friday agencies including the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Housing Finance Agency extended their more limited eviction protections, banning the eviction of those living in federally-insured, single-family foreclosed properties through September.

The CDC eviction moratorium and other protections have prevented an estimated 2.2 million eviction filings since March 2020, according to Peter Hepburn, a research fellow at the Eviction Lab and assistant professor of sociology at Rutgers University-Newark.

"These moratoria and protections, they haven't been perfect, but they've undeniably had a massive effect in preventing eviction filings," Hepburn said.

This comes as an unprecedented amount of federal rental relief -- $46 billion -- works its way through states, cities and local distribution points to the landlords and tenants who need it. The aid is the last lifeline that many renters can grab on to. But for many, it won't come in time.

Nowhere to go

Leonard, 68, rented his one-bedroom apartment from Tzadik Park, at the end of March 2020, just as the pandemic was spreading across the country. It was to be a fresh start for him after a living situation with family members deteriorated. He planned to stay there for a year while he found a more permanent income-based retirement home.

The former heavy equipment operator lives on $1,159 in monthly Social Security income. With a monthly rent of $819, including utilities, housing costs took up 75% of his income. But he could pay it, even as he struggled to furnish his empty apartment with basics. After July, when his doctor told him to stay in the house for protection from the virus, his expenses went up. He had to pay more for necessities and to have them delivered and he fell behind on rent.

When his rent was not paid in March 2021, along with $1,433 in back rent after several months of partial payments and hundreds more in late fees for not paying in full, his landlord filed for eviction.

Leonard is now $5,688 behind on rent, according to Christina Alletto, chief people officer at Tzadik Properties, which owns and manages Tzadik Park and apartment buildings in more than six states.

He found some security by invoking the CDC protection and applied for rental assistance. But his landlord would not accept the funds, he said.

In an email to CNN Business, Alletto said the company worked with him, providing the necessary documentation to apply for the rent relief, but the assistance he was applying for covered just one month's rent, not the full balance.

"Mr. Leonard stated in his letter to [apply for the] assistance that he bought new furniture with his stimulus check instead of paying rent, so they denied him further assistance," Alletto said, referring to the distributor of rental assistance.

Leonard says he had been sleeping on the floor for many months after he moved into the apartment because he hadn't been able to buy a mattress. He said he spent $69 on an air mattress.

Alletto said Tzadik continues to accept rent relief funds and is willing to work with struggling tenants. "Eviction is always a last resort after all other avenues have been explored with each individual resident," she said in the email.

But Leonard, who until now had been protected by the CDC's eviction ban, is running out of avenues to explore. His last-ditch effort to remain in his home is a letter to the judge in the eviction case explaining that he now has an application pending for 12 months of rent relief and expects to receive it, but does not think it will arrive before the eviction ban expires.

With medical problems and nowhere to go but "out on the street," he asked for more time in his handwritten letter. "All the rent will be paid but I don't know if it will be paid by the 31st of July....Please help me so I don't lose everything I own."

Millions at risk of eviction

There are millions of renters like Leonard at risk of eviction as the clock ticks down on the precarious protection. More than 3 million people said they were likely to be evicted "within the next two months," according to a Census survey from early July and nearly 5 million renters said they won't be able to pay August rent, according to the same survey.

Unable to extend the protection, the Biden administration has shifted its focus to accelerating rent relief distribution, streamlining applications and encouraging communities to create off-ramps so that millions of people don't fall off of an eviction cliff.

"We've known for nearly a year that the eviction moratorium would eventually come to an end," said Dworkin. "In December, Congress appropriated $25 billion to assist renters. We have had seven months to spend that money. There is no excuse that it is not in the hands of those who need it the most."

While some states and localities are doing better than others in getting the money out, only a fraction of the full $46 billion committed to rent relief -- including money from the December stimulus and the American Rescue Plan -- has made its way to renters and landlords.

"We are seeing the leading edge of the eviction crisis," said Dworkin. "It will be concentrated in states that have the heaviest impact and least tenant protections."

States where residents have the greatest risk of eviction include South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama and New Jersey, according to an Eviction Risk Insights report from UrbanFootprint, an urban planning data company. Its research also shows that Black renters are at more than double the risk of eviction compared to White renters, with about 25% of the at-risk population Black and 11% White.

Areas where people are most likely to be evicted are also areas more likely to have lower vaccination rates, according to research from the Eviction Lab.

"Given low vaccination rates in areas at highest risk of eviction and the rapid spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19, the public health case for an eviction moratorium is every bit as strong today as it was when the CDC originally instituted the policy," said Hepburn.

Finding new protections

Valeria Allieti, a single mother who lives in Las Vegas, found her income upended when the pandemic kept her from cleaning houses.

She fell behind on the $1,270 a month rent she pays for the four-bedroom house she shares with her three sons. But she found protection under the eviction moratorium.

Allieti said she was reluctant to apply for rent relief -- accustomed as she was to being a single mom who needs to fix the problem herself.

"I don't feel I'm powerful because of the moratorium," she said through a translator. "I feel like a bad person. I have always been able to do it by myself."

But she now owes about $6,000 in back rent and sees applying for assistance as her best protection against eviction after the CDC moratorium expires.

Nevada has extended its eviction protection to those who are in the process of applying for rental assistance. The state has also passed a law to seal eviction records from the pandemic.

"Despite the eviction moratorium and the tenant protections we've won, we're facing an uphill battle," said Lalo Montoya, political director and housing justice coordinator at Make the Road Nevada.

For Allieti, that means waiting as patiently as she can for the rent relief to arrive so she can pay what she owes and stay in her home.

"Right now I feel that I can't focus on my day-to-day," Allieti said. "I feel like I'm lost in the clouds. I'm worried about the prospect of losing our home, of the uncertainty about what could happen."

If you are looking for emergency rental assistance, there is a searchable list of available programs at the US Treasury and also lists managed by the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the National Housing Conference.

The-CNN-Wire

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While in Azerbaijan this week Gov. Kevin Stitt presented challenge coins to some of the U.S. Marines stationed at the Embassy in Baku saying, "Thank you for our service to our nation and for protecting our freedom around the world." (Photo used with permission by the U.S. Embassy Baku)
On Thursday, the Washington Post published a leaked internal report from researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warning of mass community spread of COVID-19 among vaccinated people and calling on the Biden administration to stop discouraging mask wearing and social distancing.

US President Joe Biden holds up a mask (Credit: AP)

The secret report contradicts nearly every public statement by the White House over the course of the past two months. Bringing together a broad range of public researchincluding some that was previously unpublishedthe report warns that there are 35,000 symptomatic COVID-19 infections every week among vaccinated people.

The report states that vaccinated people who are infected with COVID-19 are just as infectious as those who are unvaccinated. It acknowledges that the so-called Delta variant of COVID-19 is more infectious than the common cold and, in fact, one of the most transmissible diseases known to man.

The document refutes President Joe Bidens claim on July 22 that vaccinated people cannot be infected with COVID-19Youre not going to get COVID if you have these vaccinations.

For months, Biden has used the claim that vaccinated people are fully protected from COVID-19 to justify the abandonment of masking and social distancing requirements, despite the fact that the CDC had access to data definitively proving the opposite. Take your mask off, youve earned the right, Biden said in June.

On May 13, the CDC reversed its guidance on mask-wearing, urging vaccinated people to stop wearing masks and socially distancing in crowded areas.

Anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor and outdoor activities, large or small, without wearing a mask or physical distancing, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky declared in May.

The CDCs statements prompted the near-total abandonment of mask-wearing in the United States. Within days, businesses stopped enforcing mask mandates, while the vaccinated public, misinformed by the CDC, went maskless in public and reduced social distancing.

The deliberate promotion of false advice by US health authorities helped drive a massive resurgence of the pandemic, with cases now surging 50 percent per week.

In the leaked report, CDC scientists call for an urgent reversal of this catastrophic guidance, declaring in bold, universal masking is essential to reduce transmission of the Delta variant.

The document further calls for community mitigation strategies and non-pharmaceutical interventions, which are needed to reduce transmission of Delta variantsuch as the closure of non-essential businesses and schools.

In response to the leaked memo, the Biden administration made clear that it has ruled out serious measures to contain the disease. We are not going to head towards a lockdown, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said Friday.

It is unclear how the internal CDC document was leaked to the Washington Post. It remains the case, however, that it was not released by the CDC or Biden administration, and the CDC declined to comment on its publication to the Postindicating that its leadership opposed its release to the public.

The medias framing of the report was largely misleading. The report was presented by NBC Nightly News as new findings from the CDC, without mentioning that the document was leaked without the CDC or White Houses permission. Its findings were presented as unforeseen and surprising, completely ignoring the fact that most of the reports conclusions were well-known beforehand.

Epidemiologist Eric Feigl-Ding, who has for months been raising the alarm about the Delta variant of COVID-19, including in an interview with the World Socialist Web Site in May, responded to the CDC report by detailing, point by point, how the main findings had been known for months.

Noting a study from Public Health England and Public Health Scotland that found the Delta variant was nearly three times as dangerous as the Alpha variant, Feigl-Ding asked, Whats the date of the report? June 3rd 2021!!! Thats ~2 months ago!

We have long known vaccinated transmit, Feigl-Ding wrote, pointing to a tweet from nearly a month ago in which he showed research from Singapore demonstrating community spread among vaccinated people. He wrote at the time, This demonstrates why vaccinated people still need to mask up damnit!

He continued, Oh cmon, when should CDC have known? The data from Singapore Ministry of Health was all freely accessible online and updated **daily** and you can see the above graphs vaccine breakthrough #DeltaVariant cluster was already apparent by mid June!!

Feigl-Ding continued, why didnt we know about breakthrough infections causing transmission earlier? Was the CDC lying or neglectful & derelict in their duty to monitor? Lets rewind to May 2021 @CDCgov decided to stop collecting & investigating mild breakthroughs!

Feigl-Ding also noted that on June 26, epidemiologist Larry Brilliant had explained that the Delta variant is more transmissible than smallpox.

In the article breaking the story, the Washington Post quoted an unnamed CDC official calling for the full publication of the data in the report, Waiting even days to publish the data could result in needless suffering and as public health professionals we cannot accept that.

In May 2020, the ousted US health official Rick Bright filed a whistleblower complaint making clear that public health officials were fully aware of the emerging threat of COVID-19 by early January 2020, despite the Trump administrations efforts to downplay the dangers posed by the pandemic.

Future whistleblowers will show the CDC knew almost everything in the newly released report months ago, based on the publicly available data cited by Feigl-Ding and the World Socialist Web Site.

More than two months ago, on May 23, the WSWS published a perspective titled, Abandonment of health measures threatens US COVID-19 resurgence.

We wrote at the time:

The reduction of COVID-19 cases in the United States is the outcome of mass vaccination that came about as a result of an unprecedented effort by scientists and academic institutions to create a whole new class of vaccines in record time. In a rational society, the reduction of COVID-19 cases would be used to strengthen protections ahead of what public health experts warn will be a new resurgence in the fall. But the Biden administration is squandering what health officials call a temporary reprieve to abandon measures to monitor and contain the disease.

We warned that the continued abandonment of public health measures will mean the disease that has already killed nearly a million people in US will take the lives of countless others.

The Biden administration had access to the fundamental conclusions of the CDCs report when it called for the end of masking and social distancing in May, just like the World Socialist Web Site did when we warned these actions would lead to a surge of the pandemic. Biden administration officials knowingly and with criminal intent encouraged measures that they knew would lead to a resurgence of the pandemic, which now threatens to kill hundreds of thousands more people.

Millions of people voted for Biden believing his pledge that he would follow the science in confronting the pandemic. As the WSWS warned, the Senator from DuPont and the credit card companies has not followed the science, but the interests of Wall Street.
Florida is experiencing an alarming spike in COVID-19 infections and hospital patients, fueled by the deadly Delta variant of the coronavirus, the latest mutation of the disease which is accelerating a tremendous resurgence of the pandemic worldwide.

People wait in line at a Miami-Dade County COVID-19 testing site, Monday, July 26, 2021, in Hialeah, Florida. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

The state has emerged as a significant epicenter for the new surge in cases engendered by the more lethal variant, with health authorities around the nation warning that the latest wave of sickness will lead to record-breaking case numbers and death rates like those reached during earlier peaks in the pandemic.

This is already being witnessed in Florida, where the number of confirmed cases and hospitalizations are increasingly rivaling the historic highs seen in the summer of 2020.

Although Florida comprises just 6.5 percent of the U.S. population, it accounts for 20.4 percent of the countrys new cases, based on the data the state is reporting to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

On Wednesday Florida recorded its fourth-highest single-day spike in COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began, with 17,589 new cases. This was the eighth consecutive day Florida reported to the CDC more than 12,000 new daily infections, with cases skyrocketing in a single month. Just one month earlier, on June 28, the state reported only 1,312 new COVID-19 cases, so Wednesdays number represents a month-to-month increase of 1,241 percent. The daily spike in cases was the largest since January 15.

The three-highest days of new COVID-19 cases for Florida all occurred during Floridas peak in January, with 17,783 cases on January 6, 19,816 cases on January 7, and 19,530 cases on January 8.

CDC officials also reported 92 new COVID-19 deaths in Florida on Wednesday, which brings the total during the pandemic to 38,340. Moreover, a new CDC guidance demanded that fully vaccinated Floridians should wear masks in indoor spaces, as the entire state of Florida is considered a high transmission area. The new guidelines on mask wearing included other states seeing substantial and high transmission rates.

Of Floridas 67 counties, 64 are considered areas of high transmission by the CDC. The rampant spread of the pandemic is also finding expression in an uptick in positivity rates, with Floridas seven-day average positivity rate climbing to 17.2 percent on Monday, up from 16.8 percent on Sunday.

According to public health experts, the highest caseloads and severe infections are being driven by unvaccinated individuals who are still vulnerable to the virus. The level of vaccinations still remains far below whats needed to slow down spread of the deadly variant. More than 12 million Floridians have received at least one dose of the vaccine, about 57.2 percent of the states total population. An estimated 49 percent of Floridas total population is fully vaccinated, in line with the US average.

Although the media and sections of the Democratic party have sought to scapegoat the population for not taking vaccines, the low vaccination rates are primarily due to the propaganda emanating from layers of the far-right political establishment that have promoted anti-scientific conspiracy theories to discredit mass vaccinations.

The Biden administration has made as its top priority the reopening of in-person schooling and opposition to lockdowns no matter the costs to human life, in an effort to normalize living with COVID-19. Following Bidens suggestions that the pandemic was virtually done away with, the CDC moved in May to end its regulations on mask mandates and social distancing, only to have such policies reversed this month because of the explosive growth of the Delta variant.

As a result of the new CDC guidelines, major businesses, local governments and schools throughout Florida have been forced to revive mask mandates to counter the spike in cases. On Wednesday, Walt Disney World announced that starting Friday all guests, unvaccinated or not, would have to wear masks while in indoor spaces and on Disney transportation. This came after Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings reinstated a state of emergency in the county due to high rates of COVID-19 transmission.

The school board for Broward County Public Schools, the second largest in the state, voted unanimously on Wednesday to institute a mask mandate for all students, teachers and staff when school begins on August 18. In Miami-Dade County, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava mandated masks at all county facilities on Wednesday, including libraries and recreational centers. Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach has also moved to reverse policies starting Friday, saying it will not allow visitors at its medical center or physician locations, while having limited visitation at its emergency centers in Miami Beach, Aventura and Hialeah.

The enormous surge in cases is propelling a tsunami of hospitalizations. Hospital admissions of coronavirus patients are now surpassing previous peaks reached during last summers surge. The states Health and Human Services department released data on Monday confirming that hospitals in Jacksonville were at maximum capacity.

Ascension St. Vincents on the citys Southside has dropped to negative for ICU beds available to patients. Jacksonvilles Orange Park Medical Center reportedly has a zero percent availability for ICU beds. Florida hospitals as a whole reported more than 8,900 patients with COVID-19 on Thursday. The Florida Hospital Association said the state peaked at 10,179 patients last July. The number of patients on Thursday was five times higher than a month ago, and it climbed from about 5,500 in just one week.

As Jacksonville emerges as the epicenter for the pandemics resurgence in Florida, local health experts are sounding the alarm bells for the impact the much more contagious new variant is having on children as the school year approaches. Dr. Mobeen Rathore, the chief of pediatric infectious disease and immunology for Wolfson Childrens Hospital, called the vaccination rates among children pathetically low. The Florida Department of Healths most recent COVID-19 data shows only 35 percent of young people ages 12 to 19 are vaccinated in the state, the lowest of any age group.

Despite the extraordinary danger facing the population because of the rise of the Delta variant, Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has redoubled his opposition to any scientifically guided health measures aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19. At an event in Salt Lake City, Utah, the right-wing governor condemned the mask requirements being issued in various counties and vowed to introduce a legislative order allowing parents and guardians to choose whether their children should wear masks in classrooms.

DeSantis declaration came as a response to Browards school board announcing its new mask mandate for schools this fall and in defiance of the CDCs recently released guidelines on masking. The governor said that forcing children to wear masks in schools would be a huge mistake. He said that an emergency action curtailing mask mandates would be signed into law very soon in order to counter the push from the CDC and others to make every single person, kids and staff have to wear masks all day.

The governors decision to implement an executive order prohibiting masking in schools has received some backlash from Democrats and the teachers unions. Florida Education Association President Andrew Spar denounced the Governor for the draconian measures because he continues to think that Tallahassee knows best what all Floridians need. Likewise, Miami-Dade County Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said Friday the school district would seek COVID-19 recommendations from local health experts regardless of any executive order issued from DeSantis.

No confidence should be placed in either the Democratic Party nor the trade union bureaucracies, both of whom carried out the reckless reopening of non-essential businesses and schools that was demanded by DeSantis earlier in the pandemic, which has prepared the groundwork for the current wave of infections. The Democrats as well as the teachers unions subordinated all health policies regarding school closures throughout the past year to profit interests, which demanded that children be placed in unsafe classrooms so that parents could return to work and pump out wealth for big business.

Spars comments reflected this, as he limited himself to a feckless plea asking DeSantis to listen to elected officials in the cities and school districts and allowing them to make health and safety decisions locally, a request that will surely go ignored as the Republicans push to overrule all public health restrictions aimed at COVID-19.
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) called off a strike by approximately 1,500 nursing home workers at 21 nursing home facilities across Pennsylvania at the last minute this week, claiming to have reached tentative contract agreements with facility owners Guardian Healthcare and Priority Healthcare.

Nursing Home in King County, Washington. (AP Photo/Ted Warren)

The SEIU posted the update calling off the strike on Monday afternoon, the day before the planned walkout. Nursing home workers had voted to authorize the action on June 22, citing understaffing and low wages. Dangerous working conditions were greatly exacerbated by COVID-19, which has killed over 13,000 nursing home residents across Pennsylvania. Shelly Lawrence, a certified nurse assistant in western Pennsylvania told GoErie.com, COVID ripped the Band-Aid off what weve been going through for the past 20 years.

Throughout the pandemic, nursing home workers across Pennsylvania have faced a lack of proper PPE, little to no organized infection control protocols, and high levels of staff burnout. According to an analysis by Scientific American, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, deaths among nursing home staff ranked among the highest of any job in the US last year.

CMS lagged behind on recording nursing home workers deaths and did not begin until May, 2020, after the massive spring surge of the coronavirus. Still, nursing facilities had at least 80 deaths per 100,000 full-time employees from May 17, 2020 to December 27, 2020.

By comparison, loggers had 68.9 deaths per 100,000 people and fishers, who have the highest death rate, had 145 deaths per 100,000 people for calendar year 2019. Given that the CMS data includes only nine months of 2020, the actual death rate for nursing home workers may have exceeded that of fishers. Without proper PPE, nursing home workers were exposed to COVID-19 at high rates throughout the pandemic as the nature of their job requires close physical contact that makes social distancing impossible.

Nursing home workers are a highly exploited group. The average salary for a certified nurse assistant (CNA) in Pennsylvania is $17.52. CNAs comprise the majority of staff in nursing facilities across the country, while there are state requirements that a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) also be present to oversee the CNAs.

Many CNAs have little to no sick leave and are responsible for difficult physical tasks such as turning and bathing patients. Other nursing home staff, such as laundry workers and kitchen workers, are paid even less.

In a statement released by the SEIU announcing the strike authorization vote, Liz Empson, an LPN in Harrisburg cited extreme staff shortages.

However, details of the proposed contracts have not yet been released. SEIU officials have cited, pretty historical raises yet they have not released the amount. The ratification vote for the contracts will take place in the next few weeks, at which point the SEIU states they will release the full details. It is not clear if the workers voting on the contract have been able to review the contract in its entirety.

Closely tied to the Democratic Party at the local, state and national levels, the SEIU accepts the corporate domination of health care. The SEIU is one of the wealthiest unions in the country. Since 1990, the SEIU has given over $136 million dollars in direct political donations to the Democratic Party, at the same time seeking to contain the extreme anger and opposition of workers to the homicidal policies of the ruling class in relation to the pandemic.

Guardian Healthcare and Priority Healthcare Group own a combination of the facilities where strikes were planned. Guardian Healthcare is a privately owned, for-profit company with over 56 nursing home facilities across Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. The company is owned by Peter C. Varischetti who paid 15.5 million in a settlement with the federal government in February 2020 after Guardian was found to be providing unnecessary rehabilitation therapy to residents for profit, in some cases causing physical harm to residents. Ultimately, $6.2 million in needless treatment was billed to federal health care programs at 28 facilities operated by Guardian.

Priority Healthcare, owned by David Gamzeh and Akiva Glatzer, owns facilities across Pennsylvania, Ohio and the East Coast. It is unclear how many homes Priority Healthcare owns, but it appears it oversees at least 40 facilities, with a majority in Pennsylvania. Many Priority Healthcare homes have received citations for serious violations over the past decade and have been sued by the Pennsylvania Attorney General over allegations of poor care at several facilities, paying a $2 million settlement on at least one occasion. In 2015, state inspectors said they discovered maggots had developed in a residents feeding tube at a Priority Healthcare owned facility.

The experience of nursing home workers throughout the pandemic has been one of unimaginable death and horror. At many stages during the pandemic, nursing homes have been overrun with COVID-19 infections and deaths, nursing home morgues have been stacked with bodies and residents have been left to suffer and die alone.

National data on nursing home COVID-19 deaths is similarly horrifying. About 8 percent of people who live in US long-term care facilities, a figure, which includes assisted living facilities and rehabilitation facilities, have died of COVID-19, or nearly 1 in 12 residents. For data on nursing homes alone, the figure is nearly 1 in 10. And while less than 1 percent of the US population lives in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, deaths in these facilities accounted for at least 34 percent of all US deaths from May 2020 to March 2021.

In January, 2021 at an outbreak at Lakepointe nursing home in Michigan, workers told the WSWS about their experience. We dont have doctors, and we dont have the right equipment. All we have are some oxygen tanks. We cant take care of patients with COVID. They are just sitting here until they die.

Workers at Lakepointe created a makeshift quarantine area to separate the COVID-positive residents. They put a plastic barrier through the hallway, to block off the last six rooms on C wing, Jamie said. Its a piece of industrial plastic like they would use if they were doing drywall.

Experiences and scenes similar to those described above have been replicated across the world. Health care workers are reaching a breaking point. Democratic and Republican politicians label them health care heroes in hypocritical speeches yet at the same time prematurely end mask mandates and lockdowns, filling hospitals and nursing homes past capacity and allowing the virus to spread unhindered.

Trade unions, such as the SEIU in Pennsylvania recognize the explosive nature of the outrage among health care workers and the need to let off steam in limited strike actions in order to prevent the mounting opposition among workers from escaping their control.

The strike vote and the subsequent last-minute cancellation in Pennsylvania raises fundamental lessons for workers, including the role of the Democratic Party and that of the SEIU and other unions. The SEIU was desperate to end the Pennsylvania nursing home strike before it even began, fearful of the strike expanding and sparking a broader struggle of workers.

In an effort to build illusions in the possibility of reform, the SEIU has praised the recent proposal by the Pennsylvania Department of Health for new rules for nursing facilities, the most significant of which would be a regulatory change that requires nursing homes to increase staffing to a level where residents would receive 4.1 hours of direct care within 24 hours period as opposed to the current 2.7 hours. The SEIU applauded this proposal, calling it long overdue.

The proposal, however, is not only inadequate, but unattainable, requiring 7,000 more nursing home workers across the state. That number of workers does not exist under conditions of a national and global nursing shortage. It is also unclear how this new reform would be enforced, as nursing homes continuously lag behind on inspections and routinely fail to meet existing staffing requirements.

The SEIU has a long history of collaborating closely with management to impose sordid deals behind the backs of workers. Recent struggles, including the recent Cook County struggle, the September 2020 walkout by University of Illinois Chicago nurses and university staff and the November 2020 strike at Chicago-area nursing homes ended in betrayals.

Just two weeks ago, SEIU Local 73 ended an 18-day strike by Cook County workers, sending them back to work without a vote and without a chance for workers to review the contract. The Cook County struggle and the Pennsylvania nursing home strike vote emerged as part of a broader growth of strikes by workers looking to overturn years of attacks on pay and benefits and the hazardous working conditions during the pandemic, including but not limited to struggles of St. Vincent nurses in Massachusetts, Warrior Met Coal miners in Alabama, Frito-Lay workers in Kansas, and Volvo Trucks workers in Virginia.

The Pennsylvania nursing home workers must take their fight outside the confines of the trade unions, forming independent rank-and-file safety committees and breaking the isolation of their struggle. They should demand access to the full contract proposal with adequate time to review before voting. Then they must fight for their own demands, including adequate compensation and staffing, and expand their struggle to health care workers across the nation in defense of their own lives and the lives of their patients.
Indias political establishment has been engaged in bitter recriminations for the past two weeks over the revelation that the countrys far-right Narendra Modi-led government has used the Pegasus spyware to illegally surveil opponents across the political spectrum. Those targeted include everyone from left-wing activists to senior figures in the opposition, and even government members who have fallen afoul of Modi and the high command of his Hindu-supremacist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for one reason or another.

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

Virtually since the Monsoon session of Indias parliament began on July 19, its proceedings have been badly disrupted by opposition protests demanding a full parliamentary debate and independent investigation into the spying. Meanwhile, Modi and his cronies, while conspicuously refusing to categorically deny the Indian state has been using Pegasus to spy on BJP opponents, have denounced the opposition for spreading false news, maligning Indian democracy and defaming India.

The Pegasus spyware program was developed by the Israeli-based NSO Group, which claims to sell it only to vetted governments and with the approval of the Israeli government.

The revelations concerning its widespread use, including by Indias government, came to light earlier this month after Amnesty International and the Paris-based media nonprofit Forbidden Stories got access to leaked records of thousands of phone numbers that NSO Group clients had selected for potential surveillance. They then shared the lists with 16 media partners around the world, including the Wire in India.

The list of potential NSO surveillance targets contain at least 1,000 Indian phone numbers. Of these, the Wire has verified about 300 that were listed as potential targets for surveillance during 2017-19.

The identities of those targeted leaves no doubt about the fact that the spying was directed from the inner circle of the Modi government. As the Economist wrote in a summary of those targeted, The list includes numbers used by some 40 journalists who share nothing but a critical stance towards Mr. Modis government. Some belong to Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition Congress Party, and his personal friends. Others belong to a political consultant credited with state-level wins against Mr. Modis Bharatiya Janata Party, and to a former top election official who had recommended penalising Mr. Modi for flouting rules during the 2019 general election, as well as to members of his family. Figures from inside the government may have been targeted, too, among them at least two BJP ministers, senior civil servants and a number of senior security officers.

The BJP government has responded to the opposition parties attempt to force an independent inquiry into the state spying with brazen lies, stonewalling, and by pointing out that previous Congress-led governments also spied on their opponents. On Friday, as the opposition continued to disrupt parliamentary proceedings, the government threatened to run roughshod over traditional parliamentary procedures to ram through a raft of reactionary pieces of legislation without debate. These include a bill that would pave the way for privatisation of the power industry and another that would strip workers in defence industries of the right to strike.

In light of the Indian bourgeoisies notorious record of violating democratic rights, the Pegasus exposure comes as no surprise. The Modi government, which came to power in the 2014 general elections by exploiting mass anger towards the previous Congress-led government, has accelerated the implementation of pro-investor reforms, while whipping up Hindu communalism and using trumped-up charges, including sedition and terrorist offenses under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) to victimize opponents. It and the BJP-led state governments have also lashed out with censorship and state violence against critics of their criminal mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These ruthless attacks directed above all against the working class and rural toilers have been met with little more than handwringing and pro forma denunciations from within the political establishment. By contrast, the opposition has raised a hue and a cry over the Pegasus revelations. This is because they fear and are outraged that Modi is employing authoritarian methods to consolidate political power at their expense and those of the sections of the ruling elite for which they speak

To date, the Wire has confirmed that at least 40 journalists were either targets or potential targets for Pegasus surveillance. The web news portal has conducted forensic analysis on the phones of seven journalists, of which five showed traces of a successful infection by Pegasus. Of these, two belonged to M.K. Venu and Siddharth Varadarajan, themselves founding editors of the Wire. Others proven to be under state surveillance included Muzamil Jaleel, an Indian Express journalist who covers Kashmir, Sandeep Unnithan, an India Today journalist who reports on defense and the Indian military, and Vijaita Singh, the Hindu journalist who covers the Home Ministry.

The Wire has found at least nine numbers belonging to eight of the 16 leftists and Dalit activists who were arrested between June 2018 and October 2020 for their alleged roles in the Elgar Parishad (or Bhima Koegaon) case. Among them was the 84-year-old Jharkhand-based tribal activist and Jesuit priest, Father Stan Swamy, who was arrested and jailed in October last year. He died on July 5 of complications from COVID-19 after having been systematically denied proper medical care for months (see: Modi governments terrorism frame-up vendetta leads to death of 84-year-old tribal-rights activist).

Along with the accused in the Elgar Parishad case, the Wire identified some 41 activists, lawyers and academicians as possible targets of surveillance by the government and the various Indian security agencies. A number of relatives, friends and lawyers who appeared for the Elgar Parishad accused were also targeted for surveillance. The NSO lists also included: Umar Khalid, a former student of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), who is now in jail awaiting trial as an accused in the trumped-up Delhi riots conspiracy case; Shiv Gophal Mishra, a railway union leader; Alok Shukla, an anti-coal mining activist; Bela Bhatia, an academic and a chronicler of life in Maoist-dominated regions; and Saroj Giri, a Delhi University professor.

The Wire found at least two mobile phone accounts used by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi among the hundreds of verified Indian numbers listed as potential targets by an official Indian NSO client. The numbers of five of his friends and acquaintances were also placed on the list of potential targets, despite the fact, reports the Wire, that none of the five plays any role in politics or public affairs. Highlighting that Gandhi was targeted for surveillance when he was president of the Congress and leading his party into the 2019 general election, the Wire writes that this raises troubling questions about the integrity of the election process.

Significantly, the NSO records show that Ashok Lavasa, the only member of the three-person Election Commission to rule that Modi had violated the Model Code of Conduct while campaigning for the 2019 general election, was listed as a potential candidate for surveillance just weeks after his dissent.

In a separate analysis, the Wire suggested that the Pegasus spyware may have played a role in the BJPs toppling of the state government in Karnataka in 2019. The article noted, The numbers of Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamys secretary, deputy chief minister G. Parameshwara and the secretary of former CM (chief minister) Siddaramaiah were all selected as potential targets for snooping in the run up to the collapse of the JD(S) [Janatha Dal (Secular)]-Congress coalition government.

Major political figures in West Bengals ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) were also selected as potential targets for surveillance in the run-up to this years election in the state, which saw the BJP fall short in its objective of coming to power. Those whose numbers appear on the target list include both the personal secretary of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, who is also a TMC minster.

Much of the media has rallied round the Modi government, both by minimizing the significance of the Pegasus revelations and presenting the BJPs lame response as credible. Other liberal voices are more critical. They fear the Modi governments open resort to authoritarian methods of rule is exacerbating divisions within the ruling class under conditions of increasing social opposition from below and, above all, that its actions are dangerously discrediting the institutions of the capitalist state in the eyes of Indias workers and toilers.

When the Israeli vendor insists that the spyware is sold only to vetted governments, declared a July 21 Indian Express editorial, the government does not have the option of brazening it out or resorting to conspiracy mongering.
In this May 31, 2021 photo demonstrators protest the death of George Floyd in downtown Albuquerque, N.M. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton, File)

A July 19 report by Albuquerque news outlet KOB4 quoted New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Major Matt Broom as saying that there has been a significant increase in shootings by law enforcement in the state this year. According to the report, shootings by State Police, county sheriffs and local cops from January 1 to July 19 totaled 18 in 2019 and 20 in 2020.

For 2021, the number had jumped to 34 in the same timeframe. Of these, the NMSP is investigating 21, which break down to 11 people killed, eight injured and two escaped. One NMSP officer was killed.

Broom told the channel that the shootings arent centralized to Albuquerque, they are not centralized to Las Cruces [the states second most populous city, with a metro figure of about 218,000], or any particular part of the state. Theres just been a significant increase. He admitted at the same time, We have not seen a significant increase in violent crime outside of officer-involved shootings.

The largest increase has been with smaller police departments, concentrated in rural parts of the state, according to the report. Broom said, I really cant tell what the driving force for that [is].

Police shootings in 2021 have borne out Brooms statement:

 In Santa Fe County, home of the eponymous state capital, there were four shootings from June 23 to July 7, three of them fatal, involving Santa Fe police, Santa Fe County sheriffs deputies and NMSP officers.

 Albuquerque Police Department officers shot a man in the chin after he stole a bait car (a decoy used to entrap car thieves) on July 6. Officers said that he had pulled a gun and shot at them. He was taken to the hospital and survived the wound.

 In Roswell, in southeastern New Mexico, two Chaves County sheriffs deputies shot and killed a man while responding to a domestic violence call on June 27. One deputy claimed, As we approached him at gunpoint, he pulled something out of his pocket. He had a quick movement toward us, and that they feared for their lives. They found a cell phone, but no weapon, by his body.

A lapel camera filmed the encounter. Sheriff Mike Herrington asserted after seeing the video, I believe it will be a justifiable shooting. The deputies did exactly as they were trained to do. However, civil rights attorney Laura Schauer Ives told KRQE, It looked like an execution to me.

 On July 16, Roswell Police Department officers, along with officers from multiple other agencies shot a man who they said shot at them. He fled but died from his wound. No officers were hurt.

 In Las Vegas, a city of about 14,000 in the states northeast, local police shot and killed a 30-year-old man who they said pointed a gun and shot at them. The NMSP is conducting an investigation.

As throughout the country, police violence has been a constant scourge in New Mexico year after year, including killings of political activists as well as the mentally ill and homeless people, in addition to those deemed suspects. New Mexico is tied with Alaska for the highest number of police killings per capita since 2015, according to the database of fatal police shootings maintained by the Washington Post. There were 129 recorded police killings in the state between January 13, 2015 and July 17 of this year, or more than 61 deaths for every one million residents. This averages out to one police killing approximately every six weeks.

Following the March 16, 2014 killing of mentally ill homeless man James Boyd by two APD officers in the Albuquerque foothills and protests against the long record of police violence, the federal Department of Justice (DoJ) under President Barack Obama intervened in an attempt to quell popular anger.

The DoJ issued a report that included the unsurprising statement that we have reasonable cause to believe that APD engages in a pattern or practice of use of excessive force, including deadly force, in violation of the Fourth Amendment [the constitutional provision barring unreasonable searches and seizures].  We have determined that structural and systemic deficienciesincluding insufficient oversight, inadequate training, and ineffective policiescontribute to the use of unreasonable force.

The WSWS commented on August 12, 2014:

The summary concludes that there is nothing isolated or sporadic about the APDs use of excessive force, but rather that it stems from systemic deficiencies in oversight, training, and policy, primarily failure to implement an objective and rigorous internal accountability system. Force incidents are not properly investigated, documented, or addressed with corrective measures.

What followed the report was a settlement agreement with mostly cosmetic changes, a series of carefully controlled  community meetings  and the reshuffling of the Police Oversight Commission following the resignations of three of its members. In the following years, the APD increased its stockpile of weapons and obtained military vehicles courtesy of the Obama administration.

The trial of the two officers who murdered Boyd finally took place in October 2017. The special prosecutor lowered the charge to second-degree murder under the assumption that a conviction would be easier to obtain. The outcome of the trial was a hung jury, and the possibility of a retrial appears a closed book.

As has happened in other cities, the settlement agreement and the hoopla around it did not bring real changes to police violence in Albuquerque or anywhere else in New Mexico. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the crises of poverty, homelessness, health care, education, inequality and abuse of immigrants in New Mexico, one of the poorest states, and throughout the US. In the eyes of the ruling class, more, not less repression will have to be deployed against the working class as the capitalist crisis deepens.

Since the function of police forces is to protect and serve the interests of the ruling class, not of the working-class majority, bringing the epidemic of police violence to an end is not a matter of training or reform. It is up to the working class to rid the world of the source of police violence, capitalism, and replace it with socialism, the only progressive alternative.
New River Valley workers (Source: Volvo Group)

It has been just over two weeks since the United Auto Workers ended a five-week strike of nearly 3,000 Volvo Trucks workers at the Swedish transnationals New River Valley (NRV) manufacturing facility in Dublin, Virginia. The UAW, in collusion with the company, shut down the strike after forcing workers to vote again on a six-year contract which they had already rejected, which includes sweeping concessions on workers wages, benefits and working conditions. The union claimed the deal passed by just 17 votes out of the 2,369 ballots counted.

Significantly, the UAW still has not released the full details of the contract, undoubtedly a fearful response to the widespread anger and disgust felt among workers to the unions betrayal. Indeed, the union has also canceled next weeks monthly union meeting.

Im not going to continue to pay them union dues, and have them steal from me, one worker told the World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter. My dues money will be used towards my insurance instead. Im very disappointed and very aggravated.

The same worker also spoke on Volvos plans for production once workers return to the plant following the current two-week re-tooling shutdown. Volvo has already attempted to ramp up production to make up for the losses as a result of the strike, which workers have been opposing.

As of right now, when we go back to work, weve already been told that well be working every other Saturday, with second shift working the Saturdays we dont, and we will be on nine hours a day, the worker continued. While the UAW has claimed that the new contract does not contain the hated Alternative Work Schedule, which rips up the eight hour day, it remains to be seen whether the contract contains loopholes allowing the company to implement it.

A veteran NRV worker described how the UAW defrauded hundreds of newly hired workers (those with fewer than 90 days on the job) out of the contract signing bonus. In the context of a contemporary contract struggle, trade unions typically dangle such bonuses$2,000 in this casein front of workers as an incentive to return to work after they have been struggling to get by on paltry strike pay.

The union let the 90-day people get swindled. Lots of these new people were on strike with us. The union pushed them to vote yes in part with their talk about the ratification bonus. Many of them voted yes thinking that they were getting the bonus and they got nothing. They found out the first day they got back. They got dues taken out within their 90 days and didn't get their bonuses. They were angry and I dont blame them. They paid dues to be able to vote on the contract, and this is what they got for it. They were starved and bullied into it.

While rank-and-file opposition to union betrayals grows, the Democratic Party and its pseudo-left backers have rallied to the defense of the UAW. President Biden recently visited the Volvo-owned Mack Truck plant in Macungie, Pennsylvania, where he promoted an economic nationalist perspective alongside company president Martin Weissburg and officials from UAW Local 677, all of whom posed together for photo ops. The hosts of the pseudo-left Alabama radio program Valley Labor Report podcast offered provided a false account of the strike, which wrote out the role of the Volvo Workers Rank-and-File Committee and the WSWS while propping up the UAW.

Despite these distortions and the continuing media blackout of the Volvo strike, the influence of the Volvo strike is making itself felt among other workers, who are beginning to draw important lessons from the strike. Yesterday, workers at a Mack Trucks plant in Macungie, Pennsylvania announced the formation of their own rank-and-file committee.

The Baltimore Amazon Rank-and-File Safety Committee issued a statement on July 27 that called the strike a watershed moment for the working class. Freightliner workers in North Carolina have also contacted the VWRFC indicating their interest in forming a committee at their own plant, citing a UAW-backed agreement at their plant similar to the one at Volvo Trucks.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Mask on, or mask off? That's what many Hoosiers may soon be asking themselves.

Peggy Marshall works at Harrison Crossing's health campus. She says the message has been a little bit unclear.

"We were told a few months back, if we were vaccinated, it would be, the mask mandate would get a little easier for us, but we're still having to wear them," said Marshall.

Marshall received the Moderna shot and says now the masks are more of an inconvenience, but she is willing to wear them if she has to.

The one thing she wishes the c-d-c would take into consideration is everyday employees.

"I don't mind wearing them because they keep folks safe. But for the working man that's been doing this ever since it started, I just think the CDC guidelines need to be a little bit more lenient," said Marshall.

Those guidelines have essentially been carbon copied by Indiana state officials.

Masks are now recommended in indoor settings, even if you are fully vaccinated.

That includes areas with substantial or high transmission rates.

Indiana health commissioner doctor Kristina Box says she's not taking any risks.

"I personally do not want to play games with Hoosiers lives. It's all up to the rest of you and all of us to stop this pandemic," said Box.

These new recommendations come after the delta variant spiked around the united states.

There are more cases this year than in July of last year.

In Indiana, 91% of samples collected have been the delta variant.

They say the contagion level of the delta variant could be as high as chickenpox.

Doctor box says she's aware of the burnout Hoosiers are facing.

"I know everyone is tired of hearing this, I see it in the faces of my public health colleagues, medical workers and first responders," said Box.

Marshall says despite the inconveniences, if you have certain jobs, getting the vaccine is inevitable.

"It is a little frustrating, but, you know, if you want a job in the health business or the government offices, you're gonna have to be vaccinated," said Marshall.

Here in Vigo County, Union Health says they've seen an increase in COVID-19 patients in the past few weeks.

However, those numbers are about 30% lower compared to one year ago.

News 10 has not heard back from Regional Hospital.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  Indianas top health officials made pleas Friday for people to get vaccinated and continue wearing masks as an especially contagious coronavirus variant spreads throughout the state, but they said they had no plans to reinstate statewide health mandates.

In recent weeks, the number of new COVID-19 cases in Indiana bounced back up to rates comparable to a year ago, the states health commissioner, Dr. Kristina Box, said during a news conference. Although the state had well below 2,000 new confirmed cases per week in June, it is now seeing 4,000 to 6,000 cases per week.

The biggest threat is from the delta variant, which spreads more easily than previous versions of the coronavirus. Tests conducted this month on a sample of Indianas cases showed that as of Friday, more than 94% of them were the highly viral strain.

Although Box emphasized that we have the most powerful tool available to prevent disease in the form of three highly effective vaccines, only about 44% of Indianas total population, including children younger than 12 who arent eligible, is fully vaccinated against the virus. That lags behind the national average of 49.4% and far behind the state with the highest vaccination rate, Vermont, where more than two-thirds of the population  67.4%  is inoculated.

Since the beginning of the month, the percentage of fully vaccinated individuals has risen somewhat in every age group, said the state health departments chief medical officer, Dr. Lindsay Weaver. The biggest increase has been among the 12- to 15-year-olds, who have gone from 17% fully vaccinated to 21%. The next highest increase has been among Hoosiers ages 16 to 19, who are now more than 34% vaccinated.

With schools returning at full capacity, Box said Indiana still doesnt have enough students who are vaccinated. She said state health officials are strongly recommending that every district follow the CDCs recommendations for masking, vaccinations, contact tracing and quarantining.

But specific action plans are local decisions now, Box said. Although health officials are giving strong guidance to schools and businesses, she said Indiana is very much a state that feels such control should be in the hands of the elected officials.

We have given Hoosiers the tools that they need, the information, the education, the ability to get vaccinated. We have provided that over and over and over again, Box said. We do believe that it comes down to some personal responsibility for Hoosiers across the state to make those decisions for themselves and in their own communities.

Indianapolis school district said Thursday that it will require all students and staff to wear masks while indoors. Purdue University issued the same rules on Friday, joining most other Indiana colleges on mask guidance but leaving vaccination optional.

Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb said again this week that he wont implement any new statewide restrictions, despite the COVID-19 resurgence.

He cited the surge in infections as he issued an extension Thursday of the statewide public health emergency until Aug. 30. That extension didnt reimpose any statewide face mask requirements or crowd-size limits that expired in April.

The decision came as the number of Indiana counties approaching high risk for community spread of COVID-19 nearly quadrupled in one week. The states new coronavirus hospitalizations for COVID-19 also rebounded this month to levels l ast seen in May.

Indiana additionally topped 14,000 presumed or confirmed coronavirus-related deaths on Friday, though Box said the rate of such deaths remains at the lowest levels since the start of the pandemic. Weaver cautioned that could change, however, noting that 96% of the states recoded coronavirus-related deaths have occurred in unvaccinated individuals.

Until we increase our vaccination rates, and unless we use every tool available to us to stop the spread of disease, this virus will continue to have the advantage, Box said. It will continue to mutate, and we will be constantly playing whack a mole for the foreseeable future.

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Casey Smith is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
MARSHALL, Ill. (WTHI) - A Marshall, Illinois man will face multiple charges related to child porn.

Marshall police arrested 49-year-old John Pitts.

Pitts faces five counts of possession of child pornography and one count of illegal possession of a firearm.

Court documents allege all of the images Pitts had were girls under 13-years-old.

The weapon police said they found was a 12-gauge shotgun.

Pitts is scheduled to be in court on August 16.
The website is an initiative of the Task Force on COVID-19 Vaccines, Therapeutics and Diagnostics for Developing Countries, which was set up to identify and resolve impediments to vaccine production and deliveries. The Task Force held its first meeting on 30 June.

The website provides an array of data on rates of vaccination and the purchase and deliveries of vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics broken down by country, region and level of income. A resources section directs users to the activities and initiatives of the four international agencies on COVID-19 related matters.

To mark the launch, the four agency heads  Kristalina Georgieva (IMF), David Malpass (World Bank), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (WHO) and Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (WTO)  issued the following joint statement:

We reiterate the urgency of providing access to COVID-19 vaccines, tests and treatments to people throughout the developing world. In the area of vaccines, a key constraint is the acute and alarming shortage in the supply of doses to low and low-middle income countries, especially for the rest of 2021. We call on countries with advanced COVID-19 vaccination programs to release as soon as possible as much of their contracted vaccine doses and options as possible to COVAX, AVAT, and low and low-middle income countries.

We are concerned that vaccine delivery schedules and contracts for COVAX, AVAT, and low and low-middle income countries are delayed or too slow. Less than 5% of vaccine doses that were pre-purchased by or for low-income countries have been delivered. Our common target is for at least 40% of people in low and low-middle income countries to be vaccinated by the end of 2021. We estimate that less than 20% of the necessary vaccines is currently scheduled for delivery to these countries, whether through COVAX, AVAT, or bilateral deals and dose-sharing agreements.

We urge COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers to redouble their efforts to scale up production of vaccines specifically for these countries, and to ensure that the supply of doses to COVAX and low and low-middle income countries takes precedence over the promotion of boosters and other activities. We call on governments to reduce or eliminate barriers to the export of vaccines and all materials involved in their production and deployment. We underscore the urgent need for all parties to address supply chain and trade bottlenecks for vaccines, testing, and therapeutics as well as all of the materials involved in their production and deployment.

As per the IMF staffs $50 billion proposal to end the pandemic, and in line with the priorities set out by WHO, WTO, IMF and the World Bank Group, over $35 billion in grant are needed with only one third of this financed to date. We welcome the recent announcement by COVAX and the World Bank to accelerate vaccine supplies for developing countries through a new financing mechanism. We also welcome the partnership between the World Bank and AVAT, noting that World Bank financing is now available to support the purchase and deployment of doses secured by both AVAT and COVAX.

It is critical to improve clarity and transparency around the evolving vaccine market, expected production volumes, delivery schedules, and pre-purchase options. We call on manufacturers to accelerate delivery to developing countries and we call on advanced economies to scale-up near-term deliveries to developing countries.
AMORY, Miss. (WTVA) - Amory police say a person is dead as a result of a reported shooting at a business on the south side of town.

Police officers responded to the unnamed business at approximately 3:30 a.m.

Police would not identify the business.

Medics airlifted the victim from the hospital in Amory, but police say the victim later died.

Monroe County Coroner Alan Gurley later identified the victim as Michael Randle, 46, of Columbus.

Gurley identified the business as True Temper.

Police identified the suspect as Menderil Cohen, 29.

At 8:35 a.m., police said the suspect was found and captured after a vehicle chase in Columbus.
PLANTERSVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) -The Northeast Mississippi Coalition Against COVID-19 gave out coronavirus vaccines and backpacks at New Zion Baptist Church in Plantersville.

Dorothy Shannon brought her 13-year-old granddaughter to get her first coronavirus shot. She said with her going back to school Monday, she needed to have it.

Shes going to be around a lot of children, said Shannon. A lot of them probably havent taken the shot yet, so this is going to be a good thing for them.

Shannon said even though masks are not required for the school, her granddaughter will still be wearing one.

Since they are not wearing masks this year, it will be extra precaution for them, she said.

Antoinette Freeman is the mother of Madalyn Brooke Bails. Bails passed away from COVID-19 in January 2021. She said she wants everyone to take advantage of the shot because of her daughters experience.

When Madalyn was here with us, we didnt have it and I think if we had it, she would have been able to take it and probably be with us today, said Freeman.

She would be happy to know that this vaccine is helping young people, Bails grandmother, Shirley Freeman said.

Madalyn was just 21-years-old when she passed.

The Northeast Mississippi Coalition Against COVID-19 will hold another vaccination clinic on August 8th at St. James Catholic Church in Tupelo.
Charleston, WV (25311)

Today

Thunderstorms early, mainly cloudy overnight with a few showers. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms early, mainly cloudy overnight with a few showers. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%.
Clarksburg, WV (26301)

Today

A few showers this evening with mostly cloudy conditions overnight. Low near 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

A few showers this evening with mostly cloudy conditions overnight. Low near 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.
Weather Alert

.Monsoonal moisture will spread east into portions of south central and southeast Wyoming this afternoon. Showers and thunderstorms have developed late this morning and expected to increase in coverage and intensity this afternoon. Some of the showers and thunderstorms will be capable of producing rainfall up to an inch per hour. Heavy rainfall over recently burned areas will increase the risk for flash flooding. ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT MDT TONIGHT... The Flash Flood Watch continues for * Portions of south central Wyoming and southeast Wyoming, including the following areas, in south central Wyoming, North Snowy Range Foothills, Shirley Basin, Sierra Madre Range, Snowy Range and Upper North Platte River Basin. In southeast Wyoming, Laramie Valley and North Laramie Range. * Until Midnight MDT tonight. * Heavy rainfall from showers and thunderstorms will increase the threat for flash flooding in the watch area. * Recently burned areas will be more susceptible to flash flooding, especially in and around the Mullen Burn Scar. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued. &&
Attorneys for a Black man in Alpharetta, Ga., said their client will file a lawsuit following an incident in which he was viciously attacked by a police dog while being taken into custody, and one that proves once again that cops have no business answering calls regarding unarmed citizens suffering a mental health crisis.

WSB-TV 2 reports last Sunday, Alpharetta police were called to the home of Travis Moya because he was reportedly having a mental health crisis. Its unclear why Moya was being arrested in the first place. His attorneys said the police knew they were responding to a mental health call.

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There was no reason for him to even be detained or arrested. But instead of an ambulance showing up, eight officers showed up, attorney Gerald Griggs said.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, it was his wife who called 911 and she also captured video that shows Moya speaking with officers while handcuffed and appearing to struggle with them slightly as she pleaded with him to calm down.

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Its an odd scene because Moya really doesnt appear to be resisting officers much. Officers can be seen leading him away when he suddenly goes to the ground and as officers appear to struggle with him, an officer with a canine allowed the dog to attack Moya for seemingly no reason whatsoever.

He couldnt move, he couldnt kick. He couldnt fight the dog off. He had to lay there while the dog ripped him apart, attorney L. Chris Stewart told WSB-TV.

Stewart also told AJC that Mr. Moya was having a mental health crisis, and that This was non-violent, nothing crazy, but his wife felt that an ambulance needed to check him out. They called for help, and instead, a K-9 unit shows up.

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For whatever reason, they tried to handcuff him and detain him even though he was on his own property and hadnt done anything, he continued. They slam him to the ground, which is excessive use of force. Then, out of nowhere, the K-9 officer brings the dog over and lets him loose on Mr. Moya while hes cuffed on the ground.

Video taken of Moyas arm and posted online shows the severity of his injuries. (Warning: Its graphic.)

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After being taken to the hospital and treated for his wounds, Moya was charged with one felony count of obstruction and booked into the Fulton County Jail. According to AJC, his attorneys are demanding that charge be dropped.

According to WSB-TV, they are also demanding that all of the officers involved be fired and that an investigation into the incident be launched. A spokesperson for Alpharetta police said an investigation is underway.

At this time, no complaint has been filed in relation to this matter, however per our policies, a use-of-force investigation is being conducted in this matter, as is performed for any instance of a use-of-force incident by one of our officers, Officer Jeffrey Ross said in an emailed statement.

So, there are plenty of questions here.

Why was Moya arrested in the first place if the call was about a mental health crisis and his only charge stems from him allegedly obstructing police from arresting him?

Why were so many damn cops called to the scene for this? Why were cops, as opposed to mental health professionals, called at all?

And why the hell was there a canine unit present?

From AJC:

Obviously, when someone calls in about a mental health crisis, a K-9 unit should not be the one that responds to it, said attorney Madeleine Simmons, who is also representing Moya. Theres a breakdown there in the training and the processes and policies that they have in this police department. Alpharettas K-9 policy says the dogs handlers may only use that degree of force reasonable and necessary to apprehend or secure a suspect. That policy also instructs the departments handlers to exhaust all reasonable means to effect an apprehension without incurring a canine bite. In addition, department policy requires officers to intervene if they witness an improper use of force, records show.

It seems like a clear-cut case of police brutality, but as we all know, finding justice for Black people tends to be an uphill battle in situations like these.

And, once again, I just have to say...

If you love me and you see me struggling with a mental health crisis, please do not call the police.
An immigrant from the Soviet Union to the United States is warning against critical race theory, saying school curricula drawing from it resemble the Marxism that once flourished in the USSR.

Elina Kaplan, who said she's a registered Democrat, said in particular that the state ethnic studies model curriculum in California reflects what she was taught as a child.

All of a sudden, I was reading the same concepts and language, in English this time, in the guiding principles of the California Ethnic Studies model curriculum, Kaplan said Friday.

The California Board of Education approved its model curriculum March 18, which defines ethnic studies as a field that critically grapples with the various power structures and forms of oppression that continue to have social, emotional, cultural, economic, and political impacts.

BARR SLAMS 'SECULAR PROGRESSIVE ORTHODOXY' IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The outline also aims to connect ourselves to past and contemporary resistance movements that struggle for social justice on the global and local levels to ensure a truer democracy, something Kaplan claimed was an explicit Marxist reference.

True democracy is a Marxist term that refers to the abolition of private property, she said on Fox News. What is this doing in an ethnic studies curriculum?

The model curriculum also provides that the foundational values of ethnic studies are housed in the conceptual model of the double helix, which interweaves holistic humanization and critical consciousness, ideas discussed by critical race theorist Tara Yosso, who is cited in a curriculum footnote.

In that [critical race theory] model, what we have is a paradigm where kids, human beings, are either an oppressor or a victim, Kaplan said. And anytime you put human beings into two boxes and then pit them against each other, especially by the color of their skin, nothing good is going to come out of that.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

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Activists opposed a previous ethnic studies model curriculum on the grounds that it was antisemitic, accusing it of excluding antisemitism from a list of forms of bigotry.

Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom in September vetoed a bill requiring that high school students take an ethnic studies course using the curriculum, saying that although he supported students learning about "the experience of marginalized communities in our state," the controversy over content led him to withhold his signature.

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Tags: News, California, Soviet Union, Critical Race Theory, Marxism, Education

Original Author: Jeremy Beaman

Original Location: Soviet immigrant says critical race theory uses 'the same concepts and language' as Marxism
Garth Brooks won't need to commute far to work Saturday night. He can see Nashville's Nissan Stadium from his house, after all.

"Welcome home," Brooks, a 59-year-old Country Music Hall of Fame entertainer, told reporters Friday ahead of his weekend headlining performance. "I love this. I love sleeping in your own bed, (then) you get to come down, play the stadium. ... For anybody that may know their history with me in this town, we moved into (former) Mayor (Richard) Fulton's old house in '90, maybe 91."

Brooks added, "Why this is different form anywhere else is simply because those people in those seats, I know a lot of 'em are going to be people live next door to."

Brooks plays Saturday night, when he said he'll welcome a record-breaking concert crowd of roughly 70,000  "that'll make it nice and warm," he jested  for what should be one of the largest music events in Nashville since COVID-19 restrictions lifted earlier this year.

Garth Brooks holds a press conference ahead of his Saturday night concert at Nissan Stadium Friday, July 30, 2021 in Nashville, Tenn.

"When people go, 'Do the numbers matter?' No they don't," Brooks said, noting the difference between playing to a stadium and arena audience. "It's the connection that you make. But, I gotta be honest with ya. Seventy-thousand people singing 'The River' is cooler than 13,000 people singing 'The River.'"

Quarantine show: Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood announce live prime-time show from home

And he said the tour follows state, local and venue COVID-19 guidelines when gathering thousands for a concert. COVID-19 cases continue to rise due to in-part to the highly contagious Delta variant.

Garth Brooks holds a press conference ahead of his Saturday night concert at Nissan Stadium Friday, July 30, 2021 in Nashville, Tenn.

Masks aren't required at Nashville's Nissan Stadium, an outdoor facility, but venue management encourages unvaccinated ticketholders to wear a face covering. Tour workers remain under a mask mandate until next January, Brooks said.

"Our job is to gather people in mass numbers," Brooks said. "If that's a bad thing, we need to stand back. That's what we'll do. As much as I hate to do it, it'd be an honor because you're doing your part."

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More: Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood reveal secret to making marriage last: 'Treat it like a duet'

He added, "My wish is that ... we do everything safe so we can enjoy it and not sit in the stands being scared."

Brooks relaunched his stadium tour earlier this month in Las Vegas before taking stops to Salt Lake City and Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He'll sometimes hit a dive bar in-between (he played Layla's in 2018, for those keeping track) but Brooks said the spirit of the show remains the same.

"Try to make a dive bar a stadium, try to make a stadium a dive bar," he said.

Garth Brooks holds a press conference ahead of his Saturday night concert at Nissan Stadium Friday, July 30, 2021 in Nashville, Tenn.

And can audiences expect to see his wife, country hitmaker Trisha Yearwood, at the stadium tomorrow night? She's been logging long days on set for a new season of Food Network program "Trisha's Southern Kitchen," but Brooks said "She's not gonna miss this gig."

"I found out in Vegas if you wanna be a success, mention Ms. Yearwood's name and things go a lot better," Brooks said.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Garth Brooks prepares to headline Nashville show as COVID cases rise
Tom Hanks



Imagine this, but even more centrally composed.

Wes Anderson has spent the last 20 or so years building up one of the great rosters of quirky weirdos in recent cinematic history, a touring company of oddballs built up around ground-floor stars like Owen and Luke Wilson and Bill Murray. Now, Anderson has reportedly landed one of the biggest names of all for his next (next) film: Tom Hanks, who will apparently be co-starring with Murray and Tilda Swinton in Andersons follow-up to this falls The French Dispatch.

This is per THR, which reports that noted birthday DJ and certified Genial, Smiling Man Tom Hanks will now add his star power to the as-yet untitled film. That same report suggests that Hanks role in the movie will be a small one, but you know how that goes: Once the Anderson company has its hooks in you, its hell to get out. (Its somewhat similar in that regard to the roving band of earnest character actors employed by the Coen brothers, although its worth noting that Hanks is one of the few actors to ever be one-and-done with that pair, too. Truly, the power of The Ladykillers knows no bounds.)

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Very little is known at present about this new Anderson movie, beyond the fact that its set to be filmed in Spain, that Adrien Brody is also expected to star, and that Anderson, as usual, will be directing his own script. Which leaves us with nothing to do, really, but speculate wildly about what kind of role Hanks might be taking once he steps into these carefully composed shots. Maybe hell play against type, Cloud Atlas-style, and take on the villain of the pieceperhaps a snarling viscount with an impeccably tailored jacket. Or maybe hell lend those Hanks-ian charms to some kind of memorable service worker, who imparts somewhat loopy wisdom to the other characters. Or maybe hell just do a scene with Willem Dafoe. Dang: Wed really like to see Tom Hanks do a fun little scene with Willem Dafoe.
New Delhi: Xiaomi has expanded its `AIoT line-up by launching new products, including a scooter, gaming monitor and Wi-Fi Router. Some of these products arent new, as a few gadgets have been made available in China for a while now. But most of them are new to Europe, reports GSMArena.

The new Mi Electric Scooter 3 has a 275 Wh battery for up to 30 km range (18.6 miles). It can operate at 300W continuously with peak power-hitting of 600W.

The top speed is limited to 25 kmph to comply with local regulations and it can tackle 16 per cent inclines, the report said.

Essentially, this is the motor from the Pro 2 and the battery of the 1S scooters. A full recharge takes 8.5 hours, the report added.

Priced at 450 euros, the new model weighs 13 kg and has a maximum load of 100 kg. The company has redesigned the folding mechanism with a 3-step design. The LCD has been upgraded as well.

Other features include an aerospace-grade aluminum chassis, pneumatic tires, eABS on the front and dual-pad disc brake on the rear, a 2W headlight and two colourways -- Onyx Black and Gravity Grey.

The company also unveiled Mi 2K Gaming Monitor 27-inch that has an IPS panel with 2,560 x 1,440 px resolution (16:9) and 178-degree viewing angles. It is priced at 500 euros.

It carries the VESA DisplayHDR 400 label, meaning it has a peak brightness of at least 400 nits. It also covers 95 per cent of the DCI-P3 color space. Note that this is an 8-bit panel with a 1,000:1 contrast ratio.

The gaming monitor support refresh rates up to 165 Hz, Adaptive Sync is supported as well. It has a 4 ms response time (gray-to-gray), which can be reduced to 1 ms using the Intelligent Motion Blur Control feature.

The monitor comes with a DisplayPort 1.4 and an HDMI 2.0 for video. There`s also a single USB-A 3.0 port, plus a 3.5 mm jack. Also Read: Centre encouraging patents, design trademarks ecosystem: Piyush Goyal

Mi Router AX9000 is Xiaomi`s first tri-band Wi-Fi 6 router. It has a total of 12 external antennas that cover the 2.4 GHz band (up to 1,148 Mbps of bandwidth) and two 5 GHz bands (4,804 Mbps + 2,402 Mbps), one of which is dedicated to gaming, so that other devices on the network won`t interfere. Also Read: LIC, SBI, HDFC and PNB home loans: Check top offers with up to 0% processing fees
New Delhi: The government is focused on encouraging innovation, research and development in the country and bringing newer inventions and knowledge from India's heritage systems to global platforms, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Saturday.

"Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are committed to bolstering the ecosystem of patents, design, trademarks, and GI systems.

"This will encourage innovation, research and development in the country and present newer inventions and knowledge from India's heritage systems to global platforms. The government has been making efforts since 2014, to make India a Global Innovation hub," Goyal said at a review meeting at the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDT).

The pendency in the IPR department has come down drastically. It has also been decided that any pending application should be completed within days and not months," Goyal said while speaking about the CGPDT's speedy disposal of applications.

The minister further said there has been a reduction in fees allowed by the department in order to help and support startups and women entrepreneurs in the country.

"Filing fees for startups, MSMEs, and individual women has been given a provision of 80 per cent discount to help the youth of the country. Also, most of the processes are made online for their convenience. Earlier, people from far off places had to spend money from their pockets to reach the office in person which has now been made easier. This ensures hassle free administration, he noted. Also Read: LIC, SBI, HDFC and PNB home loans: Check top offers with up to 0% processing fees

All these steps will encourage research, innovation, development and scientific thinking in the country, Goyal added. Also Read: Fino Payments Bank files Rs 1,300-cr IPO papers with Sebi

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New Delhi: Delhi residents can breathe freely a bit more now. It seems that the crippling pollution that has plagued the capital for the past many years is now finally showing some signs of abating. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-D) have given an estimate which shows a decreasing trend in PM2.5 concentration over Delhi-NCR over the last four years.

"Our data is showing that pollution levels have gone down. In 2020, it had anyways gone down because of the lockdown etc. But data from 2017 to 2018 and 2018 to 2019 has shown a decreasing trend," said Sagnik Dey, associate professor at the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, IIT-Delhi.

Also read: Alert! You can be fined Rs 1 lakh for creating noise pollution in Delhi

A number of policy measures have been taken in the National Capital Region (NCR) to curb air pollution such as switching to cleaner BSVI fuel, installing CEMS monitoring across industries, cleaner zig zag technology in brick kilns, completion and use of Eastern and Western Peripheral Highways, which bypasses heavy traffic away from Delhi limits, and deployment of happy seeders, which address crop residue burning to an extent.

"With all these measures, the data from the government monitoring has shown a decreasing trend in PM2.5 concentration over Delhi-NCR," said S.N. Tripathy, head of the Civil Engineering Department at IIT Kanpur. But Tripathy also put an immediate caveat: "The time series is very short, and yet, the data is showing some decreasing trend."

Because of this, both Dey and Tripathi declined to hazard a guess to put a quantum on the levels of pollution, which may be in the range of 10-15 per cent or 15-20 per cent.

Tripathy is part of the National Knowledge Network, which has been set up to provide scientific guidance to achieve National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) goals and has been pushing for adopting an airshed approach as a provincial management expanding to the states.

The government has introduced a Bill in the Lok Sabha to constitute a commission for air quality management in Delhi-NCR and its surrounding regions based exactly on the airshed approach.

"Domestic policies such as the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojna, which has provided a successful solution in the form of 14 crore LPG connections in India, too has been making a huge difference. Household cooking contributes to one-fourth of the mortality burden due to air pollution in the region. Not just domestic cooking, the street vendors shifting to LPG too may have helped," said Tripathi.

Lead is a carcinogen generated from solid fuels used in household cooking while nitrogen dioxide emissions (NOx) are mostly attributed to transport.

(With IANS inputs)

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New Delhi: Amid tensions at the border, Assam and Nagaland have decided to commence the disengagement process to resolve the deadlock along the Dessoi Valley Reserved Forest, ANI reported. The decision was taken during a meeting between the Chief Secretaries of Assam and Nagaland on Saturday (July 31).

Hailing the decision, Assam Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted, In a major breakthrough towards de-escalating tensions at Assam-Nagaland border, the two Chief Secretaries have arrived at an understanding to immediately withdraw states' forces from border locations to their respective base camps.

Calling it a historic step, Sarma added that Assam is committed to ensuring peace at its borders. This is a historic step in our relations. My gratitude to HCM Sri @Neiphiu_Rio for working with Assam in restoring peace on the border. Assam is committed to ensuring peace along all its borders & strives for social & economic prosperity of NorthEast region, the Assam CM added.

This is a historic step in our relations. My gratitude to HCM Sri @Neiphiu_Rio for working with #Assam in restoring peace on the border. Assam is committed to ensuring peace along all its borders & strives for social & economic prosperity of #NorthEast region. 2/2@AmitShah pic.twitter.com/IyQXuuID0u  Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 31, 2021

To de-escalate the situation at the border, it has been decided that the Government of Assam and the Government of Nagaland will withdraw their forces, weaponry, and structures (permanent and semi-permanent) from Jankhana Nala near Aosenden village area in Dessoi Valley Reserved Forest. The simultaneous withdrawal of the security personnel shall begin immediately and shall be completed in the next 24 hours as far as possible. Nagaland and Assam shall monitor the area by surveillance using UAV and satellite imagery with a view to maintaining the status quo. The Superintendents of Police of the districts of Mokokchung (Nagaland) and Jorhat (Assam) shall ensure orderly withdrawal of their respective forces and shall be responsible for it in the instant case, the minutes of the meeting shared by Sarma read.

However, Assam Forest officials will continue their patrolling in the region, sources told the news agency. It was further decided that the RCC bridge over the river of Jankhana constructed recently from Nagaland side will be dismantled in order to prevent unauthorized free movement of people in the Reserved Forest. Both the states will discourage movement of people from their side to avoid unnecessary build-up of people around the reserved forest.

The development comes as Assam is also engaged in tensions with Mizoram over border issues.

(With ANI inputs)

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Lucknow: The BJP is using "e-Ravanas" on social media to spread "propaganda and hatred" ahead of the 2022 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged on Saturday while underlining the perils of fake news on virtual platforms.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said he has alerted his party cadres against social media content used by the BJP to paint its political rivals in a bad light and also asked them to be "disciplined and decent".

"Like the demon king Ravana, the BJP is using 'e-Ravanas' on social media to spread its propaganda and hatred. Like Ravana, they are there on social media in disguise and spread lies and rumours," the Samajwadi Party (SP) president told PTI in an interview.

He claimed "pseudo BJP leaders" pose as SP supporters, and post and forward "indecent remarks" on virtual platforms.

"I have asked my party cadres to remain alert and keep an eye on the activities of such dubious elements. Party workers have also been asked not to share, respond or forward anything objectionable on social media, and report the same to the party office," Yadav said.

Taking an aggressive stand against those spreading false information targeting the SP, the party last week filed a complaint against unidentified people for allegedly creating a fake Twitter account of the party chief and spreading hatred.

The complaint was filed by state SP chief Naresh Uttam, who submitted screenshots of a tweet claiming the party would construct a "Babri mosque" at the place of the Ram temple in Ayodhya after coming to power in the state, sources said.

An FIR was registered in the matter against unidentified people at the Gautam Palli Police Station on July 25.

Sounding a word of caution, Yadav said, "As the state polls are near, BJP men can do anything as they are experts in spreading lies to fool the people to grab power. Their objective is to divert the attention of people from core issues, including development."

"We have asked our workers to be disciplined, decent and practice restraint in the language they use on social media, which has emerged as a strong medium to communicate. Unfortunately, the BJP is misusing it," he said.

The former UP chief minister added that it is ironical the BJP cannot highlight any achievement of its government despite ruling the state for four-and-a-half-years.

Stating that the people of the state have hopes from the SP, Yadav claimed the party will win 350 seats in the upcoming assembly elections.

"When the BJP can win over 300 seats by lying, why cannot we win more seats on the development work done by our previous government?" he asked.

The BJP, Yadav asserted, has no faith in democracy.

"It is conspiring so that the entire system goes out of the hands of the people. Its intention is that the people should be behind and the system should dominate. Democracy is in danger. In order to save democracy from BJP's deceit, the SP is raising the voice of people," he added.

The SP leader also hit out at the worsening law and order situation in the northern state under the BJP regime.

"The entire country has seen what treatment was meted out to women during the panchayat poll nominations, how BJP goons took the law in their hands and misbehaved with women," he said.

Yadav had earlier alleged that BJP workers pulled the saris of SP candidate Ritu Singh and her proposer Anita Yadav during the recent block panchayat chief elections in Lakhimpur Kheri.

Based on Ritu Singh's complaint, a case was filed against BJP workers in Lakhimpur. Six policemen were also suspended.

Refuting Yadav's claims, state BJP spokesperson Manish Shukla said, "People whom he (the SP chief) is referring to as e-ravanas are actually e-yodhyaas, who are exposing the real face of the Samajwadi Party."

The BJP has said those involved in any misbehaviour will not be spared, he said.

"Owing to the active nature of social media, the real face and character of the SP has reached the masses. People have come to know that how they (the SP) literally looted government jobs by appointing their people as chairmen of various commissions," Shukla said.

People have seen "how investors returned from UP (without investing) after seeing the atmosphere of fear. There were celebrations at Saifai, while people living in camps in Muzaffarnagar, continued to shiver in the cold. These things are still fresh in the minds of people only because of social media", he said attacking the SP.

Shukla added that the SP chief did not do anything constructive while in opposition.

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New Delhi: BRICS Counter-Terrorism Action Plan has been finalized at the groups' working group meet that took place last week under the chairmanship of India. The meet took place from 28th to 29th July and was chaired by Joint Secretary for Counter-Terrorism, Ministry of External Affairs Mahaveer Singhvi. The meet that took place virtually saw the participation of Senior counter-terrorism officials from all BRICS countries.

The Counterterrorism action plan aims to "further strengthening result-oriented cooperation between BRICS countries" in areas such as "preventing and combating terrorism, radicalization, financing of terrorism, misuse of the internet by terrorists, curbing travel of terrorists, border control, protection of soft targets, information sharing, capacity building, international and regional cooperation, etc" said the ministry of external affairs release.

The plan will be adopted at the BRICS National Security Advisors meeting that will take place in August. The plan implements BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy adopted by BRICS Leaders in 2020. Later this year, India hosts the BRICS leaders' meet and so far many events have been organized under India's leadership.

During the Working Group meeting while "condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed, the BRICS countries also exchanged views on terrorism threat assessment at national, regional and global level and resolved to further enhance counter-terrorism cooperation in line with the Action Plan", the MEA release pointed out.

Ahead of the Counter-Terrorism Working Group meet, sub workings groups met on 5 subjects--Misuse of Internet for Terrorist Purpose, Deradicalization, Countering Terrorist Financing, Capacity Building and Countering Foreign Terrorist Fighters on 26-27 July.

BRICS or Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa grouping is a major grouping with considerable global output. On 1st June, India hosted the BRICS FMs meet virtually. This is the 3rd time India is holding the BRICS Chairship, after 2012 and 2016.
New Delhi: Following an alarming surge in daily COVID-19 cases, the Kerala government on Thursday (July 29, 2021) announced that it will impose a complete weekend lockdown on July 31, 2021 and August 1, 2021. Some of the worst affected districts in Kerala are Malappuram, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Ernakulam, Palakkad, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kannur, Thiruvananthapuram and Kottayam.

The decision to impose a complete weekend curfew comes as the state has been recording more than 22,000 daily COVID-19 cases every day. Additionally, amid the unprecedented rise in cases, the central government is sending a six-member team from the National Centre for Disease Control to the state.

The announcement was made by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The government is sending a 6-member team to Kerala headed by Director, National Centre for Disease Control. As a large number of COVID cases are still being reported in Kerala, the team will aid the states ongoing efforts in COVID management, Mandaviya said.

"As a large number of COVID cases are still being reported in Kerala, the team will aid state`s ongoing efforts in COVID-19 management," he added.

Meanwhile, according to IANS, Kerala on Friday, for the fourth Day running, recorded more than 20,000 fresh cases in the state with the test positivity rate (TPR) rising to 13.61 percent and 116 more people succumbing to COVID-19. With 20,772 fresh cases, the infection caseload in the state reached 33,70,137 and the 116 deaths pushed the total casualties to 16,701, a state government release said.

As many as 14,651 people have been cured of the infection, taking the total recoveries to 31,92,104 and the number of active cases in the state to 1,60,824. In the last 24 hours, 1,52,639 samples were tested and the TPR was found to be 13.61 percent. So far, 2,70,49,431 samples have been tested, it said.

Additionally, according to the findings of a serosurvey by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), at least two-thirds of the population surveyed in 11 states were found to have developed coronavirus antibodies. This serosurvey was conducted between June 14 and July 6. As per the results, Madhya Pradesh lead the chart with 79 percent seroprevalence while Kerala is at the bottom with 44.4 percent.

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New Delhi: The Centre on Saturday (July 31) took stock of the COVID-19 situation of 10 states that have recently reported an uptick in the number of infections. The public health measures taken for surveillance, containment and management of COVID-19 by the health authorities in these states were also reviewed.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan chaired the high-level meeting to review the situation in Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh and Manipur. These 10 states have been reporting a rise in new daily COVID cases.

Centre advised States to:

* To effectively and strictly monitor COVID-19 cases so that they is no intermingling in their neighborhoods, community, village, mohalla, ward etc., to stop spread of infection.

* Undertake intensive containment and active surveillance in clusters reporting higher cases.

* Define containment zones, based on mapping of cases and contacts traced.

* Undertake regular reviews and follow-up for implementation of ECRP-II with a focus on augmentation of existing health infrastructure particularly in rural areas and paediatric cases.

* Report death count as per ICMR guidelines.

Principal Secretary (Health), Mission Director (NHM), State Surveillance Officer of all these states took part in the review meeting. Dr Balram Bhargava, DG ICMR and Secretary (DHR) was present, as well.
New Delhi: A 61-year-old Delhi doctor, infected with COVID-19 thrice and contracting both the Alpha and Delta variants after vaccination, presents the first such documented case of two reinfections and two breakthrough infections.

Dr Veena Aggarwal, the wife of late Dr KK Aggarwal, first tested positive on August 16, last year and was asymptomatic. She took her first dose of the Covishield vaccine on February 1 this year, followed by the second dose on March 15.

On April 12, she tested positive for the second time and had symptoms such as acute abdominal pain, fever, myalgia, and fatigue. Within 19 days, on May 3, she tested positive for the third time. The infection resulted in hypoxia, hospitalisation, and illness lasting seven weeks. Whole-genome sequencing showed the second infection was caused by the Alpha variant and the third by the Delta variant.

"It is known that mutations always have the ability to skip/escape the antibodies vaccine. You don`t know what you are going to be exposed to since this is a new virus," Aggarwal, who is also a Trustee at the Heart Care Foundation of India, told IANS.

"Anybody can get infected anytime whether you are vaccinated or not. But yes, if you are vaccinated, the chances of severe illness and death get reduced. Me and (husband) Dr K.K. Aggarwal were an exception to the rule. I got saved because of my vaccines, but Dr K.K. didn`t because he also had other comorbidities.

"However, this should not be a deterrent for people to say that vaccines don`t work. They do work and there is no doubt about that. My children were exposed to Covid, but got saved due to vaccination," she said.

ALSO READ | Mumbai doctor tests COVID-19 positive thrice in over one year, twice after being fully vaccinated

Dr KK Aggarwal, a cardiologist at the HCFI, passed away at Delhi`s All India Institute of Medical Sciences after a long battle with the virus in May.

Her case, published in the peer-reviewed medical journal Frontiers in Medicine, showed that the doctor-patient had developed antibodies after her second infection and even had vaccine-induced antibodies.

"There is no quantitative data, so far anywhere in the world, yet on which antibodies will prevent infections and what is the cutoff level for protection from the infections. There is so far no guidelines/literature on this," Aggarwal told IANS.

The study identified a rare breakthrough infection, in 19 days and also confirmed it as reinfection.

Breakthrough infections happen when people get infected after vaccination because the virus broke through the protective barrier the vaccine provides.

"There are certain criteria laid down by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for reinfection. They indicate that there has to be an infection on two different occasions, which are 45 to 90 days apart as per the CDC and 102 days, according to the ICMR. This can be detected only if a person has access to whole-genome sequencing. A study conducted by the ICMR indicates that the possibility of reinfections currently stands at 4.5 per cent," said lead researcher Dr Jayanthi S Shastri, Head at the molecular diagnostic laboratory at Kasturba Hospital, Mumbai.

Aggarwal said: "I would say this is the most horrific experience in my life. I want to tell everybody to take this seriously, wear masks, maintain hand hygiene and social distance and get vaccinated."
New Delhi: India will take over the Presidency of the UN Security Council on August 1 and is set to host signature events in three major areas of maritime security, peacekeeping, and counterterrorism during the month.

"It is a singular honour for us to be presiding over the Security Council the same month when we are celebrating our 75th Independence Day," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti said in a video message on the eve of India assuming the rotating Presidency of the powerful 15-nation UN body.

The first working day of India's Presidency will be Monday, August 2 when Tirumurti will hold a hybrid press briefing in the UN headquarters on the Council's programme of work for the month.

Tirumurti will also provide a briefing for member states of the United Nations which are non-members of the Council on its work for the month, according to a schedule released by the UN.

India's two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the Security Council began on January 1, 2021. The August presidency will be India's first Presidency during its 2021-22 tenure as a non-permanent member of the Security Council.

India will again preside over the Council in December next year, the last month of its two-year tenure.

During its Presidency, India will be organising high-level signature events in three major areas - maritime security, peacekeeping, and counterterrorism.

Speaking to WION Tirumurti said:

"Tirumurti speaking from New York said, India has "provided the much-needed balance in the deliberations within the council" and "Our inputs have naturally been of great value."

India's envoy to UN T. S. Tirumurti will be representing India at the council. India has been president of the body in June 1950, September 1967, December 1972, October 1977, February 1985, October 1991, December 1992, August 2011, November 2012. As the president of the UNSC, India will have a number of signature events including on UN peacekeeping.

Pakistan: Hope India will follow international rules, norms during the UNSC presidency

Ahead of India's presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for a month from August 1, Pakistan on Saturday expressed its hope that New Delhi would follow international rules and norms.

Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson said this in a statement, responding to queries about India assuming the charge of the UNSC for the month of August.


New Delhi: Two Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists, including one involved in the Pulwama attack, were killed on Saturday (July 31, 2021) in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mohd Ismal Alvi was from JeM leader Masood Azhar's family and was involved in conspiracy and planning of the Lethpora attack. Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, Vijay Kumar, informed that Alvi stayed with Adil Dar till the day of fidayeen attack.

Mohd Ismal Alvi @ Lamboo @ Adnan was from family of Masood Azhar. He was involved in conspiracy and planning of Lethpora Pulwama attack and figured in chargesheet produced by NIA: IGP Kashmir @JmuKmrPolice  Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) July 31, 2021

The security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the forest area of Namibian and Marsar and the general area of Dachigam this morning after getting inputs about the presence of terrorists there.

The search operation was then turned into an encounter after terrorists opened fire at a search party of the forces.

Identification of the second terrorist being ascertained.

Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday also conducted raids at 14 places in Jammu and Kashmir in connection with the arrest of Lashkar-e-Mustafa (LeM) chief Hidayatullah Malik and recovery of a 7 kg IED in Jammu.

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New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) raided nine locations in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday in connection with case related to terror conspiracy hatched by Lashkar-e-Mustafa to carry out terror activities in J&K. The NIA conducted raids at 9 locations at Shopian, Anantnag and Jammu districts.

In a press statement, NIA said many digital devices including mobile phones, hard disks, memory cards, pen drives, laptops and many booklets containing incriminating materials have been recovered from the premises of the arrested accused and the suspects in the case.

One accused person, Irfan Ahmed Dar from Anantnag has been arrested. As per a preliminary investigation, Dar was involved in the conspiracy to carry out terrorist activities in collusion with other arrested accused persons, the statement read.

Further investigation in the case is underway.

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Bengaluru: In view of the alarming situation in the state in the backdrop of a spurt in the number of Covid cases in the neighbouring districts of Kerala, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has called a high-level meeting on Saturday evening.

The meeting is scheduled at Chief Minister`s official residence, Krishna, after Bommai returns from New Delhi.

The Chief Minister will also hold a video conference with the deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, Zilla panchayat CEOs, health and family welfare department officers of Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Udupi, Chamarajanagar and Mysuru districts which share borders with Kerala.

Chikkamagalur district officers will also be addressed in a video conference.

He will also hold meetings with the authorities of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to monitor the situation in Bengaluru.

He will further take stock of the situation in Shivamogga, the home district of former chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa.

Meanwhile, BBMP has given strict orders to implement its orders to seal the residential areas including apartments where more than three cases are being reported.

In Mahadevapura zone, which includes International Tech Park (ITPL), the major IT hub of the city, this order is already in place due to rising Covid cases. Mahadevapura zone Joint Commissioner Venkatachalapathy has already issued a notification in this connection.

Seal downs have been implemented in various apartment complexes in Horamavu, Hoodi, Varthur, Bellandur till August 7.

The authorities carried a door-to-door campaign after 20 Covid cases were reported from the Kaveripura ward in the Yelahanka zone. Health department officials have also gone with Asha workers to check on first and secondary contacts in these areas.

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New Delhi: Businessman Navneet Kalra on Friday (July. 30, 2021) informed the Delhi High Court that the licenses of his restaurants Khan Chacha and Town Hall have been cancelled. Appearing for Kalra in the High Court, Advocate Gurinder Pal Singh told Justice Rekha Palli that on July 23 the licensing unit cancelled the licenses of both the Khan Chacha and Town Hall restaurants.

The Court granted liberty to the petitioner to take other legal remedies for his grievances. The Court was hearing Karla plea challenging the show cause notice issued to him by Joint Commissioner of Police, Licensing Unit, Delhi for suspending the restaurant Khan Chacha and Town Hall till the final outcome of the said notice.

Kalra has challenged the Order cum Show Cause Notice bearing dated May 11, 2021. By the Order Cum Show Cause Notices, the license granted to the petitioner for running the restaurant "Khan Chacha" and Town Hall was suspended till the final outcome of the said notice and the petitioner was called upon to show cause within 15 days from the date of the receipt of the notice "as to why your registration certificate should not be cancelled for the above said acts of omission and commission".

It was alleged that petitioner Kalra had violated the terms and conditions of the Registration Certification under regulation-11 of the Delhi Eating Houses Registration Regulation, 1980.Kalra told the Court that he has submitted his response on June 9, 2021. However, since the petitioner heard nothing from the respondents, it was constrained to write again on June 17, 2021. To date, the respondents have neither withdrawn the suspension order nor decided on the Show Cause Notice issued, the petitioner said.

"Because the Respondent No.2 i.e. Joint Commissioner of Police is not authorized to issue the aforesaid Order Cum Show Cause Notice under the Delhi Eating Houses Registration Regulations 1980," the petitioner said.

The petitioner said that the Show Cause Notice makes a reference to the registration of FIR and submitted that the registration of FIR itself is no ground for cancellation or proposed cancellation of Petitioner`s Registration Certificate as the matter with regard to that FIR is sub-judice and is subject to the judgment of a proper court of law. Mere registration of an FIR is, respectfully, no ground for cancellation of Registration more so because the petitioner is challenging the factual correctness as well as the legality of the registration of the case, he further added.

Delhi Police on May 5, 2021, registered an FIR against Kalra and others for allegedly hoarding and black-marketing Oxygen Concentrators and on May 7, 2021, the police seized 96 Oxygen concentrators from the restaurant premises of Khan Chacha. Thereafter, Kalra was taken into police custody on May 16, 2021, and released on bail on May 29, 2021.

Kalra`s lawyer told the court that the impugned Order Cum Show Cause Notice dated 11 May 2021 was found pasted on the restaurant premises on or about May 26 and since Kalra was in custody, he came to know of the aforesaid notice on his release on May 29. Thereafter, he was served personally by hand to the Petitioner on June 4, 2021.

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New Delhi: Kerala has been witnessing an uptick of novel coronavirus cases as it reports over 20,000 fresh cases of infections for the fifth straight day on Saturday. Though, there has been a decline in the number of fatalities, and a fall in the Test Positivity Rate to 12.31 per cent.

Expressing concern at the uptick, Kerala Health Minister Veena George urged people to follow COVID-19 protocol and be extra cautious as she warned them that the state was not yet free from the second wave of Coronavirus.

George claimed that about half of the population of the state was susceptible to the virus and therefore, precautions have to be taken as the presence of the highly contagious delta variant has been detected. The minister said if a third wave hits before everyone is vaccinated , the severity of the infection and those requiring hospitalisation would be high. She said after attending a special review meet to check the states COVID-19 preparedness.

Kerala recorded 20,624 fresh cases and 80 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking its infection tally to 33,90,761 and the toll to 16,781. The state had recorded 100 deaths on Friday, while the TPR was 13.61 per cent.

Malappuram was the worst affected district, logging 3,474 cases, followed by Thrissur (2693), Palakkad (2209), Kozhikode (2113), Ernakulam (2072), Kollam (1371), Kannur (1243), Alappuzha (1120), Kottayam (1111) and Thiruvananthapuram (969), as per ANI.

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New Delhi: The Tripura Board of Secondary Education (TBSE) declared class 10th, 12th results on Saturday (July 31, 2021).

Now that the results are officially released, students will be able to check them online on the official site of the board- tbse.tripura.gov.in.

Here is a step by step guide to check and save the result:

1. Open the official website: tbse.tripura.gov.in or tbresults.tripura.gov.in.

2. On the home page, click on the Tripura Board 10th, 12th result 2021 link.

3. Enter registration number and roll number in respective fields.

4. Click on the show result button

5. TBSE result 2021 online will be displayed.

6. Students can download Tripura board result 2021 and for future use and safekeeping.

Tripura Board Exams 2021 got cancelled this academic year in the state due to the on-going COVID-19 crisis in the country during the second wave of the pandemic.

Like CBSE and other Boards across the country, even TBSE decided to cancel 10th, 12th exams for the safety of the students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, this time results are being tabulated based on an alternative evaluation criteria set by the Board.

The exact division of weightage is unknown to us for this criteria. However, as reported earlier, 10th result will be computed by considering the marks received prior to the board exam in Language, Science and Social Sciences along with highest marks obtained in internal assessment of English and Maths. For those who did not sit for pre-board exams, they will be evaluated based on class 9 results.
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh has increased security at temples in the state after a letter warned of attacks, an official said on Saturday (July 31).

According to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), North, Devesh Kumar Pandey after the notification, the temples are being strictly guarded.

Speaking to ANI, Pandey said, "We have been notified of a letter threatening to attack some temples. Police personnel is working towards the issue. The temples are being strictly guarded."

"Further, the investigation of the letter is underway," he added.

(With agency inputs)
Lucknow: An organisation of women teachers in Uttar Pradesh has started a campaign seeking three-day period leave for the educators.

Underlining the need for such a campaign, Uttar Pradesh Mahila Shikshak Sangh president Sulochana Maurya on Saturday said three days period leave is necessary for women teachers, especially in view of the bad condition of toilets in government schools of the state.

We formed this association on February 8 to work for the cause of women teachers who constitute almost 60 per cent of the total strength of teachers in primary schools. The association already has its units in 50 of the 75 districts of the state, she told PTI.

There are some women specific problems which can be raised effectively only by women and the association is working on them, Maurya said, adding that though there is representation of women in various associations, it is practically ornamental and men continue to dominate the proceedings.

More importantly, women teachers do not feel free to share the problems specific to them and sometimes the issues which are important for us are not that serious for our male counterparts, the official, who is posted in a Barabanki school, said.

She said the association has already met ministers and other people's representatives, and handed over memoranda to press for their demand.

A five-member delegation of the association met Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Minister Satish Chandra Dwivedi regarding the issue. He assured that he would discuss the issue with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. We have also met Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and Labour Minister Swami Prasad Maurya, Maurya said.

Meanwhile, the campaign is currently trending on Twitter by the name 'period leave#'.

This kind of leave is being provided to women in Bihar. Former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad had announced special period leave for two days, but we want three-day leave as we feel this is the need of women, she asserted.

Apart from the campaign on Twitter, the Uttar Pradesh Mahila Shikshak Sangh officials have started handing over memoranda addressed to the CM to various public representatives in various districts of the state.

We will also meet Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and later the chief minister over our demand, Maurya added.

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New Delhi: The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has released a notification for the post of Head Constable (Ministerial) on its official website- ssbrectt.gov.in. SSB has invited applications for over 115 posts and the interested candidates can apply for the post within 30 days from the date of publication of the advertisement.

The interested individuals need to note that SSB comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs. This SSB recruitment drive will fill upto 115 posts.

SSB Recruitment 2021: Vacancy details

Head Constable (HC) Ministerial  115 Posts (out of which- 47 are for the general category, 11 for EWS candidates, 26 for OBC, 21 for Scheduled Castes, and 11 for Scheduled Tribes. Additionally, 10 percent vacancies are reserved for ex-servicemen).

SSB Recruitment 2021: Age limit

Candidates must be between 18 to 25 years of age.

SSB Recruitment 2021: Salary range

Pay Level 4 - Rs 25,500 to Rs 81,100 per month as per 7th CPC

SSB Recruitment 2021: Eligibility criteria

The interested candidates must have a degree of class 12 or equivalent for any recognised board or university. Additionally, the candidates are required to have English/Hindi typing skills on the computer.

SSB Recruitment 2021: How to Apply

Step 1: Visit the official website of SSB- ssbrectt.gov.in

Step 2: Click on Apply for Head Constable, Ministerial link

Step 3: Enter required details and upload the documents like photographs, signatures

Step 4: Pay the application fee and take a print out of the receipt for future use

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New Delhi: Amid anticipation of Cabinet expansion, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday (July 31) said he is expecting a response on the matter from the BJP high command in a couple of days and will be leaving for New Delhi once again to finalise it.

"I couldn't meet J P Nadda (BJP National President) today, but had met him yesterday. Most likely they will send a message to me in two days and I'll have to go to Delhi once again. We will finalise the cabinet," PTI quoted Bommai as saying.

The new Karnataka CM was on a two-day visit to the national capital during which he called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Nadda, a host of central Ministers, MPs and Ministers from Karnataka, among others.

Bommai was elected as the new leader of the BJP legislature party on Tuesday following senior leader BS Yediyurappa's resignation from the CM post. He took oath as the 23rd Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday (July 28).

Meanwhile, BJP sources told PTI that legislators like Ramesh Jarkiholi, M P Renukacharya and Munirathna have met former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa at his residence to discuss the cabinet expansion.

Haveri MLA Neharu Olekar has openly demanded a ministerial post in the new cabinet and claimed it is the wish of party workers from the constituency, who have even staged a demonstration.

"Our fight will not end. This is the third time and I should be given the opportunity... I'm confident that the leaders will bless me. No opportunity has been given so far to anyone from the Chalawadi community by BJP, while Congress has given...So there is the fear of them shifting towards Congress," Olekar said.

Selecting his cabinet will be a huge task for Bommai as there are several aspirants among the party old guard and youngsters, in addition to those legislators who had joined the BJP after quitting Congress-JD(S) coalition in 2019.

(With agency inputs)

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New Delhi: Renowned filmmaker Hansal Mehta is the first one to come out in support of actress Shilpa Shetty on social media platform after her husband Raj Kundra has been embroiled in a pornography case. He took to Twitter and in a series of tweets, asked everyone to 'leave Shilpa Shetty alone, if you can't stand with her'.

Hansal Mehta wrote: If you cannot stand up for her at least leave Shilpa Shetty alone and let the law decide? Allow her some dignity and privacy. It is unfortunate that people in public life ultimately are left to fend for themselves and are proclaimed guilty even before justice is meted out.

If you cannot stand up for her at least leave Shilpa Shetty alone and let the law decide? Allow her some dignity and privacy. It is unfortunate that people in public life ultimately are left to fend for themselves and are proclaimed guilty even before justice is meted out.  Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) July 30, 2021

This silence is a pattern. In good times everybody parties together. In bad times there is deafening silence. There is isolation. No matter what the ultimate truth the damage is already done.

This silence is a pattern. In good times everybody parties together. In bad times there is deafening silence. There is isolation. No matter what the ultimate truth the damage is already done.  Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) July 30, 2021

This vilification is a pattern. If the allegations are against a film person there is a rush to invade privacy, to pass sweeping judgement, to character-assassinate, to fill 'news' with trashy gossip - all at the cost of individuals and their dignity. This is the cost of silence.

This vilification is a pattern. If the allegations are against a film person there is a rush to invade privacy, to pass sweeping judgement, to character-assassinate, to fill 'news' with trashy gossip - all at the cost of individuals and their dignity. This is the cost of silence.  Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) July 30, 2021

Bombay High Court on Friday directed few media platforms to take down their contents while passing an interim order in the matter stating "No part of this shall be construed as a gag on media."

The High Court further said that news reports based on police sources cannot be termed as malicious and defamatory.

The actress had on Thursday filed a defamation suit in Bombay High Court against 29 media personnel and media houses accusing them of "false reporting and maligning her image" following the arrest of her husband Raj Kundra in a case connected with the creation and distribution of pornographic content.

(With ANI inputs)
New Delhi: After director Hansal Mehta, actress Richa Chadha has publicly come out in support of actress Shilpa Shetty amid her husband Raj Kundra's arrest. On Friday (July 30), Mehta had taken to Twitter to call out people for attacking Shilpa Shetty amid this difficult period in her life. Replying to this, Richa said that she feels that many individuals in the country have made it a national sport to blame women for the mistakes made by the men in their life.

She wrote, "We've made a national sport out of blaming women for the mistakes of the men in their lives. Glad she's suing."

Check out her latest tweet:

We've made a national sport out of blaming women for the mistakes of the men in their lives.

Glad she's suing. https://t.co/XSK2sQY0uo  TheRichaChadha (@RichaChadha) July 31, 2021

Earlier Hansal Mehta had taken to Twitter and in a series of tweets, asked everyone to 'leave Shilpa Shetty alone, if you can't stand with her'.

Bombay High Court on Friday directed few media platforms to take down their contents while passing an interim order in the matter stating "No part of this shall be construed as a gag on media."

The High Court further said that news reports based on police sources cannot be termed as malicious and defamatory.

The actress had on Thursday filed a defamation suit in Bombay High Court against 29 media personnel and media houses accusing them of "false reporting and maligning her image" following the arrest of her husband Raj Kundra in a case connected with the creation and distribution of pornographic content.

For the unversed, Shilpa Shetty's husband Raj Kundra has been arrested in the case for alleged involvement in a case relating to the production of pornography.

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 ANI inputs)
Tomorrow is August 1 and there will be certain changes in the banking transactions from next month. These modifications include that your salary will be credited on Sundays and gazetted holidays. The apex bank, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently announced that the National Automated Clearing House (NACH) will remain functional all days of the week from August 1, 2021.

Operated by the National Payments Corporation of India, NACH helps in facilitating credit transfers such as payment of dividends, interest, salary and pension. It also facilitates the collection of payments pertaining to electricity, gas, telephone, instalments towards loans, investments in mutual funds and insurance premium.

Currently, this facility of crediting salary is operational on working days of banks and therefore, the auto-debits are not allowed on bank holidays, gazetted holidays and even Sundays. In order to further enhance customer convenience, and to leverage the 247 availability of real-time gross settlement (RTGS), NACH which is currently available on bank working days, is proposed to be made available on all days of the week effective from August 1, 2021, RBI governor Shaktikanta Das had said.

This is aimed at reducing the duration of salary processing which includes salary credits, bill payments, insurance premiums and loan EMIs. Earlier, it was delayed due to bank holidays and this auto-transfer facility has helped the transfer of government subsidies during the present COVID-19 in a timely and transparent manner, RBI said.

Recently, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das had announced several key financial, economic measures amid the pandemic. Among other measures, he had announced 247 availability of RTGS and NACH from August 1, 2021.

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Vodafone Idea (Vi) has warned its users against those scammers who are conning people by asking them to update their KYC details. The company said, It has been brought to our notice that some Vi customers are getting SMS and Calls from unidentified numbers asking them to update their KYC immediately.

Even other telecom companies are constantly alerting users against these fake SMS and frauds. These fraudsters follow a certain process which is like they will first call you and ask to update your KYC details since your SIM card will be blocked if your details are incomplete, or havent been updated, or have expired.



They will then try several other tricks to force you to share the KYC details over phone or send an email to them. A lot of unaware customers fall for this trap and immediately share all these details which then leads to disastrous results.

These fraudsters, at times, disguise as company representatives and threaten unsuspecting users with SIM block if KYC is not done. They may also seek certain confidential information from customers, in the name of verification, Vi said.

Vi cautions all our customers against such unauthorised Calls and SMS. Vi customers are advised to not give their KYC details or share any OTP with anybody on a call, and should not call back on these numbers or click on any link mentioned in the SMS, the warning added.

Vi has further issued a warning to all its users to not click on any unverified links or share any details that would eventually lead to data and information theft. All customer communication from the company is only done from the SMS ID ViCARE. Any SMS being acted upon which is not originating from ViCARE is strictly not advisable. Vi is committed to being the most trusted and valued partner for our customers and businesses to succeed in a digital world, Vi said.

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New Delhi: Apple has finally introduced three new payment modes for App Store and iTunes users in India. The new modes include United Payments Interface (UPI), RuPay, and Netbanking.

According to Mashable, this move means that Apple users can now pay using domestic payment systems as well as international payment systems like credit cards and debit cards when adding funds to Apple`s stores.

The balance can also be used to pay for streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, and Apple`s own services like Apple Arcade and Apple One.

For those, who have never used a RuPay card, it facilitates real-time electronic payments at all banks and financial institutions in India just like Visa or Mastercard and was launched in 2012.

Meanwhile, the instant payment network UPI was launched in 2016 and has seen massive growth in India, with players like PayTM, PhonePe, Google Pay, and more recently, WhatsApp dominating the space.

It`s worth mentioning that Android`s Google Play store was already allowing payments for apps, games, music, movies and more via UPI, RuPay, and Net Banking in the country for a very long time. Also Read: Good news for EV owners! Delhi, Mumbai and other metros to get new charging stations

Now, Apple users will also be able to appreciate the Cupertino tech giant`s India-centric feature of payments via UPI and more. Also Read: Forgot your debit card? THIS bank will help you to withdraw cardless cash
Google Play Store has decided to ban those apps from their platform which basically promotes sugar dating or compensated sexual relationships. This ban will take place from September 1 and the Google app store will prohibit facilitating sugar-daddy apps which is part of its new restrictions on sexual content.

Announced through a post on the Google Play Console support website, the company said that there are several policy changes that are taking place along with this being the ban on apps dealing with compensated sexual relationships or simply sugar dating.

Sugar dating basically means such friendships or relationships where an older rich man gives money to young girls in exchange for typically sexual favours.

According to a BBC report, it was found that journalists have revealed several apps that explicitly facilitate sugar dating with few of them having thousands of installs. This announcement comes after US legislation that puts a blanket ban on sexual content.

As a platform, we are always excited to support our developer partners, but we also work hard to provide a safe experience for users. We have updated our inappropriate content policy to prohibit apps that facilitate sexual acts in exchange for compensation following feedback we received from NGOs, governments, and other user advocacy groups concerned with user safety. This aligns our policies with other Google policies and industry norms, Google told Android Police.

Apart from that, Google has also come up with new policies that will close accounts of those inactive and abandoned developers who are not using for over a year. Other changes include developer preview of app set ID for analytics or fraud prevention, revised User Data policy to bar linking persistent device identifiers to personal and sensitive user data.

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Tech giant Google has finally unveiled a new app for Google Meet. Known as Progressive Web Application, it comes with all the features of the Meet app. Notably, it only operates in a web browser.

The launch of this app means that from now onwards, you can choose not to type out the URL or even visit Gmail to initiate a meeting on Google Meet. This new app can be further downloaded on your laptop, computer, or MacBook and you can easily use it. This new launch of a web app by Google comes after Zoom announced its own PWA.

Google has said in a statement that this newly launched app is completely similar to Google Meet in terms of functionality.

Weve launched a new Google Meet standalone web app. This Progressive Web Application (PWA) has all the same features as Google Meet on the web, but as a standalone app its easier to find and use, and it streamlines your workflow by eliminating the need to switch between tabs, Google said.

Any device with Google Chrome browser version 73 will support the Google Meet web app. Therefore, Google Meet can run on Windows, MacOS, Chrome OS, and Linux devices. Besides that, the new web app would be available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as G Suite Basic and Business customers and users with personal Google Accounts.

Steps to install Google Meet Progressive app

Go to meet.google.com

Tap on the top right of the browser and click on Install

Finally, the Meet app will appear in the app dock

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New Delhi: In a historic settlement, hundreds of victims of Canadian fertility doctor Norman Barwin, will share a proposed C$13.375m (Rs 80 crore). Barwin has been accused of using his own sperm to impregnate his patients in IVF treatment.

As per The Guardian report, Barwin, dubbed Baby God for his success rate, has been accused of giving random samples, and in some cases his own sperm during IVF treatment. An Ontario court on Wednesday certified a class action suit against Barwin. The legal action was initially launched in 2016.

It was four decades ago that this case came to light. A couple named Davina and David Dixon had sought Barwins help to conceive in 1989. However, they became suspicious after their daughter, Rebecca, did not bear a resemblance to them. When the parents approached Barwin for a DNA sample, he refused. The Dixons then got a chance to compare Rebeccas DNA with that of another of Barwins patients  and found a match.

It is alleged that Barwin told couples that the male partners sperm would be used, however, he used random samples and in some cases even his own.

As per the proposed settlement, former patients and children will be eligible for up to C$50,000 (Rs 29,80,632 approx) in damages. The money will be made available to the victims only after a judge gives nod to the settlement, The Guardian report added.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario had suspended Barwin in 2013 after he admitted to inseminating four women using the wrong sperm and termed his behaviour as beyond reprehensible. In 2014, he resigned his medical licence.

It is the most egregious violation of a patients trust. These patients came to Dr Barwin and trusted him to help them start a family, Carolyn Silver, the colleges senior counsel said. Barwin was also ordered to pay costs of C$10,370 (Rs 6,18,183 approx) by the college.